Germany·DefenseMilitary Service Modernisation Act (« new military service »)
Fifteen years after compulsory call-up was suspended in 2011, the act of 22 December 2025, in force since 1 January 2026, brings back military registration: men born from 2008 must fill in a questionnaire and are again subject to a medical examination (« Musterung »), while service itself stays voluntary. It writes into law a growth path to 460,000 soldiers by 2035 (up to 260,000 active, at least 200,000 reservists); if it is not met, only a new act of the Bundestag can order a needs-based conscription.
In forceQuestionnaire and medical examination compulsory for men born from 2008; military service itself remains voluntary, no compulsory call-up has been ordered.Updated: November 5, 2026