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“For the past six months, I have been leading the project of voluntary military service in homeland security and I am enthusiastic about this task. I am responsible for the training and supervision of the volunteers stationed in my region. I enjoy working with young people who are motivated and committed to serving their country. I particularly like that we cooperate closely with civilian organizations in homeland security, which treat us with a lot of respect and appreciation”[1](A Lieutenant colonel (OTL Bundeswehr) summarizes his impressions after the end of the first round of the pilot project.)
Promoted like a Voluntary Social Year (FSJ), a ‘Gap Year’ or a ‘Sabbatical’ and open to almost all age groups, the pilot project of the Bundeswehr ‘Dein Jahr für Deutschland im Heimatschutz’ (FWD-HSch) (Your Year for Germany in Homeland Security) is, on the one hand, intended to strengthen ‘Die Reserve – Verstärkung für Deutschland’ ( which translates: to the reserve – reinforcement for Germany). On the other hand, it gives committed (young) people the opportunity to gain insights into the professional life of a soldier through a shortened period of service in homeland security.
The launch of a military service under the motto of homeland security, a taster course in military and war service within the framework of the Bundeswehr, encountered more rejection than acceptance, particularly from the church and the German social associations, who feared it would compete with the social volunteer services[2]. One side saw domestic deployment already covered by voluntary disaster relief organizations such as the Technical Relief Agency (THW), founded in 1950, which assists in natural disasters, accidents, and other emergencies both in Germany and abroad. Others referred to the recent inner-German debate about the reintroduction of compulsory military service or a mandatory social year, which shows a critical view from all age groups in the population regarding their own ‘induction.
This brings us to an important question: In which tradition is the pilot project rooted, and what alternative does this military taster course offer compared to civilian service?
Duty and commitment in Germany
Duty and commitment are universal themes for democracies. Already in 1961, John F. Kennedy reminded his audience:
„Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”[3]
That still rings true in Germany today and underscores the idea that individual action has a positive impact on society. Through volunteer work, citizens actively contribute to their communities and promote a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Duty and voluntary commitment traditionally play a significant role in various aspects of life. Duty as in conscription has long been a self-evident duty for every male citizen whereas dedication to charitable was a matter of honor (Ehrensache). Both causes reflect the balance between individual responsibilities and voluntary engagement, which are deeply rooted in German culture.
Historic Background: Civil Engagement
In the 19th century, first a political, later a social, and a professional honorary office (Ehrenamt) gradually developed. This unpaid commitment found its organizational form mostly in the flourishing club and social association system (Vereinswesen) such as the Volunteer Fire Department (Freiwillige Feuerwehr (FF)), The German Caritas Association (Caritas), and welfare organizations, in sports clubs, in women’s and workers’ associations – for example, the General German Workers’ Association, a precursor to today’s Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD).[4]
In addition to the traditional form of voluntary self-commitment in the form of honorary office, voluntary work and civic engagement established themselves as a relevant part of social life in the 1960s and 1970s. Social change came under scrutiny with the emergence of new social movements citizens’ initiatives and self-help projects were involved on a voluntary basis, for example in peace, environmental and women’s policy. Recognized as a pillar for a democratic society, its design was legally anchored, for example, the Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) as the first country in Europe.[5]
Civil society organizations such as the Caritas, the Volunteer Fire Department, and the THW are examples of institutions that are still based on citizen engagement. In addition, there is engagement in sports clubs, in environmental projects and neighborhood initiatives.
©Fabio Votteler
Historic Background: Military Service
Since 1949, according to Article 4 of the Basic Law (Grundgesetz) of the Federal Republic of Germany, no one can be forced into military service against their will. This means that, by invoking their conscience, every conscript has the right to refuse military service. However, a choice between military service with weapons and civilian service was not provided. According to Article 12a GG, “anyone who refuses military service on grounds of conscience can be required to perform an alternative service”.[6]
Conscription, coupled with civilian service between 1956 and 2011 intended on the one hand to guarantee the military security of the Federal Republic, but on the other hand also to promote the democratic education and integration of the young (male and since 2001 also female) generation.
Soldiers as citizens in uniform (“Staatsbürger in Uniform”): “represent, ensure, and defend” (…) “the inviolability of human dignity,” “democracy, peace, and freedom,” “justice, equality, and solidarity” – “in an emergency, even at the cost of their own lives.” Historical and political education seen as a prerequisite for this understanding.[7]
While conscription included military training and education, civilian service focused on the social sector and civilian service providers were employed in the care and support of needy persons. This also meant that young men performed their service in professions that had previously been exclusively reserved for women, such as nursing or childcare.
