Political parties are embroiled in a serious dispute over the possible reinstatement of compulsory military service. Proponents argue for a modern version of the scheme, with opponents believing such a move would be pointless.

The German government is allocating significant financial resources for military development. The decision was made a few days ago, after the war in Ukraine has shed light on some of the weaknesses of the German military. Among other ideas, the restoration of compulsory military service was also raised, which led to a heated debate between German political parties. The Inspector General of the German army (Bundeswehr) and leading politicians in the Social Democratic Party (SPD) have spoken out against the reintroduction of the scheme. „Conscription, as we know it, is not necessary in the current situation,” said Inspector General Zorn, adding that the Bundeswehr and its responsibilities had changed in recent years.

„Conscripts are absolutely unsuitable for fighting in cyberspace, to name just one example. We need well-trained, and in some cases even highly specialized, staff to cover the entire range of tasks.”

Mr Zorn explained. He also pointed out that a decision of this magnitude could not be made quickly, it would take years. Top SPD politicians also spoke out against conscription. „The reinstatement of conscription does not contribute to reducing the current threats and distracts attention from urgent problems,” SPD General Secretary Kevin Kuhner said.

„Die Notstände bei der #Bundeswehr lassen sich nicht mit der Einführung von rechtlich fragwürdigen Pflichtdiensten für junge Menschen beseitigen”, sagt @SoenkeRix. Die Debatte zur Wiedereinführung der #Wehrpflicht komme zur Unzeit und helfe in der akuten Situation nicht weiter.

— SPD-Fraktion im Bundestag (@spdbt) March 2, 2022

However, there is no complete agreement among the Social Democrats. Compulsory military service would promote community spirit, said Wolfgang Hellmich, security policy expert for SPD’s parliamentary group, who called for an urgent debate on the issue.

Opposition parties are also divided over the issue. Mario Czaja, Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has called for an upgrade of the existing voluntary services, pointing out that Bundeswehr’s technological level does not make it possible to reinstate conscription. Stephan Mayer, Secretary General of the Christian Social Union (CSU), is also opposed to conscription, arguing that the Bundeswehr should be strengthened in its current orientation and better equipped.

However, Christoph Ploss, the head of CDU in Hamburg, is in favour of mandatory military service, arguing that it could be performed in civilian structures, at a variety of aid organisations and in the field of care and education. Alternative for Germany (AfD) has also called for reinstating conscription. „The federal government can no longer rely on volunteering and advertising campaigns,” said Rudiger Lucassen, a defense policy spokesman for AfD’s parliamentary group. He added, however, that it could take years before the first soldiers are trained.

Unser verteidigungspolitische Sprecher @MdB_Lucassen fordert: „Die allgemeine Wehrpflicht muss sofort reaktiviert werden!” #UkraineKrieg #Wehrpflicht #Bundeswehr https://t.co/rKG3dMQSw0

— AfD-Fraktion im Deutschen Bundestag ?? (@AfDimBundestag) March 1, 2022

Conscription-based military service in Germany was suspended in 2011, after 55 years, by Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (CSU), then federal defence minister, which practically meant the abolition of both military and civilian service.