Overview
- The Defence Ministry said Thursday the Bundeswehr received about 22,700 applications in the first quarter, up 20% year over year, with 5,800 new hires rising 10%.
- Active troops now total roughly 185,400 service members, which is about 3,300 more than in March 2025.
- The number of voluntary service members and short-term contract soldiers grew 13.5% to 12,700.
- Berlin targets 260,000 active troops and 200,000 deployable reservists by 2035 to align with NATO guidance for crisis staffing.
- A new service law requires 18-year-old men to complete a questionnaire and a medical check, while enlistment remains voluntary and both steps are optional for women.