No compulsory military service discussions this season
In the current political landscape, Matthias Miersch, leader of the SPD's parliamentary group, has ruled outany talks about reinstating conscription during this legislative term. He stated, "The coalition agreement makes it clear we're relying on voluntary service," speaking to the "Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung" (NOZ). "Discussions about conscription will occur in the following legislative period, not this one."
Miersch forecasts that the goal of an additional 60,000 soldiers in the medium term is achievable, albeit with a shortage in current training facilities. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) pointed out that up to 60,000 more soldiers are necessary in the active force to meet increased NATO targets for enhanced defense capabilities.
Henning Otte, the new parliamentary commissioner for the armed forces, suggested in ARD's "Tagesthemen" that soldiers should be protected from excessive strain. Even hinting at the possibility of a return to conscription, Otte remarked, "As parliamentary commissioner, I will keep this under review for further evaluation, and that will happen this year."
The Bundeswehr Association chairman, André Wüstner, urged the black-red coalition to establish a course for a potential reintroduction of conscription. He suggested that to achieve the increased NATO targets, the incentives for voluntary service should be heightened. Wüstner is skeptical that 60,000 additional men and women could be recruited for active duty solely based on voluntary enlistment.
Miersch expressed concern about making service attractive for young people. “That hasn't been possible so far due to the lack of resources,” he commented. “Boris Pistorius now has the chance to invest and pitch the service differently to young people.” They will observe how Pistorius' plan for a voluntary expansion of the force unfolds.
Thomas Röwekamp, the chairman of the Defense Committee in the Bundestag, advocated for a general service obligation for both men and women. He suggested that service could be carried out in the military or various social or civil society sectors. “This won't only bolster our defense capabilities but also social unity," Röwekamp told the "Rheinische Post."
The debate over conscription in Germany is influenced by several factors, such as increased security threats stemming from conflicts like the Ukraine war and concerns that voluntary enlistment may not suffice to satisfy the demand for an expansion in military personnel[1][2][3]. While the government remains committed to voluntary service, growing pressure exists to consider a return to conscription to address the manpower deficit and bolster national defense capabilities[4].
The debate surrounding conscription in Germany persists, influenced by concerns over increased security threats and the potential insufficiency of voluntary enlistment to satisfy the demand for an expansion in military personnel[1][2][3]. Henning Otte, the new parliamentary commissioner for the armed forces, has hinted at a possible reevaluation of conscription this year during his interview on ARD's "Tagesthemen"[5]. However, Matthias Miersch, leader of the SPD's parliamentary group, has ruled out talks about reinstating conscription during this legislative term[6]. The issue of conscription-policy-and-legislation is thus a subject of ongoing general-news discussion and political debate in Germany.
