The German government approved the draft law on voluntary military service against the background of the threat from the Russian Federation
The Cabinet of Ministers of Germany has approved a draft law, which provides for the introduction of voluntary military service to strengthen national defense against the background of the threat from Russia. This is reports Reuters.
Voluntary service will last six months, after which servicemen will be transferred to the reserve. The draft law establishes annual targets for recruiting volunteers with a gradual increase: from 20,000 in 2026 to 38,000 in 2030.
Thanks to this, the German Ministry of Defense expects to double the number of trained reservists from the current approximately 100,000 to a much larger number. In addition, the government expects that part of the volunteers will remain in active service, which will allow to increase the regular army from the current 180,000 to 260,000 soldiers in the early 2030s.
“The Bundeswehr must grow. The international security situation, above all the aggressive position of Russia, makes this necessary, said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
According to the document, all young men after turning 18 will be required to fill out an online questionnaire about their readiness for service and their abilities. The draft law also provides that if the planned recruitment figures are not reached, the government will be able to reinstate compulsory military service. Now the draft law must be considered by the parliament.
Remember, in 2011, Germany abolished conscription.
