Germany plans revamped military service model
Germany approved a new military service plan after months of debate among political groups. The goal is to raise troop strength and respond to growing security concerns in Europe.
The plan asks every man aged 18 to complete a questionnaire on their fitness to serve. This step starts next year. Women will receive the same form but can choose whether to reply. From 2027 all men aged 18 will take a medical exam.
Berlin wants a stronger army. Leaders aim to build Europe’s largest conventional force. The Bundeswehr has about 182,000 troops today. The government wants the number to rise to at least 255,000 by 2035, with support from about 200,000 reservists.
Armin Papperger, head of Rheinmetall, said the target is possible. He spoke of clear signals from the government and said industry is ready to meet rising demand.
Gen Carsten Breuer warned earlier this year that Nato must prepare for a possible Russian move within four years. Papperger said he cannot predict events but agreed that Germany must be ready by 2029.
Political parties had agreed to bring back service in stages. They said the first phase would be voluntary. The new plan sets a path for broader duty if the numbers fall short. Parliament will consider that step if needed.
Protests continue. Many young people reject compulsory service. A recent Forsa poll found that support for service falls sharply among those aged 18 to 29. Jimi, a 17-year-old student, said he fears combat and does not want to lose the right to choose his future.
Jason, a 21-year-old recruit, sees things differently. He joined this year because he believes the security situation demands action. He said he wants to defend peace and democracy and sees the army’s presence as a deterrent.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said people have no reason to fear the plan. He argued that strong training, better tools, and more personnel reduce the risk of conflict.
Germany cut defence spending after the Cold War and paused conscription in 2011. The war in Ukraine changed the mood. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said defence now requires full commitment.
European governments face pressure from Washington to raise spending. Demand for weapons has increased. Papperger said his firm is expanding work on vehicles, ammunition, satellites, electronics, and artificial intelligence.
Last year a US report said Papperger may have been a target of a Russian plot. He declined to comment on the claim and said he feels safe.
He said Europe now faces an uneasy period. He did not label it but said it is far from peaceful.
#GermanyDefense #Bundeswehr #MilitaryService #NATOSecurity #EuropeSecurity