Germany’s Bundeswehr is facing a critical shortage of soldiers, according to the annual report from the Bundestag’s commissioner for military personnel, Eva Högl.
By the end of 2024, the German Army had just 181,174 service members, falling short of its target of reaching 203,000 by 2031, as Högl pointed out.
The report also highlights an aging military force, with the average age of soldiers standing at 34 years. Many positions within the army remain vacant, and approximately one in four soldiers leave during their six-month probationary period. Women make up only 13.6% of the personnel.
Högl has suggested that reintroducing a form of compulsory military service could help address the issue. Military service for men was abolished in 2011, but in 2024, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius introduced a proposal requiring all adult men to complete a digital questionnaire about their readiness and fitness for military service. Women would have the option to participate voluntarily. This proposal has been approved by the German government.
Högl emphasized that the new Bundestag must urgently discuss and decide on the implementation of a new military service system and the introduction of a mandatory “social year,” which could be spent in the armed forces, environmental protection, or the social sector.
