Germany’s top military officer, General Inspector Carsten Breuer, has fiercely defended the necessity of a comprehensive conscription assessment of all young men to bolster the nation’s defense capabilities, directly challenging proposals for a lottery system currently under consideration by parliamentary factions. Breuer’s stance signals a widening rift within the political landscape regarding the potential reintroduction of mandatory military service.
Speaking to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Breuer asserted that from a purely military perspective, assessing the entirety of each cohort is paramount. “It is crucial to know who is available and whom we could potentially draw upon in a defense situation, one we strive to prevent” he stated, emphasizing the need for “personnel reserves and the flexibility we require”. He warned that delaying assessments until a crisis emerges would create unacceptable delays and undermine preparedness.
The debate centers around Germany’s efforts to meet NATO demands, which necessitate a force of 260,000 active soldiers and 200,000 reservists – a substantial increase from the current 180,000 active personnel. While acknowledging the importance of voluntary service, Breuer was critical of the proposed lottery system, arguing that it significantly restricts operational flexibility. “We should not limit our own options” he cautioned.
While a post-assessment lottery, designed to draw from a pool of qualified individuals if voluntary recruitment falls short, remains a possibility under discussion, Breuer expressed reservations. He highlighted the strategic advantage of prioritizing individuals with specialized skills and strong motivation for initial conscription, emphasizing the benefits for military training. “A model that prioritizes those who are particularly qualified and motivated offers crucial advantages for military education” he clarified.
Despite his insistence on a broad assessment program, Breuer stressed a commitment to voluntary recruitment. “We primarily rely on willingness” he emphasized, advocating for a modernized and compelling military service experience that instills a sense of purpose and attracts young people. However, he underscored that a broader call-up, requiring a formal decision by the cabinet and parliament, would be reserved for situations where volunteer numbers prove insufficient and would prioritize skills aligned with immediate operational needs – shying away from a randomized selection process that could necessitate extensive and costly additional training. The prospect of selectively targeting individuals with expertise in areas like IT, as opposed to a more indiscriminate draw, underscores the increasing complexity of Germany’s evolving defense strategy and the potential political hurdles involved in reshaping its conscription policy.