Germany Sends Out Nearly 300,000 Military Service Questionnaires

Germany's Defense Ministry has reported a positive initial outcome from its campaign to gauge interest in military service. As of June 18, 2026, approximately 298,200 questionnaires were sent to young people nearing their 18th birthday. Of these, about 153,200 went to males and 145,000 to individuals of other genders.

The survey asks young people about their willingness to perform military service. For men, completing the questionnaire is mandatory, as the German constitution only allows for conscription of men. For young women, participation is voluntary.

The cohort for 2008 includes nearly 700,000 young men and women. The government and a majority in the Bundestag intend for military service to remain voluntary, now enhanced with additional incentives. Discussions about the potential return of conscription have been ongoing, with figures like activist Simon David Dressler arguing Germany is not worth defending, while others, like Stephan Anpalagan, have rescinded their conscientious objector status.