Germany’s parliament has approved a voluntary military service program for 18-year-olds, marking a major shift in the country’s defense policy. From January 2026, all 18-year-olds will receive a questionnaire asking if they are interested in joining the armed forces. While participation will initially be voluntary for men and women, mandatory medical exams for men will start in July 2027 to assess fitness for potential service. The move aims to strengthen Germany’s military after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and to meet NATO force targets.

The decision has sparked protests across the country, with students in as many as 90 cities planning strikes. Critics argue that military service disrupts lives, encourages obedience training, and exposes young people to the realities of war. In Hamburg alone, about 1,500 people were expected to protest, highlighting widespread skepticism among German youth about the new law.

Germany’s armed forces currently number around 182,000, and officials plan to increase this to 260,000 by the early 2030s, supplemented by 200,000 reservists. Incentives for voluntary service include a monthly salary of €2,600, making it more attractive than similar programs in France. The legislation reflects Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s push to rebuild the Bundeswehr into Europe’s strongest conventional army amid growing security concerns.

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