New military service law: This is how the Bundeswehr wants to attract young recruits!

New military service law: This is how the Bundeswehr wants to attract young recruits!

On August 27, 2025, the federal government passed a new military service law to strengthen the Bundeswehr with more soldiers. This happened during a meeting at the Ministry of Defense, which was the first cabinet meeting there since 1992, with US General Alexus Grynkewich as a guest. However, the law does not announce a return to compulsory military service, even though Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has formulated the basic requirements for possible activation. According to rbb24, starting next year, a military registration system for young men will be introduced to gauge their interest in serving in the Bundeswehr. Completing the questionnaire remains voluntary for women.

The bill also includes a plan to invite suitable candidates for muster. From 2027 onwards, mandatory muster training will be introduced for all young men. The Bundestag must decide on this law and on the activation of compulsory military service. This is in context as the Bundeswehr urgently needs around 80,000 additional active soldiers to meet NATO requirements of 260,000 troops. Tagesschau reports that the aim of the new military service is to convert those doing military service into reservists, with up to 5,000 soldiers being recruited annually.

Recruitment and financial incentives

The new law aims to make military service more attractive for young people between the ages of 18 and 25. The salary should increase to over 2,000 euros net per month. Last year, the Bundeswehr was able to recruit 692 volunteer soldiers in Brandenburg, which represents a slight increase compared to 2023, when there were 667. In Berlin, 524 volunteers registered, which was also an increase compared to 507 the year before. Nevertheless, the situation remains tense as personnel development among temporary and professional soldiers is stagnating.

The criticism of the new law cannot be overlooked. The CDU advocates general compulsory military service, while the Brandenburg Left fears “conscription through the back door”. André Wüstner, chairman of the Bundeswehr Association, expressed concerns about the voluntary nature of the offer and called for increased preparation for conscription. According to [Süddeutsche](https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/ defense-bundeswehr-li.3303551), Denmark could serve as a model for the new military service to attract more soldiers and strengthen military deterrence in the face of geopolitical tensions.

Overall, the federal government's new approach shows that the defense capability and protection of the country in times of international uncertainty have the highest priority. The debate about the necessity of these reforms will certainly continue to take place in the political arena.