The Bundeswehr wants to recruit more soldiers. In the past year, however, the number of applications has declined – and many of the employees are breaking off. Defense Minister Pistorius wants to reverse this trend.
The Bundeswehr offers more than 1000 job profiles – from fighter jet pilots to IT specialists. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius points this out when he visits the responsible federal office in Cologne.
“We offer an incredible range of career and development opportunities for men and women. And at a really high professional level.” In addition, there is camaraderie and the special task of standing up for freedom and security, says the defense minister.
Fewer applicants, many dropouts
Nevertheless, the Bundeswehr is struggling to find enough new people. Last year eleven percent fewer people applied to the force than the year before. And of those who start out in the Bundeswehr, many drop out. Pistorius therefore wants to improve application management.
“Our applicants need to get clearer information about when and where they can start with us more quickly and with binding effect, so that we don’t lose interested young people right at the beginning after they’ve applied.”
Pistorius for more diversity in the Bundeswehr
Pistorius also believes that diversity must play a greater role in the squad. That means: more women and more people with a migration background. Another point: the SPD politician wants to persuade temporary soldiers to stay longer in the Bundeswehr than originally planned.
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. Whether that really works, Pistorius does not want to make any predictions at the moment