(de-news.net) – The German Federal Government has formally endorsed a legislative proposal aimed at modernizing the country’s military service framework. Central to the initiative is a renewed emphasis on voluntary enlistment, particularly in the initial phase of implementation. While participation by women remains optional, beginning in 2026, all men aged 18 and above will be required to complete a standardized questionnaire designed to assess both their physical fitness and their willingness to serve in the armed forces. As part of the broader reform, mandatory medical examinations for male candidates are scheduled to commence in July 2027.
Spearheaded by Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius (SPD), the proposed legislation seeks to significantly expand the personnel capacity of the Bundeswehr. The government’s objective is to increase troop numbers by 80,000, ultimately reaching a target strength of 260,000 service members across active duty and reserve components. In circumstances where voluntary enlistment proves insufficient or if national security conditions deteriorate, the law provides for the conditional reinstatement of compulsory military service. However, this provision is not automatic and would require a separate decision based on prevailing circumstances.
To enhance the appeal of military service, the draft law outlines a series of incentives for volunteers. Individuals who opt to serve will be designated as temporary soldiers and will receive elevated compensation. Additional benefits include financial support for obtaining civilian driver’s licenses, access to vocational training programs, and opportunities for language acquisition. These measures are intended to improve the Bundeswehr’s attractiveness to young recruits.
Despite the government’s assurances, the legislative proposal had encountered criticism from opposition parties, most notably the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. Critics highlighted the absence of clearly defined benchmarks and timelines for the potential reactivation of conscription. Furthermore, representatives from military associations and defense policy circles expressed reservations regarding the law’s strategic coherence and practical viability.
