a “selective” military service in the country that would allow the registration of thousands of young people in the armed forces. In this way, around 200,000 reservists could be added to the German ranks. To access this, young people must complete a questionnaire about their willingness and ability to 'serve', their views on weapons, their level of education, personal problems and diseases they may be suffering from. Some will also have to undergo a physical examination in the meantime. “Putin could attack NATO in five years and we must be prepared”the minister said when he presented this plan to the Defense Committee of the Bundestag.

Despite the clear recruitment goal, this new measure would not mean the complete restoration of military conscription in Germany. Still, it would be a first approach in that direction for the future. It is worth remembering that some time ago this profession was suppressed in the country. thirteen years -in 2011-, after 55 years, although German law still provides for a possibility conscription in case of war or other stressful situations.

According to those responsible for this measure, it is expected that this will be the case 400,000 people who will have to complete the questionnaire every year, while they estimate that a quarter of them could express an interest in eventually joining the army and become active soldiers permanently, as this is in times of shortage of recruits.

Requirements for military service in Germany

With this measure, the German Ministry of Defense aims to increase the number of reservists. So it is expected that some 5,000 additional recruits be added to the reserve every year from 2025. “The goal is for this number to grow year after year and thus increase capacity”Pistorius explained.

As a first step, the minister wants to restore the registration of 18-year-olds with a German passport. After answering the aforementioned questionnaire, these will be called for a face-to-face interview as the second phase of the selection. The difference between boys and girls will be that completing the questionnaire will be a voluntary task for them, while they will be obliged to do so and possibly be punished if they refuse to answer.

However, the general decision to volunteer for military service will be voluntary for all young people and will have a number of consequences basic training of six monthswhich may be extended to 17 if desired.

460,000 additional soldiers in ranks

The German constitution does not yet provide for gender equality in military service, an issue Pistorius has also proposed changing. 'According to military and NATO estimates, we need some 200,000 additional reservists. This means that in total we are talking about approx 460,000 soldiers“, he stated before pointing out that the aim is to achieve something 203,000 permanent soldiers and 200,000 additional reserviststo which we have the 60,000 existing reservists currently.

'We don't want military service pointless and boring“, said Pistorius. “We want the best and the most motivated,” he added, showing that he was very convinced of this “without a mandatory component, the objectives will not be achieved”said the minister.

Custom supports

The Defense Project has already passed a survey among the German population, and it has succeeded the support of 52% of citizensand is therefore a very controversial measure.

On the other hand, approval of political parties is even scarcer. Pistorius currently has the support of the opposition, but within his own group 'the traffic light coalition' (SPD, FPD and De Groenen)there are different opinions about his plan, also opposite. When the minister expressed the country's need for a levy a year ago, the German Chancellor said: Olaf Scholz -also from the SPD- rejected his idea, although over time he has become more receptive to this measure, the only condition being that Pistorius waited until after the European elections on June 9 to make the announcement.

Follow us on WhatsApp and receive the best news and most interesting stories

Source link