Germany Seriously Considers Return of Military Draft

A renewed debate over compulsory military service is gaining momentum in Germany. Leading politicians from the CDU/CSU have called for structural preparations to allow a swift reinstatement of conscription, arguing that Germany must become more defense-capable in light of new global security challenges. The proposal comes at a time when NATO targets require an expanded and combat-ready Bundeswehr force.

Jens Spahn, chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, is among the most vocal proponents. In recent interviews, Spahn stated that Germany cannot afford to delay planning and must immediately begin laying the groundwork for a return to mandatory service. According to him, the Bundeswehr requires up to 60,000 additional service members to meet operational and strategic obligations. While voluntary enlistment remains preferable, he expressed skepticism that such a large number could be reached without compulsory measures.

No Immediate Draft for Women, But Discussion Ongoing

The legal foundation of the current conscription model only applies to men, as stated in the German Basic Law. Spahn emphasized that a constitutional amendment would be necessary to include women and that such a change is unlikely in the current legislative period. Nonetheless, former Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has argued that women must be considered for future drafts, especially as demographic shifts reduce the number of eligible young men.

Kramp-Karrenbauer warned that excluding any group could make military staffing unsustainable. She called for immediate preparation efforts and urged policymakers not to delay decisions on extending the duty of service to women, citing long-term feasibility concerns.

Existing Policy Focuses on Voluntary Service for Now

The coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD does not explicitly include conscription. Instead, it refers to establishing an “attractive voluntary military service” as the preferred model. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, however, has repeatedly stated that voluntary service will only suffice as long as personnel needs are met through that approach. He recently acknowledged that compulsory models might have to be considered if voluntary recruitment fails to deliver.

The SPD has maintained a cautious stance. Falko Droßmann, the SPD’s defense policy spokesman, reaffirmed his party’s focus on improving recruitment through better infrastructure and more flexible career options within the Bundeswehr. He warned that reverting to mandatory service without exhausting voluntary methods would be premature and politically shortsighted.

Push for Broader Civil Service Models Gains Ground

Beyond traditional military conscription, several voices from the CDU have shown support for a general national service obligation that would include civilian roles. Bundestag Vice President Julia Klöckner pointed out that the coalition’s language allows room for compulsory service “if necessary,” and she expressed personal support for models that also encompass social work, emergency services, or caregiving sectors.

This broader interpretation of service duty reflects a growing view that civic contribution should not be limited to armed defense. Supporters argue that such a model could strengthen national cohesion and provide practical benefits beyond the military.

Military Leadership Raises Concerns Over Volunteer-Only Plans

From within the armed forces, there is increasing concern that the volunteer-only system will fall short. André Wüstner, head of the German Armed Forces Association, recently called on the government to begin preparing the legal and logistical frameworks for reintroducing conscription. He emphasized that NATO commitments require Germany to significantly increase the number of active-duty personnel, which may not be achievable without mandatory service.

Bundestag military commissioner Henning Otte echoed this concern, suggesting that binding service models must be introduced if voluntary recruitment proves insufficient. He emphasized the importance of creating reliable backup mechanisms to meet strategic defense obligations.

Government Targets Massive Bundeswehr Expansion

Germany currently aims to increase the size of the Bundeswehr to 460,000 personnel in times of crisis. Defense Minister Pistorius described this goal as requiring “enormous efforts.” While reforms to the service system were discussed in the previous legislative period, they were not enacted. The new government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz is reportedly working on a revised draft for conscription laws, which could be ready as early as January 2026.

Although no final decision has been made, the ongoing discussions and preparations indicate that compulsory service may soon return to Germany’s national defense policy. The growing consensus across political and military circles suggests that the voluntary model, while ideal in principle, may not be sufficient in practice.