The German Question Remains Unanswered
Defending the West isn't Germany's first stroll that leads to goose stepping across Europe
Will Germany step up to defend NATO? This is a reasonable expectation:
As America cannot delay any further a focus on the Pacific threat by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Germany must rise to the occasion to be a robust presence in the security environment in Europe. Regardless of what Great Britain, France, or Italy do or do not do, if conventional deterrence is to be maintained in Europe, it must include a fully funded and ready German military.
Continental European military is land-centric. Germany, by geography and interest, is primarily a land power.
The Pacific’s military security is maritime specific. Due to its geography and strategic interests, the USA is primarily a maritime and aerospace power.
I focus on ground power, but I fully recognize that the Army needs a strong Navy to avoid a future Bataan Death March. Yet even INDOPACOM has a need for large-scale ground combat operations, as I argued in Military Review.
But I digress.
The modern German Question is important to answer. Germany's moves to rearm seem to be followed by second thoughts or lack of resolve to carry out plans in any reasonable amount of time. And the good steps taken are still baby steps:
The commander of the German Army brigade that is to be stationed in Lithuania said plans for the large-scale troop deployment are progressing well.
As I commented when I first noted this story, get back to me when Germany can deploy an entire army corps. That would be a good start. Germany has increased its defense spending by the 2024 deadline. But:
Germany has to spend more on defence, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in Berlin on Monday, despite the country reaching the alliance target for the first time in years.
Unfortunately a lot of damage was done to Germany's ability to defend even itself for so long. So more is needed.
As I've long said in exasperation:
I keep reading that the Germans hate their militaristic past so much that they don't want to fight.
Let's try applying the clue bat to Germany's collective skull on this issue.
Conquering and setting up death camps under the shield of a powerful military? That's bad. By all means, don't do that.
Having a military capable of fighting death cult enemies or stopping the Russians from moving west? Well, that's a good thing. Try doing that.
Yet to be fair to the Germans, when they take steps to rearm there are Europeans who get nervous.
Still, the pain of Russia's whack with the clue bat by invading Ukraine seems to have faded in Germany as Russia has so far failed to conquer Ukraine. Let's not forget what the Russians want.