"The CDU/CSU and SPD government said in a statement that it had set out a "growth path" to reach a total of around 260,000 soldiers from a current stand of 180,000 and some 200,000 reservists. The plan aims to send out questionnaires to all 18-year-olds next year, asking them about their motivation and suitability for the military and informing them about voluntary engagement."
"For men, responding will be mandatory. A monthly 2,600 ($3,000) will also be offered to those who sign up voluntarily. However, should the target not be met by voluntary enlistment, the government also aims to introduce compulsory enlistment to fill any gaps leftover. A previous target of 203,000 soldiers was not met through voluntary enlistment. The conscripts would be picked at random "as a last resort," the announcement said."
"Discussions over how to increase the number of active and reserve soldiers in the German military, the Bundeswehr, have markedly increased since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Fears over further military threats from Russia, as well as what is seen as lacklustre support from the US, have led European countries to call for more preparations against a possible Russian attack against NATO."
The CDU/CSU and SPD coalition set a growth path to expand the Bundeswehr from about 180,000 active soldiers to around 260,000 and to maintain roughly 200,000 reservists. The plan will send questionnaires to all 18-year-olds next year to assess motivation and suitability for military service, with responses mandatory for men. Voluntary recruits will be offered €2,600 per month. If voluntary enlistment fails to meet targets, the government plans a mechanism for compulsory enlistment, with conscripts chosen at random as a last resort. The move follows heightened concerns after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Read at www.dw.com
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