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Experiences in Civilian Service: 'The Service with Weapons Seemed Superfluous to Me'
🇩🇪 Germany /Conflict & Security

Experiences in Civilian Service: 'The Service with Weapons Seemed Superfluous to Me'

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • The German Zivildienst, an alternative to military service, existed from 1961 to 2011.
  • Nine men share their experiences as conscientious objectors, reflecting on its value and their changing perspectives on military service.
  • One man, who refused military service as a youth, now believes he might view it differently due to current threats.

From 1961 to 2011, Germany offered Zivildienst, a civilian service alternative to mandatory military conscription. Nine men have shared their experiences with this program, reflecting on its significance and their evolving views.

The service with weapons seemed superfluous to me.

— ParticipantReflecting on his refusal of military service during his Zivildienst.

One individual recalled participating in peace protests in the 1980s and refusing military service, deeming it "superfluous" and disliking the idea of marching. He admired figures like Joseph Beuys and musicians who advocated for peace. He now admits that, considering current geopolitical threats and his own lack of military fitness, he might hold a different perspective today. He even expressed a desire for nuclear weapons as a deterrent.

Today I would probably see that differently due to the lack of military capability and the threat situation.

— ParticipantExpressing a changed perspective on military service in light of current events.

These reflections highlight a generational shift in attitudes toward military service and national defense, influenced by historical contexts and evolving global security landscapes. The Zivildienst provided an avenue for conscientious objection, allowing individuals to contribute to society in non-military roles, a concept that resonates differently with each participant over time.

Today I also wish for nuclear weapons again for deterrence.

— ParticipantStating a current view on nuclear deterrence.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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