From Deutsche Welle: Germany’s defense minister has announced plans for sweeping changes to how the country’s armed forces operate. The plan includes a reduction of troop numbers by nearly one-fifth.
Germany’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, will see troop numbers slashed by around 45,000 down to between 175,000 and 185,000, Defense Minister Thomas de Maiziere announced in Berlin on Wednesday.
The cuts will see civilian positions reduced by 21,000 to 55,000, while personnel numbers overseas will rise from 7,000 to 10,000. . . .
The armed forces transformation represents the biggest shake-up of the Bundeswehr in half a century. (photo: AP)
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