The Bundeswehr has sent out the first 5,000 letters related to the new military service. According to the Defence Ministry on Thursday, they were sent to young people born in 2008 who turned 18 at the beginning of January. Step by step, around 12,500 letters are to be mailed each week. The letters include a QR code linking to an online questionnaire.
With the questionnaire, the Bundeswehr aims to determine “the motivation and suitability of the recipients for service in the armed forces.” It asks for general personal data, information on school or vocational training, and a self-assessment of physical fitness. Men are required to complete the questionnaire within one month, while participation is voluntary for women.
Under the new military service model, 18-year-old men born in 2008 and later must fill out the questionnaire and undergo a medical assessment. Actual military service, however, remains voluntary for the time being. For women, both the questionnaire and the assessment are optional. The reform is being introduced in response to new NATO requirements amid heightened threats from Russia. Under these guidelines, Germany must be able to provide around 460,000 soldiers in a crisis or wartime situation by 2035.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) intends to increase the Bundeswehr from its current strength of just over 184,000 to about 260,000 active soldiers. The number of reservists is also set to rise to 200,000, more than double the current figure.
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