Large circular bronze medal with loop for ribbon suspension; the face inscribed ‘STETS BEREIT’ (Always ready) above crossed swords on oak leaves and the logo of the Austrian Bundesheer (Federal Army), circumscribed ‘FÜR DIE REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH’ (For the Austrian Republic); the reverse with the crowned Austrian eagle bearing a shield with the Austrian arms on its chest; on original ribbon. The medal was instituted in 1963 to be awarded for successful completion of basic military training. All Austrian males aged 18 are required to undergo 6 months of military service so that a large citizen army is always ready to defend Austrian neutrality.
|