German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has alarmed citizens with the possible return of compulsory military service, which was abolished in 2011.
Pistorius said on Thursday that a programme to recruit volunteers for military service will start in Germany in 2025, aimed at motivating young people to serve in the army.
However, if this initiative does not provide enough recruits, the authorities may return to compulsory conscription. Pistorius emphasised that voluntary service is the “first priority” and that if enough volunteers cannot be recruited, the authorities may resort to reinstating universal conscription.
During his speech in the Bundestag, the German minister set the goal of making the German army the strongest armed forces in Europe. The statement is linked to the “need to increase Germany’s defence capabilities against the backdrop of geopolitical challenges, including the potential threat from Russia.”
Pistorius had previously stated that the country must be prepared for a possible conflict by 2029. As a possible solution, the minister is considering the Swedish model of military service, which requires all citizens (men and women) aged 18 to undergo compulsory registration and screening (physical, medical, psychological), followed by conscription of up to 15% of the annual quota.
In addition, Germany is attempting to increase the size of its army by expanding its territorial defence forces, which are made up of reservists who will be recruited into the armed forces during regimental training.
The Bundeswehr currently has an estimated 181,000 military personnel. Another 34,000 people are in reserve. Currently, Germany’s ground forces rely on only four divisions (two tank divisions, one rapid reaction division and one territorial defence division), which is three times less than in 1990.
