Germany plans to introduce new conscription system to expand military strength

Germany plans to introduce new conscription system to expand military strength

Germany plans to introduce new conscription system to expand military strength

Photo: Reservists of the German Armed Forces participate in military exercises. \AFP

[Ta Kung Pao News]According to reports from Agence France-Presse and Deutsche Welle: After the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Germany has once again reviewed the necessity of compulsory military service. German Defense Minister Pistorius announced a proposal for a military service system on the 12th, stipulating that young people of appropriate age will be required to fill out a questionnaire asking about their interest in joining the army, as well as their health and physical fitness when they turn 18. All young men must return the questionnaire, while young women can return it voluntarily.

Foreign media said that after the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Germany tried to find a balance between “expanding the military to counter the Russian threat” and the voices in the ruling coalition opposing the restoration of the conscription system. Pistorius pointed out that he would not consider restoring the compulsory military service system for the time being, but did not rule out “any possibility in the future.”

It is reported that the goal of the new plan is to recruit 5,000 more soldiers each year from 2025, and then gradually increase so that the country can quickly increase its military strength in wartime. The initial service period for new recruits is 6 months, and those who are interested can choose to extend their service period.

The largest opposition party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), called on the government to go further and reintroduce compulsory conscription. Members of the party accused Pistorius of making compromises to please the opposition in Germany’s ruling coalition, and said the current plan was not enough to solve the dilemma.

Germany has fully implemented a voluntary military service system since 2011. Although the German Ministry of Defense has been conducting recruitment activities, it only recruited 18,802 new recruits last year, only 27 more than in 2022.

source: china