the number of people working in the care of children and elderly people. Such care facilities often relied on civilian service to furnish them with large numbers of very low-paid workers. Apart from that, professional forces tend to be recruited largely from underprivileged groups. As of 2007, a disproportionate number of soldiers (about 4 out of 10) who volunteer beyond their basic service stem from the poorer eastern states of Germany. It is feared that a professional force increases this trend, disconnecting the armed forces from the more affluent groups in society. Further mandatory services In Germany, beside the suspended military service, a few other mandatory services feasible or even implemented by law in some municipalities. Border Guard Service By constitutional law a Compulsory Border Guard Service in the Federal Police (German: Bundespolizei)—the renamed Federal Border Guard (German: Bundesgrenzschutz) can be implemented. Currently the draft is suspended in peacetime like the draft for the military service. Compulsory Fire Service A Compulsory Fire Service for a local fire department is in force in a handful of municipalities. Dyke Relief Service In the case of floodings and crevasse the Dyke Relief Service (in German: Deichhilfe) can be set in force, citizens can be drafted by municipalities cleanup services or to make dykes safe. Hand and hitch-up services So-called hand and hitch-up services () or more contemporary the (mandatory) municipal services (German: ) is an obligatory service, that can be requested by a local government and is still enforced in small townships to maintain municipal properties and infrastructure. References External links More Jews Opt to Serve in German Military Der Wehrbeauftragte des Deutschen Bundestages (official site, English) Conscription in Germany Germany