Ausschnitt des Feldanzugs eines Bundeswehrsoldaten mit Fokus auf die Deutschlandfahne auf dem Oberarm.

Armed Forces to focus on core mission

Need for action within the Bundeswehr

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27.05.2025 Special report

In order to strengthen Germany's defence capability, the Armed Forces must also be strengthened in terms of organisation and staff for national and alliance defence. The enormous financial resources need to be used responsibly. In our special report, we show what is important now.

Due to the change in the debt rule, the Armed Forces will have significantly greater financial leeway in the future. The Federal Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces must use the additional funds in a targeted and responsible manner – for what the Armed Forces really need to protect Germany and its allies.

The security policy approach ‘Whatever it takes!’ must not become an internal administrative ‘Money plays no role!’.

Quelle: Kay Scheller, President of the Bundesrechnungshof

Organisational realignment

Currently, the Armed Forces fulfil many tasks - but not all of them are crucial to their core mission. In view of the new security policy challenges, clarity and consistent prioritisation are required: what is really important must take priority. Less important activities must take a backseat.

Staff reorganisation

The number of Armed Forces troops today is considerably smaller than it was 15 years ago, while at the same time too many soldiers are exclusively involved in administrative tasks. The age structure of the Armed Forces is also trending unfavourably. We see an urgent need for action and recommend reorganising the workforce and strengthening the troops. This means: more soldiers who are trained and available for emergencies.

Strong Armed Forces not only need money for new weapons systems – they must also be geared towards national and alliance defence in terms of organisation and staff.

Quelle: Kay Scheller, President of the Bundesrechnungshof

Courage to change

Strong Armed Forces are not just a question of money. They are the result of clear priorities, smart decisions and efficient structures. Germany's external security requires Armed Forces that use resources responsibly, focus on their core mission and are well staffed - so that they can protect us when it counts.

More information on our recommendations can be found in our special report:

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Special report

Need for action within the Bundeswehr PDF, 5 MB Download