Regional Commander Giss expresses a desire for deterrence rather than initiating conflict: "We prefer to avoid war, opting for deterrence instead."

Michael Giss, the head of the Landeskommando Baden-Württemberg, a highest territorial command authority of the Bundeswehr in the state, has expressed concern about the possibility of war and the need for citizens to be prepared.

In a series of statements, Giss emphasized the importance of understanding the role of the military and the importance of defending a liberal constitutional state. He believes that society needs to mentally prepare for such a scenario, and schools have a central role in this discussion.

Giss criticized the apathy he sees in many people, who he believes are stuck in the "peace dividend" and do not engage with the topic of war. He believes that there is a need for explanation and a sense of concern among citizens about the possibility of war.

Giss also highlighted the current vacancies in the Bundeswehr, with approximately 25,000 positions unfilled. He advocates for the reintroduction of conscription as a means to address this issue. However, he clarified that this is not about creating "cannon fodder for the front," but about effective deterrence and having enough defense-ready reservists and soldiers.

According to surveys cited by Giss, only a third of people in Germany would be willing to defend their country. This statistic, Giss believes, underscores the need for a broader discussion about the value of defending one's country and the importance of having a strong military.

Giss also warned about the potential impact of Russian President Vladimir Putin on German affairs. He stated that if Putin were to decide what happens in Germany, events like the Christopher Street Day may not occur, as Putin does not support them.

Despite the lack of specific politicians from Baden-Württemberg demanding the revival of the conscription system in the provided search results, military historian Sönke Neitzel has advocated for its reactivation based on public opinion data. However, Neitzel is not identified as a politician nor specifically from Baden-Württemberg.

Giss also expressed concern about the lack of background knowledge among young people about topics such as NATO and Bundeswehr mandates. He believes that this lack of understanding could pose a risk to the country's security.

In conclusion, Giss's statements underscore the need for a broader discussion about the possibility of war, the role of the military, and the importance of defending one's country. He believes that schools have a central role in this discussion, and that society as a whole needs to be prepared for potential future conflicts.