The German armed forces experienced a notable increase in applications and enlistments during the first quarter of this year. By the end of March, approximately 22,700 people had applied for military careers, representing a 20 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to an announcement from the Defense Ministry on Thursday. The number of new hires reached 5,800, marking a 10 percent rise from the previous year's first quarter.
Additionally, the number of voluntary service members and short-term soldiers increased by 13.5 percent to 12,700 over the course of the year.
According to official figures, the total strength of the Bundeswehr's active military personnel currently stands at around 185,400 soldiers, representing a gain of approximately 3,300 personnel compared to March 2025. The Defense Ministry noted that overall personnel numbers are subject to seasonal fluctuations, as many soldiers typically conclude their service commitments as planned during the spring months.
The Defense Ministry described the personnel development as an overall positive trend. "Particularly encouraging is the high level of interest in the Bundeswehr as an attractive employer, which is reflected in the high application and recruitment figures," the ministry stated.
Since the beginning of the year, the Bundeswehr has been actively seeking more young people to perform voluntary military service. This initiative responds to new NATO requirements in light of heightened threats from Russia. According to these directives, Germany must be capable of deploying around 460,000 soldiers in crisis and wartime situations by 2035.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) aims to increase the Bundeswehr's personnel strength to approximately 260,000 active soldiers by 2035. Additionally, the number of deployment-ready reservists is set to rise to 200,000, more than doubling the current figure.
To achieve these goals, the military service reform that came into effect this year mandates that 18-year-old men born in 2008 or later must complete a questionnaire and attend a medical examination. However, the decision to actually serve in the military remains voluntary for now. For women, both completing the questionnaire and attending the medical examination are voluntary.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
