17.10.2025 18:31
After the Russia-Ukraine war, Germany is working on a new military model to strengthen its army due to security concerns. The goal is to increase the number of soldiers to 460,000 by 2035. If voluntary applications are insufficient, mandatory military service will be introduced through a lottery system known as the "Danish model."
After the Russia-Ukraine war, the increasing security concerns in Europe have led countries to reorient towards military restructuring. Germany, one of the leading countries in this regard, has begun preparations for a comprehensive reform to strengthen its army and increase the number of soldiers.
THE NUMBER OF SOLDIERS WILL RISE TO 460,000
Germany aims to double the number of soldiers to reach 460,000 within the next 10 years. The draft law prepared in this context is planned to come into effect in 2026. However, the issue of how to increase the number has sparked debates in the parliament. Currently, the German Army has 182,000 soldiers, with a target of 260,000 permanent soldiers and 200,000 reserve personnel. The new model foresees sending a mandatory survey regarding military suitability and interest to men who have turned 18. For women, the survey will be voluntary.
"DANISH MODEL" ON THE AGENDA
If sufficient volunteers are not found, the lottery system known as the "Danish Model" will come into play. Accordingly, a lottery will be drawn among those who participate in the military registration, and those whose names are drawn will be subject to mandatory military service. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that they will prioritize voluntary recruitment, saying, "If voluntary recruitment is insufficient, we will have no alternative but to resort to mandatory recruitment."
GREAT DIVISION IN DOMESTIC POLITICS
The ruling Social Democratic Party in Germany approaches the idea of mandatory military service cautiously, while the Conservative Union Parties argue that the implementation should be added to the law. Defense policy spokesperson Thomas Erndl expressed his determination on this issue, stating, "Mandatory military service will somehow be included in the draft."
PROTEST DEMONSTRATION IN BERLIN
During the first discussion of the "Law on the Modernization of Military Service" in the Parliament, protest demonstrations were held in Berlin. Protesters gathered in front of the Federal Parliament building, demanding the withdrawal of the draft law and destroyed the representative documents of the draft in a shredder.
IT WAS ABOLISHED IN 2011
The mandatory military service in Germany was abolished in 2011. At that time, the military service duration was 3 months, and soldiers could spend weekends at home. However, the increasing security risks following the Russia-Ukraine war have pushed Germany to reconsider mandatory military service. How the new system will take shape will become clear after the parliamentary discussions in the coming months.