BERLIN, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A growing number of young Germans are enlisting in the country's armed forces, according to a report published by Der Spiegel on Tuesday.
Data from the German Federal Ministry of Defense show that as of July 21, the Bundeswehr -- Germany's federal armed forces -- had recruited approximately 13,750 new personnel this year, marking a 28 percent increase from the same period of 2024.
The rise involves both fixed-term voluntary soldiers and participants in voluntary military service programs, which gives interested people the first six months as a probationary period to get to know the armed forces before making a long-term commitment.
Currently, the Bundeswehr consists of around 183,100 uniformed personnel, roughly 2,000 more than at the same time last year. The number of people participating in the voluntary military service has grown by about 15 percent, with approximately 11,350 young people now serving.
The ministry attributes the increase to targeted media campaigns, as well as to Germany's changing security landscape. In response to mounting international tensions, the federal government has deemed an increase in military capabilities increasingly necessary.
To meet this demand, the German cabinet is expected to vote on a proposed law by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius at the end of August. This law would introduce a revised military service model beginning in 2026. The new system would be based on voluntary participation and offer higher compensation and more attractive service conditions to encourage enlistment.
The government aims to recruit up to 15,000 new conscripts annually under the new framework.
Starting from 2027, a mandatory pre-service assessment is also expected to be introduced, potentially laying the groundwork for a broader reactivation of compulsory service.
A recent survey conducted by polling institute Forsa on July 28-29, 2025, reflects the shifting public mood on national defense. According to the poll, 61 percent of respondents supported reinstating compulsory military service if voluntary enlistment proves insufficient. However, only 16 percent said they would definitely be willing to take up arms to defend Germany in the event of an attack. Opposition to conscription was particularly high among younger Germans aged 18 to 29, with 61 percent expressing disapproval.
Germany suspended conscription in 2011, but changing geopolitical realities have prompted renewed discussions about reintroducing some form of national service to strengthen defense readiness. ■