For decades, wars were merely a distant memory for Germans. With the turn of the century, however, a taboo is beginning to falter.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius wants a "war-capable Bundeswehr that is capable of defending itself in all areas and is resilient and ready for battle". This applies to both equipment and personnel: "The yardstick for this is readiness for combat at all times with the claim to success in high-intensity combat." He is thus touching on a taboo in politics and society - both are predominantly pacifist. The Bundeswehr