Former German Minister of the Interior and Defence, Thomas de Maizière, has affirmed the decision to suspend compulsory military service, stating it was a necessary action at the time. In an interview with T-Online, de Maizière explained that the recruitment rate during the period of conscription was consistently low, ranging from just 10 to 15 percent, effectively rendering the obligation largely ineffective. “We didn’t really have a military draft” he asserted.
As the debate around a potential return to compulsory service gains momentum, de Maizière suggests that, should it be reinstated, the duration should extend beyond the previous six-month period. He expressed a preference for a broader service obligation encompassing both men and women, deeming it “the better way” to address potential needs.
However, de Maizière cautioned against viewing increased financial investment in the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) as a singular solution. He emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach, specifically calling for the establishment of a national disaster protection system and a closer working relationship between civilian and military entities.
Looking back at the 2015 refugee crisis, de Maizière acknowledged shortcomings in the preparedness of German authorities. He pointed to significant issues with the registration process during the initial influx, noting that the system “didn’t work well”. Following the distribution of refugees, IT systems failed and the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees became overwhelmed. Regarding border rejections, de Maizière conceded that legal avenues existed, but these proved “not enforceable or only temporarily enforceable”.
