Today's approximately 182,000 soldiers are not enough if Germany is to fulfill its commitments within NATO, says Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and wants, according to ARD, to see the number increase to at least 260,000 by 2035. In addition, the country's reservists will become more, today's figure of 100,000 will be doubled.
The defense must grow. The global security situation, above all Russia's aggressive positioning, makes it necessary, says Pistorius.
Germany has long struggled to recruit enough recruits to its defense since 2011 when conscription in its then current form was abolished.
For German youths, the decision means in practice that they receive an email with questions on their 18th birthday. Men must answer the email, for women it is voluntary. Those who, based on the answers, are deemed likely soldier material will then be enlisted. No one will be forced to do military service, according to the proposal, which must be approved by the Bundestag before it becomes a reality.
