The President of the German Red Cross (DRK), Gerda Hasselfeldt, has advocated for an expansion of the planned new conscription law to include the possibility of a civilian service option. In an interview with the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Hasselfeldt emphasized the importance of a civil alternative to military service, stating, “It’s simply about ensuring we don’t only focus on the undoubtedly important service within the Bundeswehr but also provide a civilian equivalent”. She believes wider societal engagement is vital.
Hasselfeldt stressed the need to proactively inform young people about available civilian service options and provide counseling to facilitate participation. Surveys, she noted, indicate a willingness among many young individuals to contribute to society if given clear avenues and appropriate conditions. The state, she argued, has a responsibility to comprehensively inform citizens about these opportunities.
The DRK President urged for a significant improvement in the design and attractiveness of both military and voluntary civilian service programs. Current offerings, she asserts, tend to disproportionately benefit young people from wealthier families. Furthermore, she called for a re-evaluation and improvement of the recognition of service years within university admissions processes.
Looking ahead to a potential reinstatement of compulsory military service, Hasselfeldt underscored the necessity of preserving the right to conscientious objection and establishing the requisite structures to support a robust civilian service program.
However, she cautioned that certain sectors, particularly healthcare, could face challenges. The potential influx of conscientious objectors could outnumber those willing to participate in voluntary mobilization. Moreover, staffing shortages within care facilities, aggravated since the previous suspension of compulsory service, could hinder the effective integration of civilian service personnel. Hasselfeldt emphasized that civilian service participants cannot simply replace regular workforce and require careful planning and support.