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Germany Passes Military Service Overhaul With Voluntary Track and Contingency Conscription

The measure responds to rising European security concerns, with any compulsory call-ups subject to explicit parliamentary approval.

Recruits attend a combat exercise with the G36 assault rifle at the Westfalen-Kaserne barracks of the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) in Ahlen, western Germany, on November 13.
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Overview

  • Lawmakers in the Bundestag approved the reform on Dec. 5 to rebuild the Bundeswehr and help meet NATO-aligned force goals.
  • The system prioritizes better-paid voluntary service, while needs-based conscription can be activated only by a separate parliamentary vote and may use random selection if demand exceeds slots.
  • The law sets growth targets of up to about 260,000 active soldiers and at least 200,000 reservists by 2035.
  • The defence ministry must deliver recruitment updates to parliament every six months to track progress.
  • Men born after Jan. 1, 2008 will undergo phased medical evaluations, and both sexes will be asked to declare willingness to serve, though only men must respond.