With a current total strength of around 33,000 militia soldiers, the militia remains an indispensable pillar of the Austrian Armed Forces. Austrian Armed Forces – both in domestic service and on missions abroad. This is shown by current figures from the Austrian Armed Forces.
The militia is therefore made up of 21,000 permanent and 12,000 temporary personnel:
Indefinitely commissioned militia soldiers have a statutory training obligation – depending on their function: 30 days for enlisted personnel, 120 days for non-commissioned officers and 150 days for officers. The aim is to ensure close integration with cadre personnel and regular, mission-oriented further training.
Temporary conscripts, on the other hand, do not perform any exercises. They were in basic military service but did not actively enlist in the militia. However, due to their training and suitability, they can be called up up to six years after their military service in the event of mobilization.
Militär Aktuell Podcast #10: Bundesheer-Übung „Waldviertel 25“
The structure is set up throughout Austria: Eleven militia battalions form the territorial backbone – one per federal state, Vienna provides two. There is also a separate supply battalion that takes on logistical tasks. There are also militia units within the individual branches of the armed forces – such as pioneer companies in each province.
In areas where no militia soldiers are currently integrated, concepts for integration are already being developed – for example in the air force (-> See also interview with Air Chief Major General Gerfried Promberger) and pilot training.
The importance of the militia is also clearly evident in practice: it provides around 70 percent of personnel for domestic deployments and around 40 percent for deployments abroad. According to information from the ministry, this means that conscripts “hardly ever have to be called up for domestic missions and can concentrate fully on their basic training” – with the aim of also being transferred to the militia on a temporary basis afterwards.
Here you can find more army news.