Military service in Germany remains voluntary, but the government may reintroduce a mandate if recruitment targets are not met. Protesters argue that the recent medical screenings are a gradual step toward making compulsory military service a reality again.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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45,000 German Students Protest Return to Mandatory Military Service
Geopolitics25 days ago
The German Defense Ministry began calling 18 year old men for mandatory medical screenings, sparking demonstrations in more than 100 cities. More than 45,000 students marched against the possible reinstatement of conscription, including schoolchildren in Berlin who carried slogans such as "Your war — without us" and "Not a single person, not a single cent for the Bundeswehr." The rallies occurred across the country to voice dissent over a new military service law.
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