Defense: Pistorius: New military service initially difficult to implement

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius sees little chance for his model of a new military service with the end of the traffic light coalition. The government will probably no longer be able to implement the law “given that the legislative period has now become significantly shorter,” said the SPD politician at the economic summit of the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” in Berlin.

However, there can be no doubt about the need to initially resume at least the military registration that was abolished in 2011. “In an emergency, we wouldn’t know tomorrow who we can draft because there is no data, because no one has taken care of it,” said Pistorius. “At least ironing that out quickly would be the task of an amendment to the military service that we have introduced, but which will probably no longer come into effect.”

Pistorius: Also laying the foundations for the coming legislative period

During the remaining time of the minority government, work will be carried out at full speed on some of the projects that have been initiated. “And with some projects we can lay the foundations for the coming legislative period. No matter who is in power,” he said.

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.

Union politicians for “commitment models”

After the traffic lights went out, Union parliamentary group vice-president Johann Wadephul is against putting Pistorius’ planned military service model on the track. “The CDU/CSU want real conscription and not a non-binding questionnaire. Defense Minister Pistorius had also recognized this, but was unable to prevail against the Chancellor within his party,” Wadephul told the German Press Agency.

“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.