Military Service Obligation: Pistorius Determines Conditions for Compulsory Enlistment in the Military - Army enlistment standards proposed by Pistorius
In a bid to address the growing shortage of personnel in the German military (Bundeswehr), Olaf Scholz's government is drafting a bill that could potentially reintroduce mandatory conscription if voluntary recruitment falls short. The bill, due to be presented to the cabinet in late August, aims to make voluntary service more appealing through improved pay and conditions, while also providing a fallback to compulsory military service if necessary.
The primary focus of the bill is to enhance incentives for volunteering in the Bundeswehr. This includes better remuneration based on the Federal Remuneration Act, improved living conditions, and a more attractive overall package to make military service more appealing.
However, if voluntary recruitment fails to raise enough soldiers, the law would enable a swift activation of compulsory military service without a lengthy legislative process. The initial focus remains on making voluntary service more attractive, but the provision for compulsory service serves as a contingency plan.
This move comes as part of a broader German policy shift towards strengthening its military capabilities. Plans to increase defense spending significantly and expand the Bundeswehr’s size and readiness are in response to security challenges, especially following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and NATO commitments.
The proposal suggests a major shift in Germany’s post-WWII military policy, with potential social impacts as mandatory service would affect a broader segment of the population and require societal adjustment. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stress the Bundeswehr must regain a central place in German society, reflecting a reversal of the 2011 suspension of conscription, which Merz called a "mistake."
The draft bill also includes provisions for expanding the reserve force, with a long-term vision of building a reserve of 200,000 soldiers. This would enhance Germany’s military readiness and NATO obligations.
Pistorius' plans for the new military service involve sending a questionnaire to all young men and women. Men are required to fill out the questionnaire, while it is voluntary for women. The initial length of basic military service is reported to be six months. The length of basic military service should be uniformly set, according to the draft bill.
The questionnaire will ask about interest in serving in the Bundeswehr, and suitable candidates will be invited for conscription. Increases of around 80% are planned for the new military service remuneration, with the net salary expected to be over 2000 euros.
However, Pistorius' military service plans have faced reservations within his own party. If approved, the new military service is expected to start in 2026, with new recruits being called up as soldiers on active service. As of June 2025, Scholz’s government and coalition partners have not finalized the decision, but the draft bill represents a critical step towards reintroducing a framework for mandatory military service if voluntary recruitment proves insufficient.
The draft bill, set for submission in August, targets improving incentives for voluntary Bundeswehr service, intending to make it more financially attractive through better pay based on the Federal Remuneration Act and enhanced living conditions. Yet, if voluntary recruitment falls short, the bill allows for a swift activation of compulsory military service as a contingency plan, demonstrating the bill's link to the broader German policy of strengthening military capabilities in reaction to geopolitical challenges.
Implementation of the bill would also involve a focus on expanding the reserve force, with the ultimate goal of building a reserve of 200,000 soldiers. This step aims to enhance Germany’s military readiness and fulfill NATO obligations, signifying the potential impact of the bill on politics and business, given the significance of a strong military in international relations.
