A prominent voice within Germany’s military establishment is reigniting the debate surrounding mandatory national service, challenging the current government’s reliance on voluntary recruitment and raising critical questions about the nation’s preparedness for evolving security threats. Former General Inspector of the Bundeswehr, Eberhard Zorn, declared himself a “champion of universal service” arguing that all citizens should contribute to the country through a year-long commitment, be it within the armed forces, in social services, or with the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW).
Zorn’s call directly contradicts the position of the current General Inspector, Carsten Breuer, who has characterized the conscription question as a purely political matter, declining to offer military advice. Zorn argues that the Bundeswehr’s ambitious targets for troop numbers are unattainable through voluntary enlistment alone. “If voluntarism were sufficient, we would have long achieved our personnel goals” he stated in an interview with “Welt am Sonntag”. He explicitly rejects the notion of a lottery system for conscription, deeming it impractical for identifying individuals suitable for military service, emphasizing the need to draft entire age cohorts.
Furthermore, Zorn stressed the necessity of a formalized recruitment plan, outlining the annual number of new soldiers required. This measure, he contends, is essential for assessing progress towards the Bundeswehr’s objectives by 2029, a deadline increasingly viewed with skepticism within defense circles. He criticized the government’s previous exploration of a lottery system as a “not a communicative highlight.
Beyond manpower, Zorn’s pronouncements highlight a growing concern regarding the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. He advocated for a significant expansion of drone defense capabilities – extending beyond the Bundeswehr itself. He proposed equipping military bases and critical facilities like chemical plants and energy installations with drone defense systems, empowering security personnel with electronic jamming technology. Zorn cautioned against relying on external agencies like the Federal Police in emergency situations, arguing that immediate, localized action is paramount. This stance reflects a wider shift in security thinking, moving away from centralized responses toward decentralized, proactive defense strategies in light of increasingly sophisticated and accessible drone technology.