ORF Portrait on Officer Training and Cultural Property Protection

Austria celebrates National Day on October 26th – a day that not only commemorates the declaration of perpetual neutrality, but also honors the people and institutions committed to security, solidarity, and the protection of shared values.
The ORF documentary „Österreich Bild am Feiertag: Lead, Protect, Help! – Training to Become an Officer“ produced by the ORF regional studio of Lower Austria, follows aspiring officers during their training and highlights the diverse and forward-looking nature of the officer profession today.

At the heart of the film are key responsibilities of the Austrian Armed Forces – from national defense and the protection of constitutional institutions to disaster relief and emerging security challenges such as cyber threats, hybrid conflicts, and natural disasters.
The documentary also features the Austrian Forces Disaster Relief Unit (AFDRU), the military’s disaster response element. In the event of deployment, AFDRU is composed of volunteers from both active duty and militia ranks, and may be supplemented by civilian specialists – such as search and rescue dog handlers.

Civilian Careers with Military Relevance: Cultural Property Protection as a Cross-Sector Interface

A compelling example of the multifaceted nature of modern officer careers is Major Anna Maria Kaiser, commander of the AFDRU. In addition to her military duties, she heads the Center for Cultural Property Protection at the University for Continuing Education Krems. Her career stands as a model for the integration of military readiness and civic engagement – particularly in the field of cultural property protection, which is gaining increasing relevance in times of crisis and disaster.

Partnership with the Armed Forces: United for the Protection of Cultural Heritage

Since 2024, the University for Continuing Education Krems has been an official partner of the Austrian Armed Forces. The collaboration spans several strategic areas – with a particular focus on cultural property protection. The Center for Cultural Property contributes cultural expertise, digital tools, and international networks; the Armed Forces complement this with logistical capabilities, operational structures, and experience from disaster relief and peacekeeping missions. Through targeted knowledge and skill exchange, joint concepts and disaster preparedness exercises are developed to ensure the effective safeguarding and rescue of cultural property in emergencies.

A Strong Message for National Day

Austria’s National Day offers a meaningful opportunity to highlight a collaboration that often remains behind the scenes, yet plays a vital role: the partnership between science and the military. The ORF documentary sheds light on the wide-ranging responsibilities of today’s armed forces and emphasizes the growing importance of civil-military cooperation in shaping a resilient future.