Dr. Joachim Weber at Schwäbische.de: Embarrassing and disgusting - Why compulsory military service is really failing Dr. Joachim Weber at Schwäbische.de: Embarrassing and disgusting -Why compulsory military service is really failing

In a recent article in the Schwäbische Zeitung, Dr. Joachim Weber, security expert at the University of Bonn and Senior Fellow at CASSIS, comments on the debate surrounding the reintroduction of compulsory military service in Germany. In Weber's view, the political will to reactivate compulsory military service faces a sobering reality: The infrastructure of the Bundeswehr is in a catastrophic state in many places - dilapidated barracks, clogged toilets, a lack of sanitary facilities for female soldiers and sometimes unacceptable hygienic conditions prevent orderly training operations. Weber emphasizes that the excessive bureaucracy is paralyzing necessary reforms, although the geopolitical situation requires quick action. Federal Defense Minister Pistorius had also previously admitted that there was a lack of barracks and trainers. Since the suspension of compulsory military service in 2011, 31 barracks have been closed across Germany and some existing sites have been significantly downsized. Weber notes that under the current conditions, neither a volunteer army can grow sufficiently, nor would a compulsory service system be sustainable. Nevertheless, he advocates the reintroduction of “some form of compulsory military service” - as a reaction to the new security policy reality. Without fundamental structural and organizational improvements, however, neither military justice nor the ability to serve can be achieved.