No compulsory military service in sight: Federal Government relies on voluntariness!

No compulsory military service in sight: Federal Government relies on voluntariness!

In the current discussion about the Bundeswehr personnel equipment, SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch has clarified that no discussions are held in this legislative period about the reintroduction of military service. This is in accordance with the coalition agreement, which relies on voluntariness. However, Miersch said that the goal of winning up to 60,000 additional soldiers was available in the medium term, even if he does not currently see enough training capacity. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) supports this assessment and emphasizes that the Bundeswehr needs additional soldiers to meet the new NATO planning goals that were formulated against the background of the threats by Russia.

Against the background of the upcoming NATO defense ministerial conference in Brussels on June 5, 2025, Pistorius also emphasizes the urgency of the realignment of the German forces. These measures are part of a comprehensive strategy that aims to strengthen Germany and its NATO partners. This also includes a planned new military service model that provides for a total of 460,000 soldiers, including 203,000 active soldiers, 60,000 existing reservists and 200,000 additional reservists.

The challenges of the Bundeswehr

The Bundeswehr is currently facing considerable challenges. According to the Defense Minister, the average age of the soldiers has increased, while the total number has dropped despite new settings. At the end of 2024, the Bundeswehr counted around 181,150 soldiers, which represents a decline of 350 compared to the previous year. In the long term, the Bundeswehr is aiming for a troop strength of 203,000 active soldiers, but the personnel problem is already noticeable. Data protection problems also hinder contact with potential reservists, which the situation continues to complicate.

future of military service

The new military service model that Pistorius has presented also provides for a “selection defense service” that is based on voluntariness, but can also contain mandatory elements. It is planned to write down 400,000 young men online in order to mobilize potential volunteers, whereby 100,000 readiness could explain. The pattern is supposed to include 40,000 to 50,000 people and is mandatory.

While the CDU demands a gradual reintroduction of conscription within the framework of a mandatory social year, the FDP speaks against a return to compulsory conscription and would rather use the resources for a volunteer army. The Greens also reject conscription and emphasize that there is no need and higher costs are to be feared. In contrast, the AfD demands basic military service for all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 25. The discussion remains as diverse as controversy.

The current situation of the Bundeswehr shows that unclear definitions in relation to personnel strength and the return to military duty are of central importance. Miersch emphasizes that the service in the Bundeswehr has to be designed more attractive, especially against the background of lack of equipment. In response to the ongoing challenges, new approaches are required to build an effective dispute structure that meets the modern security policy requirements.

For further details on the developments in the Bundeswehr and for discussion about military service, see Tagesspiegel , Merkur and ZDF .