The federal government has adopted the introduction of a new military service. At today's meeting, the cabinet approved the legal framework that provides for military registration for young men, but for now it is betting on voluntary and more attractive service, reports German public broadcaster ARD.
What is the current situation in the German army?
There are currently around 182,000 soldiers in Germany. In order for the Federal Republic to be able to fulfill its obligations within NATO, but also in the field of national defense, as well as in the event of crises and disasters, significantly more soldiers are needed. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is aiming to increase their number by 2035 to at least 260,000 temporary and professional soldiers. However, the previous measures - such as advertising campaigns - have proven to be insufficient, writes ARD.
What changes with the law approved by the cabinet?
It is planned that a questionnaire will be sent to all young men and women from 2026. For men, filling it out is mandatory, for women it is voluntary. The aim is to investigate interest in possible service in the Bundeswehr. Suitable candidates will be invited to a medical examination. However, military service will not be mandatory. The minimum term of service will be six months, but it can be extended at will.
Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius believes that the new model will work. "We are betting on voluntariness, we will be able to reach these numbers," Pistorius said before the cabinet meeting. With the new law, "over 100,000 additional military personnel will be trained by the end of the decade," the Social Democrat added. They will be available in the reserve. To these will be added "those who are still in the old reserve, so we will reach the number of 200,000 reservists relatively easily".
However, Pistorius again stressed that if the goal is not achieved, "partial introduction of compulsory military service" will be necessary.
Is everything voluntary?
From July 1, 2027, the medical examination for fitness for military service will again be mandatory for all men born in 2008 and after, even if they have not chosen voluntary military service, the German public broadcaster CDF reports.
According to information from the Ministry of Defense, the goal is to create an accurate picture of the health status of Germans of military age.
In the event of a conflict or in the event of defense, compulsory military service service, which was terminated in 2011, will be automatically resumed under current legislation. In this way, all men between the ages of 18 and 60 can be mobilized, unless they have refused military service, writes the CDF.
What are they offering to servicemen?
All temporarily serving soldiers will receive a minimum of 2,200 euros. There is also a bonus for driving lessons (up to a maximum of 3,500 euros), as well as "free accommodation, free healthcare, cheap food, free train travel". With special bonuses, young people should be attracted to longer service in the army.
What do the critics say?
According to CDU foreign policy officer Norbert Röttgen, what is planned in the new law is not enough. "Germany will not be able to defend itself," he said. "There are no specific numbers or deadlines for what needs to be achieved and when, so that measures can be taken if the targets are not met," Röttgen added, adding that this does not correspond to the Swedish model, which is explicitly stated in the coalition agreement. "There, the required number of soldiers is determined for each year. And if not enough volunteers come forward, compulsory military service is introduced until the target is reached."
Criticism also comes from the Bundeswehr Reservists' Association, ARD reports. President Patrick Sensburg told Bavarian Radio: "Many people think that now there is an obligation again. There is none. The only obligation is to fill out a questionnaire." This will not recruit enough soldiers - and even fewer reservists, the Association is convinced.
The Federal Cabinet held its meeting today at the Ministry of Defense. This is happening for the first time in 33 years. The Supreme Commander of NATO forces in Europe, the American General Alexus Grinkevich, was present as a guest.