Germany is facing renewed calls for the reintroduction of compulsory military service, reflecting growing concerns over shifting global security dynamics. Opposition politicians, particularly from the Christian Social Union (CSU), argue the current suspension of conscription, which has been inactive since 2011, no longer aligns with the threats posed by contemporary global conflicts.
On March 4, 2025, CSU politician Florian Hahn expressed urgency for the reimplementation of military conscription, stating, “The suspension of compulsory military service no longer fits the current threat situation. By 2025, we must see the first conscripts marching through the barracks gates.” His comments highlight the perception of growing insecurity and the belief among some political factions and military leaders alike, including the Federal Chairman of the German Armed Forces Association, André Wüstner, who claimed, "Without some form of new conscription, we will not be able to recruit and retain the personnel we need.”
The push for reinstatement is reinforced by reports indicating the Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces, currently lacks approximately 20,000 soldiers needed to meet its planned operational strength of 203,000 by 2031. Many military units have been assessed as having only about 50% operational readiness, raising alarms about the country's capacity for national defense under worsening global circumstances.
The transition to the reintroduction of the draft is driven by various political voices. Wüstner reiterated this necessity during interviews, noting, “Every year, 27,000 personnel depart the Bundeswehr, who must be replaced.” He cautions against the impending risk of operational collapse due to personnel shortages, echoing Hahn's alarmist tone, “We cannot stand by and watch as the world becomes less secure.”
Former Green Party Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer joined the chorus calling for the reinstatement, indicating, “I was once an advocate for abolishment, and I now see it was a mistake needing correction. The compulsory service must be reinstated for both genders.” Fischer posited this reintroduction could bolster Europe’s defense capabilities, driving home the argument with the suggestion of increased military budget allocations to bolster credibility against threats.
Despite the growing momentum from the CSU and Fischer, voices from the ruling coalition, particularly from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and relates, reflect mixed reactions. Some SPD members, such as former Wehrbeauftragter Hans-Peter Bartels, argue for swift action to restore the draft, “It must be addressed immediately, not just listed within the coalition's agenda.”
Conversely, SPD defense politician Falko Droßmann refuted the demand for reintroducing conscription as populist. He pointedly remarked, “We do not have the capacity within our barracks, nor do we have clear structures to implement this.” His comments reflect concerns about logistical challenges, and he suggested the feasibility of traditional conscription is questionable.
The backdrop of this renewed debate stems from the 2011 decision to suspend mandatory military service under then-Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, marking the end of nearly six decades of compulsory service. The reshaping of the military structure at the time eliminated nearly all mandatory service frameworks, placing the current administration at the crossroads of potential reintroduction or maintaining the present voluntary framework.
Current Defence Minister Boris Pistorius explored alternative military service models, including his “New Military Service” concept, unveiled last year, which leans on voluntary enlistment but allows for mandatory reinforcements if required. Although not implemented due to lack of support from coalition partners, his proposal outlines the necessity for young men to either fill out readiness forms upon reaching 18 or attend recruitment appointments when summoned.
The political discourse surrounding the reintroduction of the draft appears to divide those who fear the ramifications of inadequate military staffing on national and international security versus those concerned about personal freedoms and practical implementation issues associated with compulsory military service. Notably, leaders from the opposition parties, including Alice Weidel from the AfD, have pushed for proposals of extended mandatory service durations, countering current critiques against the existing voluntary structure with assertions of national inadequacy for defense.
The upcoming decisions by the federal government and its capacity to reconcile the various factions within the parliament will critically shape the narrative surrounding Germany's military readiness. The current coalition must navigate diverging opinions and pressures to formulate effective defense strategies as the geopolitical climate continuously evolves.