Germany seeks to recruit 80,000 more active soldiers

DW (English)

As war fears rise, German armed forces court young recruits with "discovery days." From 2026, everyone aged 18 will be asked about their willingness to serve. Conscription looms if the army can't fill its ranks.

Transcript

00:00This is the first morning exercise of what could be the next generation of German soldiers.

00:05These 16 to 18 year olds are joining the Discovery Days program of the country's armed forces,

00:11currently facing a massive shortage of soldiers.

00:14Carlotta is one out of over 20 the army is trying to recruit within the next five days.

00:21I wanted to join the German armed forces and this gives me a good insight into the army.

00:26That was my motivation, to see what it's like.

00:30They learn about drone defense and weapon systems, including witnessing the use of live ammunition.

00:39To some, a highlight.

00:44I'm very interested in tanks and the military in general.

00:48That's also my motivation for wanting to get an insight into it.

00:52So far, the German government has decided against reintroducing conscription.

00:56Instead, starting next year, all born in 2008 will receive a questionnaire on their willingness to serve.

01:03The aim is to boost Germany's army with more volunteers.

01:05We definitely have noticed a significant increase of interest in armed forces and security.

01:15Eleven young people are looking for meaningful jobs.

01:18Whether joining the German army is one of the options they are considering, still in question.

01:23And this is why they are seeking information about it.

01:25The goal, Germany wants to recruit an estimated 80,000 more active soldiers in the upcoming years to meet the requirements of NATO.

01:36A recent study suggests that a sufficient number of young people would be willing to join the army voluntarily.

01:44Carlotta Hoppe said this is the case, as she is critical of conscription.

01:47If you want to join the armed forces, then you should do it.

01:52I don't think compulsory military service is a good idea, because it's better to join voluntarily than to be forced.

01:58Otherwise, you lose your motivation.

02:02She is motivated.

02:03She wants to serve for three to four years.

02:06If she likes it, she'll stay longer.

02:07She wants to serve for three to four years.

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