The commander of the German Bundeswehr’s Land Forces, Lieutenant General Harald Gante, stated that the German armed forces will not be able to cope with growing demands without the return of compulsory military service. In his view, the voluntary principle is no longer effective.
In an interview with Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Gante emphasized that the current approach will not solve the issue of personnel shortages, including in the reserves.
“If we stick to the so-called double voluntarism—where both the employer and the individual must agree to participation in training—this will not work,” Gante said.
The general noted that the Bundeswehr is facing new challenges related to the defense of the country and its allies, as well as internal security.
“All the additional tasks we are currently undertaking in the areas of territorial and collective defense cannot be carried out without a significant increase in personnel. And this can only be achieved with conscripts,” he emphasized.
The issue of reintroducing conscription in Germany remains contentious. In 2011, the country abandoned compulsory service in favor of a professional army. However, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, this debate has gained momentum once again.
