New military service plan in Germany
Germany is preparing to transition first to a voluntary basis and then to a mandatory military service model to overcome personnel shortages in its army. According to the new model being developed by the Ministry of Defense, men turning 18 will be subject to mandatory military service starting in 2028, and 40,000 young people could be recruited annually starting in 2031.
İHA
A new model being worked on by the Ministry of Defense to overcome personnel shortages in the German army has been leaked to the press. Reports in the German media state that Defense Minister Boris Pistorius will present the draft law on the new military service to the cabinet at the end of August.
According to the draft, starting January 1, 2026, forms will be sent to all young men and women. The reports indicate that while it will be mandatory for men to fill out the form, there will be no such obligation for women. These forms will help determine the interest of young people in serving in the German army. Those who wish to volunteer for military service will be referred for a medical examination. Candidates who want to serve in the German army and pass the medical examination will then be deployed to their units.
FIRST VOLUNTARY, THEN MANDATORY MILITARY SERVICE
According to the German Ministry of Defense's new military service model, starting in 2028, all 18-year-old men will be subject to mandatory military service even if they have not chosen voluntary military service.
INCENTIVES TO BE OFFERED FOR MILITARY SERVICE
The German Ministry of Defense is also planning a series of incentives to encourage voluntary military service. Accordingly, those who join as volunteers will be able to obtain driver's licenses, which cost up to 6,000 euros in some states, at a lower price. Volunteers who receive a good salary will receive a loyalty bonus if they serve in the army for a long time. In addition, opportunities will be offered to develop their professional skills in civilian life, and it will be made easier for them to attend foreign language courses and learn several languages. Those who want to pursue a career in the German army will receive higher salaries and enjoy advantages such as free accommodation, healthcare, train travel, and affordable meals.
Mandatory military service was abolished in Germany in 2011. However, the Ministry of Defense's draft law will also include provisions that could pave the way for making military service mandatory. Due to the security situation, if the increasing need for soldiers cannot be met by voluntary personnel, mandatory military service could be reinstated with the approval of the Federal Parliament.
40,000 NEW SOLDIERS PER YEAR
The German Ministry of Defense's new military service model envisions an average annual increase of 3,000 to 5,000 in the number of soldiers in the German army. If this projection is realized, 40,000 new soldiers will have joined the army each year in Germany starting from 2031.
Within the scope of the NATO target redefined due to the Russian threat, the number of soldiers in the German army is aimed to be gradually increased to 460,000. There are currently approximately 182,000 soldiers in the German army.