As war fears rise, German armed forces court young recruits with "discovery days." From 2026, everyone aged 18 will be asked about their willingness to serve. Conscription looms if the army can't fill its ranks.

Berlin

Germany is addressing a significant shortage of military personnel by launching initiatives such as the Discovery Days programme, which targets young people aged 16 to 18. The government has opted not to reintroduce conscription, instead planning to send questionnaires to those born in 2008 to gauge their willingness to serve.

The goal is to recruit an estimated 80,000 additional active soldiers to fulfill NATO obligations. Recent studies indicate there is sufficient interest among young people to join the army voluntarily, and the government is emphasizing voluntary service over compulsory military duty.

Germany seeks to recruit 80,000 more active soldiers

This is the first morning exercise of what could be the next generation of German soldiers. These 16 to 18-year-olds are joining the Discovery Days programme of the country's armed forces, currently facing a massive shortage of soldiers. Carlotta is one out of over 20 the army is trying to recruit within the next five days. I wanted to join the German armed forces and this gives me a good insight into the army. That was my motivation, to see what it's like. They learn about drone defence and weapons systems, including witnessing the use of live ammunition. To some, a highlight. I'm very interested in tanks and the military in general. That's also my motivation for wanting to get an insight into it. So far, the German government has decided against reintroducing conscription. Instead, starting next year, all born in 2008 will receive a questionnaire on their willingness to serve. The aim is to boost Germany's army with more volunteers. We definitely have noticed a significant increase of interest in armed forces and security. Eleven young people are looking for meaningful jobs. Whether joining the German army is one of the options they are considering is still in question. And this is why they are seeking information about it. The goal? Germany wants to recruit an estimated 80,000 more active soldiers in the upcoming years to meet the requirements of NATO. A recent study suggests that a sufficient number of young people would be willing to join the army voluntarily. Carlotta hopes that this is the case, as she is critical of conscription. If you want to join the armed forces, then you should do it. I don't think compulsory military service is a good idea, because it's better to join voluntarily than to be forced. Otherwise, you lose your motivation. She is motivated. She wants to serve for three to four years. If she likes it, she'll stay longer.

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