Germany considers restoring compulsory military service as recruitment falls short

Germany is preparing for the possibility of bringing back compulsory military service as the country struggles to recruit enough soldiers to meet its long term defence goals.

Germany is preparing for the possibility of bringing back compulsory military service as the country struggles to recruit enough soldiers to meet its long term defence goals. Senior officials say a final decision could be taken by the end of July next year if the current voluntary system fails to attract the number of recruits needed for the armed forces.

Berlin has been expanding its defence plans in response to growing security concerns across Europe. The government aims to increase the size of the military from around 185,000 personnel to at least 260,000 by 2035. Officials say the larger force is necessary to respond to changing security conditions, including concerns over Russia and uncertainty about future military support from the United States.

To boost recruitment, Germany introduced a new voluntary military service programme in November. The system also requires all 18 year old men to register, although joining the armed forces remains voluntary. Despite contacting nearly 300,000 young people, the programme has attracted only 530 recruits during its first five months, raising serious doubts about whether the current approach can meet the country’s defence needs.

Thomas Roewekamp, chairman of the German parliament’s defence committee, said the government cannot delay the decision for much longer. He explained that if recruitment figures do not improve, compulsory military service will have to return. According to him, lawmakers should make that decision by July 31 next year after carefully reviewing the progress of the voluntary programme during the first half of 2027.

Roewekamp said he remains doubtful that Germany can achieve its ambitious military expansion through voluntary enlistment alone. He noted that any future system of compulsory service would not require every young man turning 18 to serve. Instead, the military would select only the number of recruits needed each year to meet its operational targets.

He also stressed that Germany’s biggest challenge is increasing the number of long term professional soldiers. These trained personnel are responsible for operating advanced military equipment including fighter aircraft, naval vessels, tanks, and air defence systems. Without enough career soldiers, the country’s defence capabilities could be affected even if short term recruitment improves.

The possibility of restoring compulsory service has already triggered public debate. Demonstrations against the proposal have taken place across Germany in recent months. Roewekamp acknowledged that many young people feel uncertain about the idea but argued that discussions about national defence have largely disappeared since compulsory military service was suspended in 2011. He believes the government should involve younger generations in an open conversation about security and military responsibility rather than making decisions without their input.

German officials continue to warn that Russia could pose a direct threat to a NATO member state within the next few years. Roewekamp argued that Europe must strengthen its own defence capabilities instead of depending too heavily on the United States. He pointed to changing American priorities and growing international tensions as reasons why European countries should invest more in their own military strength.

He also called for closer cooperation in developing defence equipment across Europe, saying future projects should focus on practical military needs instead of national industrial competition. Looking ahead to the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, Roewekamp said he hopes alliance members will present a united message that demonstrates their commitment to collective security and deters any future threats against Europe.