The Times: Germany debates return of conscription to boost army ranks

Germany is intensifying discussions over the possible reinstatement of conscription and new ways to boost army recruitment.

For several weeks, the country has been debating how to address the shortage of military personnel, Caliber.Az reports, citing the British daily national newspaper The Times.

The government aims to find up to 80,000 additional recruits to reach NATO’s target of 260,000 active troops by 2035.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius earlier announced that starting in January, every 18-year-old German citizen will receive a questionnaire indicating their willingness to serve for at least six months.

The measure is expected to add several thousand volunteers to the 10,000 who already join the army each year.

Beginning in mid-2027, all young men will be required to undergo selection, although actual military service will remain voluntary.

The debate has gained new momentum after the Chief of Staff of the German Armed Forces called for a nationwide assessment of all young men to improve military readiness.

Germany’s highest-ranking military officer noted that evaluating entire age groups is essential to determine the available pool of potential recruits and streamline mobilisation if required.

According to military leadership, such assessments would help maintain an updated overview of eligible recruits and enable more efficient defence planning.

The proposal comes amid ongoing discussions on modernising Germany’s conscription system, with the new law expected to take effect early next year.

These reforms form part of Germany’s broader effort to strengthen national defence and adapt to the evolving security landscape, ensuring the Bundeswehr remains capable of meeting modern operational demands.

By Jeyhun Aghazada