Germany's Federal Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) is planning to bring back compulsory participation in military reserve exercises for former members of the Bundeswehr. A spokesperson for the Defence Ministry confirmed on Thursday to the AFP news agency that a new legislative framework would introduce the option of mandatory call-ups for reservists. The announcement followed a report by Der Spiegel and several other media outlets.
The ministry spokesperson explained that the changing security landscape demands both a qualitative and quantitative expansion of the Bundeswehr. This includes the reserve forces, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that trained and mission-ready reservists are available quickly and reliably. These requirements stem from the military strategy, the Bundeswehr's capability profile, and both national and multinational operational plans.
Until now, the deployment of reservists has been governed by a principle known as "dual voluntariness." Under this system, both the reservists themselves and their employers could refuse participation in military exercises. Going forward, employers will only be entitled to a formal hearing and may apply for a deferral, but will no longer hold veto power.
According to the draft legislation obtained by AFP, anyone who has completed at least six months of voluntary military service will be required to participate in reserve duty up to the age of 45. For those who served one year or more as career soldiers or fixed-term soldiers, the obligation extends to the age of 65.
In the event of a national tension or defence scenario, a general obligation for indefinite military service would apply to all eligible individuals up to the age of 60. On a voluntary basis, reservists could continue to be called upon for service up to the age of 65, and in exceptional cases, up to 68.
The total duration of mandatory reserve service is capped depending on prior military experience. Former soldiers with up to one year of prior service face a maximum total reserve obligation of six months, with no more than three weeks per year. Those with up to four years of prior service may be called up for a maximum of four weeks annually. For individuals with longer service records, the total reserve commitment rises to twelve months, with up to twelve weeks per year.
These caps do not apply during times of heightened national tension or active defence. Conversely, reservists retain the right to apply for deferral from reserve duties. Exemptions also exist for cases of personal hardship or other special circumstances. Deployment abroad will generally not be mandatory.
According to Der Spiegel, the draft Reserve Strengthening Act has already been coordinated at the technical level within the governing coalition. It is expected to be approved by the cabinet in early July and passed by the Bundestag after the summer recess.
The legislation also includes provisions for equipping reservists with uniforms they would be permitted to take home. To ensure all affected personnel can be armed, the existing standard-issue G36 assault rifle will not be phased out as originally planned.
Through these reforms, Pistorius aims to grow the total strength of the Bundeswehr to 265,000 active soldiers plus 200,000 reservists by the mid-2030s. Currently, only around 40,000 former soldiers participate in reserve exercises, and roughly one in three of them is over the age of 50.
The compulsory service obligation for reservists had been abolished after conscription was suspended on 1 July 2011. A return to full conscription is not currently under consideration. However, since early 2026, men aged 18 and above are required to complete a questionnaire regarding their readiness for military service.
Should the Bundeswehr's personnel needs not be met through voluntary means, compulsory military service could be reinstated, though such a decision would require a new vote by the Bundestag.
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