Berlin Reintroduces Military Service Amid Rising Security Concerns

Published: 14 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Germany’s coalition government has reached a landmark agreement to implement a new military service plan aimed at increasing the country’s troop numbers, a decision that follows months of intense debate and negotiation among political parties. The plan, which reintroduces aspects of military service after years of voluntary enlistment, will require all 18-year-old men to fill out a questionnaire assessing their suitability and interest in serving. Beginning in 2027, these young men will also undergo a mandatory medical examination to determine their fitness for military duty.

The decision forms part of Berlin’s broader ambition to establish the Bundeswehr as Europe’s strongest conventional army, a goal that has gathered urgency in light of growing regional security concerns. Armin Papperger, chief executive of Germany’s largest defense contractor, Rheinmetall, told the BBC that the government’s target could realistically be achieved within five years. He emphasized that the coalition, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is making “clear decisions” to strengthen the armed forces and enhance the country’s deterrence capabilities.

Lawmakers are expected to vote on the military service plan by the end of 2025. Earlier this year, German defense chief General Carsten Breuer warned that NATO should prepare for the possibility of a Russian attack within the next four years. Papperger noted that while no one can predict the future, Germany must be “ready in 2029” to respond to any potential threats, highlighting the strategic rationale behind the plan.

When the CDU/CSU and Social Democrat (SPD) coalition formed earlier this year, they agreed to reintroduce military service on a voluntary basis initially, reflecting a compromise between political factions. The Bundeswehr currently has approximately 182,000 troops, but the new model seeks to increase personnel by 20,000 within the next year. Over the next decade, the plan aims to expand the military to between 255,000 and 260,000 active soldiers, supplemented by roughly 200,000 reservists.

Under the proposed system, all 18-year-old men and women will receive a questionnaire assessing their willingness to serve, although it will remain mandatory only for men. Starting in July 2027, all men will also be required to undergo medical examinations to ensure their suitability for military duties. The collected data could later be used for recruitment in the event of a national crisis or war, allowing the Bundeswehr to identify potential candidates efficiently. Should the government’s targets not be met, lawmakers may consider introducing a form of compulsory enlistment to achieve necessary troop levels.

Despite these plans, the initiative has encountered resistance, particularly from Germany’s political left and among younger generations. Many young Germans express strong reservations about mandatory service, fearing exposure to conflict and questioning the need for such measures. A recent Forsa survey conducted for Stern magazine revealed that while just over half of respondents favored compulsory service, opposition was especially high among 18- to 29-year-olds, reaching 63%.

Seventeen-year-old Jimi, a student from Berlin, voiced the concerns shared by many of his peers at a recent anti-conscription protest outside the Bundestag. “I don’t want to go to war because I don’t want to die or be shot at. I also don’t want to shoot people,” he said. He described the government’s plans as an “unlikely and abstract scenario” used to justify infringing upon the personal freedom of young citizens.

Yet not all reactions have been negative. Jason, a 21-year-old recruit who joined the Bundeswehr earlier this year, expressed support for the military service plan, citing the current security environment. “I wanted to contribute to defending peace, to defend democracy if the worst happens,” he explained. He also emphasized the deterrent effect of a strong military, noting that a capable defense force discourages potential aggressors from considering hostile actions against Germany.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has sought to assuage public concerns, emphasizing that the new plan does not signal imminent military conflict. “There is no cause for concern… no reason for fear,” he told reporters. Pistorius stressed that the more capable Germany’s armed forces become through modernized equipment, training, and personnel recruitment, the less likely the nation will be drawn into war.

Historically, Germany has approached military strength cautiously, particularly given its role in two world wars and subsequent post-war restrictions. Defence spending declined sharply after the Cold War, and compulsory conscription was suspended in 2011. The renewed focus on bolstering the military reflects a shift in policy following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which prompted Chancellor Merz to declare that Germany must “do whatever it takes” to secure its national defense.

Germany’s rearmament has also been influenced by pressure from the United States, with successive Washington administrations urging NATO members to increase defense spending to bolster the alliance’s collective security. European nations, including Germany, have responded with a combination of procurement programs, modernization initiatives, and personnel expansion, benefiting defense firms like Rheinmetall.

Armin Papperger, whose company supplies both the Bundeswehr and Ukrainian forces, highlighted the economic dimension of the initiative. “We make a lot of money because there is a huge demand,” he said. He detailed Rheinmetall’s investments in vehicles, ammunition, electronics, artificial intelligence, and satellite technologies, emphasizing that the company is significantly expanding its capabilities in line with Europe’s broader defense requirements.

Security concerns have also been personal for Papperger. A U.S. report last year suggested that he may have been the target of a Russian assassination plot. While there has been no confirmation, Papperger dismissed the claims, stating simply, “I feel good, I feel safe.” He added that Europe’s current geopolitical climate, characterized by hybrid threats and strategic rivalry, underscores the importance of having robust and well-equipped armed forces.

Political debate within Germany remains contentious. Many critics argue that compulsory service infringes upon personal freedoms, while supporters assert that the plan is a necessary response to emerging security threats. Surveys indicate that the younger population, in particular, remains skeptical, fearing the imposition of mandatory military obligations without sufficient justification.

At the same time, proponents argue that the program can provide societal benefits beyond military preparedness. Compulsory or structured voluntary service can instill discipline, civic responsibility, and practical skills among young citizens. Advocates also stress the importance of a strong national defense in deterring potential adversaries and maintaining stability within NATO’s European framework.

The questionnaire and medical examination system has been designed to serve dual purposes. In peacetime, it helps identify individuals suitable for voluntary service, while in a crisis, it allows the government to rapidly mobilize qualified recruits. By gradually introducing these measures, Berlin hopes to strike a balance between individual rights and collective security needs, easing the transition toward increased troop numbers.

As lawmakers prepare to vote on the proposal, Germany faces a delicate balancing act. It must navigate public skepticism, political opposition, and historical sensitivities surrounding military service, all while preparing for a potentially volatile international security environment. Analysts warn that the success of the program will depend not only on legislation but also on effective implementation, clear communication with the public, and adequate support for recruits throughout their service.

The new military service plan marks a significant turning point in Germany’s defense policy. After decades of cautious posture and reliance on professional volunteers, the nation is now embracing a more proactive strategy to ensure that its armed forces are capable, modernized, and sufficiently staffed. The move also signals Germany’s broader commitment to NATO and the security of Europe, highlighting the strategic importance of maintaining credible defense capabilities in an era of heightened geopolitical tension.

While the program will initially emphasize voluntary participation, mandatory elements for men and medical evaluations underscore the government’s determination to build a robust, prepared, and resilient military. The coming years will reveal whether Germany can achieve its ambitious targets while maintaining public support and addressing the concerns of its young population.