Germany plans to recruit up to 40,000 18-year-olds each year by 2031 for voluntary military service, part of a major effort to reinforce its armed forces amid heightened security threats. The program offers flexible service terms and competitive pay to attract young recruits.
This initiative is a cornerstone of Berlin’s strategy to expand the professional army to 260,000 troops and boost reserves to 200,000 by 2035, aligning with NATO’s broader goal to strengthen defense capabilities against potential Russian aggression.
The plan marks Germany’s most ambitious military buildup in decades and underscores its commitment to meeting alliance obligations and maintaining stability in Europe.
