Otte wants conscription: a service for the Bundeswehr!

Otte wants conscription: a service for the Bundeswehr!

On June 7, 2025, there were significant developments in Germany to compulsory military service, in particular with the choice of the new military officer Henning Otte. The CDU politician, who represents the Celle-Uelzen constituency in the Bundestag, is committed to reintroducing compulsory military service, which he considers to ensure the willingness of the Bundeswehr. Otte emphasizes that the current strategy of the federal government, which is based on voluntariness, is inadequate. He plans to address the topic of reinstatement of military service this year. According to Tagesschau the compulsory military service in Germany has been legally valid, but has been suspended since July 2011.

otte also expressed concerns about the overstretching of the troops and warned that "mandatory elements" had to be prepared. The military officer also criticized a new regulation that appeals to young men about military service obligation. According to his ideas, a model according to Swedish model could be implemented, in which a mandatory pattern is taking place, but conscription could only apply to men. A mandatory service for women currently appears unrealistic because a change in the Basic Law would be necessary to enable this.

appointment and tasks of Henning Otte

otte was elected as the new military officer on Wednesday and replaces the social democratic politician Eva Högl. In order to be elected to the office, he needed at least 316 votes. Otte has been active in the Bundestag since 2005, has a background as a savings bank clerk and lawyer, and continues to work as a reserve officer for the Bundeswehr. His choice is also accompanied by a takeover of important tasks that represent the interests of the soldiers in the Bundestag, the monitoring of their fundamental rights and unannounced visits to troops. He will submit a report to the Bundestag annually. This need to maintain the interests of the soldiers is considered particularly important in the current security policy situation.

The political landscape on this topic is divided. While Otte and the Union (CDU/CSU) are calling for a return to compulsory conscription, the SPD speaks for a new, voluntary military service. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) has also presented plans to strengthen the Bundeswehr with 60,000 additional soldiers. However, Otte sees clear needs of action and calls on the Federal Government to quickly implement feasible measures to support the troop. His suggestions for improvement include pension points, driver's licenses and the crediting of the service to waiting semesters for study places.

social discussion and perspectives

The discussion about military service has been flamed again in 2022 since Russia's attack on Ukraine. Civilian associations warn of Germany's dramatic vulnerability in population protection, while Inspecter General Carsten Breuer points out a current lack of soldiers in which around 100,000 soldiers are missing. The Union also proposes a mandatory year of service that could also cover social, cultural or ecological areas. Surveys show that 58% of Germans support compulsory military service, while 61% of 18 to 29 year olds are against it. The German Federal Youth Ring also demands that young people can freely decide whether they want to serve a service. In Germany, however, it remains stipulated that nobody can be forced to serve the weapon against his will, and refusal to do the war is still possible.

The policy of the Bundeswehr and the social claims will be put to the test in the coming months, while Henning Otte, as the new military officer, will represent the interests of the soldiers and shape the debate about compulsory military service. The agreement on a sustainable concept to support the Bundeswehr could be crucial for the future security of Germany.