Germany’s Military Association Expresses Doubts Over Voluntary Model for Raising Bundeswehr’s Strength
Germany’s military association, the Deutsche Bundeswehrverband, has expressed skepticism over a voluntary model to increase the country’s military personnel. According to the association’s head, André Wüstner, the Bundeswehr is expected to grow from its current 180,000 active personnel to 260,000, with an additional 200,000 reserve troops.
While acknowledging the desire for a voluntary approach, Wüstner expressed doubt over the feasibility of the plan, stating, “I lack the belief that it will work.” He believes that the government should focus on creating the necessary conditions for the plan to succeed, as outlined in the coalition agreement between the Union and the SPD, which stipulates that the plan will initially be voluntary.
Wüstner also emphasized that the transition to a new military service model will not happen overnight, as the country has been reducing its infrastructure over the years. Since 1990, the Bundeswehr has closed around 130 barracks and it will take time to rebuild the necessary infrastructure in the coming years.