The head of the German Armed Forces Association, André Wüstner, has called for the reintroduction of compulsory military service in order to address the new defense requirements set by NATO. This would necessitate the addition of up to 60,000 active troops to the German military.
In an interview with Deutschlandfunk, reported by the German press agency, Wüstner expressed doubts about meeting this daunting goal solely through voluntary enlistment. He urged the coalition government to pave the way for a potential return to conscription.
The German Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, has confirmed the military’s need for this additional number of personnel.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that “the alliance needs more troops and capabilities to fully implement its defense plans,” identifying priorities such as air and missile defense, long-range weaponry, and large units of ground forces.