In 2011, in view of a changed security situation, conscription and thus civilian service in Germany faced suspension. This historic step came along with ongoing staff shortages in both the military and the social sector. It also fundamentally changed the role of the Bundeswehr. The army disappeared from public life, and soldiers on active duty led a shadowy existence, as the Lieutenant Colonel, who is accountable for the introductory statement, mentions:
„I have been with the Bundeswehr for 20 years and have participated in several foreign missions, including in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Mali. I am proud of my service and see the Bundeswehr as a significant contribution to security and peace in the world. But I have also found it difficult to intervene in other countries and bring about change there. At the same time, I have noticed that there is little interest or knowledge about the Bundeswehr and its missions in Germany. “[8]
“Time to do the right thing” vs. “Your year for Germany”
Currently, young adults who are willing to engage in society and contribute to the common good have the choice to volunteer either in military service through the Bundeswehr FWD-HSch or in civil service through the Federal Voluntary Service (Bundesfreiwilligendienst, BFD), including the German Voluntary Social Year (FSJ). Both services financial compensation and benefits and are linked to an educational program.[9] They represent two different concepts of citizenship and social engagement.
The BF” (and subsequently the FSJ) is guided by the motto ‘Time to do the right thing,’ which implies a moral duty to stand up for the weak and disadvantaged in society. The slogan of the FWD-HSch project, ‘Your Year for Germany,’ signals a patriotic responsibility to engage in the well-being and defense of the country. Naturally, this is no straightforward task, and the Lieutenant Colonel points out potential challenges when he says:
“However, I also see challenges and risks in the homeland security project. One challenge is to adequately train and supervise the volunteers so that they can perform their duties professionally and responsibly. It is also important to successfully recruit and retain the volunteers to avoid premature drop-outs.“[10]
©Fabio Votteler
The Homeland Security Project – Your Year for Germany
As general voluntary military service did not achieve the hoped-for recruitment of soldiers for the Bundeswehr, the then Federal Minister of Defense Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer launched a short-term engagement, the pilot project FWD-HSch ‘Your Year for Germany – Voluntary Military Service in Homeland Security’[11]
This new and additional proposition from the Bundeswehr, heavily promoted on social networks, was intended to give committed adults, men and women of all backgrounds, the opportunity to serve in homeland security. After their basic and specialized training, the participants are deployed in reserve service close to home on call or voluntary registration. In the event of a military emergency, they are expected to be a troop of ‘helping hands’ in homeland security in their respective region, according to the initiators’ expectations.
The pilot project FWD-HSch aimed in its first year of implementation from April 1, 2021, at volunteers with a minimum age of 17 years (with parental permission). Other requirements, which named by the Bundeswehr in a flyer at the time, are ‘interest in societal engagement,’ ‘character and health suitability,’ ‘possession of German citizenship,’ and ‘fulfillment of compulsory full-time schooling.’
The volunteers complete seven months of basic and special military training. They commit to be available for exercises and operations in their region for a period of six years, until a total of another five months of service have been completed. The three-month basic training of the FWD-HSch includes, among other things, combat service and medical training for all troops, while the three-month specialized training is a training camp/refresher/deepening training.
The remuneration was around 1550 euros gross (2024: 1837 euros gross), as well as additional benefits such as accommodation, meals, insurance, and travel expenses. Note that on the other hand the volunteers usually stay in the barracks during the week, and even when they leave the barracks grounds, they are on call day-and-night. [12]
Volunteers can hardly expect praise and commendation for their service from the well-known critics and opponents of militarization, as well as advocates of a peaceful society, who express their dissatisfaction and incomprehension with their involvement, as this BA-Student representative declares:
„I am convinced that those who volunteer for homeland security are brainwashed, causing them to obey blindly and lose their independence. They expose themselves to risks that they cannot assess or control, and these dangers range from physical or psychological harm to death. The project serves more political or economic interests than a meaningful, responsible purpose.“[13]
One of the locations in the Federal Republic where volunteers could perform their service is the State Command Berlin (LKdo BE). Currently still the responsible link between military and civilian institutions of the state and the city of Berlin it provides for the FWDL-HSch ‘an introduction to civil-military cooperation (ZMZ). A participant of the first-round shares his experiences:
„The volunteers undertook ‘excursions to the most important authorities and institutions of the city of Berlin, such as the Berlin Transport Company (BVG) or the Technical Relief Agency (THW). The visit to the police academy stood out, where we were allowed to attend a training session in an urban environment. However, it was noticeable that civil-military cooperation could be improved.“[14]
Another component of the FWD-HSch is political education. The previously mentioned participant provides an exemplary excerpt as follows:
“A part of it was a visit to the Stasi prison at the Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial. A former inmate impressively recounted his own story as a political persecuted person in the former GDR. For me, this excursion was a good example of the Bundeswehr’s guiding principle: the citizen in uniform.”[15]
The FWD-HSCH is still in the pilot phase and is subject to constant adjustment and coordination with the currently reorganizing Bundeswehr and in line with the public defense debate. The project attempts, in its public representation and advertising campaigns on various social media platforms or as flyers, to bridge the gap between the Voluntary Military Service (FWD) and the Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) to integrate the advantages of both services and minimize the disadvantages. In the words of a research associate at the Humboldt University of Berlin, who sums up what a volunteer should have in mind when enrolling:
„The homeland security project also has some disadvantages that need to be considered. Volunteers must be aware that they are choosing a military service, associated with risks and duties. They must adapt to the military culture and discipline, which may be unfamiliar and uncomfortable for them. In addition, they must adhere to the legal and moral consequences of their service, which do not always align with their conscience or interests. They should also be prepared that their service does not always receive the desired recognition and appreciation in society.“[16]
If the financial aspect is the primary focus, it should be highlighted that the proposition of the Bundeswehr ‘Your Year for Germany’ in homeland security seems more lucrative than the Federal Volunteer Service which offers pocket-money.
