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Germany Plans Compulsory Military Screening for Young Men

The Straits Times

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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.

MEER VERHALEN VAN The Straits Times

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