And for a Voluntary, Highly Professional, Well-Paid, and Respected Professional Army
Freedom vs. “Duty” – A Fundamental Contradiction
The debate over a return to conscription reveals deeply outdated thinking that remains prevalent among Germany’s political elites. Many German politicians, including Friedrich Merz and Joschka Fischer, cling to a security policy logic from the 20th century. They view military service as a necessary duty to society, without recognizing the central importance of freedom in a democratic order.
The liberal democratic order, as enshrined in the best constitution ever written – the Basic Law (Grundgesetz) – is based on voluntariness, self-determination, and the rejection of state coercion where it is not absolutely necessary. Conscription directly contradicts these values. It degrades the individual to a mere instrument of the state, stripping away their freedom to make decisions about their own life. When we speak of duty, we speak of coercion – and coercion can never be reconciled with freedom.
The Dangers of this Military Dinosaur Thinking:
The arguments for a conscript army rely on a return to outdated models that were developed in a time when large-scale land wars between hostile blocs were considered likely. However, today’s conflicts are asymmetric, digital, and resource-driven. Modern war is no longer fought in trenches but through targeted cyberattacks, economic battles for resources, and hybrid warfare, where disinformation and sabotage play crucial roles.
Advocates for conscription also ignore that, in a liberal democracy, no one should be forced to risk their life for political miscalculations or ideological constructs. A society based on coercion loses its liberal character and creates an army that serves not out of conviction, but out of duty or even reluctance. This not only undermines effectiveness but also the moral integrity of the armed forces.
A Professional Army as the Model for the Future
Rather than relying on conscription and coercion, Germany must base its defense strategy on a highly qualified professional army capable of meeting modern challenges. Such an army is defined by the following principles:
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Voluntariness instead of Coercion – Only those who consciously choose to serve in the military will act with full motivation and commitment. An army of conviction is always stronger than one held together by obligation.
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Highly Professional Training and Equipment – The German military should be defined not by numbers, but by quality. Modern conflicts require a technically proficient, strategically trained, and well-equipped force that can respond flexibly to threats.
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Attractive Pay and Societal Recognition – Soldiers should not only be highly trained but also well-compensated and respected in society. Service in the Bundeswehr must be viewed as a desirable career option, not a last resort or civic duty.
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Integration of Modern Warfare – Cyber defense, drone technology, and electronic warfare are central elements of modern defense. The Bundeswehr must specialize in these areas and must not remain stuck in the logic of past battles.
Conclusion
A return to conscription would be a fatal mistake, throwing Germany back into the military past. Instead, we must recognize the signs of the times and build a professional army that meets the demands of the 21st century. An army that is voluntary, highly qualified, technologically advanced, and socially respected. Only in this way can Germany defend its liberal democratic order without undermining it through coercion and outdated thinking.