Overview

• Germany plans to implement a volunteer-based military service law starting January 1, 2026, requiring men to complete readiness questionnaires and allowing women to opt in.
• Generalinspekteur Carsten Breuer emphasized that conscription could be rapidly reinstated if volunteer recruitment falls short or security threats escalate.
• Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed that the government will initially prioritize voluntary enlistment but may enforce mandatory service if necessary.
• The Bundeswehr aims to increase its personnel by 100,000 soldiers to meet NATO obligations, targeting a total force size of 460,000.
• Conscription has been suspended since 2011, but evolving security concerns have reignited debates about its potential reactivation as a contingency measure.