According to Högl, proceedings at military service courts often last for years. Around a quarter of the judges’ positions have not been filled for years. “The military disciplinary attorney’s office, which then conducts the proceedings, must be better staffed,” demanded the SPD politician. In addition, the amendment to the Soldiers’ Act is pending with the aim of “enabling the future dismissal of temporary soldiers after more than four years”.
On Wednesday, the police and the federal prosecutor’s office with several thousand forces took action nationwide against a suspected terrorist network of Reich citizens who are said to have planned a violent overthrow. There are more than 50 accused; among the suspects are an active soldier and reservists of the Bundeswehr.
According to the military commissioners, a lot has already happened in the Bundeswehr to get the problem of right-wing extremism under control. Since 2017, applicants have had to undergo a security check in order to get to the bottom of any extremist attitudes. In addition, since October there has been the possibility of an extended security check for activities with particularly high security requirements. This created the basis for active reservists to also be security checked, said Högl. This closes another security gap.
Even though the military counterintelligence service (MAD) has been given more staff for the security checks, according to Högl it is unclear whether this will be enough if more people have to be checked in the future. “More staff will probably be needed” at MAD.
