Austria's Conscription Policy: Mandatory Military Service Explained

Austria has a conscription policy in place for its male citizens aged between 18 and 35. They must choose between six months of military service or nine months of civil service. This policy was backed by the ÖVP in a referendum in 2013, with 59.8% voting to keep the draft. In 2015, a paper by the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich suggested that Russia's invasion of Ukraine may have influenced Lithuania and Ukraine to reintroduce conscription. Similarly, Sweden decided to bring back conscription in 2017 due to difficulties in finding enough volunteer recruits.

Austrian men must serve six months in the military

Austria has a long history of conscription, and it is one of the few European countries that still rely on the draft to fill their army ranks. Austrian men are required to serve six months in the military or perform nine months of civilian service when they turn 18. This system of compulsory military service, known as "Bundesheer", was backed by Kurz's party, the ÖVP, in a referendum a few years ago and continues to be a topic of debate in the country.

Under Austrian law, male citizens above the age of eighteen are subject to mandatory military service. On the other hand, female citizens can choose to join the military voluntarily. This gender disparity has sparked discussions about the need for military reform, including the idea of conscripting both men and women. While some Austrian men opt for the civilian service route, the majority still choose to serve in the military.

The Austrian conscription system offers two choices for eligible males: Military Service (Militärdienst) and Alternative Public Service/Civilian Service (Zivildienst). Those who choose military service are required to undergo six months of training and service, while those who prefer civilian service must commit to nine months of community work in areas such as social services, hospitals, youth organisations, and emergency medical services. It is important to note that those who choose civilian service are barred from obtaining a gun license for 15 years.

The history of conscription in Austria dates back to 1955, when it was reintroduced after a period of absence. Initially, there was no alternative civilian service option for conscientious objectors, but this changed in 1975 with the introduction of compulsory paid community service. This option has gained popularity over the years, with about 40% of drafted male citizens choosing to serve their communities instead of enlisting in the military.

While Austria's conscription system has its supporters and critics, it is a unique aspect of the country's defence strategy and contributes to its cherished neutrality. The short service period and internal debates about the need and purpose of the military add to the complexity of this issue.

Austrian men can choose nine months of civilian service instead

In Austria, all male citizens over the age of 18 are subject to conscription. This means that they must serve in the military for six months. However, Austrian men can choose to perform civilian service instead of military service. This alternative is for those who cannot reconcile the use of armed force against other humans with their conscience. This option has been available since 1975, and around 40% of young Austrian men choose this path.

The civilian alternative service lasts for nine months and must be completed in one go. It involves working in fields that serve civil defence or the general welfare, such as rescue services, social assistance, care for the elderly, farming, hospitals, civil protection, disaster control, refugee care and kindergartens. The work is designed to be as physically and mentally challenging as military service, but it does not involve the use of force against humans.

Austrian men who choose the civilian service route must submit a declaration of civilian service. This can be done during the recruitment process or up to six months after the procedure has ended. It is important to note that the right to submit this declaration is suspended from the second day before being called up for military service until discharge from military service or until the call-up order is cancelled. If basic military service is completed after being called up, the right is suspended for three years from the day the individual was called up.

The Zivildienst (Civilian Service) is a popular option for Austrian men who do not wish to serve in the military. It provides an opportunity to gain valuable skills and contribute to society in a meaningful way. The work can be physically and mentally demanding, but it offers a chance to develop abilities such as teamwork, self-motivation, resilience, and empathy. Many young men feel that their civilian service has a positive impact on their personal growth and future careers.

Women are exempt from conscription

In Austria, male citizens above the age of 18 are subject to compulsory military service. Women, on the other hand, are exempt from conscription and are not obliged to serve. While Austrian women have the option to enter voluntary military service, it is not a requirement for them as it is for men. This exemption for women is a notable aspect of Austria's conscription policy, which has been a topic of interest and discussion in the country.

The exemption of women from conscription in Austria stands in contrast to the policies of some other countries, where women are also required to serve in the military or perform alternative forms of national service. This variation in conscription policies around the world has sparked debates about the role of women in the military and the potential benefits and challenges of including or exempting them from mandatory service.

In Austria, the focus of the conscription debate has been primarily on the male population, with men having to choose between military service (Bundesheer) and civil service. This decision is a significant one for young Austrian men, as it involves either six months of military service or nine months of civil service, such as working in hospitals, youth organisations, or rescue services.

While women are not subject to the same compulsory service requirements, the topic of conscription in Austria has still generated diverse opinions. Some Austrians have supported the idea of including women in conscription, while others have argued for military reform or the end of conscription altogether. These differing viewpoints reflect the complex nature of the issue, which involves considerations of national security, personal freedom, and the evolving role of women in society.

The exemption of women from conscription in Austria is a notable aspect of the country's military policies. While it sets Austria apart from countries with mandatory service for women, it also highlights the ongoing discussions and varying perspectives surrounding this topic within Austrian society.

Conscientious objectors can serve in social services

In Austria, male citizens above the age of eighteen are subject to compulsory military service. However, conscientious objectors can choose to serve in social services instead. This option has been available since 1975 and is a popular choice, with around 40-50% of drafted men opting to serve in social services.

Conscientious objection for conscripts has been legally recognised in Austria since 1974. It is enshrined in Article 9(a) of the Constitution, which states that citizens who refuse to perform military service for reasons of conscience must perform a substitute service. The Law on Civilian Service (Zivildienstgesetz) of 1986 provides the legal basis for this. Both religious and non-religious grounds for conscientious objection are recognised.

The substitute service for conscientious objectors usually involves work in social services, such as hospitals, youth organisations, nursing homes, rescue services, emergency medical services, and care of the disabled. This service typically lasts nine months, which is one and a half times the length of military service. It is administered by the Ministry of Interior and can be performed in various institutions in the public sector or with non-governmental organisations, such as the Austrian Red Cross.

While conscientious objectors have the option to serve in social services, there are some limitations to this right. Applications for conscientious objection must be made within specific time limits. They must be submitted within six months of receiving the notification of fitness for military service but at least two days before receiving call-up papers. Additionally, applications cannot be made by serving conscripts. They can be made after the completion of military service, but only if more than three years have passed since the first day of service.

Dual nationals may lose Austrian citizenship if they serve another country's military

Austria does have conscription for men, who are subject to compulsory military service when they reach 18. Women are not conscripted, but they can enter voluntary military service.

Austrian citizenship law does not permit dual or multiple citizenship. Any Austrian who voluntarily acquires a foreign citizenship loses their Austrian citizenship. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if a child is born with Austrian citizenship and acquires automatic citizenship of another country by descent from the other parent or by the country-of-birth principle, they will have dual citizenship and will not lose their Austrian citizenship.

If an Austrian citizen with dual citizenship chooses to enter military service in a foreign state, they will lose their Austrian citizenship, even if this leaves them stateless. However, if they are completing mandatory military service in a state of which they are also a national, they will not lose their Austrian citizenship, as long as they do not voluntarily extend their service, even by one day.

To retain Austrian citizenship when acquiring foreign citizenship, an application must be submitted in writing before acquiring the foreign citizenship and must be approved by the relevant provincial government office.

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