German Cabinet Approves New Military Service Initiative

The plan requires 18-year-old men to complete a digital survey on military service readiness, with women participating voluntarily.

The German Cabinet has approved Defense Minister Boris Pistorius's proposal to reintroduce military service, pending approval from the Bundestag and Bundesrat.
The initiative aims to address the Bundeswehr's personnel shortages, as the number of active soldiers has dropped below 180,000.
A digital questionnaire will be mandatory for 18-year-old men, collecting data on their willingness and fitness for military service, while women can participate voluntarily.
The new service structure plans to add 3,000 training positions annually, targeting a total of 460,000 soldiers for NATO commitments, with a large portion from reserves.
The basic training for the new military service is set to last six months, with options for specialized training extending up to 23 months.