Civil service: Government to prepare foundations for new service

The German government is reportedly laying the groundwork for a new form of civil service, designed to offer alternatives for individuals who object to military conscription, should it be reinstated. The newspaper Bild reported that the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) has been surveying major organizations about their capacity to host such service.

Over recent months, the ministry queried 23 large associations and organizations regarding their potential to provide opportunities for conscientious objectors in the event of a return to mandatory military service. A ministry spokesperson confirmed the inquiry and stated that "22 of the 23 associations indicated that their infrastructures and deployment sites would generally be ready to offer a diverse range of options for alternative service personnel in the event of a reactivation of conscription."

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Although there is no civil service as long as we do not have conscription, we must have the basis for a modern civil service prepared should conscription ever become necessary.

While there is currently no civil service in place as Germany does not have conscription, the ministry is preparing for a potential future need. "Although there is no civil service as long as we do not have conscription," the spokesperson said, "we must have the basis for a modern civil service prepared should conscription ever become necessary."

Civil service was abolished in Germany when conscription was suspended on July 1, 2011. It was replaced by the Federal Volunteer Service (Bundesfreiwilligendienst), which is open to people of all ages and genders. The ministry plans to officially present its proposals after the summer break.

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22 of the 23 associations indicated that their infrastructures and deployment sites would generally be ready to offer a diverse range of options for alternative service personnel in the event of a reactivation of conscription.