Compulsory conscription? NRW is preparing for new soldiers!
Compulsory conscription? NRW is preparing for new soldiers!
Köln, Deutschland - The security policy situation in Europe is tension -loaded and has an impact on the discussion about compulsory military service in Germany. Ever Sion the Suspension of the military service in 2011 has changed the world situation. Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius from the SPD vividly speaks for a return to compulsory military service. He emphasizes that Germany will be missing around 20,000 soldiers in 2025 and that the Bundeswehr can only accommodate 5,000 military service providers annually. This alarming situation raises the question: How fit is Germany for future crises?
Especially in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), several barracks are available to support a possible return to compulsory military service. In recent years, 31 Bundeswehr bases have been closed and others have been reduced. However, NRW is currently increasingly investing in the Bundeswehr, with a construction volume that has risen by almost 40 million euros to a total of 222 million euros. Especially in the happiness barracks in Unna, over 600 modern accommodation rooms for soldiers are created.
barracks in NRW at a glance
Here is an overview of the most important barracks in North Rhine-Westphalia, which could be relevant for a possible conscription:
- Dr.-Leo-Löwenstein barracks, Aachen (Technical School of the Army)
- Westfalen-barracks, Ahlen (reconnaissance battalion)
- Generalfeldmarschall-Rommel barracks, Augustdorf (tank battalion)
- Air Force barracks Wahn, Cologne
- Konrad-Adenauer-Kaserne, Cologne (military shielding service)
- Glückauf-Kaserne, Unna (supply battalion)
But the way back to military service is not as easy as it may seem. According to WDR, this could be returned with the simple majority in parliament in peace. Many voices, such as that of the new military officer Henning Otte (CDU), emphasize that it is essential to prepare for a possible return to compulsory military service. He proposes a model based on Swedish model that includes a mandatory pattern.
The security policy landscape has not only changed fundamentally since the suspension of conscription, but also since the geopolitical tensions in Europe. Weapons expertise warn of the risk of a Russian attack on NATO territory. A new evaluation of European intelligence services shows that Russia could possibly create the prerequisites for a large -scale conventional war until the end of the decade. These make it clear how important it is to strengthen the defense capacity of the Bundeswehr in order not to be defenseless towards the threats.
The debate about compulsory military service
In addition, the debate on conscription is also influenced by historical aspects. The military service 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. At that time, the aim was to increase security in the Cold War and to establish social responsibility for national defense. Supporters again recognize social responsibility, while critics fear disproportionate interference with personal freedom.
In the current discussion, it is hard to overlook the Bundeswehr to grow from around 180,000 to 200,000 soldiers by 2031. This number illustrates that you have to rethink not only when it comes to returning to compulsory military service, but also in the general operational readiness of the Bundeswehr in order to meet the current challenges.
How the situation will develop remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: a rethink in the security policy landscape is necessary to guarantee the citizens the security they earn.
summarized remains to be seen how these topics are further discussed. The return to compulsory military service could be both an opportunity and a challenge, and the pressure to take appropriate measures increases.
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| Ort | Köln, Deutschland |
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