Germany Launches Ambitious Military Recruitment Initiative

Fri Nov 14 2025 18:02:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant move to strengthen its military, the German government has unveiled a new plan requiring 18-year-olds to participate in a military service questionnaire, paving the way for an increase in troop numbers.

Germany's coalition government has approved a new military service initiative to enhance troop numbers, mandating 18-year-old men to complete a suitability questionnaire. The defense aims to bolster its army to 260,000 by 2035, amid rising security concerns. Aimed at preparing for potential threats, the proposal has received mixed reactions from the public, especially among youth, who are wary of conscription.

Germany's coalition government has agreed on a groundbreaking military service plan to enhance its troop numbers following prolonged discussions among political factions.

The plan requires all 18-year-old men to fill out a questionnaire regarding their suitability for military service, with mandatory medical screenings beginning in 2027.

This initiative is part of Berlin's objective to establish Europe's strongest conventional army. The CEO of Germany's largest defense contractor, Rheinmetall, is optimistic that the target troop levels could be achieved in just five years.

Legislators are expected to cast their votes on this military service plan by the close of 2025. Rheinmetall's head, Armin Papperger, characterized Chancellor Friedrich Merz's goal of strengthening the Bundeswehr as feasible and indicated that decisive government actions are forthcoming.

Concerns regarding military readiness have surged following warnings from German defense chief Gen. Carsten Breuer about potential attacks from Russia within the next four years.

The Bundeswehr currently operates with about 182,000 troops. The new service model intends to boost this by 20,000 in the first year, ultimately aiming for between 255,000 and 260,000 troops, supported by roughly 200,000 reservists.

Starting next year, every 18-year-old, regardless of gender, will receive a questionnaire to gauge interest in military service; however, participation will be mandatory for men and optional for women.

From July 2027, all 18-year-old men must undergo a medical assessment to determine their fitness for duty. The parliament may consider compulsory enlistment if the government fails to meet its recruitment targets, especially in case of war, utilizing the submitted questionnaires and medical evaluations as a resource for potential recruits.

Not all support the reintroduction of military service, especially among leftist factions, with many young Germans expressing opposition to mandatory service — a recent survey indicated 63% of 18- to 29-year-olds reject the idea.

Meanwhile, the sentiment of those like 21-year-old recruit Jason, who joined the Bundeswehr this year due to security concerns, reflects a willingness to contribute to national defense.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius seeks to reassure the public, emphasizing that improving the military's capabilities through training, personnel, and equipment reduces the likelihood of conflict. With defense spending historically declining since the Cold War and conscription halted in 2011, this proposal marks a significant policy shift in Germany's approach to military readiness amidst rising global tensions.