Bundeswehr Inspector General Carsten Breuer, the highest-ranking officer in the German military, when reintroducing conscription prefers the model of compulsory service for men, but also for women.
“Currently, military service is frozen and according to the Constitution, it refers to the male population. Equality should be introduced there, but before that, an appropriate political and social discussion is necessary”, said Breuer, reports Deutsche Welle.
He also emphasized that Germany “must be capable of war”. In June, Defense Minister Social Democrat Boris Pistorius unveiled plans for a new model of military service.
It consists of a six-month basic training with the option of volunteering, thus serving an additional 17 months under the contract.
Before that, all young men of military age should be generally included and asked about their ability and willingness to serve in the army. Girls could also serve in the army.
Carsten Breuer supported Pistorius’ model: “Militarily, we need the ability to increase troop numbers and in terms of NATO plans,” Breuer said, adding that Germany is still “the main center of the Atlantic Treaty Organization of the North”.
“In total, we need over 400,000 soldiers with temporary or permanent contracts, as well as reservists. To cover these needs, another 100,000 reservists are needed,” said the inspector general. He explained that the new model could “cover” this initially, but added: “Without the mandatory service component it doesn’t work.”
In 2011 the obligation to serve in the army was suspended for a period of 55 years.
