Germany Considers Reinstating Compulsory Military Service Amid Personnel Shortages
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated in a televised interview that compulsory military service might be reconsidered if voluntary recruitment fails to adequately staff the armed forces.
The German government is currently prioritizing voluntary recruitment methods to bolster its military ranks.
Last week, the Bundestag (German Federal Parliament) passed legislation updating conscription policies. While the law continues to emphasize voluntary service, it mandates military registration, including compulsory medical examinations, for all 18-year-old males.
Compulsory military service in Germany has been suspended since 2011. However, it could be reinstated if troop levels fall below required thresholds.
Under NATO’s guidelines, Germany is expected to increase its active military personnel to 460,000. The current German military consists of 189,000 active personnel and 49,000 reservists.
