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Germany's New Military Service Plan
Germany's Ministry of Defence proposes a new military service model to address personnel shortages in the Bundeswehr, involving mandatory questionnaires for men and voluntary participation for women.
Albanian
Germany
PoliticsGermany MilitaryMilitary TechnologyReformRecruitment
German Ministry Of DefenceBundeswehrBundestagBundesrat
Boris Pistorius
- How does the new model work?
- The new model involves sending an online questionnaire to 18-year-olds, mandatory for men and voluntary for women. The questionnaire assesses physical fitness and willingness to serve; those selected are then invited for mandatory service. The initial service is six months, with the possibility of extending it.
- Why is it mandatory only for men?
- The initial mandatory military service in Germany only applied to men. While many women are interested in serving, the government is currently avoiding the constitutional changes needed to make the questionnaire mandatory for women as well.
- Why is a new model of military service necessary?
- A new military service model is necessary in Germany due to a changing threat situation and the need to increase the number of active soldiers and reservists in the Bundeswehr. Current voluntary recruitment is insufficient to meet personnel needs.
- What will the military service specifically look like?
- The new military service would begin with six months of basic service, extendable up to 23 months. Extensions may include incentives like driving licenses or university admissions advantages. The basic monthly salary is expected to be around 1800 euros.
- Can the "new military service" solve the recruitment problem?
- While the initial 5000 positions may be filled, the long-term success of the plan is uncertain. Further changes might be needed if the voluntary principle doesn't provide enough recruits to meet the Bundeswehr's projected growth.