Der Spiegel reports on its front page that the German government will introduce a new conscription system based on voluntary service from 2026.
The relevant bill was passed at a meeting of the German cabinet on August 27. Although the conscription system was suspended 11 years ago, Russia's attack on Ukraine has made security an issue, with the aim of significantly increasing the number of soldiers. The restoration of the conscription system is also under consideration. According to the German government, questionnaires were sent to 18-year-old men and women asking whether they wanted to serve in the military. Men must answer, while women are voluntary. Candidates are selected from applicants through ability tests, and they are required to serve in the military. In addition, starting from July 27, all 18-year-old males must take an ability test, regardless of their willingness to serve, in case of an emergency requiring an increase.
According to German media reports, the German Federal Armed Forces will increase the number of soldiers from about 181,000 at the end of last year to up to 260,000, and the reserve forces will be increased to around 200,000, in line with the goals of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). It is said that the total number will be 460,000. Currently, the plan is to encourage voluntary service, but if the number of soldiers needs to be increased in the short term, the government can decide to restore the conscription system after approval by parliament.
The main reason for the German cabinet to pass the draft of the new Conscription Law is to respond to the requirements of NATO member states for increased defense spending and to address the problem of insufficient manpower in the German army.
In August 2025, NATO member states decided to increase annual defense spending to 5% of GDP. German Chancellor Merkel stated that Germany would respond to this requirement with "determination," and the new law will enhance the strength of the armed forces.
After Germany suspended the conscription system in 2011, the number of troops continued to decline. At the end of 2024, the number of troops was approximately 181,000, far below the target of 460,000 (including 203,000 active duty and 260,000 reserves). The draft law aims to improve the attractiveness of service and alleviate the shortage of manpower through a questionnaire survey and physical examination screening mechanism.
The draft stipulates that males must fill out a questionnaire on their willingness to serve, while females may participate voluntarily. Physical examination standards will be adjusted according to actual conditions, for example, the 3000-meter running standard (16 minutes) in basic training for the German army may be dynamically adjusted based on the results of the physical fitness test.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841652012595200/
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