As Germany warns of a continued threat posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Cabinet last week approved the new voluntary military service draft law to reach its goal of having 260,000 active soldiers by 2030.
Under the draft law, military service will be voluntary at first, but if the targets are not met, there is a possibility of a return to conscription.
The draft law
Starting January 1, all German men and women will receive a questionnaire asking if they are willing to volunteer for military service.
They will also be questioned about their physical fitness and skills.
These questionnaires are mandatory for all men, but voluntary for women.
By July 1, 2027, the government will require all men aged 18 years old to undergo a mandatory medical examination, even if they do not want to volunteer.
Anyone who opts for voluntary military service will be trained over a period of six to 23 months.
During the first six months, recruits will undergo basic training, then afterward they can choose further qualifications in the army, air force, navy or cyber command.
The government will also increase their salaries and recruits will be provided with free medical care, free accommodation, and free rail travel.
Possibility of compulsory military service
The plan, initiated by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, is initially voluntary, but the government may reintroduce conscription if need be.
According to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the administration will think about creating a system to impose mandatory military service, including the potential for drafting women, if the original plan turns out to be inadequate or if the necessary objectives are not achieved.
In 2011, under the government of then-Chancellor Angela Merkel, conscription was suspended.
But since it is enshrined in the Constitution, it could be reinstated in its previous form – where only men are required and allowed to be drafted, while military service for women remains voluntary.
Merz acknowledged that it would be extremely difficult for women to be drafted, but he stated that the government should still do it.
However, they must take the first and second steps on the proper path before continuing the discussion.
“The Basic Law clearly states that only men may be conscripted for military service. Whether this is still appropriate today and whether it may need to be changed is a matter for political and socio-political debate,” Merz said.
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What do other officials have to say?
Lawmakers from Merz’s Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union bloc have expressed doubt about whether the initial plan will be successful and provide the target number of volunteers.
Additionally, the Bundeswehr Association wants a system that would enable a swift return to conscription.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Bavarian Christian Social Union Chairman Markus Soeder are skeptical about the new draft law, saying it may not increase recruitment at all.
They also expressed criticism over the reintroduction of conscription.
The Social Democrats also aired the same sentiments, echoing what Pistorius had said before that the Bundeswehr would be unable to accommodate and train people if they were conscripted at once.
What do Germans have to say?
Pistorius said the plan has been well-received by Germans as the number of applicants is already rising. But polls say otherwise.
According to a recent YouGov poll, many young people reject the idea of doing military service or any other form of compulsory service.
56 percent of people aged 16 to 26 years old reject the universal compulsory service, while 28 percent are in favour.
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Shameeka Voyiya 
Newsjustnews writers 
Ren Azrack Escosio