Germany introduces military registration. What you need to know

How the changes were accepted

• On August 27, the German federal government held a weekly meeting in the building of the Ministry of Defense, which has not happened since 1992, when the military department was still stationed in the former capital of Germany, Bonn. The Commander-in-Chief of the NATO Joint Forces in Europe, Alexus Grinkevich, who assumed this position on July 4, was also invited to the meeting.

• The Government meeting was entirely devoted to the topic of security, and first of all, the issue of introducing a new model of military service was considered. A bill was approved that introduces a military registration system for young people 14 years after its abolition (since 2011, Germany has switched to a fully professional army). It will be sent for consideration to the Bundestag, where the ruling coalition of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) has a majority.

Tank and write it down: what is behind the Bundeswehr rearmament project?

How and why does the German army want to change, and do the German authorities have enough money for it?

• The Ministers also decided to establish a national security council. The issue of creating such a body, which exists in many countries, including Russia, has been discussed in Germany for more than 30 years. It is assumed that the council will meet in crisis situations and promptly make decisions, as well as develop strategies to respond to threats and ensure security on a network basis. It will be headed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

What will be the military service?

• Military service in Germany is not yet mandatory. The draft law stipulates that upon reaching the age of 18, German citizens will receive an online questionnaire. In it, young people will be interviewed about their interest in military service, physical fitness and abilities. On January 1, 2026, the questionnaire will be sent out, men will have to complete it, and it will become voluntary for girls.

• Potential recruits will be identified based on the results of the questionnaire. From July 1, 2027, they will be required to undergo a military medical examination, which will last six hours. Those who evade questioning or inspection will face a fine. The new rules will apply until the recruit reaches the age of 25. Thus, the Bundeswehr will have a database of those who can be called up for military service.

• Recruits who decide to join the army will serve for six months. The volunteers will receive a salary of over €2,000 per hand per month. They will also receive access to language courses, career assistance, and subsidies for obtaining a driver's license. According to the government's plan, this should attract young people to permanent military service. Germany aims to increase the strength of the Bundeswehr from the current 182,000 to 260,000 by 2035, as well as double the number of reservists from the current 100,000. Achieving these targets will make Germany the largest military force in Europe.

Make Germany great again: Merz decided to turn the Bundeswehr into the strongest army in Europe

The German Chancellor plans to return the introduction of universal military service, although it is not provided for by the coalition agreement.

• It was also decided to continue to modernize the main army. German servicemen who have served for more than six months will be offered to take advanced training courses. Drone training will also be integrated into the service's program. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius assured that the German military will receive a salary increase of up to €2,300 per month after taxes in the future. They will also be compensated for living expenses and medical insurance.

What will it lead to

• The new bill immediately attracted criticism from the military. Andre Wustner, Chairman of the Association of the German Armed Forces, immediately expressed disagreement with the voluntary nature of military service. He called the government reckless for hoping to build up the army in this way. Wustner urged not to wait for the results of the experiment and to introduce compulsory service as early as 2027.

• However, the restoration of military service does not find a response among the German population. According to polls, the majority of young people under the age of 35 oppose conscription, while 45% support it. Among the older generation, 70% of respondents support the idea of military service for young people. At the same time, 69% of the population say they are not ready to defend their country with weapons in their hands, and 81% reject the possibility of dying for it.