Return of compulsory military service? NRW is upgrading and modernizing barracks!

Return of compulsory military service? NRW is upgrading and modernizing barracks!

The security policy situation in Europe has changed significantly in recent years, and the discussion about a possible return to compulsory military service in Germany is gaining momentum. Since compulsory military service was suspended in 2011, the Bundeswehr has been greatly weakened, which is now becoming visible: according to current reports, by 2025 there will be a shortage of around 20,000 soldiers, while the armed forces can only accept 5,000 military service members per year. In order to meet this need, Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) is seriously considering reactivating compulsory military service. This is seen by the Bundeswehr and the Federal Intelligence Service as a response to the threat from Russia, which risks waging a conventional war against NATO countries in the near future. Rumors about a return to compulsory military service are in the air and there is heated debate about what future military structures could look like and whether women should also be included in compulsory military service.

In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), several barracks are already available to accommodate new recruits. This includes, among other things, the renowned air force barracks in Cologne, which is part of a larger plan to modernize and, if necessary, convert the Bundeswehr. Elsewhere, old barracks must be reactivated or even rebuilt, which is essential for the future of Germany's defense capability. Overall, NRW is investing more money in the Bundeswehr, and the construction volume has recently increased by almost 40 million euros to a total of 222 million euros. Investments are also being made in infrastructure, such as in the Glückauf barracks in Unna, where over 600 modern accommodation rooms for soldiers are being built.

The reality of conscription and the challenges

Despite the discussion about reintroducing compulsory military service, there are still problems in many areas. In addition to the need to restore personnel and structures for implementation, experts such as the new Armed Forces Commissioner Henning Otte (CDU) point out that the Bundeswehr is now not equipped for compulsory military service. Military replacement offices were abolished and many barracks were sold, which could make it difficult to implement a comprehensive return to conscription. Even conscription itself could only be brought back in peacetime with a simple majority in parliament. A model similar to the Swedish patterning concepts could be one possibility. In Sweden, men have to register and a part of the year group is then invited to the muster, although women can also take part voluntarily.

In addition, a concept is being discussed in which applicants for military service will be better paid. Future soldiers in the “New Military Service” receive the status of “Temporary Soldier” (SaZ), which offers them attractive financial conditions. These measures are intended to help close personnel gaps in the Bundeswehr in order to meet NATO goals.

International comparisons

Parallel to the developments in Germany, other countries are showing that conscription can still play an important role in military strategy. For example, while France and Great Britain have long since abolished conscription and rely on professional armies, Poland is rearming significantly while abolishing conscription. Lithuania and Latvia have even reintroduced these. In Finland, however, conscription is part of the military culture, with men obligated while women can participate voluntarily. Such international examples make it clear that the discussion about compulsory military service is on the agenda in many European countries and can bring movement to the deadlocked structures.

The question remains whether and when Germany will take the necessary steps to reintroduce compulsory military service. The security policy situation forces this issue to be addressed, while young people in the Bundeswehr and society are waiting to see how their future will be shaped.