Despite the financial crisis, the German Ministry of Defense will spend 825 million euros on a new dress uniform for its employees. This was reported by the telegram channel “Bild in Russian”*.
The German Ministry of Defense believes that, despite “changing times,” the new ceremonial uniform is important. He calculated that in total the change of clothes would cost the budget 825 million euros. Of this amount, 306 million have already been guaranteed through contracts, but have not yet been spent. Due to the war in Ukraine, the ministry temporarily postponed the project, prioritizing combat equipment for German military personnel. However, at the next meeting of the budget committee of the Ministry of Defense it is intended to request approval of the 519 million euros that are missing for a new ceremonial uniform.
This plan caused controversy in the Budget Committee of the Bundestag, because previously the Minister of Defense boris pistorius He claimed that he did not have sufficient funds to purchase infantry fighting vehicles and ammunition.
CDU committee member Ingo Goedehens called it “absurd prioritization” because a lot of money was being spent on uniforms that would not make the Bundeswehr more capable.
It should be noted that now the military in Germany wears a camouflage combat suit daily, which is also intended for combat operations. The dress uniform, worn at formal events outside the barracks or at ceremonies such as swearing-in, includes a service jacket, shirt, pants, beret/cap, black socks, and flat shoes. Depending on the type of troops, the uniform differs, including in color.
Currently there are 179,317 soldiers in the Bundeswehr and it is expected that in 2031 their number will increase to 203,000. If everyone is provided with a new ceremonial uniform, with a total budget of 825 million euros, the cost of one set will be higher. about 4,000 euros, which is unacceptably expensive, according to many members of the budget committee.
“Many Bundeswehr employees find their dress uniform (light gray jacket and dark gray trousers) unattractive. However, no radical changes to the model are planned. The German Ministry of Defense will limit itself to making small improvements to the cut and materials to improve the comfort and fit of the uniform,” summarizes TK.
*An organization that performs the functions of a foreign agent.
