A Professional Army Would Be the Wrong Instrument

The question of how the Austrian Federal Army should evolve is a critical one, and it is right that such debates, like the one initiated by Gerhard Strejcek's commentary advocating for a professional army, are taking place in publications like DER STANDARD. However, we must be clear: the fundamental questions of Austrian security policy, and particularly the constitutional mandate to protect our population and defend Austria's sovereignty, cannot be resolved through the lens of simple business management logic.

Security is not a mere 'service' that can be outsourced or delegated. It is a collective responsibility that must be rooted in the broad shoulders of the entire population. To suggest that defense capabilities can be built upon a narrow elite force misunderstands the very essence of national defense and the societal contract that underpins it.

While efficiency and modernization are important considerations, they must not come at the expense of the fundamental principles of our defense. The Austrian Federal Army's primary role is to safeguard our nation and its people, a task that requires a deep connection with and broad support from the citizenry. Any future model must uphold this principle, ensuring that our defense remains a matter for all Austrians, not just a select few.