Germany’s family ministry is preparing the ground for a possible return of alternative civilian service, Bild reported on Tuesday. Officials stress the idea will not come into force before compulsory military service is announced.
According to the Bild report, the ministry recently asked 23 associations and organisations what infrastructure they would be able to provide if civil service were reintroduced. A spokesperson confirmed to the tabloid that the survey had been carried out and that such plans exist.
The spokesperson said 22 out of 23 organisations indicated that their facilities and sites would in principle be ready to offer alternative-service conscripts a diverse programme.
– As long as there is no conscription, there is no alternative service either – the spokesperson said.
Official presentation after the summer break
Bild wrote that the ministry will officially present its plans after the summer break, which lasts until early September. The spokesperson added that if compulsory military service ever proved necessary, the state must have a prepared basis for a modern alternative service.
– If compulsory military service ever proved necessary, the state must have a foundation for a modern alternative service prepared in advance – the spokesperson added.
Conscientious objection under the new military model
Germany suspended conscription in 2011, but the right to refuse military service on grounds of conscience is still anchored in the Basic Law. Before the suspension, men refusing to serve could choose alternative service; when conscription was frozen, this option disappeared and was replaced by the federal voluntary service, open to all people regardless of age or gender.
Since January, a new model has applied: every young man must undergo mandatory military qualification, and if the number of volunteers is insufficient, conscription can be introduced by drawing lots. The right to conscientious objection also applies to this model.
To use that right, a young German has to submit a written application with a justification to the Bundeswehr Career Centre. The application is then reviewed by the Federal Office for Family and Social Affairs (BAFzA).
Applications explaining that conscience prevents the use of a weapon against another person may be made by people who have never served in the Bundeswehr, by reservists, and by soldiers on active duty.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
