(de-news.net) – The Bundesrat has approved revised military service legislation based on suggestions made by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. While the overall goal was to bolster the armed services mostly through voluntary participation, his proposal called for mandatory registration for men born in 2008 or later.
According to the law, every German citizen who reaches the age of eighteen will get a questionnaire intended to evaluate their eligibility for duty in the Bundeswehr as well as their motivation. Men will be required to fill out this form, while women will be able to do so voluntarily.
According to officials, the initiative’s goal is to increase the number of employees without immediately implementing mandatory service. They did concede, though, that the implementation of forced duty might be taken into consideration as a further step if recruitment goals cannot be reached through voluntary enrollment in the upcoming years.
The Bundesrat has formally endorsed a revised framework for military service, adopting legislation that reflects proposals advanced by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. His recommendations, which were shaped by concerns about long‑term personnel shortages, included the introduction of compulsory registration for men born in 2008 or later. Although the principal objective of the measure remains the strengthening of the armed forces through voluntary participation, the statutory provisions establish a more structured system of initial assessment and potential recruitment.
Under the new law, every German citizen upon reaching the age of eighteen will receive a standardized questionnaire. This document is designed to evaluate both the individual’s motivation and his or her suitability for service in the Bundeswehr. Completion of the form will be obligatory for men, while women will retain the option to respond voluntarily. The questionnaire is intended not only to gauge willingness but also to provide the military with a clearer picture of the available pool of potential recruits.
Government officials emphasized that the initiative is conceived as a means of expanding personnel numbers without resorting immediately to compulsory service. The authorities underscored that voluntary enlistment remains the preferred path, as it is seen as more compatible with democratic values and with the principle of personal choice. Nevertheless, they acknowledged that if the Bundeswehr’s staffing targets cannot be achieved through voluntary enrollment in the coming years, the introduction of mandatory duty could be considered as a subsequent measure and as a second resort.
