Germany revives military service to build Europe’s largest conventional army

Germany revives military service to build Europe's largest conventional army

Germany's coalition government has finalized a controversial plan to expand its armed forces, mandating that all 18-year-old men complete a questionnaire on military suitability starting next year and undergo medical screenings by mid-2027. The move, announced Friday, aims to transform the Bundeswehr into Europe's most formidable conventional army within a decade, with troop numbers rising from 182,000 today to as many as 260,000-backed by 200,000 reservists.

Lawmakers are set to vote on the proposal by December 2025, following months of debate between Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the center-left SPD. While the initial phase will emphasize voluntary enlistment, the framework allows for compulsory conscription if recruitment targets fall short. In wartime, pre-screened questionnaires and medical records could fast-track mobilization.

Industry backs 'realistic' timeline as geopolitical tensions rise

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall-Germany's largest defense contractor-told the BBC the goal of fielding Europe's top conventional force was "realistic" within five years, praising the government's "clear decisions." His comments echo warnings from Bundeswehr chief Gen. Carsten Breuer, who urged NATO in early 2025 to prepare for a potential Russian attack by 2029.

"We have no crystal ball," Papperger said, but stressed Germany must be "ready in '29." The firm, which also supplies Ukraine, reported surging demand for vehicles, ammunition, and AI-driven defense systems. "We're expanding rapidly because the security landscape demands it," he added, though he declined to comment on unconfirmed reports of a 2024 Russian assassination plot against him.

"Whatever you call it-cold war, hybrid war-it's not a peaceful time."

Armin Papperger, Rheinmetall CEO

Public resistance and generational divide

A Forsa poll for Stern magazine revealed deep skepticism: while 52% of Germans support conscription in principle, opposition soars to 63% among 18- to 29-year-olds. Protests erupted this week outside the Bundestag, where 17-year-old Berlin student Jimi condemned the plan as "stealing our right to choose."

"I don't want to go to war. I don't want to die, or shoot anyone. The government is using abstract fears to control us."

Jimi, 17, protester

Contrastingly, 21-year-old recruit Jason cited the "security situation" as his motivation to enlist. "I want to defend democracy," he said. "A strong deterrent stops enemies from even considering an attack."

'No cause for fear,' minister insists

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius sought to ease concerns, framing the expansion as a deterrent: "The more capable our forces are, the less likely conflict becomes." The shift marks a stark reversal from Germany's post-Cold War demilitarization, which suspended conscription in 2011 and slashed defense budgets.

Chancellor Merz's 2025 declaration-"whatever it takes"-reflects Berlin's post-Ukraine invasion urgency. The plan also aligns with pressure from Washington, where President Donald Trump has pushed NATO allies to boost spending. Rheinmetall's Papperger noted the financial upside: "Demand is unprecedented. We're scaling up across all sectors-from satellites to AI."

Key milestones

• 2026: Questionnaires sent to all 18-year-old men (voluntary for women).
• July 2027: Mandatory medical exams for 18-year-old men begin.
• 2029: Target of 255,000-260,000 active troops, plus 200,000 reservists.
• 2035: Goal to surpass all European peers in conventional capacity.