The chief of the German army has suggested that women should also be required to perform mandatory military service if it is reintroduced, in order to „ensure equality”.
Germany abolished mandatory military service in 2011, although the law still allows for this type of recruitment in the event of war or other tensions, as reported by dpa.
The war launched by Russia against Ukraine has once again highlighted the deficiencies of the German army and sparked a debate on reintroducing mandatory military service.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius presented plans in June for a new military service model aimed at supplementing the army's personnel.
In statements to the German RND media group published on Thursday, Carsten Breuer, the highest-ranking military official in the German army, said that mandatory military service, currently suspended, applies only to men, but in his opinion, "equality should be ensured".
However, the introduction of equal rights in this case requires political and social debate, Breuer added.
Minister Pistorius intends to introduce mandatory registration, where young people must declare their willingness to perform military service and their capability to do so.
Women can also do this, but on a voluntary basis.
The Minister described the idea as "selective military service", intended to allow the army to call up only those who are "most suitable and motivated" for training.
The new model includes six months of basic military service, with an option for additional voluntary service of up to 17 months.
Carsten Breuer expressed support for Pistorius' new recruitment model.
He stated that from a military perspective, the development of capabilities, especially regarding NATO planning, is necessary.
The senior military official also said that Germany is a very important hub for the Western alliance and the country needs over 400,000 temporary and professional or reserve military personnel.
To meet this need, around 100,000 additional reservists are required, and the new recruitment model could achieve this goal, according to Breuer. However, he emphasized that elements of mandatory military service will also be necessary.