Compulsory military service return? NRW is preparing for new soldiers!

Compulsory military service return? NRW is preparing for new soldiers!

The security policy situation in Europe is tense and has an impact on the discussion about compulsory military service in Germany. Ever since the suspension of conscription in 2011, the world situation has changed. Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius from the SPD strongly advocates a return to compulsory military service. He emphasizes that Germany will be short of around 20,000 soldiers in 2025 and the Bundeswehr can only accept 5,000 military service members annually. This alarming situation raises the question: How fit is Germany for future crises?

In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) in particular, several barracks are available to support a possible return to compulsory military service. In recent years, 31 Bundeswehr bases have been closed here and others have been downsized. But NRW is currently investing more heavily in the Bundeswehr, with a construction volume that has increased by almost 40 million euros to a total of 222 million euros. In the Glückauf barracks in Unna in particular, over 600 modern accommodation rooms for soldiers are being built.

Barracks in NRW at a glance

Here is an overview of the most important barracks in North Rhine-Westphalia that could be relevant for possible conscription:

• Dr.-Leo-Löwenstein-Kaserne, Aachen (Technische Schule des Heeres)
• Westfalen-Kaserne, Ahlen (Aufklärungsbataillon)
• Generalfeldmarschall-Rommel-Kaserne, Augustdorf (Panzerbataillon)
• Luftwaffenkaserne Wahn, Köln
• Konrad-Adenauer-Kaserne, Köln (Militärischer Abschirmdienst)
• Glückauf-Kaserne, Unna (Versorgungsbataillon)

But the path back to conscription is not as easy as it might seem. According to WDR, this could be reinstated in peacetime with a simple majority in parliament. Many voices, such as that of the new military commissioner Henning Otte (CDU), emphasize that it is essential to prepare for a possible return to compulsory military service. He proposes a model based on the Swedish model, which includes mandatory mustering.

The security policy landscape has changed fundamentally not only since the suspension of compulsory military service, but also since the geopolitical tensions in Europe. Weapons experts warn of the danger of a Russian attack on NATO territory. A new evaluation by European intelligence services shows that Russia could potentially create the conditions for large-scale conventional war by the end of the decade. These concerns make it clear how important it is to strengthen the Bundeswehr's defense capability so that it is not left defenseless against the threats.

The debate about compulsory military service

In addition, the debate about compulsory military service is also influenced by historical aspects. Conscription was introduced in the Federal Republic of Germany in 1956 and was an integral part of the German defense system for several decades before it was suspended in 2011. The aim at that time was to increase security in the Cold War and to establish social responsibility for national defense. Supporters are now once again recognizing social responsibility, while critics fear a disproportionate interference with personal freedom.

In the current discussion, it is hard to ignore that the Bundeswehr is aiming to grow from around 180,000 to 200,000 soldiers by 2031. This number makes it clear that we need to rethink not only the issue of returning to compulsory military service, but also the general operational readiness of the Bundeswehr in order to meet the current challenges.

How the situation will develop further remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: a rethinking of the security policy landscape is necessary in order to guarantee citizens the security they deserve.

In summary, it remains to be seen how these topics will be further discussed. The return to conscription could represent both an opportunity and a challenge, and pressure to take action is increasing.

Ruhr24
WDR
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