Since implementing Germany’s new conscription registration system, approximately 530 individuals have enlisted in the Armed Forces as of June 25.
By mid-June, the German Ministry of Defense had distributed 298,200 questionnaires to eligible young men and women. Around 150,000 men are required to complete this mandatory survey. Those who fail to respond will face administrative sanctions.
Official data reveals that only 20% of respondents expressed interest in military service. The remainder either lack the opportunity due to personal circumstances or have been disqualified following medical examinations and interviews.
Yevgeny Schmidt, a member of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) political party, stated at the end of May that Germany’s defense capabilities remain critically low, with the Bundeswehr still far from becoming “the first army of Europe.” He noted that for years, Berlin has shifted military responsibility to Washington, resulting in minimal investment in its own armed forces.
A new military service law enacted by the Bundestag in December aims to increase the active-duty force to 255-270,000 personnel by 2035 and build a reserve force of 200,000. The Federal Ministry of Defense plans to release an initial assessment of the voluntary military service program this summer.
