Army, Air Force, Navy: In addition, Germany is to have a fourth armed force for cyber and information space in the future. Defense Minister Pistorius’ plan also includes a new level of leadership.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) is planning a unified so-called operational command for the Bundeswehr. In addition, it will be reorganized – along four branches of the armed forces – with a joint support command, Pistorius announced in Berlin when presenting the new structure. He had previously announced that the Bundeswehr should become leaner, faster and more “war-fighting”.
The four branches of the armed forces consist of the army, the air force and the navy, as well as the cyber and information space (CIR) force. This specializes in electronic warfare and cyber operations, reconnaissance and the protection of electronic infrastructure.
The future structure should also meet the “new old challenge” of national defense, said Pistorius. “Nobody should come up with the idea of attacking NATO territory,” said the defense minister.
Command Commands some already in use
The Bundeswehr has so far been working in Schwielowsee near Potsdam with an operations command for planning and controlling foreign missions – such as in West Africa or now with the frigate “Hessen” in the Red Sea.
In addition, a territorial command for national defense was created in Berlin, in which the operational plan (OPLAN) for the national defense of Germany was also developed.
The two positions have very different tasks, but also some possible overlap. In November last year, Pistorius formulated “war-fighting efficiency as a maxim for action”.
Unnecessary Double structures as another problem
Pistorius said that Inspector General Carsten Breuer and a state secretary should also look at the structures of the Bundeswehr itself and specifically at the command commands. The Defense Minister wants to take action against double structures that hinder and hold each other back.
Another major construction site now remains the personnel of the Bundeswehr and the question of whether Germany could introduce general compulsory military service in peacetime after the suspension of compulsory military service. Pistorius has models tested and is based on practice in Scandinavian countries. “We considered that compulsory military service would be reintroduced,” emphasized Pistorius. However, the new structure could remain if compulsory military service is not reintroduced. In the event of a defense, there is immediate conscription. The task is to then be able to implement this.
He expects an overview of the possible models to be presented in April. Then the political talks should begin. Pistorius had initiated a debate about reintroducing compulsory military service. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) was skeptical and Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) was negative. Despite the so-called personnel offensive, the number of soldiers has fallen in recent years, most recently to 181,500.