Tasks of the Austrian Armed Forces
)
The most important duty of the Armed Forces is Austria's military defence.
)
Furthermore, the Forces protect the population's freedom...
)
...and render assistance in the case of natural catastrophes.
The primary objective of the Austrian Armed Forces is the military defence of Austria. This is conducted on the principles of a militia system.
Other tasks include defending constitutional institutions, preserving law and order and providing humanitarian aid in case of natural catastrophes. Because of Austria's membership in the United Nations, the European Union and the Partnership for Peace (PfP) Program, foreign assignments have notably increased in importance.
Further Tasks
The Armed Forces furthermore have to:
- protect the constitutionally established institutions and the population's democratic freedoms,
- maintain order and security inside the country,
- to render assistance in the case of natural catastrophes and disasters of exceptional magnitude.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is the Federal President, supreme command is exercised by the Minister of Defence. The highest ranking officer is the Chief of Defence Staff.