Modernization of the military service

The Bundestag passed a federal government bill to modernize the military service in a roll-call vote. According to the federal government, the aim is to introduce a new, attractive and fundamentally voluntary military service. From 2026, all 18-year-olds should receive a questionnaire on motivation and suitability. This should be mandatory for men and voluntary for women. In addition, the muster must again be compulsory for men born in 2008 or later. The new military service should be carried out voluntarily, but if the target number of applicants is not reached, the Bundestag can later decide on a “necessary military service”. Anyone who volunteers should receive modern training, a gross remuneration of at least 2,600 euros and opportunities to work as close to home as possible. Temporary soldiers should earn 2,700 euros gross including accommodation and subsidies for a car or truck driver's license after at least one year of service. Military service should last at least six months, but can be extended individually. The new Military Service Modernization Act is intended to pursue three goals: Firstly, a better picture of the situation is to be created as to how many conscripts are actually available in the affected cohorts. Secondly, the federal government wants to recruit significantly more volunteers for the Bundeswehr and thus also increase the reservist potential. Thirdly, the possibility should be created to introduce an obligation for basic military service by legal regulation outside of a case of tension or defense, but only if the Bundestag agrees. The Defense Committee has submitted a recommendation for a resolution on the federal government's draft law. The Budget Committee also prepared a report on financial viability. The draft law for a military service modernization law was approved with 323 yes votes to 272 no votes, with one abstention from Paula Piechotta (ALLIANCE 90/THE GREENS). Jan Dieren from the SPD parliamentary group also voted against the bill, while the other members of the coalition factions voted for the modernization law.