Bavarian Greens Propose Mandatory 'Freiheitsdienst' for All Residents Aged 18 to 67

The initiative aims to bolster societal resilience and unity through six months of service in military, civil protection, or societal roles.

The 'Freiheitsdienst' proposal requires all residents of Germany, regardless of citizenship or gender, to complete six months of service between the ages of 18 and 67.
Service options include military, civil protection roles like firefighting and disaster response, or societal contributions such as volunteer leadership in youth work or ecological programs.
Individuals who have already completed military or civil service, or equivalent voluntary work, would be exempt from the requirement.
The proposal introduces a mandatory assessment after school to inform participants about service options and ensure inclusivity and flexibility in fulfilling the obligation.
Framed as a modern alternative to conscription, the initiative seeks to strengthen intergenerational cohesion, societal robustness, and democratic freedoms.