Henning Otte, the German military commissioner, has emphasized the need for significant personnel growth within the Bundeswehr, stating that the armed forces must reach a total of 260,000 active soldiers and 200,000 reservists to effectively address current security threats. Otte points to increasing incidents of extremism and sexual misconduct within the military as crucial issues that must be tackled alongside personnel growth. He believes that enhancing the workforce is vital for maintaining the operational effectiveness of the armed forces in the face of a 'real and growing threat'.

Additionally, Otte suggests raising the maximum age for military service from 65 to 70 years, which reflects a shift towards utilizing older individuals who may contribute valuable experience and skills to the Bundeswehr. This proposal aims to broaden the recruitment pool and ensure that the military can fulfill its obligations and missions with adequate manpower. Otte's comments underline a pressing concern about the current state of the German military, which is under pressure to perform amidst rising geopolitical tensions.

In a pointed critique of the German government, Otte also expressed concern about the gap between announcements made by the Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, and the actual implementation of policies. He warned that without concrete actions to bolster personnel levels and address internal issues, the Bundeswehr may struggle to maintain its effectiveness and fulfill its roles responsibly. This highlights the need for a strategic overhaul in the management and recruitment practices within Germany's military framework.