Overview

• Generalinspekteur Carsten Breuer said interest in the voluntary service is up 15 percent year on year, calling it a clear step forward.
• Defence Minister Boris Pistorius reported nearly 13,000 recruits by August toward a 2025 goal of 15,000, with about 20,000 training places available under current structures.
• The cabinet-backed bill would introduce questionnaires for those turning 18 starting in 2026 and compulsory medical screening for men from July 2027, while stopping short of a general draft.
• Union politicians continue to question whether the voluntary model, even with screening obligations, will yield enough personnel.
• Linke lawmaker Dietmar Bartsch proposed reconsidering former NVA soldiers for reservist roles, particularly in Heimatschutz units, a suggestion that has not been adopted as policy.