German general calls for women to be included in compulsory military service
The Inspector General of the German Armed Forces proposed that women be included in compulsory military service if they were reintroduced to achieve equality.
Germany effectively abolished compulsory military conscription in 2011, although the country’s law still allows compulsory service in case of war or other tensions.
Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine led to a renewed focus on the deficiencies of the Bundeswehr and sparked a debate about the reintroduction of compulsory military service.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius presented plans for a new model of military service in June aimed at helping fill the military’s depleted ranks.
Carsten Brewer, the army’s highest officer, noted that conscription, currently suspended, only applies to men according to the Basic Law, but said “equality must be established”.
However, the creation of equal rights in this case requires a similar political and social debate, Brewer said.
Defense Minister Pistorius plans to introduce compulsory registration, where young people will have to express their willingness and ability to perform military service… Young women can do so voluntarily.
Pistorius described the idea as a selective military service aimed at allowing the military to call the fittest, most appropriate and most motivated for training.
The new model is set to consist of six months of basic military service, with an option for additional voluntary military service of up to 17 months.
Brewer expressed support for Pistorius’ new recruitment model; From a military perspective, he said, there is a need for capacity building, particularly with regard to NATO planning.
He pointed out that Germany is the central axis of the Western defense alliance, and that the country needs more than 400,000 temporary, professional and reserve troops.
To meet this demand, about 100,000 additional reserve troops are needed, which can initially be met by the new model, according to Brewer.
He stressed, however, that mandatory elements would continue to be necessary.
