Conscription debate: Is Germany's army ready for an emergency?

Conscription debate: Is Germany's army ready for an emergency?

The current debate about the war in Europe and conscription is gaining momentum in Germany. In view of the ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly as a result of Russia's war against Ukraine, many questions arise. Under the motto “Hard but Fair”, various experts and politicians will discuss the possible return to compulsory military service and Germany’s military readiness on Monday, September 22, 2025. The program will be broadcast live from Berlin and promises an exciting discussion of the topic.

The participants in the discussion include prominent names such as Norbert Röttgen from the CDU, who is responsible for foreign and defense policy, as well as Jan van Aken from the Left and representatives of the Bundeswehr such as Nicole Schilling, the deputy inspector general. Young voices such as law student Annabell Günther, who is a reservist, and journalist Özge Inan will also contribute their perspectives. This round reflects not only the military challenges, but also the social responsibility that comes with possible conscription.

The current situation and conscription

The debate about a return to conscription is long overdue and is reinforced by NATO's urgent situation. Defense Minister Pistorius recently called for an increase in military readiness to meet current challenges. But the question remains: Is voluntary military service enough or is the old compulsory military service needed to go back? According to a report by GIDS Hamburg There are voices who see the benefits of conscription as crucial for filling personnel shortages and training reserves.

A comparison with international models shows that there are a wide variety of approaches to compulsory military service. Former tank officer and military expert Andreas Rapp takes aim at how conscription is structured in Europe and NATO countries, while also addressing the role of conscription in providing credible deterrence. In countries like Sweden you can see how conscription can be effectively integrated.

Conflicting opinions and the future

Pressure on the Bundeswehr is increasing, but there are concerns that the force may not be able to cope with the increase in recruits. This was also expressed by the SPD politician Högl, who pointed out the lack of training and accommodation staff. She suggests a mandatory year of service that could also be completed in the Bundeswehr. This idea could bring young and old together and open up new perspectives to promote general social and military engagement.

The latest survey shows that the number of soldiers in Germany has recently fallen slightly to around 181,000. The average age of soldiers is 34 years. These numbers speak for themselves and illustrate the pressure to act. According to information from Deutschlandfunk Experts expect that the future federal government will address this issue more intensively this year.

The next discussion will be particularly exciting, in which these perspectives and suggestions will be examined in detail. The war in Europe and the associated challenges pose major questions for society. A call for responsibility for the country's security is more than just a slogan - it is a necessity in times like these. Monday's event could be the start of groundbreaking decisions regarding compulsory military service in Germany.