The aim must therefore be, in the interests of society as a whole, “for the young generation to become healthier and fitter once more,” said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) on Thursday, commenting on the annual results. Meanwhile, there was a slight increase in civilian service in 2023.
In 2023, a total of 45,565 conscripts were examined at the position, which is 217 fewer than in the previous year. Of these, 31,516 young men were classified as fit (528 fewer than in 2022), 639 as partially fit (119 fewer), 9,989 as unfit (71 more) and 3,421 as temporarily unfit (359 more). Those temporarily unfit will be asked to stand once more at a later date. 15,544 military conscripts started their service in 2023.
Video: Defense Minister Tanner and Youth State Secretary Claudia Plakolm took stock
126 women enlisted
The main reasons for the unsuitability are the lack of physical fitness, especially due to being overweight, and increasing psychological stress, says Tanner. She spoke of a task for society as a whole to take measures in the health sector.
The problem of the declining number of military conscripts is being somewhat cushioned by the introduction of partial fitness and voluntary military service for women, which Tanner described as a “great success”. Since it began in April, 212 women have registered to volunteer, 149 of whom also completed the aptitude test. 126 women have already enlisted into voluntary military service or received a call-up order.
Slight increase in civilian service
On the other hand, the annual balance for civilian servants is stable or slightly positive. Last year, 14,630 community service workers were assigned to one of the 1,501 community service institutions, reported Youth State Secretary Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) at the joint press conference.
Plakolm did not want to let reports of a lack of community service like those recently from Upper Austria and Lower Austria stand. During the deployment dates in the spring, fewer civilian servants would usually register than in the summer and fall, especially because of training. Coverage of demand in Austria is almost 90 percent. In 2023 it rose by almost two percentage points compared to the previous year.
“Headhunter in the social sector”
The largest and most popular area of application for community service continues to be rescue services. In 2023, 40 percent of community service workers were assigned to emergency services, around 26 percent to social and disability assistance, around 11 percent to care for the elderly and around 9 percent to hospitals. Community service is “a headhunter in the social sector,” said Plakolm. Up to 70 percent of the community service workers would remain in the institutions as full-time or voluntary workers following their community service.
