What you call »compulsory military service«, Wehrpflicht, is a fundamental civil right of the citizen Bürger. What we have now is a mercenary force for the convenience of the ruling class. This convenience should be broken by Wehrpflicht. As the U.S. aggression in Vietnam proved, it is impossible to maintain that kind of war with a democratic army, Wehrpflicht that is. Compare Vietnam to the U.S. wars after abolishing the draft, they were easy for the ruling elite, the people did not care, the mercenaries, after all, got their income for risking their life. I would, therefore, even like to see the draft expanded to arming the citizenry, as is (was?) the case in Switzerland. Even better: a militia. Carrying weapons is a right that makes rulers cautious. And still better armed, of course.
I served in the former West German army myself, as a Wehrpflichtiger. I understand the argument in favor of Wehrpflicht as a brake on political adventurism, but, unfortunately, that is not how it has always worked in history. Germany in particular, started and fought two horrific wars with compulsory service armies. The theory hasn't proved itself in reality.
I've noticed the FAZ (page opener headline) with the word "kriegstuechtig" also expressions like "geballte Feuerkraft". Made me feel very uncomfortable.
I fully agree. Everything that is happening re Ukraine, everywhere in the West, is just mind-boggling. Maybe the EU election will make a difference but I doubt it.
Thank you very much for another excellent analysis.
What you call »compulsory military service«, Wehrpflicht, is a fundamental civil right of the citizen Bürger. What we have now is a mercenary force for the convenience of the ruling class. This convenience should be broken by Wehrpflicht. As the U.S. aggression in Vietnam proved, it is impossible to maintain that kind of war with a democratic army, Wehrpflicht that is. Compare Vietnam to the U.S. wars after abolishing the draft, they were easy for the ruling elite, the people did not care, the mercenaries, after all, got their income for risking their life. I would, therefore, even like to see the draft expanded to arming the citizenry, as is (was?) the case in Switzerland. Even better: a militia. Carrying weapons is a right that makes rulers cautious. And still better armed, of course.
I served in the former West German army myself, as a Wehrpflichtiger. I understand the argument in favor of Wehrpflicht as a brake on political adventurism, but, unfortunately, that is not how it has always worked in history. Germany in particular, started and fought two horrific wars with compulsory service armies. The theory hasn't proved itself in reality.
I've noticed the FAZ (page opener headline) with the word "kriegstuechtig" also expressions like "geballte Feuerkraft". Made me feel very uncomfortable.
I fully agree. Everything that is happening re Ukraine, everywhere in the West, is just mind-boggling. Maybe the EU election will make a difference but I doubt it.