New regulation regarding military service in Germany

According to the plan introduced by Pistorius in the capital Berlin, an online questionnaire will be sent to men turning 18 in the country. It will be mandatory to fill out the questionnaire, which includes questions about the young person's qualifications, interests, inclinations, physical fitness, and whether they wish to perform military service voluntarily.

Subsequently, those who are suitable and possess the necessary motivation will be called for a medical examination. It will also be mandatory for these young people to attend the medical examination. This questionnaire will also be sent to women, but they will not be required to fill it out.

In addition, capacities in the fields of training and healthcare within the German armed forces will be increased step by step.

The form in question will be sent to 400 thousand men turning 18 each year. It is estimated that one-fourth of these young people will volunteer for military service, but depending on the army's capacity, 40 thousand to 50 thousand young people will be called for a medical examination.

Nevertheless, everyone who fills out the form has the right to refuse military service.

LETTERS WILL BE SENT

Furthermore, letters will be sent to former soldiers who have previously completed their military service but have left the army, asking whether they would like to serve as reservists. It is assumed here that 100 thousand out of approximately 825 thousand former soldiers might accept this offer voluntarily.

TARGET: 203 THOUSAND SOLDIERS

When asked why he had to prepare such a plan, Defense Minister Pistorius replied that the threat situation is very different from what it was a few years ago.

Stating that Russia has been waging a war against Ukraine for 2.5 years that violates international law and destroys the international order, Pistorius said, "The Duma has increased defense spending significantly. Russia is producing weapons to put into its stockpiles. It has turned into a war economy."

Pistorius noted that Russia's verbal attacks against NATO and other neighboring countries have increased in a way that can be heard and seen, stating, "International military experts assume that Russia will be in a position to militarily attack a neighboring state or a NATO country starting from 2029."

Expressing that Germany currently has approximately 181 thousand soldiers and that the goal is to increase this number to 203 thousand, Pistorius emphasized that they also plan to increase the number of reservists, which is 60 thousand, by 200 thousand.

Minister Pistorius stated that 10 thousand volunteers are currently starting military service, that 5 thousand more people will be recruited each year after this new plan comes into effect, and that this number will be increased with capacities to be developed in subsequent years.

Pistorius expressed that with this practice they are planning, young people will also be engaged with the German army and what military service and defending the homeland mean.

"IT IS NOT LOGICAL TO DEBATE BEFORE THE ELECTION"

Stating that he could consider compulsory military service, Pistorius said that this is a controversial issue in politics and society, and therefore it is not logical to start a debate on such a fundamental issue one year before the general elections.

"WE ARE BUILDING STRUCTURES FOR MUSLIM SOLDIERS"

Regarding the question of whether there are structures in the German army to meet the religious and cultural needs of German citizens of immigrant origin in the country, Pistorius stated that there are structures for those belonging to the Christian and Jewish faiths, adding, "For Muslim soldiers, this is more difficult.

We are working on the first agreements, but when it comes to these issues, we are experiencing the problem that everyone faces. There is no single interlocutor in this faith community.

Nevertheless, we are currently building structures for Muslim soldiers so that they feel welcomed and accepted, and their numbers are increasing."

At least two laws need to be changed for the plan announced by Pistorius. These changes are expected to be made by the second quarter of 2025.

SUSPENDED IN 2011

In Germany, where compulsory military service was suspended in 2011, there are 181 thousand soldiers. The German government aims to increase this number to 203 thousand by 2031. Due to the aging population and the lack of qualified labor in the country, there is difficulty in finding personnel to perform military service, and it is stated that the number targeted for 2031 may not be reached.

Pistorius had previously described the abolition of compulsory military service as a "mistake," noting that it is not something that can be quickly re-implemented.