Need far exceeds personnel target
Report: Bundeswehr needs many more soldiers to achieve NATO goals
This audio version was artificially generated. More info | Send feedback
The German army has set itself the goal of increasing its personnel numbers to 203,000 soldiers. According to a report, this number is far from sufficient to meet NATO obligations. Tens of thousands more soldiers are therefore needed.
The Bundeswehr apparently also needs to be significantly strengthened in terms of personnel for NATO's revised defense plans. According to confidential documents from the Defense Ministry, there is a need for “an additional 75,000 soldiers,” reported “Spiegel.” Based on the political plans to strengthen the alliance's deterrence and defense capabilities, the military has now calculated specific requirements for NATO members.
NATO's plans would mean an increase in Germany's personnel target from the current 203,000 soldiers to “a trend well over 272,000” men and women in the armed forces. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense said he could not confirm the figures.
Pistorius wants to present conscription model
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius plans to present his proposal for a model of conscription next week. In recent days, the minister has spoken to members of the Bundestag about his ideas in confidential meetings. As participants in the meetings reported to “Spiegel,” the plans include sending all 18-year-olds a questionnaire. They are to provide information about their fitness and interests and to say whether they can imagine a future in the Bundeswehr. Women do not have to answer, but the questionnaire is compulsory for men; anyone who does not fill it out could face a fine.
In Germany, conscription was suspended in 2011. Despite a so-called personnel offensive, the Bundeswehr shrank to 181,500 soldiers last year. Pistorius therefore had various models of compulsory service examined – also under the impression of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. If the Bundestag declares a state of tension or defence, conscription will come into force again, without the practical prerequisites for this case having been created yet.
