Germany Moves Toward Reviving Basic Military Service | Bundeswehr News
Berlin, August 2025 — Germany is preparing for a significant shift in its defense policy as the government moves closer to reintroducing a form of basic military service (Grundwehrdienst). The decision comes against the backdrop of growing security challenges in Europe, especially Russia’s aggressive stance, which has pushed Berlin to strengthen its military readiness.
Voluntary Service Model Approved
The German Cabinet has approved a plan to expand the Bundeswehr by offering a six-month voluntary military service program for young people. Under this model:
All 18-year-old males will be asked to fill out a mandatory questionnaire about their health and willingness to serve, while participation for females will remain optional.
From 2027, compulsory medical examinations for young men are expected to begin, allowing authorities to better assess potential recruits.
Those who volunteer will undergo basic training and can later choose to extend their service or join the reserves.
The new framework is designed to encourage more young people to serve while keeping the option open for full conscription if volunteer numbers fall short in the future.
Target: A Stronger Bundeswehr
Germany aims to expand the Bundeswehr’s personnel from the current 180,000 soldiers to around 260,000 in the next decade. The plan also includes strengthening the reserve force and modernizing training programs. Officials argue this step is vital to ensure that Germany can meet its NATO commitments and respond quickly to any security crisis.
Public Debate and Political Divide
The move has triggered a national debate:
Supporters believe that a return to basic service will boost national security, create discipline among youth, and provide backup forces in case of emergencies.
Critics, especially among younger generations, see it as a step toward forced conscription and worry about personal freedom and career interruptions.
Within the government, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius supports starting with voluntary service first, while conservative leaders push for stronger measures, including possible mandatory conscription in the future.
A Conditional Return to Conscription
For now, Germany insists the program will remain voluntary, but officials acknowledge that the infrastructure being set up — questionnaires, medical checks, and reservist tracking — would make it easy to reactivate compulsory service if security conditions worsen.
Looking Ahead
If parliament approves the plan, questionnaires will roll out this year, with the first group of volunteers expected to start training in 2027. Recruitment goals are set to rise steadily, with tens of thousands of new participants expected each year.
The debate over Grundwehrdienst reflects a broader question for Germany: how to balance freedom with responsibility in a changing security environment. While the new policy stops short of mandatory conscription, it marks the strongest step in years toward rebuilding a more robust German defense force.