Pistorius considers new compulsory military service possible
Because the Bundeswehr is short of personnel, the Minister of Defense proposes a new compulsory military service. Even after the Chancellor suggested that reservists should fill the gap, Pistorius stuck to his idea. Germany must be ready for a change in mentality when it comes to security.
Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius does not rule out a return to compulsory military service. "It was a mistake to abolish it," the SPD politician told the weekly newspaper "Die Zeit". Although reintroducing it now would encounter considerable constitutional and structural problems, "the discussion about it will pick up speed."
He always proceeds according to the principle that form must follow function, says the minister. He has therefore arranged for plans to be submitted to him by Easter 2024 on how the structure of the Bundeswehr needs to be changed so that it can best fulfill the task of national and alliance defence. "Then we will see what that means for the size of the Bundeswehr and everything else."
In general, the Germans must be prepared for a change in mentality. The days of a peace dividend and low spending on defense are over: "We now have to be able to deter a potential aggressor again." And the Bundeswehr must be "ready for war". "Whether everyone likes it or not."
Scholz: "Not a good idea"
Like many areas of the economy, the Bundeswehr is suffering from an acute shortage of applicants. Before Pistorius took office, a target strength of 203,000 soldiers was set for the troops. Currently there are only 181,000. 81,500 civilian employees have to be added to this.
At the beginning of November, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed skepticism about a return to compulsory military service. He was "very surprised" when compulsory military service was suspended in 2011, Scholz said at a Bundeswehr conference. Now, however, there is a new structure for the armed forces without conscription. In his view, it was "not a good idea to reverse all of this". In terms of strengthening the Bundeswehr's personnel, Scholz referred to a "more intensive deployment of reservists". This is "now the task" and he has "the impression that progress is being made". Pistorius had also previously emphasized that a "well-trained reserve" should reinforce the Bundeswehr in the event of national and alliance defence.
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Despite Chancellor Scholz's skepticism and preference for utilizing reservists, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius continues to advocate for the possibility of reintroducing compulsory military service, acknowledging the historical mistake of its abolition. This proposal, while facing significant constitutional and structural challenges, could potentially lead to changes in the structure of the Bundeswehr and its overall size.
Source: www.ntv.de
