Six-month military stint proposal discussed in parliament by Pistorius.
During a meeting, the minister stated that the decision is solely focused on boosting the Bundeswehr's growth potential and enhancing its overall defense capability. The long-term target is achieving a force of 460,000 soldiers; 203,000 will be active members while 257,000 will be in the reserves.
To reach this goal, an additional 200,000 reservists need to be generated, as mentioned by the minister. Currently, the Bundeswehr has 181,000 active soldiers.
The minister highlighted that the limited infrastructure within the Bundeswehr is acting as a constraint for growing its personnel strength. The costs of training 5,000 conscripts could reach up to 1.4 billion euros.
The defense committee engaged in a discussion about whether women should also be included in the conscription, as reported by AFP. The FDP coalition party supported equal treatment between genders, stating that "if there is to be a conscription or military service, it must apply to all genders - otherwise justice would not be observed." Union members expressed similar views.
However, amending the Basic Law is required to include women in compulsory service. Article 12a of the Basic Law specifically allows for a mandatory service in the armed forces, the Federal Border Guard, or in a civil defense association, but only for men.
The conscription in Germany has been suspended since 2011, but it has not been abolished. Various sectors of the economy are experiencing a severe shortage of applicants.
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- The SPD, led by Boris Pistorius, proposed a six-month military stint for all German citizens to help boost the German Armed Forces' numbers.
- The Bundestag's defense committee, including Women's representatives, engaged in a discussion about potentially including women in compulsory military service along with men.
- Pistorius asserted that the plan aims to increase the Bundeswehr's force to 460,000 soldiers, with 203,000 active members and 257,000 reservists.
- FDP coalition party members, such as Katrin Göring-Eckardt, advocated for equal gender treatment, stating that conscription or military service should apply to all genders.
- The FDP noted that amending the Basic Law is required to include women in compulsory military service, as Article 12a currently only allows for men.
- The SPD's plans for basic military service are reportedly facing strong opposition from some sectors, with concerns about the costs, infrastructure, and the impact on female workers.
- Amid the debate regarding compulsory military service, the German Armed Forces are grappling with concerns related to limited infrastructure and high training expenses for conscripts, as highlighted by Pistorius.
