Try GOLD - Free
Germany Plans Compulsory Military Screening for Young Men
The Straits Times
|July 26, 2025
Germany plans to reintroduce compulsory screening for military service for 18-year-old men as part of plans to ramp up defence capabilities, a Defence Ministry source said on July 24.
-
BERLIN -
Conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz has made boosting Germany's threadbare military a key priority, given the threat from Russia and US President Donald Trump's questioning of the traditional American security umbrella for Europe.
The drive aims to attract volunteers to the armed forces, but includes provisions for compulsory service in case numbers fall short.
As part of planned legislation due to be presented to Cabinet in August, all young German men would have to fill out a questionnaire about their readiness and willingness to serve in the military.
This story is from the July 26, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Stiffer penalties proposed for lorry owners who flout speed limiter rules
Lorry owners who fail to install speed limiters will face much stiffer penalties under proposed changes to the law, to better reflect the harm posed by such speeding vehicles.
2 mins
January 13, 2026
The Straits Times
Will Iran's regime fall? How the crisis unfolds will transform the Middle East
Regime is built for survival but current challenges hard to surmount, even if Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps sidelines clerics.
7 mins
January 13, 2026
The Straits Times
First Venezuela, now Iran: Americans befuddled by Trump's power moves
US President Donald Trump's proclivity for a more interventionist foreign policy appears to be growing, but domestic support for it is far from certain.
4 mins
January 13, 2026
The Straits Times
Committee formed to review salaries of political appointment holders: Chan Chun Sing
An eight-person committee has been formed to review the salaries of Singapore's political appointment holders, which include all ministers and MPs.
3 mins
January 13, 2026
The Straits Times
Safety • Collective responsibility key to protecting seniors on roads
We thank Mr Melvin Goh Kwang Hua for his letter “More measures needed to protect seniors on the roads” (Jan 1).
1 min
January 13, 2026
The Straits Times
HIGH SEAS, HIGH LIFE
A growing number of high-end hospitality groups are entering the luxury cruise industry, with some offering $11,000 super-yacht holidays for those willing to splurge
8 mins
January 13, 2026
The Straits Times
With Venezuela raid, US tells China to keep away from the Americas
Maduro's capture seen as curbing China's ambitions, cutting off its supply of cheap oil
4 mins
January 13, 2026
The Straits Times
Iran says it Is ‘prepared for war’ as alarm grows over protest toll
But it adds that it is ready for talks with US after Trump’s threats to intervene militarily
4 mins
January 13, 2026
The Straits Times
KINGS 'OWE' LAKERS A LOT
Sacramento seek revenge for six straight losses, want to build on win over Rockets
3 mins
January 13, 2026
The Straits Times
IP rider changes aimed at mitigating shift of patients from private to public healthcare: MOH
Changes to rider requirements are part of the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) efforts to mitigate the shift of patients from private to public healthcare.
3 mins
January 13, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size