“Close relationship with the Bundeswehr”: the German Minister of Education wants to prepare students for war

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Just a few years ago, before the coronavirus pandemic or the war in Ukraine, her suggestion would likely have fallen on deaf ears. But given the countless troubles raging around the world today, German Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger (55) will probably be heard more.

In concrete terms, the top politician demands that schools in Germany prepare young people for war events. If Stark-Watzinger has his way, in the future students will no longer only have to learn number sequences, grammar rules or vocabulary, but they will also be informed about what to do in an acute crisis situation.

Civil protection at school

“Society as a whole must prepare well for crises – from a pandemic to natural disasters and war,” the Minister of Education told the newspapers of media group Funke.

According to Stark-Watzinger, one way this could be achieved is by holding civil defense exercises in schools. “Civil defense is extremely important, it also belongs in schools. The aim must be to strengthen our resilience,” the minister said, referring to Great Britain, where such practices are already regularly on the agenda. “Disaster drills are part of daily life in schools. We can learn from that.”

Preparing for war does not have to be a separate school subject, but it does have to be a learning content, says Stark-Watzinger. Schools have a responsibility to highlight risks in an age-appropriate way, she said. “It’s also about addressing concerns and fears.”

For a “relaxed relationship with the Bundeswehr”

In order to introduce such teaching material, according to Stark-Watzinger, it is important that schools develop a “relaxed relationship with the Bundeswehr”. “I think it is important that youth officers come to schools and report on what the Bundeswehr is doing for our safety.” However, she is aware that there are reservations about this approach and at the same time emphasizes that she is not in favor of a return to general conscription.

This was in force in the Federal Republic of Germany between 1956 and 2011, when it was suspended by the Bundestag. However, this has not been abolished: the end of conscription only applies in times of peace. In case of tension or defense it can be reactivated at any time.

She served in the armed forces for a week

Apparently, Stark-Watzinger already seems to be thinking about such crises today. Because the politician, who, according to ‘Bild’, spent a week as a member of parliament in the armed forces and is now a reservist, could well imagine that she would take up arms herself. Since the Russian attack on Ukraine, she has regularly wondered what she would do in this situation.

“You can probably only answer the question if it comes down to it. But actually I would say: yes.” (ced)

Source: Blick