Germany’s government has proposed a new plan to boost recruitment for its military, which has been understaffed since the abolition of compulsory service in 2011. The plan aims to promote voluntary recruitment by offering higher salaries, specialized training, and attractive career prospects.
However, critics argue that the proposal is too weak to fill the recruitment gap and may lead to forced conscription. Detractors point out that experts doubt the effectiveness of the current plan, which relies on a “volunteer-first” approach, and that some even believe conscription is necessary to meet the government’s goals.
The proposal comes at a time when Europe’s defense spending has increased, with most NATO members committing to spend 5% of their gross domestic product on defense. Germany aims to have 260,000 active-duty service members and 200,000 reservists, but currently lacks around 80,000 active-duty soldiers.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius defended the plan, stating that it is necessary to address the threat posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, lawmakers from his own party are divided on the bill’s effectiveness and necessity.
A study found that 69% of young people between the ages of 15 and 25 would not want to defend their country with a weapon, making conscription unpopular among the younger generation. Critics also argue that the government is missing an opportunity by not addressing the issue through more effective measures.
The proposal has sparked debate in Parliament, with some lawmakers calling for stricter specifications on recruitment targets and deadlines. Despite these concerns, planners at the Defense Ministry believe that the “volunteer-first” model allows them to slowly build up recruitment infrastructure without abandoning previous efforts.
Germany’s goal of becoming Europe’s strongest army may seem ambitious, but the country’s undermanned military poses significant security risks. As the debate over this proposal continues, it remains to be seen whether Germany can successfully recruit enough soldiers to meet its goals.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/27/world/europe/germany-military-recruitment.html