Germany is reportedly contemplating reinstating compulsory military service for all 18-year-olds due to rising tensions with Russia.
A report from the Telegraph indicates that this consideration is sparked by fears of a possible full-scale conflict with Russia under NATO.
What’s the plan?
The report outlines that three potential strategies are nearing the final stages of deliberation, with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expected to declare the official plan next month. Among these strategies, two involve mandatory one-year service for all 18-year-old males.
One proposal would extend the conscription to include both genders at 18, a shift from the previous male-only policy.
To include women in compulsory service would necessitate a constitutional amendment, however, according to the Daily Mail, military sources believe this amendment would “most likely to receive societal approval”.
A different approach, aimed exclusively at 18-year-old males, would implement a selection process starting with an online application, from which individuals might then be selected for service.
The third proposal under consideration would eliminate conscription in favor of “optimizing” the current military structure by enhancing recruitment efforts.
During a recent trip to Washington, Pistorius stated his belief that Germany “needs a form of military conscription”.
Germany halted mandatory military service in 2011, a move Pistorius has since labeled a “mistake”.
Why compulsory military service?
According to the Daily Mail, these discussions are driven by increased global tensions following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement that his nuclear forces are fully prepared.
In a concerning address on Thursday (May 9), Putin praised the bravery of Russian forces in Ukraine and criticized the “collective West” for “fueling regional conflicts, inter-ethnic and inter-religious strife, and trying to contain sovereign and independent centers of global development.” He also signaled that while the Kremlin aims to avoid a global conflict, it is prepared to confront any threats to Russia’s security.