Defense: Union for military service: Start with the right model

After the traffic lights went out, Union parliamentary group vice-president Johann Wadephul is against putting the military service model planned by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on track. “The CDU/CSU want real conscription and not a non-binding questionnaire. Defense Minister Pistorius had also recognized this, but was unable to assert himself against the Chancellor in his party,” Wadephul told the German Press Agency in Berlin. The times are too serious for political compromises.

“The threat from Russia and the Bundeswehr’s personnel shortage make commitment models necessary,” said Wadephul. According to him, Germany should first screen everyone, similar to Scandinavia, and then recruit those who are fit for military service and signal their readiness.

Wadephul: A quick new election also makes a sensible compromise possible

This could lead to an increase in the number of people doing military service year after year. This will be a major effort for the Bundeswehr in terms of personnel registration and training capacities.

“That’s one more reason to start with the right model right away. The sooner the Chancellor finally clears the way for new elections, the faster a sensible compromise can be found that ensures adequate staffing levels for the Bundeswehr,” said Wadephul.

The morning before the traffic light coalition failed on Wednesday, the Federal Cabinet had approved legal changes for the introduction of a new military service in Germany. Pistorius intends to reinstate military registration and introduce an obligation for young men to provide information about their willingness to do military service.