- The German army is looking for reservists for home defence in North Rhine-Westphalia
In light of the comprehensive defense plan resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) in North Rhine-Westphalia are actively seeking many reservists for homeland defense. Around 500 reservists have been called up so far, according to Brigade General Hans-Dieter Müller, commander of the North Rhine-Westphalia military command in Düsseldorf. Additionally, more than 1,400 former military personnel and 546 non-commissioned officers have already applied.
To achieve a target size of 1,000 people for the homeland defense regiment, up to 4,000 reservists are needed, as each position can be filled multiple times, Müller said. Particularly encouraging are the applications from non-commissioned officers who want to contribute to their country in these critical times.
Specialists are needed
While there are also infantry units in homeland defense, Müller stated that specialists such as mechanics, mechatronics technicians, and kitchen personnel are particularly needed. This personnel is also highly sought after in the civilian sector.
"We don't lack fighters, and with fighters, we also look at their age," Müller said. The age limit for infantry deployment in the homeland defense regiment has been set at the 1969 birth year. "But basically, we can use everyone up to 65. The message is 18 to 65," Müller said. "So, we take everyone who is suitable."
The multiple filling of positions is also due to the fact that the call-up of reservists is based on the principle of voluntariness and depends on employers being willing to release reservists. Furthermore, the call-up process can sometimes take months because no one can join the armed forces without a security check. "There's a zero-tolerance line in the armed forces."
Securing infrastructure in case of emergency
The core tasks of homeland defense include securing defense-critical infrastructure such as harbors or train stations and supporting allied forces in transporting goods through Germany.
Reservists of the homeland defense can also be deployed in emergency and disaster situations. For example, reservists were deployed as helpers during the 2021 floods. Soldiers also coordinated the COVID-19 response in health authorities.
The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) are notably seeking specialized personnel, such as mechanics, mechatronics technicians, and kitchen staff, for their homeland defense efforts due to their high demand in both the military and civilian sectors. Despite the age limit for infantry deployment being set at the 1969 birth year, the homeland defense regiment is open to individuals aged 18 to 65, provided they meet the required standards.
