Austria plans longer military service for increased security
The Austrian federal government has announced a major change for the Austrian Armed Forces. In the future, basic military service is to be extended from the current six months to a total of nine months. This new model is being referred to as the "6+3 regulation."
The goal of this measure is to increase the operational readiness of the Austrian Armed Forces. Through the longer training period, soldiers are to be better prepared for their duties. The government is responding to the changed security policy situation in Europe with this move.
The new regulation provides for young men to complete an additional three months of specialized training after the first six months. This phase is intended to place a stronger focus on practical exercises and modern military requirements. With this, the Ministry of Defense aims to secure the quality of training in the long term.
The decision will now be discussed in parliament over the coming weeks. There have already been initial reactions from various political camps, concerning both the necessity of the measure and the impact on young men and the labor market. However, the government emphasizes that the security of the country is the top priority.