Germany Military Conscription Registration

planned

Germany will require all men to register for potential military service starting January 1, 2026, the country's biggest step toward reintroducing conscription since it was suspended in 2011. Around 700,000 young men born in 2008 or later will be contacted to complete mandatory registration, medical screenings, and an online questionnaire detailing their willingness to serve. Women will receive the same letter but aren't required to respond. The goal is to boost the Bundeswehr from 180,000 soldiers to 260,000 by 2035, plus 200,000 reservists. If volunteer numbers fall short of NATO commitments, compulsory service will be reintroduced through a separate law.