Germany Explores Voluntary Military Service Amid Rising Defense Concerns

Sat Sep 13 2025 15:50:12 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In response to increasing security threats, the German cabinet has backed a draft bill to reinstate voluntary military service, potentially paving the way for conscription in the future.

Following Russia's aggression in Ukraine, Germany's cabinet has approved a draft bill for voluntary military service as part of efforts to bolster national defense. The plan aims to increase the number of active soldiers and reservists, acknowledging the need for a stronger military presence in response to security threats. While military service will initially be voluntary, there is a provision for conscription if necessary, subject to approval from the Bundestag.

Germany Explores Voluntary Military Service Amid Rising Defense Concerns

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.

This initiative is part of a broader move to enhance national defenses, especially following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Compulsory military service in Germany was abolished in 2011 under then-Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has made boosting Germany's military a priority given the escalating threats from Russia, stating, we are now back on the path to a military service army. Earlier this year, he summarized his perspective, asserting, We want to be able to defend ourselves so that we don't have to defend ourselves.

The current government is also responding to calls from US President Donald Trump for European nations to take more responsibility for their defense. Upon entering office, the coalition government loosened borrowing restrictions to enable a significant increase in defense spending, aiming for 3.5% of economic output to be allocated to defense over the next four years.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius aims to increase the number of active soldiers from 182,000 to 260,000 by the early 2030s to meet new NATO force targets and strengthen national defenses. Additionally, efforts are underway to raise the number of reservists to 200,000.

Starting next year, all 18-year-olds in Germany, both men and women, will be invited to fill out a questionnaire regarding their willingness to serve. While men must respond, for women, participation is voluntary.

Quentin Gärtner, the head of the Federal Pupils' Conference, emphasizes that young people's voices need to be included in decisions that affect their future, expressing concern that the Defense Ministry has yet to engage with youth on these matters.

Despite the voluntary nature of the service, if the security situation worsens or if insufficient volunteers come forward, the government can consider enforcing conscription with Bundestag approval.

Minister Pistorius remains optimistic, suggesting that attractive pay and engaging military service will draw young individuals to join the Bundeswehr.

In recent times, the defense ministry has amplified advertising campaigns and recruitment events. Notably, the Bundeswehr reported a 28% increase in new recruits during the first half of the year compared to the previous year, demonstrating a rising interest among the youth.

Some politicians from Pistorius's Social Democrat party have criticized the initiative, believing that instead of considering conscription, the Bundeswehr should enhance its appeal as an employer.

In contrast, members of Chancellor Merz's party have voiced concerns about the delays caused by needing Bundestag approval for the reintroduction of conscription.

Public sentiment is divided, with some commentators questioning if this step aligns right for Germany's future. Johannes Angermann from public broadcaster MDR opines that compulsory military service could burden the younger generation with lost time and financial costs, advocating instead for a stronger professional army.

Anti-war group Rheinmetal Entwaffnen expressed strong opposition, stating they would not participate in what they view as the ruling class's wars, urging a prioritization of social infrastructure over military engagement.