The German military, or Bundeswehr, is experiencing a surge in interest in military service, with a 15% increase in young people opting for voluntary service compared to last year.
Increased Interest in Military Service
According to Inspector General of the Bundeswehr Carsten Breuer, the German army has noted a significant increase in interest in military service. “We’ve made a significant step forward,” Breuer said, adding that 15% more young people have opted for voluntary military service compared to last year.
New Model of Military Service
The German government has adopted a draft law introducing a new model of military service. If approved by the Bundestag, the law will come into effect on January 1, 2026. The new model aims to increase the number of soldiers in the Bundeswehr.
Goals and Challenges
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius recently stated that the goal is to recruit 15,000 people this year, with a target of 30,000 recruits annually by 2029 and 110,000 trained soldiers. However, there have been concerns about whether the new model will be able to attract sufficient numbers of future soldiers.
Maintaining High Readiness
General Breuer emphasized the need for the Bundeswehr to maintain high combat readiness, stating that the situation requires a strong response. He highlighted the importance of finding the right balance between different military tasks.
