In brief
In a significant shift, Germany's cabinet proposed a draft law to introduce voluntary military service, which could pave the way for compulsory conscription. This initiative, driven by the need to enhance national defense in response to geopolitical threats, aims to increase troop levels from 182,000 to 260,000 by the early 2030s. Chancellor Merz highlighted the importance of this move to ensure a robust defense capability, referencing America's call for more European defense responsibility. The bill's implementation will involve online assessments for young citizens, with a core focus on attracting volunteers, particularly through better incentives and military career promotions.
Germany's cabinet has passed a draft bill which will introduce voluntary military service. The bill could also lead to conscription if more troops are needed. It's part of a move to boost German national defenses, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.Compulsory military service in Germany was ended in 2011 under then-Chancellor Angela Merkel. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has made boosting Germany's military a priority given the threat from Russia and said 'we are now back on the path to a military service army'. He summed up his thinking earlier this year saying: 'We want to be able to defend ourselves so that we don't have to defend ourselves.'Germany's plans also follow calls by US President Donald Trump for Europe to take more responsibility for its own defense. When his coalition government came to office earlier this year, it loosened borrowing restrictions to enable a surge in defense spending and then announced plans for 3.5% of economic output to go on defense over the next four years.Defence Minister Boris Pistorius wants to increase the number of soldiers in service from 182,000 to 260,000 by the early 2030s to meet new NATO force targets and strengthen Germany's defenses. The defence ministry also wants to increase the number of reservists to 200,000.In the future, all 18-year-old Germans, both men and women, will be sent an online questionnaire asking if they are willing to volunteer for military service, including questions about their physical fitness. Men will be required to complete the form, but it will be voluntary for women. The government stated military service would be voluntary as long as possible, although compulsory measures could be considered if necessary. The German military aims to increase recruitment efforts significantly, with a reported 28% increase in new recruits in the first half of this year compared to last.
