Berlin – The Germans dismantle Flecktarn. In the future, young men will have to compete again! This week, after months of wrangling, the Union and the SPD agreed to a new voluntary conscription.
The goal: That Bundeswehr will increase from the current approximately 184,000 to 270,000 active troops by 2035. There are also 200,000 reserves.
BILD answers the most important questions.
What exactly did the SPD and the Union agree on?
Starting next year, all 18-year-olds (born in 2008: about 680,000 people) will receive a questionnaire to fill out online (“Do you want to serve?”, “How healthy are you?”). Men MUST answer, women don’t.
From 1 July 2027, ALL males in the year group must go through collection. Until now, this pattern will only be implemented in stages. Existing capacity is still not enough to screen 300,000 18-year-old German men in one year.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (65, SPD) must restore his troops again
The Bundeswehr makes an offer to anyone who deems it suitable – but this offer can be rejected. Volunteer service lasts at least 6 months.
Do trans men also have to fill out a questionnaire?
According to the Ministry of Defense, they should be obliged to do this. “The gender entry submitted to the registration authority is crucial,” he said.
Why aren’t all women tested?
The current Constitution prohibits this. Therefore, only men may be conscripted into the army and, as an initial step, undergo military service. This can only be changed with a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag and Bundesrat – that is, with the vote of the left wing or AfD.
How and where should sampling be done?
Ideally, according to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (65, SPD), potential recruits should undergo a muster (physical, psychological and intellectual suitability test) in one day, knowing their level of suitability and where the troops want to use them – this could also be “in community service or disaster control”. To achieve this goal, 24 additional sampling centers will be built, mainly in city centers, by the end of 2026. According to the Ministry of Defense, the environment there will be “bright and welcoming.”
How many young men will be recruited in the next few years?
Pistorius currently expects 300,000 young Germans per year. The hope: Starting next year, 20,000 young people will sign up for the force each year – in voluntary service. Currently there are only about 12,000 per year. By 2027 there should be 23,000, and by 2030 even 38,000 per year. In the future, Pistorius must submit these growth figures to the Bundestag every 6 months.
How does Pistorius want to convince the volunteers?
With more money! The salary will be increased from 1,800 to 2,600 euros gross (around 2,300 euros net). From a 12 month work period there is an additional driver’s license subsidy (car, truck) and a higher salary. These services must also be able to be completed close to home. In addition, there are additional services: free food and accommodation for prospective members, as well as train travel (in uniform).
Sports tests are also on the program during collection
What actually happens if there are not enough volunteers?
Then the Bundestag must decide what constitutes conscription. This means: Parliament must first reinstate conscription (suspended in 2011) and decide on a mandatory draw: whoever is drafted must decide his or her draw.
Is it possible to refuse military service again?
Yes. The Constitution still regulates refusal. Michael Schulze von Glaßer (39), managing director of the German Peace Society, advised those about to turn 18: “If you don’t want to be recruited in the future, you should refuse it now.” Reason: Long waiting time at the office. In North Rhine-Westphalia it is currently up to six months.
Is there any more community service now?
No – at least as long as there is no conscription. However, if this is decided by the Bundestag, community service will be carried out again. Because: If those who are eligible for military service refuse military service, they must undertake alternative military service. And that is community service.
Is there enough space for all the soldiers?
No, not yet. That’s why Pistorius turned on the construction turbo: more than 270 new modular barracks buildings will be built by 2031 (cost: 3.5 billion euros).
Can I still join the Bundeswehr when I am 50 years old?
Yes. The Bundeswehr said: “In principle, you can switch to the Bundeswehr at the age of 40 or 50, this is especially true for the civil sector.” However, there are age restrictions for certain careers. The rule: the more physically challenging the job, the lower the maximum age.
Friedrich Merz was conscripted between 1975 and 1976
Does the Chancellor actually work for the federal government?
Yes, from 1975 to 1976 Friedrich Merz served in tank artillery. He managed to attain the rank of cadet. And Defense Minister Pistorius also did military service: with the anti-aircraft regiment in Achim (Lower Saxony). He managed to attain the rank of corporal.
