Staff problems – The Militie van Austria is missing thousands of soldiers

“We always experience that the militia system is failing with many volunteers,” says Commission Chairman Reinhard Bösch. The basic military servant must therefore be seen as a “customer of the future” to get the necessary staff.

Too few officers
The militia is “integral part” of the federal army and necessary to achieve the number of mobilization of 55,000. That is why “intensive discussions” were held last year with the militia officer Erwin Hateser. The total requirement of officers can currently only be covered to around 58 percent, those from non -adhesion officers to 37 percent.

21,000 permanent soldiers
The recognition premium for volunteers, the possibility of voluntary basic service for women and the Model 6 Plus 3 brought small improvements. The militia currently consists of 21,000 permanent, practice soldiers and 14,000 temporary soldiers without an obligation to exercise.

It is enthusiastic about the result of the expert committee, which should check in the fall whether the six -month fundamental military service should be reformed. Hameseder had repeatedly referred to the abolition of mandatory militia exercises in 2006 as a “serious error”.

More spiritual suffering in position

• The mental complaints and diseases have increased in recent years. In particular there was an increase in depression, sleep, anxiety and panic disorders. The suitability percentage has remained the same for decades.

• In the first half of 2024, around 17,000 people were liable for position suitable, 287 partially, temporarily unsuitable in 1811 and around 5000 unsuitable. In 2024, around 16,000 recruits participated in the basic service of the base. 250 women used the “voluntary basic military service”, of which 150 have now entered the group. The share of soldiers has risen to six percent.