“If the current situation is not sufficient to end the suspension of compulsory military service, then what is?” - Ulrich Schlie in an interview with Die WELT “If the current situation is not sufficient to end the suspension of compulsory military service, then what is?”

Ulrich Schlie welcomes the fact that the Federal Cabinet met at the Ministry of Defense for the first time in years, because it underscores the importance of security and defense. However, he considers the new Military Service Act to be insufficient: although it makes military service more attractive, it cannot meet the Bundeswehr's large personnel requirements without a return to compulsory service. The planned change in status for recruits appears to be financially advantageous, but problematic from an organizational point of view. Schlie also criticizes the fact that, despite the current threat situation, the federal government is not reactivating compulsory military service, but is postponing it for party political reasons. He also considers the newly established National Security Council to be necessary, but sees serious design flaws, as key players such as the Inspector General or the President of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) are not given a permanent seat. Schlie is skeptical about the repeated structural reforms of Defense Minister Pistorius; they have made the ministry more top-heavy without advancing the urgently needed strategic management and problem-solving in the armaments sector. Overall, he calls for more honesty in German security policy, a sober assessment of threats, and a more consistent alignment of state structures with the real challenges of security policy.