Morally, the FWD-HSch fares worse, not least because the Bundeswehr’s slogan ‘We. Serve. Germany’ (Wir.Dienen.Deutschland) may not necessarily align with the self-image of most young adults: “The values demanded by the Bundeswehr are contrary to our current values of coexistence, a servant is not a slave.”
However, the earlier referenced participant, who was one of more than two hundred young women and men who began their service on April 1, 2021, shares the following conclusion at the end of the six-month service period:
„In October 2021, my term in homeland security was essentially (…) completed. (…) I would like to emphasize in advance that I had consistently positive experiences in the service, not least because of the camaraderie, which had previously been only an abstract concept.“[17]
Conclusion
This work critically examines the project ‘Heimatschutz – Dein Jahr für Deutschland,’ which encourages young people to serve as voluntary military personnel in homeland defense. The initial inquiry aimed to analyze the tradition underpinning the pilot project and to demonstrate how this military taster course serves as an alternative to civilian service.
The analysis revealed that conscription and civilian service in Germany until 2011 not only touched on aspects of national defense or social responsibility but also influenced political, societal, and personal identities. The suspension of conscription in 2011 led to societal changes due to altered security situations and demographic shifts. The significant emphasis on voluntariness and individual decision-making for or against military or civil service is part of this. Another aspect is the changes and challenges for the Bundeswehr and the social sector, as they must position themselves as potential employers in the labor market.
Civil engagement offers the opportunity to develop social skills and participate in charitable projects. Military engagement, on the other hand, can foster discipline, teamwork, and leadership abilities. Both paths provide valuable experiences and can support personal and professional development. The decision depends on the individual’s values, interests, and goals, and is difficult to assess, especially given the changing security situation in Europe.
Currently, there are political discussions around a new conscription model that could combine voluntary and mandatory elements. This development is reflected in the controversial public debate on military service in Germany and shows that it is constantly evolving. One of the challenges is that the Bundeswehr must create incentives to appeal to the younger generation without deterring them with notions of blood, combat, war, and death.
[1] Interview – M.M. OTL-Bundeswehr 12.06.2024
[2] https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/bundeswehr-der-neue-freiwilligendienst-im-heimatschutz-100.html
[3] “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. “20.1.1961 J.F. Kennedy, Inaugural address. ushistory.org
[4] https://www.dw.com/de/wie-die-gute-tat-entstand/a-16978315
[5] 2004 Kurze Geschichte des Freiwilligen Sozialen Jahres bmfsfj.de
[6] GG – Grundgesetz für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland (gesetze-im-internet.de)
[7] Högl 2020: 258
[8] Interview – M.M. OTL-Bundeswehr 12.06.2024
[9] Vgl. Bundesministerium der Verteidigung, 2020; Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, 2020
[10] Interview – M.M. OTL-Bundeswehr 12.06.2024
[11] https://www.bmvg.de/de/aktuelles/heimatschutz-neuer-freiwilliger-wehrdienst-gestartet-5050270
[12] Antwort: auf die Kleine Anfrage – Drucksache 20/7944- Abbruchquoten beim Freiwilligen Wehrdienst im Heimatschutz in den Jahren 2021, 2022 und 2023 | polit-x.de
[12] Interview – M.M. Student Humboldt Universität Berlin (19.07.2024)
[13] Interview – M.M. Student Humboldt Universität Berlin (19.07.2024)
[14] Interview –M.M. Teilnehmer des Pilotprojekts (23.05.2024)
[15] Interview –M.M. Teilnehmer des Pilotprojekts (23.05.2024)
[16] Interview – Dr.M.M. Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter Universität Berlin (30.07.2024)
[17] Interview –M.M. Teilnehmer des Pilotprojekts (23.05.2024)
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