20 percent increase in people applying to join the Bundeswehr
The number of applications received by the Bundeswehr went up by a fifth compared to the year before. An increase in recruitment numbers was also observed, despite some seasonal fluctuation.
Berlin (dpa, d.de) – The Bundeswehr received a far greater number of applications in the first three months of the year than in the same period last year. Around 22,700 people had applied for a career in the armed forces by the end of March, this corresponds to an increase of about 20 percent. The number of new people hired also rose by some ten percent compared to the year before, to around 5,800 people.
In total, there are currently about 185,400 soldiers in the Bundeswehr, some 3,300 more than a year ago. However, a decrease could be observed compared to the previous month. The Ministry of Defence describes this as a seasonal effect, as it is common for soldiers to retire from service in spring.
The year-on-year comparison also shows an increase in the number of people performing voluntary military service. Around 12,700 men and women are currently doing this type of service, 13.5 percent more than a year earlier.
The Bundeswehr reports that this increase in recruitment can be attributed to the security policy situation in Europe. The NATO specifications are calling for Germany to provide a significantly greater number of soldiers by 2035. The goal is for the Bundeswehr to have 260,000 active soldiers and 200,000 reservists.
Military service remains voluntary for the time being. However, men born from 2008 onward are required to fill in a questionnaire and undergo a medical evaluation. Women can volunteer to do so. Everybody has the right to refuse armed service based on conscience.
