As Germany adapts to a volatile geopolitical landscape, attention has turned to filling the ranks of its armed forces. Among Germany's youth, attitudes towards the Bundeswehr have been shifting.

Berlin

Germany is currently debating the potential return of compulsory military service, which was suspended in 2011. The government has approved a draft law aimed at increasing troop numbers in response to evolving geopolitical challenges. The proposal includes sending a mandatory online questionnaire to all 18-year-old men, with participation voluntary for women, to identify potential recruits for the Bundeswehr.

Public opinion among young people remains divided, with some supporting the idea for national security reasons and others opposing mandatory service. Currently, only men can be drafted under German law, but Chancellor Friedrich Merz has indicated that women could be included if conscription is reinstated. According to a recent study, 30% of surveyed 12 to 18-year-olds support compulsory military service.

Germany debates return to compulsory military service

Florian Kort will turn 18 soon. That means he will be eligible to serve in Germany's armed forces, the Bundeswehr. Germany is adapting its military policies amid ever-changing geopolitical challenges. The cabinet has approved a draft law aimed at boosting troop numbers. But it hasn't silenced the great debate. Should conscription be reintroduced? What do students at this high school in Bonn think? I think it's wrong that people can be forced to do military service. Because I think there are lots of people who might be willing to do social work. But say, military service just isn't for me. In 2011, Germany suspended compulsory military service. For now, military service remains voluntary. But the new draft law aims to gauge more interest. Here's how. Starting next year, all 18-year-olds will receive an online questionnaire, mandatory for men, voluntary for women, to attract more recruits. Suitable candidates will be invited for a medical check-up. Florian and some of his fellow students will also receive the survey. If there's compulsory military service, there's a greater likelihood that more active personnel will remain in service later on. And you're doing something good for the country. So that's great, isn't it? I believe that compulsory military service would be beneficial and that it would help to strengthen Germany's military presence, which would naturally also deter the aggressor here in Europe, Russia. According to a recent study, 30% of the 12 to 18-year-olds surveyed believe that there should be an obligation to perform military service in the German armed forces. Another sticking point, women are currently exempt from conscription as only men can be drafted according to the basic law. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently stated he doesn't rule out including women if conscription makes a comeback.

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