Germany's defense minister presented a proposal for a new voluntary military service to strengthen the armed forces, following government opposition to the return of conscription. This was reported by the Reuters agency, quoted by BTA.
The proposal is part of Germany's shift to a more robust foreign and defense policy announced by Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the days following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Boris Pistorus has said that all men will be required to complete a questionnaire to assess whether they are fit and interested in military service after turning 18. For women, it will be a matter of choice. The most suitable and motivated will undergo six months of military training, with the option to extend it by another 17 months, explained Pistorius.
This new model aims to increase the number of young people who undergo voluntary military service annually by 5,000 to 15,000. In addition, the number of reservists will also be increased. According to the Minister of Defense, the aim is to increase this figure every year in order to increase the capacity of the German army.
Pistorius promised to make Germany "ready for war" nation, warning that war between NATO and Russia could break out in five to eight years.
He called the suspension of compulsory military service in Germany in 2011 a "mistake".