Calls in Germany for Mandatory Military Draft Amid NATO Defence Requirements
German military officials advocate for restoring conscription to meet increasing personnel needs.
André Wüstner, the head of the German Armed Forces Federation, has called for the reinstatement of mandatory military service to address new defense requirements presented by NATO.
He indicated that Germany would need to add up to 60,000 active soldiers to its military ranks to meet these demands.
In an interview with Deutschlandfunk, Wüstner expressed skepticism about achieving this significant personnel increase solely through voluntary enlistment and urged the governing coalition to consider pathways for a potential return to compulsory military service.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius reaffirmed the necessity of additional forces for the German military.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has similarly emphasized the need for more troops and capabilities to fully implement the alliance's defense plans, highlighting priorities in air and missile defense, long-range weapons, and sizable ground force units.
He indicated that Germany would need to add up to 60,000 active soldiers to its military ranks to meet these demands.
In an interview with Deutschlandfunk, Wüstner expressed skepticism about achieving this significant personnel increase solely through voluntary enlistment and urged the governing coalition to consider pathways for a potential return to compulsory military service.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius reaffirmed the necessity of additional forces for the German military.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has similarly emphasized the need for more troops and capabilities to fully implement the alliance's defense plans, highlighting priorities in air and missile defense, long-range weapons, and sizable ground force units.
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Translated by AI
