German government proposes ‘selective’ military service to add around 200,000 reservists to its ranks

The German Minister of Defense, Boris Pistoriusoutlined a plan this Wednesday to create a “selective” military service that would give thousands of young people the chance to enroll in the armed forces and pave the way for adding some 200,000 reservists to the German ranks.

The measure would not mean the complete restoration of military conscription, but it would represent a first step in this direction.

Young people must provide complete a questionnaire about their willingness and ability to serve, while some will also be required to undergo physical examinations.

The aim is to significantly increase the number of reservists, despite the fact that military conscription disappeared thirteen years ago. So it is expected that some From 2025, 5,000 additional recruits will be added to the reserve every year. “The aim is for this number to grow year after year and thus increase capacity,” Pistorius explains.

From six to seventeen months of military service

The new model will consist of a basic military service of six months with the option of additional voluntary military service of up to seventeen months.

To do this is a process mandatory registration in which young people will have to declare their willingness and ability to perform military service.

The women They can also do this if necessary volunteer. The German constitution does not yet provide for gender equality in military service, an issue Pistorius has also proposed changing.

Germany abolished compulsory military service in 2011, after 55 years, although German law still provides for possible conscription in case of war or other tense situations. Those responsible for this measure point this out Approximately 400,000 people will have to complete the questionnaire every year.