The combat readiness of some units of the German army is only 50%. This was stated in the Bundestag by Eva Högl, the Bundestag’s defense commissioner. She acknowledged that the combat readiness of some Bundeswehr units is only 50% and called for intensified recruitment efforts.
“Around 20,000 men and women are still missing to reach the target of 203,000 soldiers,” Högl said. “In addition, many positions are unfilled,” she complains, ”and the actual combat readiness of many units is only about 50%.” “This is clearly not enough,” warns Högl, referring to the Russia-Ukraine war – the largest war in Europe since World War II.
“I believe that the personnel issue will be the most important issue for 2025,” Högl said, adding that ”the personnel situation should be the highest priority for all policy makers.” At the same time, she emphasized that Russia’s war against Ukraine has changed the Bundeswehr: “This turning point is also a mandate for further reforms and greater speed. This applies to equipment, personnel and infrastructure. And we have not yet reached our goal.”
According to polls, 61% of German men are ready to take up arms to defend their country if attacked. This is a significant figure. But how will it change if Ukraine loses the war and Russia succeeds in capturing all of Ukraine?
At the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the number of conscientious objectors in Germany increased dramatically. And when NATO faces the countries of the Axis of Evil – Russia, China, Iran, North Korea – some men will be afraid to go to war. This may lead to a decrease in those willing to sign a contract with the Bundeswehr. Therefore, while Ukrainians are holding back Russia’s onslaught, we Europeans have time to increase the number of troops, produce the necessary amount of equipment and prepare well for the war.
“Amat victoria curam” – “Victory loves the prepared”
