Germany finds itself increasingly anxious about its security situation, while the Bundeswehr grapples with significant personnel shortages. The pressing necessity of reinstating conscription cannot be overstated.
The situation is rather dire! In the absence of a frivolous period, we find ourselves discussing the European army, the European atomic bomb, and now the prospect of conscription. Those of us who were raised with the firm belief that mandatory service equates to donning a uniform while indulging in console gaming will undoubtedly feel a sense of irritation and pose the question: Is this truly a serious answer to the current global predicament? Ultimately, the answer will be affirmative. What is the reason behind this?
Prior to the onset of Russia’s conflict with Ukraine and the prospect of Trump’s second term, there were already intentions to bolster the Bundeswehr’s numbers to 200,000 personnel, aimed at meeting its obligations both domestically and within NATO. By the conclusion of 2024, troop strength had reached 181,174, which was markedly beneath the intended pre-era figure. A genuine turnaround appears unlikely, particularly with a wave of retirements on the horizon. Concurrently, the security situation has significantly worsened. It is imperative that we anticipate Russia’s intentions to alter the balance of power in Europe in the near future, potentially employing military force or the mere suggestion of it if deemed necessary. It is imperative that we, as Europeans, take significant responsibility for addressing this challenge ourselves. This communication was previously transmitted across the Atlantic during the Obama administration, and Donald Trump has further elucidated the matter.
It is crucial to invest significantly in new equipment for the Bundeswehr at this juncture; however, such efforts would be of little value without an adequate number of personnel to support them. The existing number of troops falls short of adequately meeting Germany’s commitments to NATO. Should the Bundeswehr seek to fill a portion of the role currently held by the US armed forces, it would necessitate a considerable expansion. Conservative estimates suggest that the figure stands at a minimum of 250,000 soldiers. This does not even consider the potential need for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, should such a mission become essential. The augmentation of personnel needs to occur swiftly, as the uncertainty surrounding Russia’s potential to launch an attack on NATO remains a pressing concern. It is evident, nonetheless, that Moscow is keen on expanding its influence across Europe, actively seeking out vulnerabilities, whether they be social or military in nature. We must ready ourselves for this – not solely within the military, but as a collective society as well.
In terms of military strategy, the Bundeswehr requires two fundamental components: an increase in professional soldiers and a system of reserves that can be mobilized swiftly. The intricacies of modern weaponry are considerable; mastering their use demands extensive and specialized training that far surpasses the duration of compulsory military service. This can only be guaranteed by dedicated servicemen with extended engagements. Simultaneously, there is a pressing requirement for forces capable of rapid deployment to undertake responsibilities in areas such as homeland security, logistics, supply, and medical services – particularly when combat units are sent to the front lines. Nevertheless, the enlistment of professional troops and the establishment of an adequate reserve force are falling short of the current demands.
The Bundeswehr declared a “personnel turnaround” in 2016, aiming to enhance its appeal as an employer; however, the results have been somewhat underwhelming to date. Despite the fact that 42 percent of Germans under the age of 50 express a willingness to take up arms in defense of their country, the military has not seen an increase in numbers. The issue extends beyond merely attracting personnel; it also reflects a deeper societal disconnect from the military. A mere 37 percent of young men and just 16 percent of young women aged 16 to 29 regard the Bundeswehr as an appealing employer, and the trend appears to be on the decline (source: ZMS). This is probably attributable to longstanding historical and cultural influences. Germany embodies a post-heroic society, molded by a thorough scrutiny of its historical narrative. Following three decades of peace dividends, security policy was frequently regarded as a peripheral concern – it appeared that the “end of history” had indeed been attained.
A nuanced relationship with the military remains elusive: one that dismisses war and violence, yet simultaneously acknowledges the security-policy imperative of a capable armed force. This absence of distinction undermines a reasoned discussion regarding the necessities of security policy amid escalating crises. Moreover, there exists a robust rivalry for adept professionals. In the realm of private employment, the allure of flexible hours, job incentives, and increased salaries presents a formidable challenge, complicating the task of promoting a military career as a compelling option. This issue impacts not just the Bundeswehr, but also voluntary service in both social and environmental sectors. Engaging in volunteer work in Germany frequently necessitates a certain level of financial backing. In light of these challenges, one might reasonably question whether the Bundeswehr can realistically attain substantial growth in the near future solely through enhanced recruitment efforts.
What actions must we take? To ascertain eligibility for service, it is imperative that military registration be reinstated without delay. Concurrently, the reserve ought to be structured with greater efficiency and rendered more appealing through the introduction of more adaptable models. This would draw in more individuals eager to contribute while maintaining their employment, thereby establishing a stable workforce for the long haul.
However, what is paramount above all else is the necessity of a capable military force. Upcoming crises and conflicts will pose challenges not just for the military, but for society at large. The importance of sustainability cannot be overstated. Sabotage, whether in the digital realm or the tangible world, alongside air strikes and hybrid threats, is poised to undermine and fracture society. The only way to effectively counter and deter these dangers is by ensuring that security is embraced as a collective responsibility within society.
There are numerous avenues through which security can be enhanced – it’s worth noting that the military isn’t the right fit for everyone. Thus, it is essential to cultivate a wide-ranging societal agreement, forged among all democratic factions within the Bundestag and in partnership with the youth. The objective should be to craft mandatory military service in a manner that bolsters both the military capabilities of Germany and the resilience of its society. On one hand, this indicates that the Bundeswehr acquires the personnel it genuinely requires – individuals who are also fully committed to their service.
Conversely, it is essential to elucidate how justice can be attained across genders and generations, as well as the avenues available for non-Germans to participate. A potential model worth considering is the Swedish system, where every individual is reached out to and those deemed most suitable are invited to enlist in the army. Alternatively, one might consider a compulsory year of community service as a plausible alternative. However, all of these options can only be realized through amendments to the Basic Law, necessitating a wide-ranging consensus.
Nevertheless, time is indeed of the utmost importance! The Bundeswehr must expedite its recruitment efforts more swiftly than a nationwide discussion on mandatory military service can reach a conclusion. In the immediate future, it seems that a straightforward legislative approach – namely, a government majority – could easily reinstate general conscription for men. This would once more require all men of a specified age to undertake fundamental military service, though they would also have the option to engage in alternative service within the civilian sphere. However, that would hardly constitute an optimal resolution.
The Bundeswehr is presently facing challenges in establishing the necessary frameworks to effectively train a significant influx of new conscripts, as it is short on both barracks and qualified instructors. Even in the era of conscription, approximately 20,000 soldiers were occupied exclusively with the oversight of recruits. Nonetheless, mandatory military service would offer a significant benefit: it would compel a greater number of young individuals to actively reflect on their potential contributions to the security of Europe. A comprehensive foundational training would disseminate essential military knowledge throughout society, aiding individuals in mentally grasping the evolving landscape of our times. This is not a matter of “militarizing society.” The Bundeswehr does not instill a fervent enthusiasm for war; instead, it focuses on equipping individuals with the capacity to confront the fear of conflict in a rational manner. This is the sort of resilience we require in these predictably tumultuous times.
To address the personnel challenges facing the Bundeswehr in the immediate future, the existing parliamentary majorities present but a singular solution: the reinstatement of mandatory military service for men, as stipulated in the Basic Law. Concurrently, the discourse surrounding the development of more sustainable frameworks for bolstering resilience within both the military and society ought to persist. The reinstatement of mandatory military service could be essential for security considerations—and it certainly transcends mere “playing around in uniform.” However, this approach fails to provide a viable solution for contemporary society.
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