Bundeswehr currently has 180,000 soldiers, with plans to increase it to 203,000 by 2031. Credit: Marco Dorow/Bundeswehr/Press and Information Office of the Federal Government.

Germany’s cabinet has approved plans for a new military service model (MSM) to overhaul its depleted armed forces following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  

This initiative aims to address the need for increased troop numbers and the ongoing debate surrounding the reintroduction of conscription, which was ended in 2011. 

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Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the new model was “our response to the changing threat situation in Europe”. 

“With this law, we are setting the course for increasing our deterrence and defence capabilities.” 

Currently, the German unified armed forces, Bundeswehr, has 180,000 soldiers, with a goal to increase this number to 203,000 by 2031.  

Additionally, the country aims to bolster its reserve force from 60,000 to 200,000, allowing for a rapid expansion of troops to approximately 460,000 in the event of war.  

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The new MSM will focus on conscripts born after 31 December 2006, with plans to consider other eligible birth years in the coming years, starting with those born in 2007. 

To track the reserve potential of individuals who have previously served, Germany will reactivate its military monitoring system for older birth years.  

Under the new plans, 18-year-olds will receive a questionnaire assessing their interest in joining the army, as well as their health and physical abilities.  

All young men will be required to complete this questionnaire, while participation for women will be voluntary.  

Based on the responses collected, a selection process will be initiated, inviting a contingent of young men and women to participate.  

The strongest candidates will be recruited for an initial six-month period of military service, with the option to extend their service for those who express interest.