Most of them are eliminated because of mental and behavioral disorders. In 2005, 31.5 percent of all diagnoses were “mental and behavioral disorders”, in 2021 this proportion was already 56 percent, as can be seen from the answer to a parliamentary question by FPÖ MP Volker Reifenberger.
The current list of fit numbers goes back to 2005 and shows that the proportion of unfit among those required to serve has hardly changed. It is plus/minus 20 percent every year. However, since the number of conscripts is constantly falling overall, fewer and fewer recruits are available for the federal army and civilian service every year. In 2005 there were still 57,000 conscripts, out of which 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 ones.
Both a single reduction and a multiple reduction can lead to unsuitability. The statistics of individual reductions show a clear picture: Mental health problems and behavioral disorders are by far the most common reason for exclusion from military service and are on the rise. In 2005, 31.5 percent of all diagnoses were “mental and behavioral disorders”, in 2021 this proportion was 56 percent.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases came second in earlier years, found in 10.5 percent of young men. In the meantime, things have shifted: in 2021, endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases were the second most common reason for unfitness, which was found in eight percent of men. In 2005, these diseases were found in only four percent, taking tenth place in the table. Musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases slipped to third place in 2021, accounting for five percent of the individual reduction.
Source: Nachrichten
