Military Restructuring Essential: General Advocates for Credible Deterrence as Key to Security

The Commander of the Army Forces of the Bundeswehr, General Harald Gante, emphasized the critical need for enhanced deterrence in ensuring security across Europe. He highlighted that military activities from potential aggressors are being closely monitored and evaluated.

General Gante stated, "We are closely observing the actions of the Russian Federation and Belarus, including the exercises they conduct, assessing their quality and level." He reiterated that these developments are not unexpected but serve as a reminder for preparedness.

Currently overseeing three divisions of the German Army, Gante is preparing for the establishment of a new Homeland Security Division aimed at protecting infrastructure and facilitating troop movements of allied forces. His operations center in Schwielowsee near Potsdam is also managing land-based overseas deployments, with current missions in Bosnia and upcoming operations slated for Kosovo.

A primary objective includes the deployment of the 10th Armored Division to NATO ally Lithuania, which Germany has committed to stationing. Gante assured that Germany would meet its NATO obligations, including those regarding the operational readiness of the 2025 division. He acknowledged, however, that there are existing gaps in capabilities that need to be addressed.

"We have signed contracts for enhancing air defense capabilities, which is a priority area. Production will commence, but we must also reacquire the necessary skills," he explained. He warned that these capability gaps cannot be closed by the Army alone in the interim.

Concerns surrounding Russia's rapid military buildup have been echoed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who recently cautioned NATO nations about the potential for increased troop movements into Belarus under the guise of military exercises. Gante supported this view, stating, "If the Russian Federation perceives an opportunity to restore its sphere of influence reminiscent of the Soviet era, there is a strong likelihood they will attempt it."

To deter such ambitions, he asserted that credible deterrence is essential, emphasizing that Russia must understand the futility of its efforts and the self-harm it would incur. This cannot be achieved through mere declarations; the message must be clear and firm.

Furthermore, Gante pointed out the necessity of expanding the Bundeswehr's capacity to train additional personnel. He noted that this year, the Army could train 2,500 new recruits, with plans for increased intake in the following year. However, he highlighted that the existing infrastructure may soon reach its limits, impeding the process of accommodating new soldiers.

"The challenge lies not in the availability of instructors but in the infrastructure itself. Without sufficient barracks, beds, and company buildings, we cannot effectively train and house new recruits," he stated. Gante expressed that reliance solely on volunteer service would not suffice; he believes that mandatory military service would be necessary to meet the growing demands for personnel in homeland security and defense.

He further emphasized that simply depending on volunteerism, where both the employer and the individual must agree to participate in training, is not a viable solution. The increased responsibilities in homeland protection and defense necessitate a larger workforce, which can only be achieved through conscription.