While almost everyone is doing business on tomorrow’s national holiday, the Austrian Armed Forces traditionally opens its doors to the population. In addition to the exhibition at Vienna’s Heldenplatz, this year – after an eight-year break – the soldiers in Salzburg are also showing what they can do again. But why exactly? “By presenting vehicles and equipment, we want to show people our capabilities. On the other hand, of course, we also want to imagine ourselves as an employer for future soldiers,” Salzburg press officer Major René Auer told SALZBURG24 on Friday.
The exhibition changes state every year
Eight years of break is a long time – why is the large contingent brought out every year like in Vienna? “Because in addition to Vienna, we change the federal state every year,” explains Auer. This way you can show the full spectrum in two places, instead of “only a little everywhere”.
In contrast to the previous performance show in the state – in 2016, the Federal Army stormed the Hohensalzburg Fortress – this year the Schwarzenberg barracks in Wals-Siezenheim (Flachgau) will be the venue. There are two reasons for this: “Many people in Salzburg simply want to see the ‘mystery barracks’ from the inside. What do the rooms look like? “How do the soldiers live there?” smiles the press officer. In addition, “certain things can be done much better” on the site.
He is referring to the battle demonstration at 2 p.m. The Salzburg pioneers use tanks and helicopters to show how an operation abroad can work. Specifically, a barrier for our own troops is to be broken. Since it gets “really loud” thanks to pyrotechnics, Auer recommends taking hearing protection with you.
Army attracts participants with hands-on stations in Schwarzenberg barracks
Besides the fixed program points – such as the battle demonstration, the inauguration of 700 new recruits and the overflight of the armed forces – there are also stations in the Schwarzenberg barracks to get involved. For example, visitors can explore tanks and helicopters from the inside – but only those who win one of five flights in the competition are allowed to fly. For the more adventurous, there is a diving board and an obstacle course and you can undergo a medical examination at the Army Sports Center.
The gates to the Schwarzenberg barracks are open on the national holiday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. By the way, guests don’t have to be at the military site at 9 a.m. sharp – everyone can come whenever they want. “Otherwise we would probably create complete traffic chaos. After all, we are expecting up to 50,000 visitors,” smiles Auer. Because the autumn holidays start today and with them the traffic jam time.
What do you think of the Armed Forces exhibition on the national holiday? Feel free to discuss in the comments.
(Source: SALZBURG24)
