Is Germany bringing back conscription?
Asked 1 hour ago
Answer
Germany is not immediately bringing back compulsory conscription, but starting in 2026, all 18-year-old men must register and state willingness to serve. Service remains voluntary for now, with incentives to attract recruits. If volunteer numbers are insufficient, officials may introduce conscription through new legislation. The government aims to reach 270,000 personnel by 2035, but compulsory service is not yet reinstated.
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Germany outlines potential shift to compulsory conscription
- Germany marks 70 years since the founding of the Bundeswehr and seeks to strengthen its military as global threats increase. 7s
- From 2026, young men must declare willingness to serve; young women can opt in, with selection based on physical tests and no objections. 45s
- The plan aims to avoid compulsory conscription by offering 2,600 euros per month and flexible service terms starting from six months. 58s
- The government targets up to 270,000 service personnel by 2035 and may introduce conscription if volunteer numbers are insufficient. 2m 6s
- Public reactions are mixed, with support for fair evaluation but concerns about mandatory service for young people. 1m 38s
References
From 2026, young men aged 18 must state if they are willing to serve; young women can opt in. Those who do not object and pass a physical test may be called up. The plan seeks to avoid a compulsory draft, but if volunteer numbers fall short, the government may introduce a form of conscription, which would require new legislation.
From 2026, all men aged 18 and above must register for potential military service. Military service remains voluntary, but if volunteer numbers are insufficient, compulsory service may be reintroduced through new legislation.