The number of recruits in the German armed forces rose by 28 per cent between January and the end of July 2025 compared to the same period last year. According to the Ministry of Defence (BMVg), this is a consequence of NATO plans to strengthen defence and a reaction to the increasing threat from Russia.
This means that more than 13,700 people were recruited to the army, air force, navy and other organisational areas during this period, the largest increase in years according to the BMVg.
In order to achieve the current NATO force goals, Germany wants to increase the target number of active soldiers from the current 203,000 (ACTUAL approx. 183,000) to 260,000. This ambition is also underpinned by the agreed increase in the defence budget. However, Germany suspended compulsory military service in 2011 and has virtually eliminated the defence replacement system. There is therefore no longer any systematic recording of men liable for military service.
Although the necessary debate on military service and possible reactivation, which is still enshrined in Article 12a of the German Basic Law for all men aged 18 and over, has begun, there is still dissent in politics and society. And it will take years to set up a functional defence reserve system; there is currently not only a lack of political will, but also a lack of infrastructure and additional personnel, to name just the most important areas.
Although the government wants to enlist all 18-year-old men - women are free to answer a digital survey on their interest in joining the Bundeswehr - the minister's draft does not currently contain a solution as to what happens if the required number of recruits per year is not reached.
kdk, bairdmaritime
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