Germany Finalizes 2026 Rollout of Voluntary Military Service With Mandatory Screening

Overview

• Parliament approved the new Wehrdienst law, launching nationwide questionnaires for the 2008 birth cohort and younger from early 2026, with responses mandatory for men and voluntary for women.
• The screening regime (Musterung) formally begins January 1, 2026, but full capacity will be phased in through mid‑2027 as 24 assessment centers are established.
• Nonresponse or false statements on the readiness questionnaire can trigger fines, and those deemed suitable may be invited to an assessment ahead of full muster capacity.
• The service lasts at least six months with a base pay of €2,600 gross per month from day one, rising to €2,700 after 12 months as a contracted soldier, plus free housing, waived social contributions, free rail travel, and license subsidies.
• An IW study calls the offer financially highly attractive yet warns of dropout risks, while legal guidance confirms conscientious objection remains available but typically proceeds only after a muster decision and early filings can trigger a muster summons.