Is Germany one step away from compulsory military service? This is what many fear with a new law, approved on December 5. But for now, the German army is sparing no effort to recruit volunteers.
Young people between the ages of 16 and 18 joined the Discovery Days program, a type of internship that includes physical activities and social evenings. The country is currently facing a serious shortage of soldiers. Carlotta is one of around twenty people the army is trying to recruit.
“I want to become a veterinary assistant (in the Army). And it gives me a good view of the Army. That was my motivation: to see what it’s like,” says the student. They learn defense against drones and weapons systems, including observing the use of live ammunition. “I am very interested in tanks and the army in general. This is also what motivates me to want to know this world better,” explains Slawa, 17.
For the time being, the German government has decided to maintain voluntary military service. But starting next year, everyone born after 2008 will have to enlist. One of the incentives to attract more volunteers is a salary increase: from the beginning of 2026, new recruits will receive a gross monthly salary of 2,600 euros and will have to serve for at least six months. Those who opt for 12 months will benefit from a subsidy to obtain their driving license, which costs in Germany between 2,500 and 3,500 euros.
“We clearly see a growing interest in the military and security. Young people are looking for more interesting jobs. It is not yet clear whether joining the German army is one of the options they are considering, so they are looking for information about it,” says Diana Hehn, spokesperson for the German army. Germany intends to recruit around 80,000 new soldiers by 2035 to fulfill its commitments to NATO.
The new conscription law provides that if the number of volunteers is too low, Parliament can decide in the future on a system of compulsory conscription. But a recent study suggests that enough young men might be willing to enlist voluntarily.
Carlotta hopes that’s the case. She criticizes compulsory military service. “If you want to join the army, you should do it. I don’t think compulsory military service is a good idea, because it is better to join voluntarily than to be forced. Otherwise you lose your motivation,” she says.
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