Germany Increases Military Preparedness with Plans to Expand Armed Forces
Following concerns stemming from recent conflicts in Europe, Germany is undertaking a meaningful restructuring of its military, aiming to bolster its defenses and increase personnel. The country is preparing for a comprehensive reform to strengthen its army and expand its ranks.
Expansion to 460,000 Personnel
Germany intends to nearly double its military personnel to 460,000 within the next decade. A draft law outlining these changes is slated to take effect in 2026. Currently, the German Army consists of 182,000 soldiers, and the plan envisions a force comprised of 260,000 permanent soldiers and 200,000 reserve personnel.
To achieve this expansion, the government plans to initially send a mandatory survey to all men over the age of 18 to assess their suitability and interest in military service. Participation in the survey will be voluntary for women.
Considering a “Danish Model” for Recruitment
If volunteer numbers prove insufficient, Germany is considering implementing a lottery system, modeled after the system used in Denmark. This would involve a lottery among those who complete the military draft survey, with those selected being required to undertake compulsory military service.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized a preference for voluntary recruitment, stating, “If voluntary recruitment is insufficient, we will have no option other then compulsory recruitment.”
Political Divisions and Public Protest
The proposed changes have sparked debate within German politics. While the ruling Social Democratic party is approaching the idea of compulsory military service with caution, the Conservative Union parties are advocating for its inclusion in the legislation. Thomas Erndl, Defense policy spokesman for the Conservative Union, affirmed, “Compulsory military service will be included in the bill in some way.”
Public reaction has also been visible. During the initial parliamentary discussion of the “Military Service Modernization Law” in Berlin, protestors gathered in front of the Bundestag building, demanding the bill’s withdrawal and symbolically destroying copies of the draft legislation with a shredder.
Reinstating a Suspended Practice
Compulsory military service was abolished in Germany in 2011, at which time it consisted of a three-month commitment allowing soldiers to return home on weekends.However, the increased security risks following the russia-Ukraine war have prompted a renewed discussion regarding its reinstatement. The final shape of the new system will be determined through ongoing parliamentary discussions in the coming months.
