Germany's Military Expansion: A Step Towards Conscription

Fri Nov 14 2025 00:27:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Germany plans to boost its military force following a new service plan that could lead to mandatory conscription for young men.

In a bid to strengthen its military capabilities, Germany's coalition government has introduced a plan to increase the Bundeswehr's numbers and considers reintroducing conscription. The initiative comes amidst rising security concerns, revealing a divided public opinion as young citizens express opposition to mandatory military service.

Germany's coalition government has agreed on a new military service plan aimed at significantly increasing troop numbers in response to evolving security dynamics in Europe. This proposal mandates that all 18-year-old men must complete a suitability questionnaire, with a move towards medical screenings set to start in 2027.

The government is determined to bolster the Bundeswehr (the German armed forces) to create the strongest conventional army in Europe, aiming for a target of 260,000 troops by 2035. Armin Papperger, head of Germany’s leading defense company Rheinmetall, believes that this ambition is achievable within five years.

Amid growing concerns about regional security, particularly regarding potential threats from Russia, the German defense chief has indicated that the NATO alliance should prepare for various contingencies. The current plan aims to increase the Bundeswehr's numbers by 20,000 over the next year and ultimately raise troop levels to around 255,000 to 260,000 with an additional pool of 200,000 reservists.

The initial phase of the new military service model will be voluntary for women, while men will be required to participate in assessments. By July 2027, mandatory medical examinations will further evaluate young men's fitness for military duty. In crises, the government could resort to mandatory enlistment sourced from the completed questionnaires.

However, this proposed shift towards compulsory service has met with significant opposition from the political left and young Germans. Recent surveys indicate that while some support military service, up to 63% of individuals aged 18 to 29 oppose the idea. Voices like Jimi, a 17-year-old student, have expressed concerns about the legitimacy of potential conscription, suggesting that fears of a Russian attack are overblown and unjustly compromise individual freedoms.

Conversely, some young people, like Jason, see military service as a means to contribute to national defense amid rising security threats, expressing motivations to defend democracy and maintain global peace.

Germany's defense minister has tried to reassure the public about the military service plan, emphasizing its focus on deterrence and preparedness rather than the inevitability of conflict. Following the historical context of military reluctance post-Cold War and the suspension of conscription in 2011, this strategic pivot marks a notable shift in Germany's approach to military affairs.

As Europe navigates a complex geopolitical landscape, Germany's actions will likely set a precedent for other nations in the region and raise questions about the future of military engagement and civic responsibility.