The Federal Cabinet approved the new military service model, which is intended to help the Bundeswehr recruit more soldiers. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius's (SPD) model is largely based on voluntary participation; the reinstatement of conscription is not planned for the time being. Pistorius expressed his conviction that this would achieve the intended personnel strengthening of the Bundeswehr. However, the CDU/CSU has doubts: they believe the draft does not go far enough.
The Federal Cabinet meeting was held on Wednesday, exceptionally, at the Federal Ministry of Defense. With the new military service, the federal government wanted to "send a very clear signal: We rely on voluntary service; we'll get these numbers," Pistorius said on Deutschlandfunk radio. The minister rejected the objection raised by CDU/CSU politicians that the volunteer model would not attract enough people to join the Bundeswehr.
"I'm much more optimistic; the numbers will continue to rise," Pistorius said. "With attractive pay and an attractive military service, we will – I'm very convinced of this – succeed in attracting young men and women to the Bundeswehr." The number of applicants is already rising. "This shows that there is interest."
The draft stipulates that a questionnaire will be sent to all young men and women starting next year. Men are required to complete it; women are free to do so. It will assess their interest in serving in the Bundeswehr. Suitable candidates will then be invited to the draft.
Starting July 1, 2027, all 18-year-old men will be required to undergo a mandatory medical examination, even if they do not opt for voluntary military service. According to the Ministry of Defense, the goal is to create a "situation report" on the health suitability of German men of military age. There are currently around 182,000 soldiers in the Bundeswehr; Pistorius is aiming for at least 260,000 troops and a total of 200,000 operational reservists.
The draft law provides for a return to conscription, which was suspended 14 years ago, in the event that recruitment targets are not met or the security situation requires higher numbers. However, the draft does not provide for an automatic reinstatement of conscription if a specific personnel target is missed – the Union would have liked to have such an automatism enshrined in the law.
In the event of tension or a state of defense, conscription, which was suspended in 2011, would automatically reapply under current law. This would allow all men between the ages of 18 and 60 to be drafted, provided they have not refused military service.
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