CALL FOR WOMEN TO BE INCLUDED IN GERMANY'S COMPULSORY MILITARY SERVICE

BERLIN, July 4 (Bernama-dpa) -- The inspector general of Germany's armed forces has suggested including women in compulsory military service if it were to be reintroduced to "establish equality", reported German news agency (dpa) on Thursday.

Germany effectively abolished military conscription in 2011, although the country's law continues to allow for mandatory service in the event of war or other tensions.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has put the German military's shortfalls into renewed focus and ignited a debate over reintroducing compulsory military service.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius presented plans for a new military service model in June designed to help fill the army's depleted ranks.

In comments to German media group RND published on Thursday, Carsten Breuer, the army's highest-ranking officer, noted that conscription, currently suspended, only applies to men according to the Basic Law, but said that "equality should be established".

However, establishing equal rights in this case requires a corresponding political and social debate, Breuer added.

Pistorius plans to introduce a compulsory registration, in which young men would have to state their willingness and ability to perform military service. Young women could do so voluntarily.

The minister described the idea as "selective military service", designed to allow the military to call up only "the fittest, most suitable and most motivated" for training.

The new model is to consist of six months of basic military service, with an option for additional voluntary military service of up to 17 months.

Breuer expressed his support for Pistorius' new conscription model.

He stated that from a military perspective, there is a need to build up capabilities, particularly with regard to NATO's planning.

He noted that Germany is the central hub for the Western defence alliance and that the country requires over 400,000 temporary and professional soldiers and reservists.

To meet this demand, some 100,000 additional reservists are needed, which could initially be met by the new model, according to Breuer. However, he emphasised that mandatory elements would still be necessary.

-- BERNAMA-dpa