As of: April 6, 2024, 8:14 a.m
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Defense Minister Pistorius is taking a consistent approach to structural reform in the Bundeswehr. He wants to strengthen the armed forces with structural reform.
Berlin - Boris Pistorius, a one-eyed man in the traffic lights, has at least achieved something in the last few weeks: the SPD defense minister successfully frightened two large groups. Your own generalship with the Bundeswehr's restructuring plan. And the society that has established itself in indifference or with a sniffing distance from the troops, with the shock word of “war fitness”. Both have worked so far.
The no longer so new specialist minister is basically right about both. There is a lot to be said for his structural reform, even if, based on what has been announced, it is only a moderate restructuring; but without an absurdly expensive army of advisors like his unfortunate predecessor von der Leyen.
Structural reform: Pistorius' fight for a modern Bundeswehr
Takes a critical view of the reform of the Bundeswehr: Merkur correspondent Christian Deutschländer. © Jens Büttner/dpa/Merkur/Montage
Pistorius will still experience a lot of heartache, pitfalls and insidiousness. Should a management apparatus undergo its own slimming down? Good luck with a colossus who has seen many ministers come and go. In addition, important things like building a cyber force are subject to reservation: Where do the experts come from? Far more attractive, wealthy employers around the world have long been chasing after them. And what's the point of talking about some kind of compulsory military service when the structures for it have long since been destroyed?
Pistorius Reform: Building a bridge between the Bundeswehr and society
At least the minister shows his will. Like some of his failed predecessors, he does not see the Bundeswehr as a camouflage-colored political show stage. Or, like some party friends, as a stranger and, one thinks of the eager White Flag supporters around Mützenich, as an enemy. What will be an even bigger task: bringing the Bundeswehr and society closer together. No matter how dramatically stressful the world situation may become, the Germans continue to speak ill of their defense and their army with the same fervor. Will Pistorius' strength and persuasiveness be enough for this? There is a long way to go to achieve the main goal of a strong, lean Bundeswehr that is anchored in the country. And the time may be shockingly short.
(Christian Germans)