More soldiers for the Bundeswehr: Baden-Württemberg faces space!

More soldiers for the Bundeswehr: Baden-Württemberg faces space!

in Baden-Württemberg is currently being discussed about a possible increase in staff at the Bundeswehr. Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) has announced that up to 60,000 additional soldiers are needed to strengthen the Bundeswehr. But as [tagesschaschau.de] (https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/badenwuerttemberg/swr- Mehr- Mehrer--fuer-diewehr-doch-in-bw-die-die-Kapazitaeten-belte-100.html), big capacity problems are compared to the ambitions. The existing barracks in Baden-Württemberg are already busy until the stop, so that the everyday life of the soldiers is severely impaired.

Over 18,000 people were employed in Bundeswehr units in Baden-Württemberg in 2024, and the need for urgently needed space leads to a worrying situation. The high load of the barracks means that not only the conditions on site suffer, but also soldiers often do not find their own living space for over 25 years. This forces some in expensive hotels because rents in the Sky area are high. The latest annual report of the military officer Eva Högl (SPD) addresses these pressing problems and the inadequate parlor places for older soldiers.

clear signal for security policy

The security policy situation in Europe has changed fundamentally. The Federal Intelligence Service warns of the direct risk of Russia's attack on NATO territory. According to [WDR] (https://www1.wdr.de/nachrichten/wehr- Bundeswehr-faq-fragen-wert-tml), Russia could be able to wage a conventional war by the end of the decade. Under these pressing signs, Pistorius emphasizes the need to increase Germany's military power.

In order to meet the increased need, it is discussed, among other things, about reactivating conscription. The minister said that this could be put back into force relatively easily in parliament. But the current reality looks different: Many barracks have been sold or closed, which the Bundeswehr currently does not consider comprehensive implementation of conscription. Pistorius points out that an immediate reintroduction of military service would not be effective, since both the capacities and the trainers are missing.

new concepts and incentives

To remedy the bottleneck in troop strength, Pistorius recently presented a new “selection defense service”. This is said to contain voluntary elements and could also include mandatory aspects. The planning provides for a basic training of six months, which can be extended to up to 17 months. So that the young men, who are contacted from the age of 18, explain their willingness, the Ministry expects around 400,000 men to show 100,000, reports ZDF.

The Bundeswehr strives to set up a stable reserve of 200,000 soldiers in order to meet the new challenges. Through incentives such as the possibility of obtaining driving licenses, young people in particular should be motivated to do voluntary military service. It remains to be seen whether these measures and concepts are sufficient to meet the enormous needs of the Bundeswehr.

Overall, the side effects of the security policy situation and the far-reaching debates about personnel and infrastructure have a major impact on the Bundeswehr in Baden-Württemberg and the entire federal territory. A real solution to the problems is still pending, but those responsible work to master the upcoming challenges.