More young Germans join military as Berlin eyes return to national service

Germany has seen a 28% surge in military enlistment this year, with over 13,700 new recruits, as the government prepares a new voluntary service law and weighs reintroducing national conscription by 2027.

A growing number of young people in Germany are joining the country's armed forces, according to a new report published by Der Spiegel on Tuesday.

Data released by the German Federal Ministry of Defence shows that 13,750 new recruits had joined the Bundeswehr — Germany’s federal armed forces — by 21 July, representing a 28% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

This uptick includes both fixed-term voluntary soldiers and young people entering the military through Germany’s voluntary military service programme. The latter allows a six-month probationary period before a long-term decision is made.

The total number of uniformed personnel in the Bundeswehr now stands at approximately 183,100 — about 2,000 more than a year ago. The number of participants in voluntary military service has also climbed by 15%, now reaching around 11,350.

Officials attribute the rise to focused media outreach and heightened awareness due to shifts in Europe’s security environment. “Germany’s changing security landscape and international responsibilities have made military preparedness a greater national priority,” the ministry said.

In response, the German cabinet is preparing to vote on a new defence law proposed by Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. The law, expected to be decided at the end of August, would launch a revised military service model in 2026. It would remain voluntary but include improved pay and more appealing service conditions to draw in up to 15,000 new conscripts per year.

Under the planned system, a mandatory pre-service assessment is due to be introduced in 2027 — a step that could pave the way for a broader reactivation of national service, more than a decade after Germany suspended conscription in 2011.

A new poll by the Forsa Institute conducted on 28 to 29 July highlights changing attitudes toward defence. According to the survey, 61% of Germans support reinstating mandatory service if voluntary enlistment proves inadequate.

However, enthusiasm to serve remains low: just 16% of respondents said they would definitely be willing to take up arms in defence of Germany if attacked. Among younger Germans aged 18 to 29, 61% were opposed to the idea of conscription.

Germany suspended compulsory military service in 2011 amid broader NATO downsizing, but recent geopolitical developments — including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and rising global instability — have reignited debate over national defence capabilities.

The Defence Ministry's recruitment push comes amid broader efforts to revitalise the Bundeswehr, following longstanding criticism over equipment shortages and military readiness.

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