Germany's top General says the military needs more soldiers. Will conscription return? | DW News

Summary of DW News Interview with Head of German Armed Forces

Key Concepts:

• Readiness for war (Kriegstüchtigkeit)
• Deterrence (Abschreckung)
• Resilience (Resilienz)
• Hybrid warfare (Hybride Kriegsführung)
• Continuum of war (Kontinuum des Krieges)
• Growth potential of armed forces (Aufwuchspotenzial der Streitkräfte)
• Compulsory military service (Wehrpflicht)
• Crisis resilience (Krisenfestigkeit)

1. Main Topics and Key Points:

• Germany Needs to Be Ready for War: The head of the German armed forces, Carsten Breuer, stated that Germany needs to be militarily and mentally prepared for a potential attack, primarily from Russia. This readiness is not just about weapon systems and personnel numbers but also about a societal mentality and resilience.
• Russia as a Direct Threat: Breuer sees Russia as a direct threat to Germany and believes Russia could be in a position to attack NATO territory by 2029. He stated that Russia is preparing 1,500 battle tanks and 4 million rounds of ammunition per year and setting up military structures pointing westward.
• Hybrid Warfare and the Continuum of War: Breuer explained that Russia views war as a continuum, employing hybrid measures that blur the lines between peace and war. Germany must adapt its strategic thinking to this new reality.
• Need for Increased Military Spending and Growth: Germany has significantly increased its defense spending and needs to further build up its military. Breuer stated that the German armed forces need to reach 460,000 service members, including reservists, and that some form of military service (compulsory or voluntary) is necessary to achieve this growth potential.
• Societal Resilience and Preparation: Breuer emphasized the importance of societal resilience and preparation for worst-case scenarios, including disasters and war. He supports initiatives like increased education in schools to prepare citizens for such events.
• Mentality Shift in German Population: A mentality shift is needed in the German population regarding the armed forces and crisis resilience. While positive views of the Bundeswehr have increased, many still struggle to adjust to the new realities and see crisis resilience as a shared responsibility.

2. Important Examples, Case Studies, or Real-World Applications Discussed:

• Russia's Actions in Ukraine: Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago is cited as a major factor driving the increased awareness of the need for German military readiness.
• Denmark's Compulsory Military Service for Women: Denmark's recent introduction of compulsory military service for women is mentioned as an example of a potential step for Germany to consider.
• Germany's Past Neglect of its Military: The interview highlights how Germany neglected its military for decades after the end of the Cold War, halting conscription and focusing on peacekeeping missions.

3. Step-by-Step Processes, Methodologies, or Frameworks Explained:

• Building Resilience: Resilience is built by interlinking politics, society, the economy, and the military to jointly assess threats and determine countermeasures. This involves proactive action rather than just reaction.
• Deterrence Strategy: Deterrence is achieved by being ready to defend oneself. This readiness encompasses weapon systems, personnel numbers, and a resilient mentality within the population and armed forces.

4. Key Arguments or Perspectives Presented, with Their Supporting Evidence:

• Argument: Germany needs to be ready for war to deter Russia.
  • Evidence: Russia is increasing its military capabilities and has a different understanding of war as a continuum. Germany's past neglect of its military has left it vulnerable.
• Argument: Societal resilience is crucial for national security.
  • Evidence: A resilient society can better withstand and respond to threats, making the country stronger overall.
• Argument: Germany needs to increase the size of its armed forces.
  • Evidence: Germany has committed to NATO obligations and currently has a shortage of soldiers.

5. Notable Quotes or Significant Statements with Proper Attribution:

• Carsten Breuer: "The categories of peace, crisis, and war...are not used by the Russian side. Russia sees war as a continuum."
• Carsten Breuer: "The best way to deter is to be ready to defend ourselves."
• Carsten Breuer: "We need to increase our armed forces...Our calculations show that we need to get to 460,000 service women and men."

6. Technical Terms, Concepts, or Specialized Vocabulary with Brief Explanations:

• Kriegstüchtigkeit (Readiness for War): The state of being prepared and equipped for military conflict.
• Abschreckung (Deterrence): Discouraging an adversary from taking action through the threat of retaliation.
• Resilienz (Resilience): The ability to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. In this context, the ability of a society to withstand and recover from crises.
• Hybride Kriegsführung (Hybrid Warfare): A military strategy that blends conventional warfare, irregular warfare, and cyber warfare.
• Kontinuum des Krieges (Continuum of War): The idea that war is not a distinct state but rather a continuous spectrum of activities, including those that blur the lines between peace and war.
• Aufwuchspotenzial der Streitkräfte (Growth Potential of Armed Forces): The capacity to increase the size and capabilities of the armed forces.
• Wehrpflicht (Compulsory Military Service): Mandatory enlistment of people in a national service, most often military service.
• Krisenfestigkeit (Crisis Resilience): The ability of a society or system to withstand and recover from crises.
• Bundeswehr: The unified armed forces of Germany.

7. Logical Connections Between Different Sections and Ideas:

The interview progresses logically from the general need for German readiness to the specific threats posed by Russia, the necessary steps to build military capacity, and the importance of societal resilience. The discussion of hybrid warfare and the continuum of war provides context for understanding the nature of the threat and the need for a comprehensive response. The interview connects the need for increased military spending and personnel to Germany's NATO obligations.

8. Any Data, Research Findings, or Statistics Mentioned:

• Russia is preparing 1,500 battle tanks and 4 million rounds of ammunition per year.
• Germany needs to reach 460,000 service members in its armed forces.
• Germany has a shortage of approximately 100,000 soldiers.
• Over 80% of Germans have a positive image of the Bundeswehr.

9. Clear Section Headings for Different Topics:

(Headings are incorporated throughout this summary)

10. A Brief Synthesis/Conclusion of the Main Takeaways:

The interview with the head of the German armed forces underscores the urgent need for Germany to prepare for potential conflict, particularly from Russia. This preparation requires not only increased military spending and personnel but also a fundamental shift in societal mentality towards resilience and a recognition of the evolving nature of warfare. While challenges remain in achieving these goals, particularly regarding conscription and public perception, the interview highlights the critical importance of proactive measures to ensure Germany's security and stability.