The Bundestag’s Commissioner for the Armed Forces, Eva Högl, believes that compulsory military service is ultimately unavoidable. “Voluntary service is important, but in the long term it also needs to be an obligation,” Högl told the magazine “Stern” when asked whether a mere compulsory conscription followed by voluntary service would be sufficient. “It must be clear to everyone: everyone in our society must make a contribution.”
The Swedish model is exemplary in this respect, said Högl. Everyone is subject to military service, but not an entire year group is drafted, but only a portion from the pool of those who volunteer for military service. If the number of volunteers is not sufficient, “there must be a requirement,” Högl continued. “I agree with Boris Pistorius on that.”
This week, Defense Minister Pistorius (SPD) presented his plans for a new military service model. He wants to reestablish the registration of those fit for military service, which was suspended 13 years ago. He also wants to oblige young men to fill out a questionnaire about their willingness and ability to serve and to submit to a medical examination if selected. It is still unclear whether they can be recruited against their will.
Högl said that, like Pistorius, she believes that the obligation to at least fill out the conscription form is enough – after that, many people will volunteer for military service, so that there will be enough personnel for the Bundeswehr. However, surveys show that a clear majority of Germans are in favor of returning conscription, said Högl.
In the future, there will need to be a mandatory year of community service for everyone, men and women alike. “This strengthens solidarity and is good for each and every individual.” Service in the Bundeswehr would be part of this. Others could complete their year of service in the social sector, climate protection, monument preservation or other areas, said Högl.
However, the associated amendment to the Basic Law cannot be achieved in this legislative period. Högl argued that this should be tackled very quickly in the next legislative period.
