Germany rejects use of conscription to replenish military

The German government has decided against a new system of compulsory military service after a bitter debate, opting for a voluntary model instead.

- Kate Connolly

Under the plan intended to revamp the country’s depleted military, young German men will have to indicate their readiness to serve and undergo a medical from next year. There will be financial and other incentives to encourage voluntary recruitment, but if that fails to find the numbers, a compulsory nationwide call-up will be reconsidered. This would require further legislation, however.

Women are also being encouraged to volunteer, but will not be not obliged to participate in the selection process.

Similarly to other western countries, Germany dramatically reduced the size of its armed forces after the end of the cold war, but now faces the huge challenge of building it up again amid the looming threat posed by Russia, in particular, and other security concerns.