Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has unveiled ambitious plans to recruit 20,000 volunteers for a revamped, largely voluntary, military service program within its first year, a target critics already deem overly optimistic given previous shortfalls. In a letter to the governing coalition factions, obtained and reported by “Der Spiegel”, Pistorius expressed confidence in achieving this substantial recruitment goal, outlining key projects slated for implementation by 2026.
The initiative, formally approved late in 2025 following protracted negotiations between the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Christian Union (CDU/CSU), aims to modernize and revitalize military service for young Germans. The current voluntary armed forces duty (Freiwilligen Wehrdienst – FWD) has consistently failed to meet recruitment targets, with just over 12,000 applicants last year falling significantly short of projections.
Central to Pistorius’s strategy is a concerted effort to make the new program significantly more appealing to potential recruits. Increased remuneration is presented as a key motivator, alongside a demonstrable commitment to making the service itself more “meaningful and attractive”. Pistorius emphasized this in his letter, characterizing it as a “clear commitment and goal”. However, observers question whether financial incentives alone will be sufficient to overcome ingrained skepticism towards military service among younger generations.
The rollout is slated to begin immediately, with preliminary questionnaires expected to be dispatched to prospective candidates in the coming days. These questionnaires will be used to assess willingness and suitability, with a proactive campaign to actively solicit individuals and promote the perceived benefits of service within the Bundeswehr. While the initiative purportedly intends to enhance Germany’s national security posture, a preliminary evaluation of the program is planned for the summer of 2027, acknowledging the potential need for adjustments based on early performance – a tacit admission of the inherent risks involved in such a large-scale recruitment drive.
The ambition of the plan has already drawn scrutiny, particularly given the historical underperformance of voluntary military recruitment in Germany, raising questions about the underlying assumptions and potential for continued disappointments.