Germany's government plans to bring back military service, to boost troop numbers to deal with the perceived threat from Russia. But voluntary conscription could become compulsory, if not enough recruits come forward.

Berlin

Germany has outlined a new approach to military recruitment as it seeks to strengthen its armed forces amid growing global security concerns. Beginning in 2026, young men aged 18 will be required to state whether they are willing to serve, while young women can opt in. Those who do not object and pass a physical test may be called up, with incentives such as a monthly pay of 2,600 euros and flexible service terms starting from six months.

The government hopes this modernized model will attract enough volunteers to reach a target of 270,000 personnel by 2035, avoiding the need for compulsory conscription, which was suspended in 2011. If volunteer numbers are insufficient, officials have indicated that a form of conscription could be introduced, pending new legislation. Public reactions are mixed, with some supporting the evaluation process and others expressing concern about young people facing mandatory service.

Germany outlines potential shift to compulsory conscription

New recruits taking a solemn oath to serve in the German armed forces. This event on Wednesday marked 70 years since the Bundeswehr was founded. But the world is becoming more dangerous and these young people are joining up at a time when Germany aims to beef up its military and needs to persuade many more to enlist. In order to increase our defence capability the Bundeswehr now needs more soldiers and we need a procedure that reliably and fairly ensures that the Bundeswehr can better fulfil its tasks in the future. The government has now agreed what that procedure should be. From 2026 young men aged 18 will be required to state whether they are willing to serve. Young women can opt to do so. After a physical test those who don't object may get the call up. The idea is to avoid a compulsory draft by making the armed forces attractive to young people with pay of 2,600 euros per month and the length of commitment flexible starting from six months. The defence minister says it's an approach other countries may also adopt. They are all watching what we are doing and our new model of conscription is quite modern. It is very modern and it might be able to be an example for other countries too. I don't know but it might be. Compulsory military service was suspended in 2011 and many Germans have got used to that. So how do they feel about the new plan? What I like about it is the idea that you first look at people. You don't make any decisions but you first say everyone will be looked at. You can understand the situation and see the necessity. On the other hand you don't want young people to get into such situations. The checks are good for finding out what you have. The question is what happens after that. Pistorius believes enough volunteers will be found to reach the target of up to 270,000 service personnel by 2035. If not, the government says it will introduce a form of conscription. That would need new legislation and could be controversial. So for now politicians are hoping young people will see military service both as something that is needed and as an opportunity.

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Breakdown