The debate surrounding Germany’s military manpower requirements has intensified with a forceful intervention from former Bundeswehr Inspector General, Eberhard Zorn, who is advocating for a universal service obligation. Zorn’s call directly challenges the position of the current Inspector General, Carsten Breuer, who has characterized the question of conscription as solely a political matter, rather than a military one.
Zorn argues that relying solely on voluntary recruitment is insufficient to achieve the Bundeswehr’s desired troop levels. “If voluntarism sufficed, we would have long fulfilled our personnel goals” he stated, suggesting a more robust and comprehensive approach is required to bolster Germany’s defense capabilities. His proposal extends beyond traditional military service, envisioning a system where all citizens contribute a year to the nation, whether through Bundeswehr service, social work, or technical support agencies like the THW.
Rejecting a lottery system for conscription, Zorn emphasized the need for broader call-ups to identify suitable candidates. He criticized the government’s handling of the lottery debate, deeming it a “communication failure” and insisted on a detailed, year-by-year recruitment plan to ensure targets are met by 2029. This plan, he asserted, would provide the necessary framework for accountability and allow for effective monitoring of progress.
Beyond manpower, Zorn’s assessment extends to technological security, urging an immediate and expansive upgrade to Germany’s drone defense capabilities. He specifically called for the deployment of drone defense systems not only within Bundeswehr facilities, but also at critical infrastructure locations – including chemical plants and energy installations. Zorn suggested equipping the security personnel at these sites with electronic countermeasures, arguing that relying on external forces like the Federal Police in emergency situations is untenable. He stressed the need for immediate, localized action, rather than waiting for assistance that might be delayed.
The emergence of such a senior voice advocating for a return to mandatory service underscores the growing unease within German military circles regarding the nation’s ability to meet its security commitments amidst escalating geopolitical tensions and a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
