Wehrpflicht#

Compulsory Military Service: All male Austrian citizens who have attained the age of 18 but have not reached the age of 51 are liable for military service. All persons liable for military service have to have their mental and physical ability for military service checked by the conscription board. Priests, monks and students of theology preparing for an ecclesiastical office are exempt from the obligation to appear before the conscription board, provided they belong to an officially recognised church or religious community. People who have to appear before the conscription board but who reside abroad have to fulfil their obligation by registering with the Austrian representative body in the respective country. People liable for military service who reject the use of arms on account of their religious belief or for reasons of conscience have been able to apply for rendering Civil Alternative Service since 1975.

Ordinary basic military service requires the bearing of arms and generally lasts eight months. This basic service has to be rendered by all people liable for military service under the age of 36 who have not served in the armed forces before. People faced with extraordinary economic circumstances or family situations can apply for exemption from the obligation to serve in the armed forces. University students and students of advanced-level secondary schools may be allowed to postpone service. Reservists have to take part in military training exercises. Jobs are guaranteed for the duration of military service. The receipt of family allowances and rent subsidy is also guaranteed by law. Evading compulsory military service is considered an offence, deliberate non-observance of the conscription order a contravention, both are liable to punishment. Federal Armed Forces.