Overview
- The governing coalition led by the SPD and Union has presented a model that keeps service voluntary while requiring a nationwide Musterung for young men born in 2008.
- An Insa survey for Bild am Sonntag finds 58% support the screenings and 29% oppose them, based on 1,003 respondents polled November 13–14.
- Only 31% of respondents say they would volunteer for service, while 55% say they would not, signaling low individual willingness.
- A majority of 57% expects volunteer numbers will fall short of Bundeswehr staffing goals, and 25% believe targets can be met.
- If recruitment targets are missed, a demand-based conscription could be introduced, which would require a separate vote in the Bundestag.