Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Germany Agrees on Hybrid Military Service Model to Boost Armed Forces
Germany used to have a big army, but it got smaller over time.
Now, leaders have agreed on a new plan to make the army bigger again.
They want to make it easier for people to choose to join the army by volunteering.
To encourage more people, they will send a questionnaire to all 18-year-olds to see if they are interested.
Men will have to answer it.
If not enough people volunteer, there's a possibility that some people might be asked to serve, but this would need another big decision by the lawmakers.
Everyone who joins will get paid.
They are also starting medical checks for young people.
This is all part of a plan to make Germany's army strong again, especially because of what's happening in the world.
Germany's ruling parties have agreed on a compromise for military service to rebuild its armed forces.
The new model features a hybrid system emphasizing attractive voluntary service with a potential for mandatory call-up.
All 18-year-olds will receive a questionnaire about interest in service, with mandatory responses for men.
Mandatory registration and medical screenings will be introduced, with initial medical exams for those born in 2008.
Any compulsory conscription would require a separate parliamentary vote, with recruits offered a monthly pay of 2,600 euros.
- Who
- Germany's ruling coalition parties (Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives and the Social Democrats)
- What
- Reached a compromise on new military service rules, establishing a hybrid system with a focus on voluntary service but including the option of mandatory conscription.
- When
- Announced on Thursday; expected to become law at the start of next year.
- Where
- Germany
- Why
- To rebuild the country's armed forces amid perceived threats from Russia and increased responsibility for European defense.
Focus on Voluntary Service
Acknowledging Need for Mandatory Service
Initial Approach to Recruitment
Focus on Voluntary Service
Prioritize making voluntary service more attractive to encourage young people to serve.
Acknowledging Need for Mandatory Service
While voluntary service is key, acknowledge that a mandatory element may be necessary if numbers are insufficient.
Implementation of Mandatory Service
Focus on Voluntary Service
Emphasize that any compulsory call-up would require a separate vote in Parliament.
Acknowledging Need for Mandatory Service
Support the introduction of mandatory registration and medical screening for all 18-year-olds.
- Current Armed Forces Size
- Approximately 182,000 uniformed troops
- Target Armed Forces Size
- 255,000-270,000 troops with 200,000 reservists
- Proposed Monthly Pay for Recruits
- 2,600 euros
- Age Group for Initial Questionnaires
- All 18-year-olds
- Age Group for Initial Medical Examinations
- Those born in 2008
- Potential Implementation Date
- Start of next year