Germany ramps up defense with new voluntary military program for young men

The law aims to strengthen the Bundeswehr and Germany's defense capabilities following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius explained that medical exams will help quickly determine who is ready to defend the country in the event of a threat.

Currently, the Bundeswehr has around 182,000 troops. The reform plans to increase the number by 20,000 over the next year and to 260,000 soldiers with 200,000 reservists by the early 2030s.

While service remains voluntary, the Parliament reserves the right to introduce mandatory service if volunteers are insufficient or the security situation worsens.

The program offers high incentives for volunteers, including a salary of about €2,600 per month.

Mandatory military service in Germany was abolished in 2011 during Angela Merkel's tenure. Afterward, the army’s numbers significantly declined, leaving the country dependent on a small number of professional soldiers.

The new rules sparked mass protests by school and university students in over 90 German cities, opposing the service and claiming that war undermines the prospects of the younger generation.

Other European countries are taking similar steps: last month, France announced a 10-month voluntary training for 18-19-year-olds, reintroducing it 25 years after abolishing mandatory service.

Earlier reports noted that the reform, approved by coalition parties, requires mandatory registration and medical exams for all men aged 18.

RBC-Ukraine reported that the Bundeswehr has already taken measures to improve the army’s image, including raising salaries and covering driver’s license training.

A pessimistic report released by the Bundeswehr highlighted that Germany is currently unprepared for a potential conflict, particularly in terms of its medical system and other key sectors.