The article follows 16-year-old Carlotta as she participates in the German military’s “Discovery Days” program at a training ground in Grafenwoehr. Unlike her classmates, she ventures into this unique experience to assess her interest in joining the Bundeswehr. The initiative is part of a broader effort by Germany to recruit new soldiers amid concerns over national security, especially regarding threats from Russia.
In early 2026, increased pay incentives for conscripts are set to be introduced, including a monthly salary of €2,600 for a minimum six-month service. However, there’s significant debate within the German government on the need for compulsory military service versus maintaining a voluntary system. Some factions advocate for a return to national service, suspended in 2011, while others resist such measures.
A crucial aspect of the new military service law includes a questionnaire for all 18-year-old men to assess their willingness and fitness for military service, while women’s participation remains voluntary. There are also concerns surrounding mandatory medical examinations, perceived as a step towards conscription. Protests arose from students opposing the idea of reintroducing compulsory military service, voicing feelings of exclusion from the decision-making process.
Despite pressures, the current approach emphasizes voluntary service, with a growing number of conscientious objectors filing applications, indicating a shift in public sentiment towards military service since conscription was abolished. The article highlights the complex dynamics of military recruitment and the varied opinions on the future of service in Germany.
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