Germany Moves to Reinstate Mandatory Military Service Under New Defense Deal

Germany is preparing to reintroduce mandatory military service, marking the country’s most significant shift in defense policy in over a decade. Parliamentary groups CDU/CSU and SPD have reached an agreement with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, clearing the path for a formal vote expected in the coming weeks.

According to German media, all men aged 18 and above will be required to register and undergo medical examinations as part of the new conscription framework. The system is designed to prioritize voluntary enlistment, but if the number of volunteers falls short, a lottery mechanism will be activated to select additional recruits.

Recruits drawn through this process would receive a gross monthly salary of €2,600. Those who choose to extend their service beyond the basic term will qualify for extra bonuses, including financial support for obtaining a driver’s license.

The overarching goal is to build a reserve force of around 200,000 trained personnel in the coming years—capable of rapid mobilization in the event of a national emergency. The plan reflects Berlin’s push to strengthen readiness amid a deteriorating European security environment.

Volunteers will initially go through basic guard and security training. During this early phase, they are not yet considered soldiers on temporary service. Full service status—along with comprehensive military healthcare—will be granted only to those who commit to more than one year.

The government describes the concept as “voluntarism through attractiveness”, aiming to make service appealing enough to draw significant numbers without heavy-handed measures.

The mandatory registration process applies only to men. Women may join on a voluntary basis, as Germany’s constitution does not allow compulsory military service for female citizens.

The reintroduction of conscription represents a major political and military milestone for Germany, which suspended mandatory service in 2011. The new model blends obligation with incentives, as Berlin works to rebuild capacity and increase resilience across its armed forces.