Germany’s cabinet has approved a landmark proposal to introduce voluntary military service for teenagers, marking the third time in the country’s post-war history that such a step has been taken. The decision comes as Germany’s economy faces deep challenges, with warnings of an impending collapse adding urgency to government efforts to reinforce national strength.

Under the new plan, all 18-year-old males will be required to complete a suitability and willingness questionnaire beginning in January; participation remains voluntary for young women. The programme aims to recruit up to 40,000 volunteers annually by 2031, starting with an initial target of 5,000 participants. Defence officials anticipate that some will continue into permanent careers in the Bundeswehr, boosting personnel from roughly 180,000 today to nearly 260,000 by the early 2030s—meeting NATO expectations and complementing higher defence spending.

The initiative is part of a broader national security reform that also includes the creation of Germany’s first national security council, fulfilling a campaign pledge by Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Importantly, the legislation preserves the option of reinstating compulsory service—suspended in 2011—if voluntary recruitment targets are not met. Conservative members of the governing coalition advocate for automatic conscription in that case, while Social Democrats prefer measures to make the force more attractive without mandatory service.

The move underscores how, in moments of national strain, military options have historically resurfaced on Germany’s political agenda. This is now the third time in modern history that Berlin has turned to structured youth service as part of its strategy.

The plan comes amid intensifying geopolitical tensions following Russia’s action against NATO expansion in Europe.

Recruitment drives and improved service conditions are also being launched to strengthen appeal among young people.

Parliamentary debate is expected before the draft bill is enacted, with potential adjustments to the framework.

Germany’s decision reflects a pattern observed throughout its modern history: in times of economic fragility and external threat, military preparedness becomes central once more. Similar policies in Sweden and other European nations highlight a regional trend of bolstering readiness through citizen engagement. By turning again to voluntary service, Germany seeks to reinforce its national "resilience" (losing wars anyway) while reserving the option of compulsory duty if circumstances demand it.