By 2031, the Ministry of Defense wants to increase the number of soldiers in the Bundeswehr to more than 200,000. However, the military commissioner Högl expressed doubts about the goal. She called for more effort to recruit youngsters.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces has expressed doubts about the target for a larger Bundeswehr. “It is very questionable whether the stated goal of expanding the Bundeswehr to 203,000 soldiers by 2031 can be achieved with the measures and approaches taken so far,” Eva Högl told the editorial network Germany (RND).
It takes a “considerable effort” to make the Bundeswehr more attractive to young people and to attract more young people. According to Högl, it is crucial to improve the general conditions for service in the Bundeswehr. “First and foremost, this means lean processes and structures, sufficient material – from personal equipment to large devices – and a modern infrastructure,” she explained. You also have to paint a realistic picture of service in the Bundeswehr for the youngsters.
The force currently has a workforce of more than 180,000, not counting civilian employees. In eight years there should be around 20,000 more soldiers.
Pledge at the commemoration of resistance
Högl spoke before the public pledge of new soldiers as part of the commemoration of the resistance against the Nazi regime 79 years after the failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler on July 20, 1944.
In the Berlin Defense Ministry, 400 recruits want to swear to “serve the Federal Republic of Germany faithfully and bravely defend the rights and freedom of the German people” on the parade ground at the Bendlerblock.