The Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) has welcomed the planning by Federal Minister for Families Karin Prien (CDU) to introduce a new voluntary societal service. However, the ASB simultaneously calls for prompt preparations in case a mandatory civil service is implemented.
ASB Federal Chairman Knut Fleckenstein told the Funke media group that while voluntary service is preferred, the organization must address the possibility of mandatory military or civil service in a timely manner. He stressed that if a form of civil service were introduced, planning could not wait until its launch. Furthermore, any redesign must integrate the positive insights gleaned from the existing Federal Voluntary Service (BFD) and the Voluntary Social Year (FSJ). Fleckenstein, however, rejected the idea of reintroducing the civil service in its previous, abolished form.
Regarding the societal service, Fleckenstein suggested adapting the current BFD and FSJ models. He argued that the youth involved should receive stronger educational training during their service time and be incorporated into population protection efforts. To achieve this, the duration of the service could not be too short. Crucially, he also stated that there needed to be better remuneration than currently offered, ensuring participants could at least cover basic living costs. He proposed making this compensation regionally flexible, given that the cost of living is naturally higher in metropolitan areas.
The ASB head also applauded the concept of including older adults in the societal service. Should the service be adopted, the ASB is fully confident in its ability to “problemlessly” double the current number of individuals-around 1,500-who participate in the BFD or FSJ through the organization.
