Mandatory or voluntary? Germany’s new military service explained

Since 1 January 2026, regulations governing Germany’s new military service have been in place. The idea is to strengthen the country’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, without having to return to the compulsory military service that applied until 2011.

Why was the new military service introduced?

The security situation in Europe has changed. The Bundeswehr needs more personnel, especially for homeland defence and its reserve force. The goal is to increase the number of troops to 460,000 by the mid-2030s. As of the end of 2025, the Bundeswehr had around 184,000 serving soldiers. To meet the country’s NATO commitments, the aim is to increase the size of the armed forces to around 260,000 active personnel. In addition, there will be 200,000 reservists.

Is the new military service voluntary?

Serving in the Bundeswehr is voluntary. Nobody is conscripted into military service. However, men born in 2008 or later do have to register for military service. They are required to complete an online questionnaire and undergo a medical evaluation. Women and those of a different gender can take part in this process voluntarily but are not obliged to do so.

If they pass the tests, applicants can state where and in which branch of the armed forces they would prefer to serve – close to where they live, for example, in the medical corps, in a technical area or in a combat division. The Bundeswehr will do its best to take such wishes into account.

How long does the new military service last? 

Military service lasts for at least six months. This is necessary to ensure that recruits complete a course of basic military training. Those doing voluntary military service can serve for up to eleven months. Anyone who signs up for twelve months or longer will be a fixed-term soldier and eligible to a higher salary.