Germany Plans to Make Reserve Military Exercises Mandatory in Peacetime

The draft law provides that employers will be heard in advance for all reserve service and can apply for deferral of individual employees, with the principle of proportionality respected through a graduated system.

Germany is responding to the threat from Russia and the resulting changed NATO targets with the new military service, which includes purchases of weapons, military technology, and equipment in the high three-digit billion range.

Pistorius made the statements in Montreal, Canada, on the sidelines of a visit to defense companies, emphasizing the importance of a reliable and stable reserve for national security and societal resilience.

Implications

The Bundeswehr applies the principle of voluntariness for exercises, but the new law would introduce a mandatory component, with the goal of creating a more robust and responsive military reserve.

The plans include an obligation for employers to release employees up to a certain limit for reserve exercises, ensuring that the reserve can be effectively utilized in times of need.

The Ministry of Defence published a draft bill on its website titled 'Gesetz zur Stärkung der Reserve' (Law to Strengthen the Reserve), outlining the proposed changes to the reserve system.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence pointed to the maximum age limits and time limits for reserve service, stating that the graduated system respects the principle of proportionality.

Next Steps

The new reserve will be seen on an equal footing with the active force, not just temporarily supporting it, according to Pistorius, who emphasized the need for a strong and reliable reserve.

The draft law is part of a broader effort to modernize the German military and improve its readiness and responsiveness, in response to changing security challenges and threats.