Germany Revives Military Service Plans, Lottery System Proposed for Implementation
BERLIN – Germany is poised to reintroduce a form of mandatory military service, with Defense Minister Boris pistorius aiming to have a new law in effect by the beginning of 2026. The move comes as the country grapples with bolstering its armed forces in response to the evolving security landscape in europe, especially the threat posed by Russia and subsequent shifts in NATO planning.
under the proposed plan, all young men in Germany will be required to undergo a mandatory muster – a medical and aptitude assessment – to determine their suitability for service. Following the muster, a lottery system will be employed to select individuals for a period of service, which coudl include traditional military duty, service in civilian emergency response organizations, or other designated areas.The initiative is designed to rapidly expand the Bundeswehr to a standing force of approximately 260,000 personnel,an increase of around 80,000,and to build a reserve force of 200,000.
The reintroduction of a compulsory service element marks a important shift in German defense policy. For years, the Bundeswehr has struggled with recruitment and maintaining adequate staffing levels.Recent negotiations have seen the governing coalition agree to set annual troop increase targets through 2035. Failure to meet these targets could trigger the reintroduction of full compulsory military service,as opposed to the lottery-based system currently proposed.
The plan follows months of debate within the coalition government, with key points for the new law reportedly finalized. the Bundeswehr faces ongoing challenges regarding public perception,with Defense Minister Pistorius recently defending the armed forces amid criticism of their readiness and capabilities. A “free state fitness test” is also being considered to improve the mustering process and encourage participation.
