Former Bundeswehr Inspector Warns of Slow Military Growth Amid Russian Actions
Former Inspector of the Bundeswehr, Alfons Mais, has expressed concerns about the slow growth of the German military. Despite plans to increase personnel, Mais believes the pace is too slow, especially in comparison to recent Russian military actions.
Mais, speaking on May 13, 2025, proposed a strategic shift towards rapidly scaling up personnel and capabilities. He criticized the current approach, stating that infrastructure and training personnel are hindering the growth of the Bundeswehr.
He rejected short training courses modeled after Ukraine, arguing that they are not sufficient for long-term growth. Instead, he advocates for focusing on active deployment forces, rather than relying solely on volunteers through the planned voluntary military service.
Currently, the Bundeswehr has 181,150 active soldiers, aiming to reach 260,000 soldiers plus 200,000 reservists by 2026. However, Mais believes this target is not being met fast enough, given that Russia recently conscripted 135,000 men to bolster its army.
Alfons Mais's warnings highlight the need for accelerated growth in the Bundeswehr. With Russia's recent military actions and conscription, Mais believes the German military's pace of development is still too slow. He proposes a focus on mass forces and active deployment to meet the growing challenges.
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