A prominent military expert is publicly voicing concerns regarding the pace and scope of reforms within the German armed forces, Bundeswehr, under the leadership of Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.
Speaking to “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, Sönke Neitzel, professor of military history at the University of Potsdam, acknowledged Pistorius’ skill in communicating the necessity of increased investment in defence capabilities. However, he asserted that the tangible improvements resulting from these efforts are significantly lacking. “We cannot, with a clear conscience, deploy our soldiers currently” Neitzel stated, implying deficiencies in readiness and operational effectiveness.
Neitzel’s critique centered on what he perceives as a failure to address fundamental issues within the Bundeswehr, specifically citing overwhelming bureaucracy and an overly complex administrative structure. He emphasized that Russia is significantly increasing its military strength, currently maintaining a force of 1.2 million personnel despite losses sustained in the conflict in Ukraine. This disparity creates a critical window of opportunity for Russia, a period lasting roughly the next three years, wherein the Kremlin may choose to escalate tensions. Putin is seemingly banking on potential shifts in US foreign policy, particularly regarding engagement in regions like the Baltic states.
In a call for renewed conscription, Neitzel advocated for a system mirroring the Swedish model – a mandatory assessment for all citizens, with potential call-up for a minimum of twelve months if voluntary recruitment falls short. He criticized factions within the Social Democratic Party (SPD) for obstructing the implementation of such a measure, describing their actions as “fatal” for the future of German defence.