PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Germany’s top general has indicated that the country is considering reinstating conscription to bolster its military forces by 100,000 soldiers.

Who’s Involved: Carsten Breuer, the German Chief of Defence, and other German defense officials are involved in the discussions.

Where & When: The announcement was made on BBC’s Radio 4 on Monday.

Key Quote: Breuer stated, “We won’t get this additional 100,000 soldiers without having one or the other, a model of conscription.”

Impact: The potential reinstatement of conscription underscores Germany’s strategic pivot in response to perceived threats, particularly from Russia, and could significantly increase its military personnel.

IN FULL:

Germany is contemplating reinstating military conscription, as conveyed by the nation’s top general. Carsten Breuer, Germany’s Chief of Defence, indicated that reintroducing conscription might be essential to recruit an additional 100,000 soldiers. This move comes in response to growing concerns over the possibility of a conflict with Russia.

Breuer emphasized the necessity of a compulsory service model to meet the recruitment goals necessary for national security. He pointed out that achieving the troop increase without implementing some form of conscription seemed unlikely.

“We won’t get this additional 100,000 soldiers without having one or the other, a model of conscription,” Breuer said.

Highlighting the urgency, Breuer cautioned that Russian forces could potentially threaten NATO territories within four years. This scenario has prompted German defense authorities to propose a substantial military buildup as a deterrent measure. He remarked, “We are threatened by Putin, and we have to do whatever is needed to do to deter, and by building up a strong defence line then you deter best.”

In recent months, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has already floated plans to expand the national armed forces by 50,000, taking the total to 230,000. In May of last year, Pistorius stated that he was already mulling over the idea of introducing conscription for 18-year-olds in Germany to help boost troop numbers.

Germany has a historical precedent for conscription, having enforced mandatory military service for men until 2011 when the policy was shelved.

Incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has made it clear that he overwhelmingly supports Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and has promised a massive increase in defense spending.

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