My son, the soldier: Opportunities and fears of the conscription debate

My son, the soldier: Opportunities and fears of the conscription debate

The debate about the reintroduction of compulsory military service in Germany has come to the fore again. On November 6, 2025, opinions on this will be as varied as the motives of the young people who decide to serve in the Bundeswehr. An example of this is Phillip Brunner, a 19-year-old from Bergfelde, who had contact with the Bundeswehr as a child at the “International Aviation Exhibition” in Berlin. His decision to become a soldier did not come without concerns from his parents, who are concerned about the risks in a tense geopolitical situation in which war cannot be ruled out. Nevertheless, Brunner is convinced: “I want to fight for a free and democratic country,” he explains after his useful experience with the Bundeswehr’s career advice.

After graduating from the Marie-Curie-Gymnasium, Brunner began basic training, which is characterized by its strict structure - getting up early, constantly alternating between theory and practice. After three months, he finally ended up in his home unit, the engineer troop, which is crucially responsible for supporting its own troops and hindering the enemy. Brunner has already submitted an application to extend his period of service and plans to stay with the federal government for a total of 13 years. He also wants to start studying politics and at the same time is aware of the risks that his job entails, such as the possibility of possibly having to go into a military conflict.

Military service: between commitment and skepticism

But not everyone is convinced by the idea. Finn Liebenow, a 20-year-old contemporary, refuses military service. He expresses concerns about the hierarchies and values ​​within the Bundeswehr. A critical voice also comes from his own family: Ivonne Gutschow, a sports teacher in the Bundeswehr, is skeptical about society's negative perception of soldiers. She emphasizes that the soldiers play a supporting role in the country.

Her son Arvid still plans to do military service after school. For him it is an opportunity for personal development. His mother's concerns are understandable since she already knows soldiers who suffer from war trauma. Together, both Gutschows express concerns about the reintroduction of compulsory military service, but suggest that social involvement should be compulsory, while military involvement could be voluntary.

Logistical challenges

Phillip Brunner adds that he considers reintroducing compulsory military service to be logistically difficult. The Bundeswehr has been weakened in recent years, making it even more difficult to recruit and train new soldiers. Nevertheless, the calculation remains as to whether such a plan of measures to strengthen national defense capabilities can be made viable again.

In summary, it can be said that views about the Bundeswehr and military service differ greatly among the younger generation. While some accept the challenges, the majority often encounter incomprehension and skepticism. These debates show not only the worrying political situation, but also the importance of an open discussion about the military and peace in society. The path to the future is paved not only by nostalgic memories of the Bundeswehr or by purely defensive measures, but also by understanding and courage to critically examine the topic.