The German Defense Minister Boris Pistoriushe reiterated this Wednesday on the Norwegian border with Russia that a debate about the reintroduction of some form of military service in Germany It is unavoidable in the current security context.
“In times when there was no military threat it was defensible and correct to renounce (military service), but now we are moving towards times in which we must change course”declared in an appearance in Kirkenes, in northern Norway, with his counterpart from that country, Bjorn Arild Gram.
On the one hand, it is necessary to address the issue of reinforcing personnel in the Armed Forces, which despite recruitment efforts have not been able to increase their numbers, but there is also, according to what he said, a “joint responsibility for security”, both in the face of threats from the foreigner and in the face of civil protection.
It is a debate that must take place “inescapably”, whether it is a service that is mandatory or not, he pointed out.
In the current strategic situation, it is necessary to “look at models and actions of others,” he noted in reference to the Norwegian system, by which he declared himself “very impressed.”
On the border between Norway y RussiaPistorius had the opportunity to observe the surveillance towers that are located less than two kilometers away, where he observed “many recruits who serve there for months without cell phones, without internet, without officers, under their own responsibility.”
It is not the first time that the social democrat Pistorius has spoken out in favor of reintroducing in some form the military service abolished in 2011, but the chancellor Olaf Scholzhis party colleague, has indicated on several occasions that he does not think it is “a good idea.”
For his part, the Norwegian Defense Minister emphasized that Europe faces the “most serious security situation in many decades” and highlighted the importance of maintaining stability in the far north of the Scandinavian Peninsula.
“We are always vigilant in this area, aware of the significant Russian military capabilities on the other side,” he said.
He also referred to the challenges that the Arctic environment presents for the armed forces, which must be able to deal with the harsh climatic conditions, which is why they must practice constantly.
Arild Gram and Pistorius will visit tomorrow the military exercises of the OTAN Nordic Response that are celebrated this week in Finland, Norway y Sweden and in which, according to information from the Alliance, 20,000 troops from 13 different countries participate. EFE (I)
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