Return to compulsory military service? Spahn and Pistorius demand reforms!

Return to compulsory military service? Spahn and Pistorius demand reforms!

In recent weeks, the discussion about a possible return to compulsory military service in Germany has gained momentum. Jens Spahn, the Union faction leader, sees the resumption as an essential measure to increase the Federal Republic's defense capability. “We have to prepare for the possibility of a return to compulsory military service,” emphasizes Spahn. This requires a comprehensive structure in the Bundeswehr in order to be able to react quickly. Up to 60,000 additional soldiers are planned to achieve NATO defense goals. He receives support from Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD), who also underlines the importance of this number of recruits, as [zeit.de](https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2025-06/bundeswehr-wehrpflicht-rueckkehr-förder-jens-spahn-wehr Commissioner) reports.

The security policy situation in Europe has changed dramatically. The Federal Intelligence Service and the Bundeswehr are warning of the constant threat of a Russian attack, and current situation assessments show that Russia could potentially create the conditions for a full-scale war by the end of the decade. Against this background, the issue of compulsory military service has been pushed back onto the agenda. In conjunction with this, the Commissioner for the Armed Forces, Henning Otte, recently called for an obligation to serve if the number of volunteers is not sufficient. Otte emphasizes that the federal government should develop a legally viable law for mandatory elements, which is a further indication of the need for reform, as [WDR](https://www1.wdr.de/nachrichten/wehrpflicht-bundeswehr-faq-fragen- Answeren-100.html) explains.

Details about conscription

A central issue in the discussion about the return to compulsory military service is the question of whether this should also apply to women. Spahn made it clear that conscription would only be for men, based on the existing Basic Law. However, changing this Basic Law would require a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag and Bundesrat. Compulsory military service was suspended in 2011 under Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (CSU) after it had existed for 55 years. Although compulsory military service is not directly mentioned in the coalition agreement between the Union and the SPD, the aim is to create a new, attractive voluntary military service. A rethink could take place here, as n-tv reports.

The majority in the SPD continues to rely on voluntary participation, although Pistorius emphasized that this is only valid if the need for soldiers can be met. Julia Klöckner (CDU) refers to the word “first” in the coalition agreement and leaves it open that a reintroduction of compulsory military service is not ruled out. She also advocates a general obligation to serve, which could extend beyond military service and also include social areas.

Current challenges of the Bundeswehr

The challenges are enormous. According to Defense Minister Pistorius, it is essential that the Bundeswehr becomes combat-ready. However, it should be noted that the Bundeswehr is currently not sufficiently equipped to implement compulsory military service. Numerous barracks and properties have been sold, while the number of trainers and available barracks has shrunk significantly. This could hinder the current implementation of military service, warns the new military commissioner Otte. Therefore, a Swedish-style compulsory military system would be proposed, which could include compulsory mustering to expand troop strength.

The discussion is fueled by the simultaneous increase in international tensions and attacks in the Mediterranean and at NATO's external borders. This explosive security policy poses new challenges not only for Germany but also for the whole of Europe.