In a significant policy shift reflecting heightened European security anxieties, Germany has initiated a sweeping new military service scheme that legally obliges every male citizen to engage with the armed forces upon turning 18. The move, approved by the government in December 2025, is a direct response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and growing concerns among Western officials about a potential direct confrontation between NATO and Moscow within the next three years.
The Compulsory Questionnaire: Details and Demands
Starting this week, the German state is taking a decisive step in its military preparedness by targeting its youth. Every 18-year-old male will now receive a compulsory 14-question survey from the Bundeswehr, Germany's federal defence force. Ignoring this official document is not an option; young men who refuse to complete it or repeatedly disregard follow-up demands from the army face substantial fines of up to €1,000 (approximately £800).
The survey delves far beyond simple contact details. It requires respondents to:
- Rate their willingness to join the armed forces on a scale from one to ten.
- Disclose when they would be available to serve and for what duration.
- Provide a blunt self-assessment of their physical fitness, choosing from options ranging from 'very good' to 'low'.
- Reveal any disabilities and provide basic personal information including weight, age, qualifications, and language skills.
Furthermore, the questionnaire outlines potential military career paths, spanning the army, navy, air force, and roles in cyber security and logistical support. Critics argue this transforms the exercise from mere data-gathering into an active recruitment drive.
Scale, Scope, and Future Escalation
The scale of the operation is vast. According to the German defence ministry, around 54,000 of these surveys will be dispatched every month beginning in January. While the scheme is mandatory for men, women aged 18 and over are permitted to complete the survey voluntarily if they express an interest in joining the armed forces.
The government's preparations extend beyond paperwork. In a striking escalation, from July 2027, all male 18-year-olds will be legally required to attend a military medical examination to officially assess their fitness for service. The defence ministry has confirmed that the army will possess the authority to call upon police to compel young men who repeatedly refuse to attend this mandatory exam.
A Dramatic Shift in German Defence Posture
These measures represent a dramatic pivot for a nation that suspended compulsory military service over a decade ago, in 2011. Although Berlin insists that full conscription is not being formally reintroduced, the new scheme signifies a profound change in mindset. It underscores a nation that, amid mounting fears of a major conflict in Europe, is quietly but systematically preparing its next generation for the possibility of war.
The scheme's approval and rapid implementation highlight the deep-seated concerns within the German government and its NATO allies about regional stability. By legally obligating its young men to declare their fitness and availability, Germany is taking a concrete, albeit controversial, step towards bolstering its military readiness in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.
