German Defense Official Warns of Looming Crisis in Bundeswehr’s Manpower
The German Federal Commissioner for the Armed Forces, Henning Otte, has identified the personnel shortage as the most significant challenge facing the Bundeswehr. In an interview with the Berlin Playbook Podcast of POLITICO, Otte emphasized the need for a focus on personnel acquisition and retention, rather than simply shouldering the burden on existing personnel. He believes that the goal should be to attract more comrades to serve alongside the soldiers.
Otte also stressed the importance of better pay, stating that while recognition is the most valuable currency, it is not enough on its own to make the profession attractive. He believes that the military salary must be adjusted to be competitive in the free market. If voluntary recruitment does not meet the required numbers, Otte advocates for the introduction of compulsory elements in the law. The Defense Minister has pledged to take measures in this regard, which Otte considers necessary.
Regarding the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Otte believes that it must move in the right direction and the upcoming party convention will show the extent of the understanding on this issue. He has called for the topic of personnel to be placed at the center of the legislative period, as the Bundeswehr’s planned expansion of up to 60,000 additional soldiers requires improved infrastructure and clear political priorities.
Otte also commented on the target of five percent of the federal budget for defense spending, which Germany aims to reach by 2029. He views this goal as a positive development that must be achieved.