The majority of Germans support plans for mandatory screening of young men born in 2008. According to a recent Insa survey for “Bild am Sonntag”, 58 percent of those surveyed believe that implementing nationwide screening is correct, while 29 percent reject it. 13 percent did not provide any information.
According to the federal government’s plan, military service itself should remain voluntary. But many do not believe that this model will work: 57 percent of those surveyed do not expect that there will be enough volunteers in the future to achieve the Bundeswehr’s personnel goals. Only 25 percent expected this to work, 18 percent said they were undecided.
Personal willingness to undertake military service is also still low. Only 31 percent of Germans want to volunteer, while 55 percent refuse. 14 percent did not provide any information. For the survey, opinion research institute Insa interviewed 1,003 people between November 13 and 14.
After weeks of political wrangling, the government coalition agreed to a new service model this week; a compromise regarding future military service was presented Thursday morning. This regulation provides for mandatory training for all young men born in 2008 and onwards as well as clear growth goals for the next few years. However, the black-red coalition wanted to use the new military service to attract enough recruits to the Bundeswehr on a voluntary basis.
There should be no obligation under the new law. However, if the desired number of troops is not achieved, then “necessary military service” must be implemented. The Bundestag will have to vote again on this matter.
