The German government is currently examining the reintroduction of a kind of “compulsory military service light”, in which around 5,000 to 7,000 young people would be recruited each year. However, the Bundeswehr is facing massive infrastructural challenges: Many barracks are dilapidated or were decommissioned after 2011. There is also a lack of capacity for training and conscription.
Security expert Dr. Joachim Weber from the University of Bonn is critical of the feasibility of the project. In his view, there is not only a lack of personnel and accommodation, but also a lack of a clear security policy concept.
In addition, the General Weber Barracks in Höxter are due to be renamed, as the name giver is no longer considered worthy of the tradition due to its anti-republican past.