The German Minister of Defense has proposed a new plan to boost the number of recruits in the armed forces by introducing a new model of military service. He wants to implement a mandatory screening process for potential recruits to strengthen the army amid rising risks.
Unlike the old system of conscription, which was abolished in 2011, this new model would not force everyone to serve. Instead, it focuses on voluntary participation with some mandatory aspects, if needed. (Related: Germany mulls CONSCRIPTION for all 18-year-olds.)
In the proposal presented to the Defense Committee of the Bundestag – the lower house of the German parliament – young people who turn 18 would be required to fill out a questionnaire about their interest and ability to serve in the army. While both men and women will receive the questionnaire, only men will be required to complete it. (Related: Denmark calls for mandatory military conscription for women.)
The purpose of this questionnaire is to gauge interest and identify the most capable and motivated individuals, who can then be invited for an interview. Although military service will remain voluntary, the idea is to attract more young people and strengthen the reserves.
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The new model includes six months of basic training, with an option to extend up to 17 months. Those who complete the service will join the reserves.
Germany needs around 460,000 soldiers to meet NATO defense commitments
This initiative aims to "accelerate and strengthen reserves for global defense," according to a parliamentary meeting participant. The long-term goal is to have approximately 200,000 active-duty personnel and 260,000 reservists.
Despite recent efforts to recruit more soldiers, the number of active-duty troops in Germany dropped to about 180,000 last year. Pistorius, currently a very popular political figure in Germany, has emphasized the need to make the army "war-ready to defend the country and fulfill its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) obligations.
Germany has been increasing its defense budget over the past two years after years of cuts following the Cold War. However, Pistorius is calling for even more funding. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his coalition government currently support an entirely voluntary approach to military service.
Germany's military is facing a decline in numbers despite efforts to attract more volunteers, according to DW. For Germany to meet its NATO defense commitments, it will eventually need around 460,000 soldiers.
SPD politician Johannes Arlt mentioned the goal of recruiting 40,000 men and conscripting 10,000 each year initially – with hopes of increasing these numbers over time. However, he pointed out challenges, such as a lack of capacity, infrastructure and beds at military bases.
Pistorius reiterated the need for some form of military service, especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine raised concerns about Europe’s security. He emphasized that Germany must strengthen its armed forces, the Bundeswehr, to be fully operational by the end of the decade.
Nils Jan Grunder, a politician from the Free Democratic Party, and Serap Güler from the opposition Christian Democratic Union both agree on the necessity of this plan. Güler stressed that "war has come to Europe" and the Bundeswehr is not currently prepared for the worst-case scenario. She criticized the current efforts as insufficient and called for a return to full conscription–wishing the defense minister had taken a bolder approach.
Watch the following video about Germany announcing its plan to increase recruits in the armed forces.
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British army chief calls for creation of "citizen army" amid rising threat to the U.K.
Swiss government considering GENDER-NEUTRAL military conscription.
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