Is voluntary military service ineffective?

Protection or shielding against harm. - Is voluntary military service ineffective?

The chairman of the Bundeswehr Association, André Wüstner, supports recommencing compulsory military service, as the armed forces' personnel levels have decreased to their lowest point since 2018. He asserts that defense minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) should rely on the planned conscription quotas when he presents the conscription model on Wednesday. Wüstner argues that relying solely on voluntary recruitment isn't sufficient.

Pistorius will present his conscription plans to the Defense Committee and then to the general public the same day. He has considered several conscription methods in light of Russia's recent conflict with Ukraine. During a government hearing, the minister implied that he prefers a hybrid conscription approach that combines mandatory and voluntary recruitment.

SPD chairwoman Saskia Esken advocates for voluntary enlistment in the new conscription model. She believes the "feeling of self-determination" is crucial for democracy's acceptance. Voluntarism also relates to engagement in the Bundeswehr and the significant responsibility for Germany's security. According to SPD's defense expert, Andreas Schwarz, efforts will focus on identifying conscripts. This would maintain the foundation for an ongoing growth in troops. Additional investments in barracks, equipment, and training are necessary. If voluntary enlistment fails, further compulsory measures must be considered.

The current requirements for personnel in the Bundeswehr surpass the politically established target of 203,300 soldiers. The readiness profile from 2018 had planned over 240,000 personnel. However, due to extra political tasks since February 2022 and more intense NATO commitments, the numbers may genuinely be above this mark. Despite a personnel drive, the Bundeswehr dropped to 181,500 soldiers in 2021.

Wüstner believes a "new form of service" is necessary since many conscripts decided to remain in the Bundeswehr previously, even becoming professional soldiers. The armed forces once mirrored society, with conscription forming the basis for a powerful reserve to ensure growth, replacements, deterrence, and defense capabilities.

As the upcoming debate approaches, Wüstner expects action: "Over the coming days, it will be apparent who, at least in terms of defense policy, has had a change of heart since the beginning of the year." He predicts that those who advocate for a new conscription system will be met with resistance. The minister doesn't embark on this debate "for fun and games" and has faced opposition within his party and even personally from Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Wüstner encourages people to consider the potential risks of not being prepared and potentially finding themselves in a war on NATO territory and acknowledges that it's up to political decision-making. "As the saying goes: 'If someone wants something, they'll find ways; if they don't, they'll find reasons.'"

Conscription was ended in Germany after 55 years in 2011, effectively halting both military and civilian service. Legally, however, conscription is still specified for men in cases of tension or defense situations.