Germany military service law

Berlin, Germany – A newly passed military service law in Germany is dividing the country. While the law aims to address the country’s growing defense needs, it has also raised strong opinions on both sides of the debate: Some see it as a necessary reform, while others view it as a step toward compulsory service that risks undermining voluntary military participation.

The law, which will take effect in January 2026, introduces a series of changes aimed at boosting the country’s military forces amid increasing concerns over Russia’s aggression and Germany’s NATO obligations. However, the proposed changes to military service, including mandatory fitness tests and medical exams, have led to widespread criticism, particularly from younger Germans who argue they should have more say in their military obligations.

A Voluntary Military Service Model

At the heart of the new law is an effort to motivate young Germans to join the military on a voluntary basis. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has emphasized that the aim is to avoid a return to full conscription. Starting in early 2026, recruits will be offered a significantly improved salary — €2,600 ($3,000) per month before tax — to serve in the Bundeswehr for at least six months. Those committing to longer periods will also receive benefits such as subsidies for driving lessons.

This push for a professional, voluntary military force comes after the suspension of conscription in 2011, which the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) strongly opposes reinstating. Despite this, Pistorius has acknowledged the skepticism within the governing coalition, especially among conservative parties like the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU), who are pushing for a return to national service.

A Growing Need for Soldiers

With an eye on NATO commitments and an evolving security landscape, the German government is planning to expand its army to 260,000 soldiers by 2035 — a significant increase from the current force of approximately 182,000. The Bundeswehr also aims to recruit 80,000 new soldiers within this time frame, along with 200,000 reservists.

However, questions remain about whether enough volunteers will come forward to meet these ambitious targets without reverting to conscription. As part of the law, the Ministry of Defense will report to the Bundestag every six months to track progress in recruitment.

The Controversial Lottery Proposal

The new military service law comes after months of heated debate within the government. One of the more controversial proposals during discussions was a lottery system to determine who would be drafted into military service. The suggestion sparked outrage, particularly among young people, who felt that decisions about life and death should not be left to chance.

Instead, the law introduces a compromise: While military service remains voluntary, all 18-year-old men will soon be required to fill out a questionnaire about their willingness to serve. The questions will address physical fitness, education, and their potential to join the Bundeswehr. Although women are not obligated to serve, they will also be invited to participate.

From 2027 onward, a new requirement will see young men undergo a fitness test to determine who could be drafted in case of an emergency. This gradual shift toward a more structured system has been met with mixed reactions.

The Controversy of Compulsory Medical Examinations

The compulsory medical exam, which all young men will undergo as part of the law, is perhaps the most contentious aspect of the reform. Critics argue that it is a precursor to reintroducing conscription. There are concerns that if the military fails to meet its recruitment targets, a “needs-based conscription” could be implemented, whereby a select group of young men would be drafted depending on the military’s needs.

This possibility has caused alarm among many, including those who have fought for years against the return of conscription. The Bundestag would ultimately decide whether to reinstate conscription in whole or in part, should the need arise.

Rising Opposition Among Young People

On the day the law was passed, protests erupted across Germany, with students taking to the streets in opposition. “We don’t want to be locked up in barracks for half a year, trained in drill and obedience, and taught to kill,” read a flyer from the “school strike against conscription” movement, which organized nationwide rallies. Many young Germans argue they have not been adequately consulted on the issue, despite being directly affected by the law’s changes.

“We feel neglected as a generation,” said Leo Reinemann, a student from Koblenz and co-organizer of the protest. “We don’t see why we should jump into the trenches for the government.”

The Conscientious Objector Debate

Although the law still maintains the right to conscientious objection, it is clear that many Germans are increasingly reluctant to serve in the military. By the end of October 2025, more than 3,000 applications for conscientious objection had been filed with the German government. This number includes both individuals who have yet to serve and those already enlisted or in reserve.

The rise in conscientious objection highlights growing unease among young people about military service, especially as the government moves forward with its plans to modernize the Bundeswehr.

Looking Ahead: A Divided Future

As Germany moves toward a professional, volunteer military, it is clear that the country remains deeply divided on the issue of military service. For some, the promise of higher pay and more flexible service terms makes the Bundeswehr a more attractive option. For others, particularly young people, the compulsory medical exams and the possibility of future conscription represent a step backward.

The next few years will likely see continued debate over Germany’s defense policies. As the Bundeswehr tries to meet its recruitment goals, it remains to be seen whether the voluntary system will be sufficient or whether the country will once again be forced to consider compulsory military service.