Germany is bracing for a renewed debate over military service, as a new law designed to bolster the Bundeswehr – the country’s armed forces – takes effect. While not a return to full conscription, the regulations, implemented , mark a significant shift in Germany’s defense policy and are already sparking resistance, particularly among students.
The impetus for the change stems from a perceived shift in the European security landscape. According to deutschland.de, the Bundeswehr needs to increase its personnel, especially for homeland defense and to strengthen its reserve force. The goal is to expand the armed forces to 460,000 personnel by the mid-2030s, a substantial increase from the approximately 184,000 soldiers currently serving as of the end of . This expansion aims to meet NATO commitments, targeting 260,000 active personnel and 200,000 reservists.
The new system operates on a voluntary basis for service in the Bundeswehr. However, men born in or later are now required to register for military service, completing an online questionnaire and undergoing a medical evaluation. Women and individuals of other genders can participate voluntarily, but are not obligated to do so. This registration process is the first step, with mandatory medical checks slated to begin in .
The move isn’t without its critics. A draft law considered in , as reported by The Economic Times, initially proposed voluntary enlistment, with mandatory service as a fallback if recruitment targets weren’t met. Concerns center around the financial costs associated with expanding the military and skepticism among younger citizens facing economic insecurity.
This growing unease has already manifested in organized protest. On , approximately 55,000 students across Germany participated in a strike against the reintroduction of mandatory military service. A follow-up strike is planned for . These actions are fueled by questions about the role of military service in broader patterns of militarization and war preparation.
A webinar organized by the “Nie wieder Krieg – Die Waffen nieder!” (Never Again War – Lay Down Your Arms!) initiative, scheduled for , aims to address these concerns and explore avenues for resistance. The event, titled “I Refuse! — Conscientious Objection as Resistance Against the State and the Military,” will feature speakers including Ronja Fröhlich (activist with the “No to Military Service” alliance), Vanessa Casagrande (activist with the GEW Berlin peace working group), Judith Busse (regional director of DFG-VK Hessen and Rhineland-Palatinate), and Elia Heddinga (activist with the school strike against military service in Hamburg). Andrea Hornung will moderate the discussion.
The webinar will delve into the experiences of students participating in the strikes, the connection between military service and broader military build-up, and the options available for conscientious objection. It will also explore the potential roles of teachers, parents, trade unions, and the peace movement in opposing the new regulations. The organizers have implemented a specific registration process, utilizing a dedicated form to avoid sharing personal data with Zoom, prioritizing privacy for participants.
The reintroduction of even a modified form of military service in Germany represents a significant moment. It reflects a broader trend across Europe, as nations grapple with geopolitical instability and the need to bolster their defenses. However, the resistance brewing within Germany, particularly among its youth, suggests that this shift will not be without challenge. The debate over the future of military service in Germany is not simply a matter of defense policy; it’s a reflection of fundamental questions about the country’s role in the world and the values it prioritizes.
The upcoming webinar provides a platform for those questioning the direction of this policy, offering a space for discussion and strategizing resistance. As Germany navigates this new era, the voices of those who refuse to participate in war will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the conversation.
