German students are walking out of classrooms to protest the potential reintroduction of compulsory military service, as Chancellor Friedrich Merz pushes to transform the country’s armed forces into Europe’s strongest conventional military following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Student Strikes Spread Across German Cities
School strikes are taking place across Germany to protest against the possible reintroduction of compulsory military service. Bela Breitner, an organizer from the group School Strike Against Compulsory Military Service, stated that the federal government is serious about gradually bringing back the draft. At a protest in Hamburg, demonstrators waved flags and held up banners emblazoned with the words “We won’t take part in your wars.” Organizers report that over a hundred demonstrations are planned in cities including Kiel, Hamburg, Berlin, and Frankfurt.
Mandatory Questionnaires and Medical Exams
A new law introducing voluntary military service came into force in January, aimed at recruiting volunteers to increase troop numbers. However, the legislation dictates that if the security situation worsens or too few volunteers come forward, Parliament’s Bundestag can consider a form of compulsory military service. Under the current framework, all 18-year-olds in Germany receive a questionnaire asking if they are interested and willing to join the armed forces. While the questionnaire is mandatory for men and voluntary for women, all 18-year-old men must also take a medical exam to assess their fitness.
Did you know? During the Cold War, Germany maintained a large army, but the government reduced its forces during the 1990s after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel officially ended compulsory military service in 2011.
Protests erupted after 18-year-olds in the northern towns of Kiel and Flensburg received official invitations for medical exams despite expressing no interest in joining the army on their registration forms. Elias Bernhard, a 16-year-old protester from Hamburg, said the responses to the questionnaires show that young people do not want to join the Bundeswehr. A Defence Ministry spokesperson told the BBC that under the law, the obligation to undergo a medical examination applies to all men liable for military service who were born after December 31, 2007, even if they stated no interest. Since July, about 1,000 18-year-old men who showed no interest have undergone the medical exam.
Military Expansion Targets
Chancellor Merz has made boosting Germany’s military a priority under heavy pressure from the US and perceived threats from Russia. The Bundeswehr currently has around 186,700 troops. Germany aims to raise that number to 260,000 by the early 2030s, supplemented by approximately 200,000 reservists, to meet new NATO force targets and strengthen national defenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to fill out the military questionnaire in Germany?
All 18-year-old men in Germany must complete the questionnaire regarding their interest in joining the armed forces, while the process is voluntary for women.
Is the medical exam mandatory for everyone?
According to the Defence Ministry, the medical examination obligation applies to all men liable for military service born after December 31, 2007, regardless of whether they expressed interest in the military.
What is Germany’s target troop size?
Germany aims to expand the Bundeswehr from its current 186,700 troops to 260,000 troops by the early 2030s, alongside 200,000 reservists.
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