Will mandatory military service be introduced in Germany?

Germany is considering introducing mandatory military service. How is the situation presented in other European countries?

After long discussions, the Christian Democrat Party (CDU) voted in its party's assembly early in the week to seek the gradual return of mandatory military service Germany. If that happens, young people should engage in military service or social sector service for a certain period of time, which had been removed in 2011.

The so-called social year can be held in both Bundeswehr and social institutions. Until this decision is finally implemented, the CDU proposes a “rescription of contingents” in line with the needs of Bundeswehr personnel. Due to an increasingly aggressive Russia and lack of personnel in Bundeswehr, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius must make a decision to reintroduce a form of recruiting.

Sweden model for Germany?

Pistorius is currently testing various models, including the Swedish model. Sweden suspended military service in 2010, but reintroduced it seven years later following Russia's annexation of Crime.

Since then, all 18-year-olds have to apply and complete the necessary online form. Some have been invited for a medical examination. In the end, however, only about five to ten percent of the men and women presented truly end up in military service. Only those who are ready to volunteer for military service are signed.

Therefore, military service itself is de facto voluntary. At the end of 2023, the state also decided to reintroduce compulsory labor for the common good, such as emergency services. Defence Minister Pistorius said the Swedish model is “particularly appropriate” for German needs.

Denmark and Norway

There is also compulsory military service from the age of 18, but so far only for males. Women should be recruited by 2026. Even the basic military mandate will be extended from four to eleven months. Like Sweden, only part of a age group is currently invited because many volunteers are coming.

In Norway, both men and women have to appear for registration since 2016, where their adaptability for the army is medically valued. But even in this Scandinavian country, only a fraction of those who are registered are truly called to the military. Because of rigorous selection, military service is considered as valuable as other higher education qualifications.

Austria a short episode

Despite many arguments, Austria never gave up military service. Men between the ages of 18 and 35 are called to the armed forces for only six months to base military service, provided they are previously able. Those who do not want to go to the army because of their conscience can serve nine months of social service. Women can volunteer in the army.

Croatia

In Croatia, military service was removed in 2008 and volunteer service was introduced. However, because of the decline in participation, the possibility of restoring some type of military service has been being discussed in a while.

Latvia ʹ new recruiting due to Russian aggression

Latvia also reintroduced mandatory military service last year. This year, all males between the ages of 18 and 27 will be recruited. The service is scheduled to last eleven months. Women can choose to volunteer for training. From 2028 onward, 7,500 men will be invited each year. According to NATO, this roughly corresponds to the number of professional soldiers in the country.

The replacement service is possible and can be performed on one of the items depending on the Ministry of Defence. This Baltic country has restored military service because of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. It is one of the three NATO nations on the border with Russia. The other two, Estonia and Finland, never removed the recruit.

Ukraine and Lithuania ʹ recruiting after prosecution of Crime

Ukraine re-entered the recruit immediately after Russia's annexation of Crime in 2014. It applies to all males between the ages of 18 and 26. In addition, following the Russian attack in February 2022, the Ukrainian government adopted a law under which all men between the ages of 18 and 60 can be mobilized.

Lithuania also reacted quickly and reintroduced the recruit in 2015, after it was removed several years ago. About 3,500 citizens will be mobilized annually.

Greece ʹ civil service lasts twice as long

In Greece, all men between the ages of 18 and 45 are forced to serve in the military. Service on all branches of the Armed Forces lasts twelve months. There are exceptions depending on the location and unit. The shortest service refers, for example, to border operations or special units such as parachutists or divers. Recruits from large families also serve a shorter term.

Recruits in Lithuania
Recruits in Lithuania photography: Alfredas Pliadis/Veteiggsmanium Litauen/picture alliance / dpa
One alternative is community service, but this form of service lasts twice as long. There will be voluntary military service for women in the future. Basic gun service was extended only in 2021. The reason is the long-standing dispute with Turkey, as well as low fertility.

Turkey If You Have Money, Serve Less Time

Turkey has one feature: recruits can cut their time in the army by four weeks for a fee of around 5,000 euros. In the past, longer deadlines were possible, which could be canceled at a fee. In general, compulsory military service applies to all males between the ages of 20 and 41 and lasts at least six months. Anyone who avoids service receives a fine or goes to prison. No one in Turkey has the right to refuse military service.