Rostock, Germany, Sep 23 (AP) - Germany is facing the challenge of bolstering its military after decades of neglect, spurred on by Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine. Following a substantial financial commitment to upgrade military equipment, the nation is now attempting to attract more recruits.
It has been over 3½ years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine accelerated the push to revitalize the Bundeswehr. With the perceived threat from Moscow growing, the task of strengthening Germany’s military force has become even more pressing.
This year, Germany and its NATO allies agreed to increase military spending, with a focus on boosting personnel numbers. Berlin aims to add tens of thousands of service members. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated, “because of its size and its economic strength, Germany must have the strongest conventional army in NATO on the European side.”
Though Merz has not provided detailed plans, his comments signal a significant shift for a country that, since reunification in 1990, has gradually moved away from its post-World War II military hesitance.
Earlier this month, Germany's military leadership witnessed a large exercise at the Baltic port of Rostock, displaying capabilities such as drone interception and air and sea maneuvers. This exercise focused on troop and equipment movements to Lithuania, where Germany is stationing a brigade long-term for the first time.
Gen Carsten Breuer, the Bundeswehr’s chief of staff, stated, “Credible deterrence requires operational readiness, and operational readiness requires matériel, personnel, training and ... exercising, exercising, exercising.”
Germany faces significant challenges in terms of both equipment and personnel, in part because of historical ambivalence toward the military due to its Nazi past.
Germany suspended conscription in 2011, resulting in difficulties in attracting volunteers. The number of military personnel has remained just above 180,000 in recent years, a marked decrease from 300,000 in 2001. Now, the government aims to increase this to 260,000 over the next decade, plus another 200,000 reservists.
Defense policy expert Thomas Wiegold highlights that better pay could help make the Bundeswehr more appealing. However, fixing longstanding equipment issues is crucial, “because a force that doesn't have enough tanks, ships, or barracks is not particularly attractive for applicants.”
To modernize, a €100 billion ($117 billion) special fund was established in 2022 for purchasing F-35 jets, Chinook helicopters, Leopard 2 tanks, and other hardware. However, such acquisitions will take time. Recently, higher spending was facilitated by relaxing rules against incurring debt, a significant step for debt-averse Germany.
Post-conscription, the Bundeswehr relinquished 48 barracks, and facilities remain in poor condition despite plans to build 76 new buildings by 2031.
The Cabinet has approved a new service system to address personnel shortages. This system aims to offer better pay, conditions, and training for short-term recruits, while maintaining the option to reinstate conscription if voluntary numbers fall short.
Beginning next year, questionnaires will be sent to young adults about their willingness to serve, with men required to respond. From mid-2027, young men will undergo medical exams, but they are not obliged to enlist.
Wiegold believes this could be a preparatory step towards compulsory service, noting that “the whole apparatus to administer compulsory service was scrapped.” He acknowledges skepticism within Merz's bloc about avoiding conscription, a sentiment echoed by Col André Wüstner of the BundeswehrVerband, who cautiously supports a “step by step” approach towards it.
The Bundeswehr is raising its profile in society. Awareness campaigns appear on pizza boxes, kebab wrappers, and social media, while personalized outreach to 16 and 17-year-olds highlights career opportunities. Germany has introduced an annual “veterans' day” and holds swearing-in ceremonies at prominent locations.
New recruits like 21-year-old Lina, feeling the world growing "more tense," question who will serve if not them. Meanwhile, 26-year-old Vincent expressed a desire to actively contribute to Germany’s and Europe’s defense efforts. (AP)
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