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Army law change to 'enhance women's role'

The Local Austria
The Local Austria - [email protected]
Army law change to 'enhance women's role'
Female soldiers. Photo: APA/BUNDESHEER

Austria is amending its defence act so that women who have volunteered for military service will now be treated the same as men when it comes to taking part in regular army drills.

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At present six months of military service is mandatory for able bodied male citizens up to the age of 35. Since 1998 women have been able to join the military service voluntarily.

Conscientious objectors can join the civilian service (Zivildienst) for nine months.

The amendment is designed the enhance the role of women in the military, a spokesman told the Austrian Press Agency.

It will also affect men, as the army plans to make it easier for those who have done military service to join the army for regular drills - in order to attract more people.

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