The parliamentary defense committee chair, Thomas Röwekamp (CDU), has emphasized the potential for a rapid reactivation of mandatory military service, responding to recently unveiled proposals from Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) regarding a new form of service.
Röwekamp, speaking to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, described the ministry’s proposals as “a good initial basis for further discussions concerning the urgently needed increase in personnel for the Bundeswehr”. However, he expressed continued reservations about achieving the required manpower solely through voluntary service, stating that this will be demonstrable within a year.
Consequently, Röwekamp stressed the necessity of being able to activate the military conscription within that one-year timeframe, asserting that this goal is “clear and non-negotiable”. The Bundeswehr requires a total strength of 260,000 active duty and professional soldiers, supplemented by 200,000 reservists to meet commitments to NATO.
Beyond the immediate personnel needs, Röwekamp underscored that a broader, fundamental reform of mandatory service remains a key political priority. He noted the current legal framework exclusively obligates men for military and substitute service, a situation he characterized as “neither fair nor solidary”. This highlights an ongoing debate concerning the inclusivity and scope of future defense service requirements.
