Germany Plans to Expand Military, May Reinstate Partial Conscription

Germany’s coalition government plans to expand the Bundeswehr from 180,000 to 260,000 active soldiers and 200,000 reservists, offering voluntary enlistment incentives and the option of partial compulsory military service if targets are not met. The move responds to security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with mandatory responses required from 18-year-old men. Public opinion is divided, with stronger support among older Germans than younger citizens.

Germany’s center-right and center-left coalition government has unveiled an ambitious plan to strengthen its military forces, the Bundeswehr, in response to rising security concerns in Europe. The CDU/CSU and SPD coalition announced that it intends to increase the number of active soldiers from the current 180,000 to around 260,000, alongside a reserve force of approximately 200,000. This decision comes amid heightened fears over potential military threats from Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, as well as what German leaders perceive as limited support from the United States. European countries, including Germany, have called for greater preparedness to protect NATO member states from possible aggression.

As part of the plan, the government will send questionnaires to all 18-year-olds next year, asking about their motivation, skills, and suitability for military service while informing them about voluntary engagement options. Responses will be mandatory for men. Those who volunteer for military service will receive a monthly allowance of €2,600 ($3,000). If voluntary enlistment does not meet the target number of recruits, the government plans to introduce partial compulsory military service, with conscripts selected at random as a last resort. This approach follows previous difficulties in meeting recruitment targets; a prior goal of 203,000 soldiers was not achieved through voluntary enlistment alone.

The announcement comes after months of internal debate within the coalition government about the best method to increase soldier numbers. There had been significant disagreement over whether an automatic mechanism should trigger mandatory conscription if voluntary recruitment fell short. Thursday’s plan clarified that no automatic mechanism will be implemented. The return of compulsory military service for men, which existed in Germany until 2011, could be reinstated with a simple parliamentary majority. However, including women in conscription would require a constitutional amendment.

Public opinion on reinstating conscription is divided. A June 2025 YouGov poll indicated that 54% of Germans support bringing back compulsory service, with stronger backing among older citizens, 66% of whom favor the measure, and less support among younger people aged 18-29, only 35% of whom are in favor. This demonstrates a generational divide in attitudes toward military service.

The coalition’s commitment to expanding the Bundeswehr reflects its broader strategy to enhance Germany’s defense capabilities in an increasingly tense geopolitical climate. Analysts suggest that the plan addresses concerns about both manpower and readiness in the face of potential threats to NATO countries. By combining voluntary enlistment incentives with the option of partial conscription, the government aims to create a flexible and sustainable military force capable of responding to future security challenges. The plan also underscores Germany’s intent to play a more active role in European defense while maintaining internal political consensus on sensitive issues such as compulsory military service.

The announcement highlights the delicate balance the German government seeks to strike between strengthening national defense, respecting public opinion, and addressing coalition disagreements. It marks a significant shift in defense policy and demonstrates Germany’s determination to ensure the Bundeswehr is prepared for the evolving security landscape in Europe.