US EditionGermany Launches Drive to Add Military Recruits Without Conscription for Now
- On August 27, 2025, Germany's Cabinet approved a bill to boost voluntary military service without reinstating compulsory conscription.
- This move follows the longtime suspension of conscription since 2011 and growing security concerns after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- The recruitment drive includes sending questionnaires to 18-year-olds next year assessing willingness to serve and promising better pay and flexible service terms.
- Defense Minister Pistorius stressed that in addition to having well-equipped forces, the Bundeswehr must expand its troop numbers to effectively respond to the current international security challenges.
- While the government pushes voluntary enlistment and modernizing the Bundeswehr, Merkel's coalition will consider returning to conscription if volunteer targets are unmet.
106 Articles
106 Articles
Germany to boost military with new voluntary service bill
Amid rising concerns over the threat from Russia and in response to new NATO obligations, the German government is aiming to reverse the Bundeswehr’s long-standing recruitment shortfall. On Wednesday, the Cabinet approved an ambitious plan to expand the number of active-duty soldiers from the current 183,000 to 260,000 by the early 2030s. As part of this broader military buildup, officials are also seeking to double the number of reservists to 2…
After several weeks of debate, the Council of Ministers meeting in Berlin finally approved on Wednesday 27 August a draft law which provides for the gradual reintroduction of military service, reports the German media Der Spiegel. Only young volunteers between the ages of 18 and 25 will be involved in the first phase. From 2026, they will be able to serve six months under flags and collect more than 2,000 euros net per month, equivalent to the s…
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