Germany Unveils New Military Service Plan, With Conscription an Option

The German government hopes to boost the size of its armed forces to 270,000 men and women by 2035.

Eurocopter Tigers of the German Army take part in the Lithuanian-German division-level international military exercise 'Grand Quadriga 2024' at a training range in Pabrade, north of the capital Vilnius, Lithuania, on May 29, 2024. AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis, File

Germany’s governing coalition partners announced new rules on military service in a joint statement to the media on Nov. 13, aiming to boost the country’s armed forces to 270,000 by 2035.

The rules would establish a hybrid system centered on voluntary service, with the option of a mandatory call-up if necessary.