German draft likely to be abolished

[Skybird]

http://www.spiegel.de/international/...3548-2,00.html

I used to be against conscription these days, but Gen a.D. Naumann, former chief of staff and one of NATO's highest respected generals in his active time, made at least some remarks defending it that have left a footnote in my mind.

I know from first hand sources that Naumann enjoyed huge respect and trust in the German military.

Some of the planned cuts in defence nevertheless are worrying to me. For example to cut the number of main battle tanks to 150. On the other hand i wonder if maybe I am just sticking to a dinosaur by habit, much like the navies in WWII sticked to battleships although they were proven to be outdated by the new aircraft carrier weapon.

Bad timing that would be if it is true for tanks, too. Russia seems to be set to present its new mysterious wondertank T-95 Black Eagle to the public this year. If only half of the rumours on it are true, it would be a really nasty beast.