"Better employer"

Cheque and medal: new incentives for soldiers

(Bild: P. Huber)

The black-led Ministry of Defense in Vienna wants to improve working conditions for soldiers with a series of changes. The army is to become a more attractive employer with these measures, the background to this is the increasing shortage of personnel.

"Incentives to serve in the armed forces" are currently the panacea for tackling the growing shortage of personnel in the armed forces. To this end, the so-called "Military Law Amendment Act" is to be revised; the corresponding amendment was sent for review this week by Minister Klaudia Tanner.

The armed forces want to position themselves as a better employer with three innovations in particular:  

(Bild: P. Huber)

1) Parental month: one of the important innovations is the introduction of a "parental month" for soldiers doing their basic military service, service as a regular soldier or training service. This leave of absence in connection with the birth of a child is intended to enable parents to fulfill their family obligations while continuing their service. The service is a leave of absence of up to four weeks and does not have to be served at a later date. 

2) Training voucher: In addition, the amendment to the law is intended to create the basis for a "training voucher" for soldiers in the militia in order to further strengthen the militia system. People who take part in militia exercises will receive a payment of up to 100 euros per day of training. This remuneration can be used for civilian vocational training and further education purposes and is intended to serve as an incentive to become more involved in the militia. It is also intended to encourage the economy to support the militia more strongly. The regulation should apply retroactively for exercise days from 1.1.2020. 

3) Medal: A medal for bravery is also being considered to honor soldiers who have shown exceptional bravery and commitment at the risk of their "own integrity". The last time such a medal was awarded was during the Habsburg era. 

In addition, some inequalities under social law are to be eliminated, such as disadvantages under social insurance law with regard to childcare allowance and the family time bonus for people in military service and training. 

Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) and Major General Erwin Hameseder

(Bild: APA/ROLAND SCHLAGER)

"Attractiveness of serving in the armed forces"
"Overall, with this amendment we are sending a strong signal for the attractiveness of service in the armed forces and, above all, for the appreciation of our soldiers," said Minister Tanner at the presentation of the amendment. Militia Commissioner Erwin Hameseder added: "The 'training voucher' and the elimination of disadvantages under social security law in particular are milestones for making the militia more attractive and increasing its acceptance. These projects in particular were preceded by years and decades of discussions and negotiations.