Germany's coalition has agreed to maintain voluntary military service but will require 18‑year‑old men to complete a questionnaire and a Bundeswehr physical if the plan is approved. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stressed that compulsory service would be a "last resort," while some conservatives warned conscription could be reconsidered if volunteer numbers fall short. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pressing major defence investment amid concerns about Russia and US commitment. NATO figures show Germany remains well below its 460,000 personnel target.
Germany Keeps Military Service Voluntary, Introduces Questionnaire and Physical for 18‑Year‑Olds
Germany's coalition has agreed to maintain voluntary military service but will require 18‑year‑old men to complete a questionnaire and a Bundeswehr physical if the plan is approved. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stressed that compulsory service would be a "last resort," while some conservatives warned conscription could be reconsidered if volunteer numbers fall short. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pressing major defence investment amid concerns about Russia and US commitment. NATO figures show Germany remains well below its 460,000 personnel target.
01:11 AM, 11/14/2025Security
Coalition Agrees on Voluntary Service with New Screening Measures
Germany's coalition government has reached a compromise to keep military service voluntary while introducing a new system of early screening for 18‑year‑olds, politicians said on Thursday after weeks of debate over whether to reintroduce conscription.
Under the proposal — which still requires formal adoption — all 18‑year‑old men would be asked to complete a questionnaire about their willingness to serve and to take a Bundeswehr physical assessment starting next year. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized that "no one will be forced to join the Bundeswehr," and described mandatory service only as a "last resort."
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has made rebuilding the German military a top priority, citing concerns about a more assertive Russia and uncertainty over long‑term US security commitments to Europe. Merz has pledged substantial increases in defence spending and said he aims to develop what he called "the strongest conventional army in Europe."
The cabinet approved a redesigned service model in August, led by Pistorius of the centre‑left SPD. Members of Merz's CDU/CSU faction had pushed for a compulsory backstop — a "draft lottery" to be triggered if voluntary recruitment proved insufficient — but that element was removed as part of the late‑night compromise, CDU/CSU parliamentary leader Jens Spahn said.
"If voluntary service is ultimately not enough, then compulsory service will also be necessary," Spahn warned, adding that any return to conscription would require new legislation.
SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch said he was confident the Bundeswehr could attract enough volunteers, calling the new model "an offer" to young men and women rather than an obligation. Pistorius said the government would concentrate on "designing an attractive service," citing northern European examples where voluntary armed forces combined with attractive conditions have succeeded.
NATO officials welcomed the compromise. During a visit to the NATO base in Geilenkirchen, Mark Rutte said he was "very happy" the German government had found "a way forward," and welcomed steps to involve more people in defence efforts.
NATO calls on Germany to build total armed forces of about 460,000 personnel — roughly 260,000 active soldiers and 200,000 reservists. By comparison, the Bundeswehr currently fields about 182,000 active troops and approximately 49,000 reservists, highlighting a significant shortfall the government hopes the new measures will begin to address.