Voluntary military service: 257 women signed up in the first year

The Federal Army announced that 257 women have registered for voluntary basic military service, 143 have been called up and 137 have already enlisted. With this model, women can get to know the soldier’s profession for six months without any further obligation, similar to the basic military service for men.

From the archive: Army: 34 women start basic military service in May

Previously, they could only enter a cadre career as an officer or non-commissioned officer directly through an aptitude test. After six months of basic training in voluntary basic military service, which has existed since April 1, 2023, women and men can pursue a career in the militia. 100 of the women who have already enlisted are currently active. There are a total of 755 female soldiers on duty, compared to 645 a year ago.

Continue to increase the proportion of female soldiers

“One goal of our department is to increase the proportion of women and especially that of female soldiers in the Austrian Armed Forces. And we have succeeded,” summarized Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP), who wants to further increase the proportion of female soldiers, in a statement. The job should also be made more attractive for women: for example through a female soldier mentoring program or Girls’ Day, which promotes the profession every year. More women should also be integrated into the Ministry of Defense – there the proportion of women, including soldiers and civilian employees, is 14 percent.

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The Federal Army told the APA that they strive for diversity and equality and want to create a working environment free of discrimination and harassment. At a press conference by the Parliamentary Federal Armed Forces Commission in mid-March, a case of sexual harassment at a Christmas party was mentioned and “immediate action was taken”. The armed forces “take every incident of sexual harassment extremely seriously and condemn such behavior in the strongest possible terms,” and there are clear guidelines and procedures for reporting and investigating. In order to prevent such incidents at a time when the proportion of women is increasing, the Federal Army relies on equal opportunities and women’s representatives in the various departments, who are also available to address such concerns, as well as training and awareness-raising measures for all members of the Army.