Stand still!?
A dispute over the new military service law that had been going on for months has been resolved. Now it’s clear: all 18-year-old men will have to serve in the military in the future (possibly starting in 2026).
However, if the number of young men volunteers originally planned was less than 20,000, then that would happen Bundestag together again. In this case, 18 year olds may also be required to serve.
BILD is in Germany teenager those born in 2008 and 2009 were asked their opinion about the new military service.
“I will look at the collection letter”
Simon Schwarzhoff (16) from Augsburg, born in 2009: “I heard about it from social media and friends. First I saw the collection letter and talked to my parents about it. I was confused about it. I don’t think my parents would like it if I went to the federal government.”
“I’m against it”
Andreas Möss (16) from Augsburg, born in 2008: “I don’t think it’s a good thing. Many people don’t want war and it would put psychological pressure on them. I’m against it being done.”
“In general I think it’s not bad”
Lukas (16) from Nuremberg, born in 2009: “In general, I don’t think it’s bad. I would probably go to the federal government myself and say I’m ready if that letter comes.”
“It’s worth considering”
Joshua Meister (17) high school student from Nuremberg (Bavaria): “I would join the Bundeswehr. It’s definitely worth considering. I just heard about it on the news and I think it’s great because I think it will make the younger generation fitter and more disciplined. I could also imagine signing up for the army – but it depends on what it pays. If the numbers are good, I’ll be there.”
“I don’t want to be cannon fodder”
Elias Kunz (16), high school student from Fürth (Bavaria): “Even though my brother has been in the Bundeswehr for five years, has enlisted for 13 years and is an officer, I can’t get too excited. If I get that letter, I will only conscript if it’s absolutely necessary.
“Volunteer to collect? No!”
Otto Ellerbrock (17) from Lüneburg (Lower Saxony), high school graduate and district student representative: “Young people should not be forced to do military service. There are also commitments outside the military – I am involved in civilian life and want to continue. We are 18 years old, old enough and have our own plans. If there is an obligation, then only with the real freedom to choose between military service and community service. I feel that politics is not in my favor. You get a letter from the Bundeswehr, but you are not allowed to choose – that is a contradiction.”
Tim and Marlon (both 18) are old enough, so they won’t be subject to future regulations, but they can envision careers in the federal government!
“In the army, you learn a lot for life”
Tim Geiße (18), electrical trainee from Arnstadt (Thuringia): “So it’s interesting for me, I’m going to do military service. The financial aspect is especially interesting to me: 2,600 euros, that’s good money. I’ll look at it for six months and see what it’s like, but then I might even imagine being a temporary soldier. Since I’m not against conscription, that’s fine. A lot of my friends are in the Bundeswehr, so far I’ve only heard good things about them, it should be fun. And I know from my experience dad: You learn a lot in the army for life.”
“If that happens, I will take part too”
Marlon Pascal Ott (18), apprentice from Erfurt (Thuringia): “Frankly, I think it sucks when you’re forced to do military service. But if it gets to that point and there aren’t actually enough volunteers? Well, that’s how it is, then I’ll join in too. I also think the incentives, for example money and discounts on driver’s licenses, are good.”
