Maintaining the Bundeswehr's whiskey cleansing operation is beyond our budgetary limits.
In a bid to bolster its military capabilities and address growing security concerns, the German government is considering reinstating conscription by 2029. This decision, primarily driven by heightened threats from Russia and the need to significantly expand and modernize the Bundeswehr (German Army), comes amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine that has underscored Germany’s vulnerability and the insufficiency of its current voluntary military enlistment system [1][2].
One possible change under consideration is the construction of barracks and local military replacement offices to attract approximately 200,000 recruits annually. About 40,000 individuals may be invited for the draft each year, and approximately 5,000 could potentially be enlisted into the military [2].
The key reasons for this move include security concerns, personnel shortages, and societal and political debate. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has made it clear that Germany must prepare for potential large-scale military confrontations, including possible Russian attacks, by boosting troop numbers and readiness [1][2][3]. NATO’s war plans require Germany to maintain a force much larger than current levels—targeting 260,000 active soldiers and 200,000 reservists by 2035, compared to about 181,000 active and up to 60,000 reservists now. Conscription is seen as a practical way to meet this target [3].
Leading figures, including Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and CDU defense commissioner Henning Otte, advocate conscription's return, citing it as beneficial for society and vital for defense readiness. There is broad public support in polls, especially among older generations, though younger people are more divided [1][3].
However, the government faces legal and structural challenges. While the old draft law, previously suspended, could be reactivated by simple parliamentary majority, that law applies only to men. Extending conscription to women would require constitutional amendments, complicating the process [3]. The government is currently prioritizing voluntary enlistment and measures to bolster recruitment before fully reinstating the draft [4].
In addition to conscription, Germany plans a €500 billion military modernization fund and is revising borrowing rules to support defense upgrades, reflecting the comprehensive approach to strengthening security [1]. The military service duration for those enlisted ranges from 6 to 23 months.
Defense Minister Pistorius plans to have an expert commission prepare a fundamental decision about military service by the fall. If conscription is politically desired, this would need to be implemented within the next four years [2]. The CDU generally supports the return to compulsory military service, while the SPD and Greens are more against it [1].
Approximately 400,000 young adults are expected to receive a questionnaire from the Ministry of Defense each year. The questionnaire is intended for 18-year-old men and women. Men are required to indicate if they want to join the military in the questionnaire. Women can choose to answer the questions or discard the letter. It's important to note that in the event of a defense crisis, this process does not contribute to the resolution [2].
Experts predict that Russia could attack a NATO country by 2029, making every day count in making this decision. The bureaucratic process initiated by the letter ties up a lot of personnel and costs millions of euros [2]. Modern wars are not influenced by the number of young adults standing at the border in the case of a German attack [3].
As Germany moves towards this significant decision, the focus remains on ensuring the country’s defense preparedness in the coming years, addressing security dynamics triggered by the Russian threat, and meeting personnel demands relative to NATO commitments [1][2][3].
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-mulls-reinstating-conscription-2029-2021-08-27/ [2] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-send-out-conscription-questionnaires-to-18-year-olds/a-59210170 [3] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-mulls-conscription-to-meet-nato-military-targets/a-59203125 [4] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-send-out-conscription-questionnaires-to-18-year-olds/a-59210170
- The decision to reinstate conscription in Germany, driven by security concerns and the need to address growing military needs, is influenced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has highlighted Germany's vulnerability in a world marked by war-and-conflicts and political instability.
- In order to meet the NATO's war plans of maintaining a larger force by 2035, the German government is considering reinstating conscription and is planning to build barracks and military offices, as well as launching a €500 billion military modernization fund, demonstrating a significant shift in the country's finance, business, and politics.
- The return of conscription is a topic of debate among politicians, with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and CDU defense commissioner Henning Otte advocating for it, while the SPD and Greens are more opposed. This decision, however, faces challenges in terms of legal and structural changes, particularly with regards to extending conscription to women.
