Left-wing politician: NVA soldiers could also be reservists

In view of the Bundeswehr's personnel problems, left-wing politician Dietmar Bartsch suggests that former soldiers of the GDR's National People's Army should also be called up as reservists. "Even if all former NVA soldiers are now over 50 years old, we should reconsider whether their complete exclusion should be maintained," Bartsch told the Süddeutsche Zeitung. There could be many tasks in homeland security, among others.

Bartsch himself completed his basic military service in a paratrooper battalion of the NVA. The army, which was disbanded after reunification, was committed to protecting the socialist form of government.

The Bundeswehr's homeland security regiments are largely made up of reservists, who ensure that troops reach their deployment location quickly and safely and that the infrastructure is protected in the event of a crisis or defense. Anyone who has served in the Bundeswehr and has not lost their rank is a reservist - that's 860,000 people.

Bundeswehr to have 260,000 active soldiers

In view of the threat posed by Russia, the Bundeswehr is set to grow from the current 182,000 to 260,000 active soldiers. In addition, 200,000 reservists are to be added, whose numbers are to be increased primarily through the new, initially voluntary military service. Some homeland security regiments have recently also trained "non-drafted" soldiers, i.e. those interested without any contact to the Bundeswehr.