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Austria Commission Proposes Longer Conscription With Mandatory Militia Drills

The defense minister endorses reinstating drills, opening talks on a broad reform package.

Overview

  • The 23-member Wehrdienstkommission released a report with 48 recommendations to overhaul conscription, civilian service and the militia.
  • Its models lengthen basic service and require post-service training, ranging from eight months plus 60 days of exercises to four months plus 140 days.
  • All options set civilian service at a minimum of 12 months, and the panel floated but did not agree on new obligations for women.
  • Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner supports mandatory militia exercises and seeks cross-party agreement, while SPÖ, Greens and NEOS are skeptical and the FPÖ backs a longer term.
  • Financing and logistics remain unresolved, with calls to raise pay and invest in barracks and equipment, and implementation is discussed as possible next year.