Germany's cabinet has passed a draft bill that will introduce voluntary military service, potentially setting the stage for conscription if necessary. The bill aims to enhance German national defense in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and follows the abolition of compulsory military service in 2011 under Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has prioritized defense expansion, stating, 'We are now back on the path to a military service army.' He articulated a desire to ensure Germany's defense capabilities are adequate to prevent actual conflict.
With this renewed focus on military readiness, the government plans an increase of 80,000 soldiers, aiming for a total of 260,000 by the early 2030s in alignment with NATO targets. This also includes boosting reservists to 200,000.
The government intends to send questionnaires to all 18-year-olds, asking if they are willing to volunteer for military duty. Men will be required to complete this process, while it will remain optional for women.
As military service becomes an option again, significant political discussions arise regarding the forces' attractiveness as an employer, in response to both young people's current job situations and broader security concerns.
In the new military landscape, officials stress the importance of appealing incentives such as competitive pay to attract young recruits, anticipating a necessary growth in volunteer soldiers.
