The armed forces are increasingly plagued by recruitment problems: while the percentage of unfit people has remained fairly stable over the years, the number of conscripts is decreasing every year – and the loss through incapacity is therefore increasingly important. In most cases, psychological problems are responsible for this.
Each year, about a fifth of conscripted men in Austria are classified as unfit for military service. Most of them are eliminated due to mental and behavioral disorders. In 2005, 31.5 percent of all diagnoses were “mental and behavioral disorders”, in 2021 this share was already 56 percent, according to the answer to a question from FPÖ MP Volker Reifenberger.
Army goes from recruits
The current list of fit numbers goes back to 2005 and shows that the proportion of unfit among conscripts has hardly changed. It is plus/minus 20 percent every year. But as the number of conscripts continues to decline globally, each year there are fewer and fewer recruits available for the federal military and civilian service.
In 2005 there were still 57,000 conscripts, of whom 39,000 were fit. In 2010, there were 55,000 conscripts and 39,500 able-bodied. In 2015, there were only 50,000 conscripts and 32,600 able-bodied. In 2021 there were 50,000 conscripts and 36,000 fit.
Statistics show a clear picture
Both a single reduction and a multiple reduction can lead to unsuitability. The statistics of individual reductions paint a clear picture: Mental health problems and behavioral disorders are by far the most common reason for exclusion from military service and are increasing. In 2005, 31.5 percent of all diagnoses were “mental and behavioral disorders”, in 2021 this share was 56 percent.
Metabolic diseases are also increasing
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders came in second in previous years, found in 10.5 percent of young men. Things have since shifted: In 2021, endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases were the second most common reason for unfitness, found in eight percent of men.
In 2005, these diseases were found in only four percent, in tenth place in the table. Musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases dropped to third place in 2021, accounting for five percent of the individual reduction.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
