Wüstner mentioned in an interview with German media group RND that, depending on the decisions made at the NATO summit, an additional 40,000 to 60,000 soldiers might be needed. This would mean the active force would gradually increase to 260,000 troops.
NATO leaders are preparing to meet for a summit in The Hague on June 24-25, where discussions on increasing the alliance’s defense spending target will take place.
Wüstner’s comments come as the German government plans a new voluntary military service program to tackle the Bundeswehr’s ongoing personnel shortage.
The program will require all 18-year-old men to complete a questionnaire assessing their willingness and suitability for service. Women can participate voluntarily. The aim is to recruit around 5,000 volunteers annually.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the program is “initially voluntary,” but didn’t rule out more drastic measures.
He told lawmakers in the Bundestag that the focus is on “initially,” in case there aren’t enough volunteers. “We still have too few people for what our armed forces must accomplish.”
Germany suspended conscription in 2011, and bringing back the draft would be a significant political change.
Leave a Reply