Germany Considers Mandatory National Service

Rising Pressure Forces Germany to Reconsider Mandatory Service

As Europe confronts growing security threats, Germany is debating significant changes to its defense and civil protection strategy. Central to the national conversation is whether to bring back some form of compulsory service. With the Bundeswehr facing a shortage of up to 100,000 personnel and civil organizations warning of vulnerability in national crisis response, major political parties are presenting conflicting proposals.

This renewed focus on mandatory national service comes after years of voluntary military programs and amid the largest military rearmament effort since the Cold War.

Bundeswehr Lacks Troops, Civil Protection Sounds the Alarm

Germany’s military leaders and emergency organizations have raised urgent concerns about preparedness. General Carsten Breuer, the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, recently stated that without some form of obligation, it will be nearly impossible to meet staffing targets in the near future. Meanwhile, civil protection groups including the Red Cross and the Malteser have warned that the country is dangerously unprepared for large-scale emergencies.

These groups are pushing not only for better funding of existing voluntary programs but also for systemic reforms to ensure long-term resilience. While new funding has been allocated for weapons and equipment, many believe it is the lack of personnel that poses the greater risk.

The Union’s Proposal: Reinstate Conscription and Introduce Universal Service Year

The conservative CDU/CSU alliance proposes a full return to military conscription. Their plan would phase out the suspension of the draft, which has been in place since 2011. In addition, they are advocating for a mandatory one-year national service requirement for everyone, regardless of gender. Those unwilling to serve in the armed forces would instead work in areas such as healthcare, education, or environmental protection.

Prominent Union figures argue that the international security situation no longer supports a purely volunteer military. They claim that the current structure is inadequate to fulfill Germany’s obligations to NATO and the European Union.

SPD Offers Flexible Model Inspired by Sweden

The SPD, a key player in the current coalition negotiations, rejects an immediate reinstatement of conscription. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) argues that the infrastructure required to accommodate a full draft—such as housing and training facilities—is currently lacking.

Instead, the SPD supports a “new Wehrdienst” that would be based on voluntary participation. However, they propose mandatory registration of all physically eligible young men at age 18, using a model inspired by Sweden. The military would then select candidates based on interest and need.

The SPD also backs the concept of a universal service year but envisions it as flexible and inclusive. Service options would range from military training to community service in schools, environmental work, or elder care.

The Greens Introduce “Freedom Service” for All Residents Aged 18 to 67

In a separate and more expansive proposal, the Bavarian Greens have called for a mandatory six-month “Freedom Service” for all individuals residing in Germany between the ages of 18 and 67. The program would include three tracks: military service, civil protection (such as firefighting or disaster relief), or social service.

The six-month obligation could be completed all at once or distributed across a longer timeframe. Those who have already performed military or civil service, or have significant volunteer experience, would be exempt. The proposal is not limited by citizenship, and the goal is to strengthen community ties and national resilience.

Green Party figures argue that this form of service would not only address security concerns but also foster greater social cohesion. Their idea aims to modernize the notion of national duty, moving beyond traditional military conscription.

Legal and Political Hurdles Remain

Although the proposals vary in scope and design, all of them would require significant legal adjustments, including potential amendments to the German Basic Law. The Bundestag would need a two-thirds majority to pass such reforms—an unlikely scenario, given the current political landscape.

The Left Party firmly opposes any form of mandatory service. They describe it as a regression and insist that service to society must remain a choice. Instead, they advocate for better funding and access to voluntary programs, which are currently under-supported and oversubscribed.

Among the general population, opinions are divided. A recent YouGov poll showed that while 58 percent of Germans support some form of conscription, 61 percent of people aged 18 to 29 oppose it. Youth organizations have criticized the current debate for excluding young voices, arguing that decisions about mandatory service should involve those most affected.

The Legal Framework: Voluntary Armed Service Remains the Norm

Under the German Constitution, military conscription remains legally possible but suspended since 2011. In the event of a defense emergency, Article 12a permits the state to require service from men aged 18 and older. However, Article 4 protects individuals from being forced to bear arms against their conscience. This constitutional safeguard ensures that conscientious objectors may choose civilian service instead.

In 2023, over 2,200 people applied for conscientious objector status, double the number from the previous year.

A Compromise Still Out of Reach

As coalition negotiations between the CDU, CSU, and SPD continue, the issue of national service remains unresolved. While the Union insists on restoring full conscription, the SPD emphasizes a voluntary system. The only consensus so far is that Germany’s defense and civil readiness require urgent action.

Defense officials like Eva Högl, the Bundestag’s military ombudsperson, have endorsed elements of multiple proposals, including the SPD’s “selection-based” model. According to her, a combination of limited obligation and targeted volunteer recruitment might be the most politically viable path forward.

Whether Germany ultimately chooses conscription, universal service, or a hybrid solution remains to be seen—but the urgency is clear.