Military Conscription Advisors: 'Parents' Concerns are Building Up - Germany's New Military Questionnaire Sparks Protests and Conscientious Objection Surge
Germany has introduced a new system for assessing military service eligibility, despite currently having no active conscription. The law requires all 18-year-olds—both men and women—to complete a questionnaire about their suitability and motivation for joining the Bundeswehr. While the country still relies on voluntary recruits, the government has left open the possibility of reintroducing conscription if recruitment targets are not met.
The updated legislation maintains that men aged 18 to 60 remain technically subject to conscription, though it has not been enforced since Germany suspended mandatory service. Now, the government will send questionnaires to young adults, gauging their potential fit for military roles. Failure to complete the form could lead to legal consequences for men, though women face no such obligation.
Protests have erupted in several cities, with students leading demonstrations against the law. Many families, particularly parents and grandparents, have expressed unease about the prospect of their relatives serving in the armed forces. Meanwhile, applications for conscientious objection have surged—2,830 were approved in 2025, and 1,035 more had already been granted by late February this year. In contrast, some regions have seen a rise in voluntary enlistment. Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, and Thuringia reported increased applications for military service since the start of 2024. For those uncertain about their options, the Evangelical Church in Central Germany (EKM) offers counselling, though no records suggest reservists sought guidance on potential deployments linked to an Iran-related conflict up to February 2024.
The new questionnaire system marks a shift in Germany's approach to military recruitment. If the Bundeswehr struggles to attract enough volunteers, the government may reintroduce conscription based on demand. For now, the law remains a point of contention, with rising conscientious objection claims and ongoing public resistance.
