The debate about compulsory service in the Bundeswehr and civil authorities is not going anywhere. New concepts are needed in order to have enough soldiers and civilian helpers, says the Commissioner for the Armed Forces.
The Bundestag’s Commissioner for the Armed Forces, Eva Högl, has called for an objective debate to be held in the new year about the models for general service in the Bundeswehr and civil organizations. “I am calling for a relaxation of the debate. It would be very welcome if a discussion about concrete concepts gained momentum now,” said the SPD politician to the German Press Agency in Berlin.
That doesn’t mean that there will immediately be compulsory military service or a mandatory year for society. One thing is clear: “Nobody wants to go back to the old compulsory military service. It’s about a new concept. Is there a need to increase the number of personnel in the Bundeswehr? Given the situation, I would say yes.” There are currently 181,000 soldiers. The goal of 203,000 soldiers by 2030 cannot be achieved if everything remains the same when recruiting personnel.
Compulsory military service suspended in 2011 after 55 years
Compulsory military service was suspended in July 2011 after 55 years by the then Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (CSU). In practice, this amounted to an abolition of military and civilian service, as all structures for the mustering and training of larger numbers of soldiers were also abolished.
Because of the changed security situation after the Russian attack on Ukraine, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) is examining models of compulsory military service and also taking the Swedish model of compulsory military service into account. Criticism came primarily from the FDP, but SPD chairwoman Saskia Esken also distanced herself from the initiative.
Sweden as a role model
The military commissioner, who had on-site visits to the troops at home and abroad on 123 days this year, speaks out in favor of this and also refers to Sweden. “Everyone first receives mail, they are spoken to and asked to get in touch. Then they are screened and given an offer,” she said. “Sweden is by no means drafting an entire cohort. So it’s not really a matter of conscription, but rather those who are suitable and who want to be taken.”
The Green Party leader Omid Nouripour does not believe in reintroducing compulsory military service in Germany. “I don’t believe that conscription is needed,” he told the dpa in Berlin. “I wouldn’t rule anything out now because it’ll never be of any use. The times are too fluid for that,” he said when asked. “But I don’t see that at all.” The Greens are of the opinion that conscription leads to more costs and does not necessarily increase military fitness.
Pistorius wants to look at the Swedish model
Högl said she welcomed Pistorius taking a closer look at the Swedish model. “I would be happy if we used 2024 to discuss these different ideas and models objectively and constructively instead of reflexively and categorically rejecting any debate.”
She is in favor of more commitment than the Federal Voluntary Service and in favor of taking men and women into account. A service would then have to be examined for the Bundeswehr as well as for culture, social issues and the environment. “And if you want to keep as much voluntary action as possible, then it has to be attractive,” she said. “The incentives need to be discussed. Start-up capital, advantages when looking for a training or study place or bonuses for retirement provision.”
Big holes in the Bundeswehr inventory
The transfer of material to Ukraine has torn big holes in the Bundeswehr’s inventory and operational readiness, she said. Quick replenishment is necessary. “I don’t notice any discussion in the Bundeswehr that shows doubts about aid to Ukraine. All soldiers say: It is absolutely right and important to support Ukraine with everything the Bundeswehr can do,” she said. “Our soldiers know what the war in Ukraine is about.” She hopes that the West’s willingness to support Ukraine will continue. The country will only be able to withstand Russia, let alone recapture territory, if the West provides massive support.
Regarding Pistorius’ planned stationing of a combat-ready brigade of up to 5,000 soldiers in Lithuania, Högl said that the most important thing there was to be fully equipped. This ranges from material such as night vision devices and radios to weapon systems such as tanks. Högl: “Then it is attractive to serve there. And it must certainly also be financially attractive for our soldiers. This applies to foreign salaries and allowances.”
Högl: Need more speed than usual
She also called for more speed: “It is important that things do not go as slowly as is – unfortunately – usual in Germany, but that the speed that the Lithuanians are setting is used so that good, modern infrastructure can be created quickly.” She also referred to the “very good principle of mutual recognition of standards” in the EU. “Of course the fire protection has to be appropriate, but it can be assumed that the Lithuanians also have fire protection rules that adequately protect our soldiers,” she said.
The theme of 2023 is the burden on the troops, said Högl. The men and women of the Bundeswehr did an outstanding job, “even though they don’t have anywhere near the conditions they need to fulfill their mission.” She therefore called for a “task criticism”. Högl said: “You can’t always give more orders. You have to prioritize and say what works – and what no longer works.”