Growing interest among youth in enlisting for military service - Increasing numbers of youth exhibit interest in enlisting in the German military, the Bundeswehr
In a bid to address geopolitical pressures and bolster defense capabilities, Germany is taking significant steps to expand its military forces. The federal government, driven by concerns over the perceived threat from Russia and the ambition to build Europe's strongest military, is planning to recruit up to 40,000 young people annually by 2031.
The expansion is evident in the increase of military personnel this year, with around 28 percent more hired compared to the same period last year. As of July 21, there had been around 13,750 hires in the German Armed Forces, a number that continues to grow.
To make military service more appealing, the government is offering attractive incentives such as pay around 2,000 euros for voluntary training and skill development programs. The aim is to recruit up to 15,000 new military service personnel per year, with a focus on flexible service terms, opportunities to gain new skills such as language courses and driver’s licenses.
The new military service, proposed by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, is set to start by 2026 at the latest. However, if volunteer numbers fall short, the government may reinstate compulsory military service, a measure that was last seen in 1969. From 2027 at the latest, a mandatory draft will be reintroduced.
Compulsory screening will begin in 2028, where all 18-year-old men must be assessed for military fitness and willingness. Women’s questionnaires remain voluntary for now. A legislative bill is expected in late August 2025 to formalize these recruitment efforts and the screening program.
The goal is to grow the active military size from about 182,000 today to 260,000 by 2035, with an overall force (including reservists) targeting 460,000 soldiers. This expansion is attributed to recruitment campaigns and the tense international security situation.
The German Armed Forces, currently with around 183,100 men and women in uniform, are planning to expand further. The increase in interest in the German Armed Forces as an employer is a testament to these efforts. The data comes from the Ministry of Defense.
The new military service relies on voluntariness and an attractive service with higher pay to attract more young people to the German Armed Forces. Despite these efforts, concerns remain about the potential impact on civil society and the economy, as well as the long-term sustainability of conscription.
The expansion of the German Armed Forces is a significant development in Europe's security landscape, reflecting the country's commitment to its defense and its role in maintaining peace and stability on the continent. The information was first reported by the "Süddeutsche Zeitung".
Community policy regarding the expansion of the German Armed Forces includes offering vocational training and skill development programs to recruit young people, with the aim to hire up to 15,000 new military service personnel annually. This policy is part of the politics surrounding the country's push for Europe's strongest military, as reported in general news outlets.
The expansion of the German military forces is evident in the sports-like competition among young people vying for positions, with incentives like pay for voluntary training and flexible service terms helping to draw them in. This development is significant news in the world of policy-and-legislation and has far-reaching implications for Europe's security landscape.
