The German Military Turnaround-Repair, Reorganization, or Rearmament?
Abstract
In May 2016, the German government approved an about-face in its military personnel policy by lifting personnel caps. This measure allowed the Bundeswehr to increase its operational power, strengthen its robustness, and establish new capabilities as part of a comprehensive $150 billion military build-up program the first since the late Cold War. Germany cut its close ties to Russia and subscribed to the European skepticism about Moscow. This latest reform, with a new personnel policy at its very core, also represents Germany's coming of age in terms of security and defense policy. The sheer fact that none of the NATO-allied member states objected to this military expansion emphasizes the level of trust that Germany has attained by serving as a reliable albeit sometimes reluctant and predictable partner. To provide the theoretical background necessary, the research begins with an overview on the transformation of military organizations in general based on organizational theory. Then, a brief historic overview traces the determinants that have shaped Germanys role and behavior in defense and security policy since World War II. It highlights Germanys historical obligation to ensure peace and security with a military uniquely bound to democratic principles. Furthermore, this thesis aims to prove that the recent Turnaround of the Bundeswehr is actually an evolutionary phase of the prior reform.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1060068
Entities
People
- Michael R. Seyda
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School