North-South divide: Who bears the burden of the Bundeswehr in Germany?

North-South divide: Who bears the burden of the Bundeswehr in Germany?

The Bundeswehr is facing major challenges, especially in the context of the lived reality in Germany. By the end of 2027, Germany plans to set up a new brigade in Lithuania with 4,800 soldiers who will carry out their duties on NATO's eastern flank. However, the focus of recruitment shows a striking north-south divide. This emerges from a current report that examines the origins of soldiers and underlines how differently the burden of defense is distributed across the different federal states. There are an impressive 529 soldiers per 100,000 inhabitants in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, while there are only 188 soldiers in Bavaria and only 105 soldiers in Baden-Württemberg. Things look similarly weak in the city states: in Berlin there are only 118 soldiers per 100,000 inhabitants, in Hamburg 175 and in Bremen 185.

One reason for this distribution could lie in the economic conditions of the regions. According to Kettner Edelmetalle, economically weaker areas, especially in the north and east, bear the brunt of national defense. Here, service in the Bundeswehr is often the only career prospect. Sons and daughters from structurally weak regions risk their lives in missions abroad, while economically stronger areas such as southern Germany, where many large companies are based, often only make a limited contribution to ensuring defense. This imbalance raises questions about justice. In the current world situation, characterized by the war in Ukraine and the threat from Russia, responsibility for security is becoming increasingly relevant.

The tasks of the Bundeswehr are growing

The tasks of the Bundeswehr are growing not only because new troops are being stationed in Lithuania, but also because of the constantly increasing requirements. Defense politician Roderich Kiesewetter expresses concerns about the effectiveness of voluntary military service and its ability to meet the need for sufficiently trained soldiers. Studies indicate that the current workforce of 182,000 soldiers is to be increased to 260,000 professional soldiers, and a reserve of 200,000 former military service members is planned. But how can this be achieved? Some experts are urgently calling for more social appreciation for soldiers in order to promote recruitment and ensure the next generation.

According to DW, the target for the Bundeswehr is 203,000 soldiers. However, a worrying trend shows that despite the increase in the number of applicants in 2024, one in four people will leave the Bundeswehr within the first six months. One reason for this may be the desire for assignments close to home, which cannot always be fulfilled. Eva Högl, the Bundestag's defense commissioner, emphasizes the need for a fully operational Bundeswehr at the present time.

Actions required for improvement

A central point in the discussion is the equipment of the Bundeswehr. After the rapidly increasing special fund of 100 billion euros to improve military capacities, which accelerated especially after Russia's attack on Ukraine, there is a significant need for action. While the focus has been shifted to the procurement of rapidly deployable equipment such as combat aircraft and tanks, the provision of functional large-scale equipment and spare parts remains a challenge.

The debate about a possible compulsory service for young people should also not be neglected. Högl suggests a “social year” that can be done both in the Bundeswehr and in social institutions. This could help create new opportunities for recruiting while contributing to society. The idea is to promote social responsibility and better integrate the soldiers.

The situation of the Bundeswehr and the distribution of soldiers show that an even more important social discourse is necessary here. It remains to be hoped that the wealthy regions will contribute their fair share to national defense and that the burden will therefore be distributed more fairly. Because ultimately it’s about everyone’s safety.