137 already enlisted

Voluntary basic military service: 257 women registered

The proportion of women in the armed forces is increasing.

(Bild: P. Huber)

One year after the introduction of voluntary basic military service for women, the proportion of female soldiers in the armed forces has risen from 4.3 to 5 percent. 257 women have registered for voluntary basic military service, 143 have been called up and 137 have already been drafted, according to the Austrian Armed Forces. Under this model, women can get to know the military profession for six months without any further obligation, similar to basic military service for men.

Previously, they could only enter a cadre career as an officer or non-commissioned officer directly by taking an aptitude test. After the six-month basic training in voluntary basic military service, which has been in place since April 1, 2023, women can pursue a career in the militia just like men. 100 of the women who have already enlisted are currently active. In total, there are 755 female soldiers in the ranks, compared to 645 a year ago.

"The aim is to increase the proportion of women"
"One of our department's goals is to increase the proportion of women and in particular the proportion of female soldiers in the Austrian Armed Forces. And we have succeeded in doing so," said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP), who wants to further increase the proportion of female soldiers, in a statement. The job should also become more attractive for women, for example through a mentoring program for female soldiers or Girls' Day, which is held annually to promote the profession. More women are also to be integrated into the Ministry of Defense, where the proportion of women, including female soldiers and civilian staff, is 14 percent.

Harassment incident "severely punished"
The armed forces are striving for diversity and equal rights and want to create a working environment free of discrimination and harassment. At a press conference of the Parliamentary Armed Forces Commission in mid-March, a case of sexual harassment at a Christmas party was also mentioned and "immediate action" was taken.

The Armed Forces take "every incident of sexual harassment extremely seriously and condemns such behavior in the strongest possible terms" and there are clear guidelines and procedures for reporting and investigating. In order to prevent such incidents in times of an increasing proportion of women, the Armed Forces rely on equal opportunities and women's representatives in the various departments, who are also available for such concerns, as well as on training and awareness-raising measures for all members of the Armed Forces.