Defense Minister Pistorius Presents New Military Service Model

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has presented his concept for a new military service model, aimed at boosting the reserves of the Bundeswehr. The model includes a voluntary selection military service, where young Germans will be contacted yearly to offer their service in the armed forces.

Pistorius plans to recruit 5,000 volunteers annually and believes there will be enough volunteers. The aim is to address the personnel gap in the Bundeswehr of around 20,000 soldiers.

The new model will not include conscription but will focus on voluntary service. Young men will receive a questionnaire to assess their fundamental willingness to serve in the military.

The plans for the new military service model still need to be approved by the traffic light coalition.