Germany decides to reinstate voluntary military service

The German Bundestag has approved a plan to reintroduce voluntary military service, a move aimed at strengthening national defense in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This decision represents a major shift in Germany's military strategy and aligns with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's goal of establishing Europes strongest conventional army.

Starting January 2026, all German citizens turning 18 will receive a mandatory questionnaire asking about their interest in joining the armed forces. While completion of the form will be compulsory for men, participation will remain optional for women.

The proposal has sparked protests among students, with demonstrations planned in up to 90 cities. Critics argue that compulsory training limits personal freedom and does not provide meaningful prospects for the future. In Hamburg alone, approximately 1,500 participants were expected, while schools advised parents not to remove children from classes for the protests. A small rally also occurred outside the Bundestag during the vote.

The law passed with 323 votes in favor and 272 against, making Germany one of the latest European nations to implement a renewed form of military service. Similar initiatives have recently been introduced in France, where 18- and 19-year-olds will undergo 10 months of voluntary military training.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized that all 18-year-old men will undergo medical evaluations starting July 2027 to determine fitness for potential military service. These assessments aim to ensure that Germany can quickly identify capable personnel in the event of an emergency.

The Bundeswehr currently has around 182,000 troops, with plans to increase this number by 20,000 over the next year. By the early 2030s, Germany aims to reach 260,000 active soldiers, supplemented by roughly 200,000 reservists, to meet NATO targets and reinforce national defense. While service is voluntary, the Bundestag could consider compulsory measures if security conditions deteriorate or volunteer numbers remain insufficient.

Germanys military was significantly downsized during the 1990s, following the end of the Cold War, when it maintained nearly half a million personnel. Compulsory military service was abolished in 2011 under former Chancellor Angela Merkel. In response to perceived threats from Russia and under pressure from the US, Chancellor Merz has committed to rebuilding Germanys armed forces.

Volunteers for the new service can expect a monthly salary of approximately 2,600, compared to France where the pay starts at 800 per month.

Author: Ethan Caldwell