Top German general admits that CONSCRIPTION is “absolutely” necessary to combat Russia
German Gen. Carsten Breuer warns that conscription is necessary to recruit 100,000 additional soldiers, citing an imminent threat from Russia.
Breuer emphasizes deterrence against Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating preparedness depends on “how much time Putin gives us,” with conscription needed as soon as possible.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius supports expanding Germany’s military, admitting the 2011 suspension of conscription was a “mistake,” while opposition parties also endorse reinstatement.
The government is considering models, including mandatory service for all 18-year-olds, marking a sharp reversal from post-Cold War demilitarization.
Critics argue Germany’s militarization risks broader conflict, as leaders prioritize military buildup over diplomatic solutions, despite calls for de-escalation.
Gen. Carsten Breuer, the country’s chief of defense, recently stressed the need for a compulsory military service model to recruit an additional 100,000 soldiers. He framed the call for conscription as an urgent necessity in the face of an imminent Russian threat, and his statements leave little room for interpretation.
“Absolutely,” the general told BBC Radio 4 in a recent interview. “We won’t get this additional 100,000 soldiers without having one or the other, a model of conscription.”
“We are threatened by [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, and we have to do whatever is needed to deter. By building up a strong defense line, then you deter best.”
When asked about how much time and money was needed to achieve this goal, Breuer told the outlet that it was “more about how much time Putin gives us to be prepared.” Emphasizing the need to reinstate conscription at the soonest, the general added: “The sooner we are prepared, the better it is.”
Breuer’s remarks expose a disturbing reality: Berlin is actively preparing for conflict rather than pursuing peace. This also comes as diplomatic efforts between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have underscored the possibility of de-escalation.
Back to the draft: Germany’s dangerous gamble
The general’s comments align with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius’ aggressive push to expand Germany’s armed forces. Pistorius, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), has already proposed increasing troop numbers by 50,000 – for a total of 230,000. He has also openly admitted that suspending mandatory conscription in 2011 was a “mistake.”
What makes this push for conscription even more alarming is its timing. While European leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron flirt with the idea of sending North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) troops to Ukraine, Germany is taking concrete steps toward militarization. Instead of pursuing dialogue, Berlin appears fixated on escalation.
The political backing for conscription is equally troubling. The opposition Christian Democratic Union, despite having abolished mandatory service under former Chancellor Angela Merkel, now supports its reinstatement.
Meanwhile, outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz – also from the SPD – has refused to rule out a smaller-scale draft, leaving the door open for further militarization. Funding remains unresolved, but Pistorius has already lobbied for relaxed debt rules to finance the expansion – a move that could spark internal strife.
Germany’s rush toward conscription is a dangerous gamble. By reviving compulsory service, the government is signaling that it expects war, not peace. While Breuer claims this is about deterrence, the reality is that militarization breeds escalation.
Rather than heeding the lessons of diplomacy, Germany is choosing a path that risks dragging Europe into a broader conflict. The world should take notice: Berlin is preparing for battle, and the consequences could be catastrophic.
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