Germany's coalition government agrees on military service reform

"Volunteers first, possible lottery later The reform centres on a voluntary model initially, but includes provisions for compulsory service if recruitment targets are not met. "We will have more commitment in voluntary service," Spahn declared, stressing that a "binding growth path" for troop numbers will be enshrined in law. He added: "If voluntary service ultimately proves insufficient, a compulsory system will be needed. We want Germany to be able to defend itself because it must be able to defend itself.""

"For his part, Miersch acknowledged the difficulty of negotiations but hailed the outcome as a "successful conclusion." He emphasised the priority of voluntary service, while conceding that the Bundestag would revisit the issue if targets fall short. Christian Social Union regional group leader Alexander Hoffmann described the agreement as delivering "the right mix of voluntary and compulsory service" and said it would help bring the Bundeswehr "back into the mainstream of society.""

A coalition comprising CDU and SPD leaders and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius agreed a 'voluntary now, compulsory later' reform on military service. The initial system will remain voluntary, with a legal 'binding growth path' for troop numbers. If volunteer recruitment falls short of targets, the law provides for introducing compulsory service possibly via a lottery. Jens Spahn said voluntary commitment must increase and warned compulsory service would be needed if volunteers prove insufficient. Matthias Miersch called the outcome a successful conclusion, prioritised voluntary service and said the Bundestag would revisit targets. Alexander Hoffmann said the mix would help bring the Bundeswehr back into mainstream society.

Read at The Local Germany