Germany's Promises

From the DW:

“Germany promises US greater military involvement”

Defense spending and the Strait of Hormuz were on the agenda during Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer's trip to Washington on a mission to strengthen ties. US President Trump often criticizes Germany's military expenditure. German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer on Monday urged closer military relations with the US. In bilateral talks with her US counterpart, Mark Esper, Kramp-Karrenbauer promised Germany would show more responsibility in defense matters. Specifically, she voiced her support for a European marine mission in the Strait of Hormuz. "I made very clear that Germany is ready to be involved, but only in a European mission," she said. The US is leading an international operation in the key shipping lane. Washington hopes to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels, following Iran's seizure of an oil tanker there earlier this year. During the meeting at the Pentagon, Esper said that Germany needed to invest more in NATO. "German leadership is essential," Esper said. "It's more important than ever." US President Donald Trump has often criticized Germany for not spending enough on defense. Members of NATO agreed five years ago that each should spend 2% of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defense by 2024. Germany estimates that spending in this area will amount to 1.36% of GPD by the end of the year. "I am sticking to the end goal of 2%. But for 2024, my goal is 1.5%," Kramp-Karrenbauer said. "It's not just about cash. It's also about international commitments."

Germany's role in NATO

West Germany officially joined the trans-Atlantic alliance in 1955. However, it wasn't until after reunification in 1990 that the German government considered "out of area" missions led by NATO. From peacekeeping to deterrence, Germany's Bundeswehr has since been deployed in several countries across the globe in defense of its allies.

Quick decision on Tornado replacement

Kramp-Karrenbauer also said she aimed to decide as soon as possible on how to replace Germany's aging fleet of Tornado fighter planes and would be working closely with Esper on the matter. At the start of the year, Germany dismissed the US-made F-35 fighter as a replacement. There were concerns it could adversely affect a Franco-German next-generation combat jet. "We made clear that ... the Future Combat Air System with the French was one of the reasons that ... we had to seek other solutions," Kramp-Karrenbauer said.

 Bundeswehr struggles with faulty defense equipment

Faulty tanks and grounded helicopters — today in the German military Frustrated soldiers and a defense system struggling to repair its way into a fully functioning military. And a new defense minister who will have to regain confidence from army representatives.

^ Hopefully these aren’t just promises (words) and will be backed with real action. If the German Government doesn’t want to give the German Military the funding, manpower, training and equipment the men and women who serve deserve then the German Government should give up its Military altogether – which would also mean leaving NATO. I can’t imagine how a German solider stationed in  a warzone, risking their lives, must feel knowing that their own Government doesn’t think enough of them to give them the tools they need to survive. ^

https://www.dw.com/en/germany-promises-us-greater-military-involvement/a-50555610