Pistorius seeks "the greatest and most driven"
Over the course of 13 years, military conscription has been halted in Germany. However, this might soon change with the introduction of a new conscription model proposed by Defense Minister Pistorius. Although centered around voluntary service, it also contains "compulsory elements in times of necessity."
Pistorius envisions that his new conscription model will add an additional 5,000 soldiers to the Bundeswehr annually. This figure is expected to increase every year, as he unveiled his plan in Berlin. To accomplish this, Pistorius plans on reinstating the former conscription system that was abolished 13 years ago. Approximately 400,000 young men become legally adult each year. This age group will receive a letter requesting them to complete a questionnaire regarding their opinion on the Bundeswehr. Pistorius expects a quarter of them will express interest in joining the Bundeswehr.
"We want the most dedicated and highly-skilled individuals," asserted Pistorius. Candidates will undergo a medical examination to determine their suitability. Females will receive the questionnaire, but not compelled to fill it out. Pistorius emphasized that the Basic Law does not mandate conscription for women.
Selected candidates would serve a 6-month basic military service or potentially commit to up to a 23-month service. The concept emphasized: "We desire a new model that relies on voluntary service but includes compulsory elements during times of crisis." The current Bundeswehr has around 184,000 active soldiers. The target is to expand the force to 203,000 by 2031.
The Wehrbeauftragte of the Bundestag, Eva Högl from the SPD, commended Pistorius' conscription model. She urged a collective support for the plan. "This could assist in tackling the personnel obstacles faced by the Bundeswehr. Furthermore, it would significantly improve our defense capacity. Since the entire society must defend our peace, freedom, and democracy - both militarily and civilly, everyone must contribute. Therefore, we require a modern conscription that combines voluntary service and compulsion. In the long run, this should apply to every gender," said Högl in Berlin.
Finance Minister and FDP leader, Christian Lindner, also reacted positively to the conscription ideas. "Boris Pistorius' suggestion is heading in the right direction," wrote Lindner on social media. "Rather than reviving forced conscription, we should stimulate interest in service in the Bundeswehr and fortify the reserves. We will now discuss this."
Read also:
- Despite the ongoing 'Attack on Ukraine', Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is pushing for the reintroduction of 'compulsory military service' in a new conscription model, which would see German Armed Forces growing to 203,000 by 2031.
- In response to Pistorius' proposal, German Finance Minister and FDP leader, Christian Lindner, expressed his support for stimulating interest in service in the Bundeswehr, suggesting a discussion on the matter rather than reviving forced conscription.
- The 'Security policy' of the new coalition government, often referred to as the 'traffic light coalition', sees Defense Minister Pistorius aiming to recruit the "greatest and most driven" individuals for the Bundeswehr, with candidates undergoing a medical examination before serving a minimum of 6 months in the German Military Forces.
