A top official of the German Federal Armed Forces Association, André Wüstner, has expressed support for introducing a military service model similar to Sweden’s by the end of the year. He warned that if not, the Bundeswehr risks a personnel crisis starting next year.
According to Wüstner, the Bundeswehr faces an enormous personnel need, which cannot be met without a new form of military service. He emphasized the need to quickly regain around 27,000 personnel who leave the military each year. This, he claimed, can only be achieved through a new type of military service, such as the Swedish model of compulsory registration.
Wüstner believes that this change can be implemented quickly, as the process has already been initiated by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. Pistorius had reportedly inquired about the Swedish model and deemed it suitable for Germany’s needs, including the ability to build a strong reserve to deter potential threats.
The official acknowledged that the new military service would not be a quick fix and that it would be a step-by-step process, dependent on management, infrastructure and training capacities. The first step would be to identify and assess potential recruits, with the goal of enlisting the right individuals based on certain criteria.
While Wüstner supported the idea of a new military service, he also recognized that it was not a sole solution to the Bundeswehr’s personnel problems. He emphasized the need for more attractive work-life models and better pay for the military’s specialists, who are needed in the long term. The official urged the start of such efforts by the end of the year.