Germany reinstates voluntary military service to strengthen armed forces

On December 5, the German parliament approved the reintroduction of voluntary military service as European nations work to enhance their defense readiness following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Bundestag passed the proposal with a vote of 323 to 272, following initiatives by Chancellor Friedrich Metz to reinforce the nation's military capabilities.

Mandatory military service in Germany had been abolished in 2011 under Chancellor Angela Merkel. Starting in January, all 18-year-old German citizens, both men and women, will receive a questionnaire asking about their interest in joining the armed forces. While compulsory service will not return, the government plans to offer incentives to encourage participation.

Germany joins other European countries in updating military service programs. In November, France launched a 10-month voluntary military training program for individuals aged 18 and older. Denmark also announced plans last year to include women in conscription efforts as it works to strengthen its military.

The decision has sparked protests, with students planning strikes in up to 90 cities across Germany. In Hamburg alone, over 1,500 demonstrators were expected to gather. Protesters expressed concerns that military service offers little future security and criticized being trained for combat.

The German government aims to increase its active military personnel from 180,000 to approximately 260,000, with plans to grow reservist forces by an additional 200,000 by 2035.

Author: Aiden Foster