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But his proposals are the subject of heated debate even within the conservative coalition - and Chancellor Merkel has made it clear that the final word on the issue has not yet been spoken. The Bundeswehr is facing new challenges, such as peace missions abroad, and it does so under increasing financial pressure. The Defense Ministry has been instructed to come up with 8 billion Euros of savings by 2014. Zu Guttenberg says that can be achieved by doing away with compulsory military service and cutting the number of troops from 250,00 to around 170,000. But many conservatives believe that conscription serves a valuable purpose. They argue that the concept of "citizens in uniform" is key to Germany's post-war identity. The Defense Minister wants to introduce his reforms this year - but it's far from clear if he'll succeed. Many members of the armed forces are also unhappy with his plans.