Germany backs mandatory reservist training

The German government on Wednesday approved a draft law that would allow the mandatory call-up of military ​reservists for training as part of plans to boost ‌troops and increase its ability to defend itself amid a more aggressive Russia.

Germany aims to double its reserve pool by the middle ​of the next decade to at least 200,000 members ​in addition to a target of at least 260,000 ⁠active duty soldiers.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has repeatedly warned ​that Germany must become "war-ready" and improve its ability to mobilise ​forces rapidly in the event of a major European conflict.

A key point is the abolishment of a requirement for both the reservist and the ​employer to agree to be called up for training. ​In return, the military plans to increase the attractiveness of reserve service ‌and ⁠give employers a longer notice period.

The bill is intended to ensure reservists remain trained and rapidly available should NATO require Germany to mobilise forces quickly. The defence ministry argues that ​reliance on voluntary ​participation is ⁠no longer sufficient given the security situation in Europe.

The parliament is set to consider the draft ​after the summer recess, with the ministry ​expecting the ⁠law to come into effect at the start of next year.

The German reservists association positively assessed the draft law after ⁠it was ​unveiled in May.
However, German business lobby ​DIHK said firms should be given at least three months' notice, versus the ​foreseen eight weeks.

-Reuters