Defense Audit Calls for Increased Personnel in Bundeswehr

The Federal Audit Office of Germany has raised concerns regarding the organizational structure of the Bundeswehr, emphasizing a need for a more substantial military presence to fulfill core defense responsibilities. In a recent special report, the auditors criticized the current imbalance favoring administrative roles over active military personnel, warning that excessive reliance on desk-bound positions could lead to inefficiencies and heightened costs in defense operations.

The report highlights a significant drop in the number of soldier positions available, citing a reduction of approximately 60,000 roles since 2010, translating to a decrease of 24%. While positions for enlisted personnel and non-commissioned officers have decreased by 40% and 20%, respectively, the number of roles for officers has increased by 5%, resulting in a shift that has made the military workforce more top-heavy.

According to the auditors, the current personnel structure is not aligned with the Bundeswehr's strategic objectives, particularly in light of heightened threats from Russia. The establishment of a special fund of EUR100 billion aimed at enhancing defense capabilities and the easing of debt restrictions for military spending are steps taken to address these challenges. However, the report suggests that mere financial investment is insufficient without a re-evaluation of personnel distribution and operational priorities.

Kay Scheller, President of the Federal Audit Office, stressed the importance of critically assessing military tasks and reorganizing personnel accordingly. He urged for a clear distinction between essential and non-essential duties, advocating for a shift away from the current administrative focus towards a more robust military presence.

The report also critiques the structure of the Federal Ministry of Defense, noting that it has not become more streamlined as previously anticipated. Despite earlier targets to reduce staffing to around 2,500 positions, the ministry currently operates with approximately 3,000 roles, similar to its size in 2012. This stagnation raises concerns about efficiency and the fulfillment of military responsibilities.

Additionally, the auditors pointed out that many positions within the Bundeswehr are designated for tasks deemed unnecessary in the context of national defense, highlighting the need for a more rigorous evaluation of personnel requirements.

The audit also expressed skepticism regarding the sustainability of the proposed debt financing for defense initiatives, cautioning that relying on a heavily indebted budget could jeopardize the long-term viability of Germany's defense capabilities. Current projections indicate that defense spending could reach 2% of the country's GDP by 2028, amounting to EUR96 billion, while a target of 3% would require expenditures of EUR144 billion.

The auditors emphasized that future budgetary planning must avoid including non-defense expenditures within the defense budget, ensuring that funds are allocated strictly to enhancing military capabilities.