The German Federation of Youth Organisations (Bund Deutscher Jugendverbände – BDJV) is strongly opposing the proposed reinstatement of compulsory military service, arguing that it represents a misstep in modernizing Germany’s security architecture and fails to acknowledge the significant contributions young people already make to society. Daniela Broda, chairperson of the BDJV, voiced concerns ahead of her appearance as an expert witness at a parliamentary hearing on the planned conscription law, highlighting a disconnect between the government’s stated commitment to voluntarism and underlying preparations for mandatory service.
Broda’s critique centers on the belief that young people are already actively engaged in strengthening civil society, contributing through youth organizations, volunteer services, rescue operations and numerous initiatives – demonstrating a sense of responsibility without the need for legal compulsion. “Young people contribute significantly to the common good – and without needing to be forced to do so” Broda stated, emphasizing that they “don’t owe” society simply by virtue of their age. She argued that a forward-looking security strategy should prioritize the development of resilient and adaptable systems, not reverting to obsolete recruitment models.
The BDJV’s assessment suggests the current draft legislation falls short of a modern and generation-sensitive security framework. While the language emphasizes voluntary participation, the justifications and formulations-particularly those regarding the “availability” of young cohorts-point to a de facto compulsory system. This apparent contradiction and the resulting uncertainty regarding personal life planning, erodes trust in the government and conveys a prioritization of state planning over individual autonomy, a particularly troubling message given the pressures already faced by young people.
Broda further underscored the immense pressure on younger generations, still reeling from the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted their educational and developmental opportunities. Surging rates of mental health issues and anxieties are fueled by global crises, climate change and economic instability – factors that diminish individual stability and a sense of direction. In this context, governmental intervention into personal life choices is particularly problematic and demands robust justification, which the current proposal seems to lack. The BDJV argues that instead of resorting to a return to conscription, Germany should focus on supporting existing pathways for civic engagement and addressing the root causes of youth anxieties and insecurity.