All over Europe there is discussion about bringing back military service by conscription.
Is there conscription in Austria?…simply yes, but there are choices.
The compulsory alternative community service was introduced under the Kreisky II cabinet in 1975 due to pressure by pacifist groups. The military was pleased by the development, because it led to fewer disruptions of military service due to pacifists refusing the use of weapons.
Once an Austrian has completed compulsory alternative service, he is exempt from military service for life, and can therefore never be called for military duty, but if necessary can again be called to a special alternative civilian service.
Compulsory service
Compulsory community service is firmly anchored in the constitution together with military service. It is supposed to be reserved for exceptional cases. Between 1975 and 1991 conscientious objectors had to explain their doubts in front of a commission. This would determine whether or not they would be sent to the Zivildienst. The compulsory community service lasted eight months, the same length as military service. The law was amended in 1991 so that objectors only need to declare their objection, rather than facing a commission. As a result, the number of objectors rose, so the length of the civilian service was increased in stages. First to 10 months in 1992; then 11 months; then 12 months in 1997 (including two weeks of holidays).
In 2004, the term of military service was reduced to six months, as recommended by a reform commission. Accordingly, the length of compulsory community service was adapted to nine months in 2006. For compulsory community service personnel. Do however, have the option to add another three months to their service. This gives better pay through a private contract.
Alternative service
Since 1975, drafted men may refuse the military service on conscientious reasons and serve in the compulsory alternative community service instead. This generally involves work in social services like hospitals, youth organisations, nursing homes, rescue services, emergency medical services, and care of the disabled. The service usually lasts nine months. About more than 40% of the drafted male citizens in Austria choose this option by declaring a conflict of conscience.
Conscription for women
There is no conscription for women. Therefore women are not obliged to serve as a Zivi, which is just a substitute for the still existing mandatory military service.
Source: Wikipedia
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