Friday, November 14, 2025 -Germany’s coalition government has approved a sweeping reform of its military recruitment system, aiming to significantly strengthen the Bundeswehr.
Under the new plan, all 18‑year-old men will be required to complete a questionnaire starting in 2026 — assessing health, education, and willingness to serve — while women may participate voluntarily.
While the effort begins with voluntary service, the law includes a trigger to reintroduce mandatory conscription if volunteer numbers come up short. The government’s target is to expand the active force to around 260,000 soldiers and build a reserve force of 200,000 by 2029.
To make the voluntary option more compelling, recruits will be offered a monthly pay of about €2,600, along with training in areas like drone operation and language skills. The plan reflects Berlin’s broader push to rebuild its military in response to mounting geopolitical risks, especially in light of uncertainty over European security.
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