The Russian attack on Ukraine has made the defense capabilities of European states a major issue. The Commissioner for the Armed Forces lists many deficits in the armed forces, but rates the Bundeswehr as capable of acting in the alliance.
The military commissioner Eva Högl sees the Bundeswehr capable of national and alliance defense despite serious equipment shortages.
However, the “cold start capability” must be significantly improved, said the SPD politician on Tuesday at the presentation of her annual report for 2021 in Berlin. “So we have to have everything ready, but the Bundeswehr is still ready for action and can also take on its obligations in NATO.”
In the report, she welcomes the announcement by the federal government that it will create a special fund of 100 billion euros for the Bundeswehr and increase the defense budget. This allows investments. “Putin’s attack on Ukraine ruthlessly reveals the urgency and necessity of this,” says Högl. According to Article 45b of the Basic Law, the Commissioner for the Armed Forces assists the Bundestag in parliamentary control of the armed forces. But she is also considered the advocate for the soldiers, who can turn to her at any time.
She described the deficiencies and material deficits in the operations abroad as “alarming”. “In some cases, the operational readiness of large-scale equipment was just under 50 percent. Everyday items of equipment such as protective vests or winter jackets were sometimes only sent to the area of operation,” says the report. “This is totally unacceptable. And that needs to be improved.” Since the men and women risk their lives in an emergency, they are entitled to the best possible and comprehensive equipment.
If this is not already guaranteed in use, then it is not surprising that it is no different in routine operation – i.e. the service in Germany – says Högl. The Bundeswehr is “still – unfortunately – far away” from the “train as you fight” claim. No visit to the troops and no conversation goes by without you being told about deficiencies.
In addition to material resources, staffing is also an issue that concerns the troops, says Högl. With 183,695 soldiers, the Bundeswehr is basically sufficiently well positioned. However, the wide range of tasks and assignments and unusual deployments, such as administrative assistance or the evacuation mission in Afghanistan, revealed that the troop’s manpower and reserves are limited.
When it comes to infrastructure, there is rarely a lack of money
Whenever she visits the troops, she encounters the topic of infrastructure. “The condition of accommodation, sanitary facilities, military kitchens and sports fields is partly desolate. There is a significant need for investment,” says the report. “There is rarely a lack of money here. The competent state building authorities are not sufficiently staffed. In addition, there are strict legal requirements and the interaction of different actors, which sometimes delay renovations and new buildings considerably.»
She thanked the men and women for the administrative assistance provided during the corona pandemic and the flood disaster in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia. But she warned politicians: “Nevertheless, the troops cannot be a permanent substitute for structural deficits in civil protection and disaster relief. First and foremost, those responsible for politics must think about how they can better position and strengthen this area. »
It is positive that in 2021, with 49,200 applications, more people than in the previous year (48,000) were interested in military service and the number of recruitments increased slightly by 270 women and men to 16,700 temporary soldiers and those doing military service voluntarily. In 2021 too many posts remained vacant. In addition, it should be ensured that the proportion of women continues to rise and that more women can take on management positions.
Taking consistent action against extremist behavior in the Bundeswehr remains “an ongoing task,” says Högl. The Special Forces Command (KSK) is on the right track after the reorganization. According to figures from the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD), the number of suspected cases of right-wing extremism rose to 589 in 2021 (2020: 477). “This shows that the Bundeswehr is sensitized to the issue,” says Högl, who accounts for increased awareness. The report says: “Anyone who opposes our democracy has no place in the troops and must leave them quickly.”
Source: Stern
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