Germany Moves Towards Compulsory Military Service Amid Rising Security Concerns

Fri Nov 14 2025 00:58:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Germany aims to bolster its military capacity, plans for mandatory military service for young men have been announced, aiming for a robust armed forces by 2035.

Germany's coalition government is set to implement a new military service plan that will require all 18-year-old men to evaluate their readiness for military duty, in a bid to significantly increase troop numbers to 260,000 by 2035. This decision, made in response to growing security threats and a changing geopolitical landscape, comes alongside the reinstatement of military conscription, which has faced significant public opposition, especially among younger citizens.

Germany Moves Towards Compulsory Military Service Amid Rising Security Concerns

Germany's coalition government has agreed on a new military service plan to boost troop numbers following extensive political negotiations. Under this plan, all 18-year-old men will need to complete a questionnaire about their suitability for military service, and from 2027, undergo medical screenings.

The move is part of a broader strategy by Berlin to establish itself as having Europe’s strongest conventional army. Armin Papperger, the CEO of Germany's largest defense contractor, Rheinmetall, expressed optimism that this goal could be achieved within five years.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius reassured the public that the new measures should not induce fear, emphasizing that a capable military can deter potential conflicts. The past experiences of Germany, particularly its hesitation to display military might since the Cold War, have influenced these new policies. Conscription was last in place until its suspension in 2011.

As per the newly introduced model, the Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces, currently staffed by around 182,000 personnel, aims to increase this number by at least 20,000 in the coming year alone, reaching a target of 255,000 to 260,000 over the next decade while adding about 200,000 reservists.

The initiative has sparked mixed feelings among the public. A recent survey indicated that while there is some support for compulsory service, significant opposition persists, especially among young adults. Participants like Jimi, a 17-year-old student, voiced concerns about being forced into military action, while others like Jason have rallied to enlist, citing motivations centered around national defense amidst current global tensions.

Despite these challenges, articulated plans and actions indicate a shift towards rearming and preparing for what some experts suggest could be a decade of unstable relations with Russia and other geopolitical threats.