Overview
- From January 1, 2026, all 18-year-olds will receive a Bundeswehr questionnaire, mandatory for men and voluntary for women, with fines planned for noncompliance though amounts are not yet specified.
- Musterings begin in phases in 2026 due to capacity limits, with a compulsory medical and fitness muster for men starting in July 2027 and more than 20 urban muster centers to be rented.
- Service starts on a voluntary basis with a minimum term of six months and entry pay of about €2,600–€2,700, alongside planned driving‑license subsidies and pension credits.
- The government sets personnel growth corridors with semiannual Bundestag reporting, targeting roughly 260,000 active soldiers by 2035 and a 200,000‑strong reserve.
- If volunteer numbers fall short, a Bundestag‑decided Bedarfswehrpflicht could be activated, and while a lottery is not part of the initial plan officials say it could be considered later, drawing mixed political reactions.