The German government has decided against reintroducing compulsory military service, instead opting for a voluntary model with incentives to attract young people into the armed forces. The decision follows months of debate between the Christian Democrats (CDU) and their junior coalition partner, the Social Democrats (SPD).
Under the plan, from 2026 all 18-year-old men will be required to register and undergo medical screening, indicating their willingness to serve. Women are encouraged to volunteer but are not obliged to participate. Incentives include free driving licences and a pay rise to €2,600 per month for entry-level recruits.
If voluntary recruitment fails to meet targets, the government may consider a compulsory call-up, but this would require new legislation. Jens Spahn, CDU parliamentary leader, described this as 'needs-based recruitment' (Bedarfswehrpflicht).
Germany currently has around 180,000 troops, but aims to increase this to 270,000 plus 200,000 reservists by 2029, as Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has stressed the need for the Bundeswehr to be 'war-ready' amid the Russian threat. The move also responds to US pressure for Germany to bolster its military commitments.
Conscription was suspended in 2011 under Angela Merkel, but its legal basis remains. The new plan is expected to become law in early 2026.
