Germany debates return of military conscription: New service model proposed
Germany plans to increase army size and create a reserve force (Illustrative photo: Getty Images).
Germany is preparing to revise the principles of army recruitment. The coalition of ruling parties has agreed on a new system of military service that allows conscription by lottery if the number of volunteers proves insufficient, reports Spiegel.
Representatives of the CDU/CSU and SPD parties reached a compromise on a new model of military service in Germany after several weeks of discussions. At the first stage, it will remain voluntary, but all citizens aged 18 or older will be contacted and asked to complete a questionnaire.
In it, they will need to indicate their health status, level of physical fitness, education, and attitude toward military service. For women and individuals who identify as a third gender, participation in the survey will remain voluntary.
If, after processing the questionnaires, it becomes clear that the Bundeswehr has not attracted the required number of volunteers, the authorities will propose introducing a lottery-based selection system. If this measure also fails, Germany may reinstate mandatory conscription, suspended in 2011.
Possible return to military service
According to the plan, the parliament is to adopt a law regulating the procedure for medical examinations and selection. Men deemed fit for service will be sent to the army until the armed forces reach the established number of service members.
For those who refuse military service for religious or political reasons, an alternative civilian service is provided. The reinstatement of general military duty is also permitted if the Bundestag declares a state of defense or heightened readiness.
Plans to strengthen the army
According to the agreed terms, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is to determine the army's needs by 2035 and submit annual reports to parliament. In the next five years, Germany plans to increase its army from 183,000 to 260,000 soldiers and to create a reserve force of about 200,000.
The compromise document was scheduled to be presented on October 14. However, the press conference was canceled. According to the publication, the text faced criticism during a meeting of the SPD parliamentary group. Pistorius, according to sources, expressed dissatisfaction that the new version of the project differs significantly from the one he proposed and, in his opinion, appears impractical.
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