File photo courtesy of Unitedmedia24

 

Germany's coalition government has unveiled a new military service plan aiming to bolster troop numbers, following months of negotiation. This plan mandates that all 18-year-old men complete a questionnaire about their suitability for service and undergo medical screening starting in 2027, aiming to establish Europe's strongest conventional army. The CEO of the Germany-based defence company Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger, expressed confidence that this target could be met within five years.

 

The German Parliament is set to vote on the plan by the end of 2025. Chancellor Friedrich Merz previously agreed with the coalition to reintroduce military service voluntarily. The Bundeswehr, with around 182,000 troops, plans to increase its numbers by 20,000 in the next year and aims for a total of 255,000–260,000 troops in the next decade, backed by approximately 200,000 reservists.

 

The plan involves sending a questionnaire to all 18-year-olds, beginning next year, to gauge interest. This will be mandatory for men, while women have the option to participate voluntarily. Parliament may debate compulsory enlistment if targets remain unmet. Concerns about a potential Russian threat amplify the urgency, as Germany has previously reduced its defence commitments post-Cold War and suspended conscription in 2011.

 

A Forsa survey reveals a divided public opinion, with over half supporting compulsory service and 63% opposing it. Some young Germans, like 17-year-old Jimi from Berlin, are vocal about their opposition to conscription, fearing the loss of autonomy over their future. Conversely, new recruits like 21-year-old Jason believe in contributing to national security and the potential deterrence effect.

 

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius reassures citizens that the new plan should not incite fear, emphasising that a well-prepared army can act as a deterrent to conflict. This shift comes after US President Donald Trump pressured NATO countries to increase spending. Companies such as Rheinmetall stand to gain significantly from this rearming phase, with CEO Papperger highlighting expanded efforts in areas like vehicle production, ammunition, and technology, reported BBC.

 

Despite past hesitations to showcase military strength, Germany is responding to geopolitical tensions. Rheinmetall, also a supplier to Ukraine, is experiencing significant demand, which Papperger attributes to the increased military focus across Europe. While reports of a Russian assassination plot against Papperger surfaced last year with no confirmation, he claims to feel secure amid the industry's challenges.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Germany's new military service plan targets increased troop numbers by 2027.
• All 18-year-olds will receive military service questionnaires starting next year.
• Public opinion is mixed, with significant opposition among young Germans.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-11-14

 

 

21 hours ago, webfact said:

all 18-year-old men complete a questionnaire about their suitability for service

I guess it doesn't get more woke than that 🙃

By the same token if you wrote Allah Akbar you'd be in like Flynn...☻👣

Australia should follow suit and re-introduce National Service  🦘

When did conscription ever change the course of war. A volunteer army wants to, dunno, serve their nation or whatever BS patriotism has brainwashed them with. So stick with what works if you wanna kill people.

22 hours ago, webfact said:

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius reassures citizens that the new plan should not incite fear, emphasising that a well-prepared army can act as a deterrent to conflict

 

They are preparing for a hot war with Russia..knowing full well that most citizens don't want a war  they have to reintroduce conscription

but dress it up as defence..I suspect most young people will not be fooled by this rubbish of being forced to fight  for a foreign country  Ukraine. 🤮

On 11/15/2025 at 1:14 PM, tandor said:

Australia should follow suit and re-introduce National Service  🦘

What a jolly good idea.... What could possibly go wrong?

On 11/14/2025 at 3:13 PM, webfact said:

This will be mandatory for men, while women have the option to participate voluntarily.

 

Doesn't seem very "equal" to me.

 

Presumably other forms of DEI policy will also be suspended for this particular form of recruitment?

 

Germany, going for three in a row. 

4 hours ago, wombat said:

What a jolly good idea.... What could possibly go wrong?

pastoralists have been saying for years the camel population is getting out of hand.

On 11/15/2025 at 1:15 PM, unblocktheplanet said:

A volunteer army wants to, dunno, serve their nation or whatever BS patriotism has brainwashed them with.

 

I remember during one of the Iraq wars the absolute dismay of many National Guardsmen that they actually had to go and fight. 

 

On 11/14/2025 at 8:13 AM, webfact said:

. . . . . with over half supporting compulsory service and 63% opposing it.

 

That would be impossible and is not what the original article says.