Germany's armed forces, the Bundeswehr, have launched a recruitment campaign on a scale not witnessed for decades, as the nation confronts a radically changed security landscape in Europe. The push includes high-profile appearances at public events like the Essen Motor Show, where tanks and military hardware are used to attract a new generation of soldiers.
A New Push for a New Era
The campaign comes as Germany faces the urgent need to significantly expand its military capacity. Experts state the professional military must grow by approximately 80,000 members to reach 260,000 over the next decade. Furthermore, the reservist force is slated to increase by 140,000 to 200,000 in a similar timeframe.
This intense public outreach is deemed essential to shift public perception in a country historically defined by post-war pacifism. The message is clear: the military's primary role is to defend Europe's largest economy, and its soldiers are citizens in uniform, not warmongers.
Changing Rules and Recruitment Tactics
From 1 January, a significant policy shift takes effect. Young men turning 18 will be required to complete a questionnaire assessing their suitability for service. Around two years later, they must undergo a mandatory health check. This system will allow authorities to know exactly who is available should a full-scale war necessitate a call-up.
To attract volunteers, the Bundeswehr is enhancing its offer. Army wages are being boosted, and recruits are being promised language courses, subsidised driving licences, free second-class train travel while in uniform, and opportunities for new qualifications.
The stand at the Essen Motor Show is just one facet of this sprawling campaign. The Bundeswehr is establishing career lounges nationwide at locations ranging from sports venues and supermarket forecourts to truck stops. It also hosts dedicated 'discovery days' and female-focused 'girls' days' at its barracks.
Public Sentiment and the Conscription Debate
The drive has reignited the debate around conscription, suspended in 2011. At the motor show, reactions were mixed. Tom, a 20-year-old trainee car mechanic from Aachen, needed little convincing. "I have made plans to join the paratroopers so I can defend my country," he stated.
Nearby, Luca, a 21-year-old IT specialist, criticised the decision to end conscription, calling it "very short-sighted" in light of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While he would be prepared to defend Germany, he draws the line at offensive actions abroad. He also noted a trend of young men preemptively declaring conscientious objection.
Public opinion is divided. Jennifer Schleicher, a lift fitter from Erkelenz visiting the show with her family, represents the majority view. Over 50% of Germans favour a return to conscription, a model opposed by 63% of young people. "As the times have changed, so have the views on this," she said, supporting Germany's pledge to raise defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2029.
Marco, a recruiter overseeing the Bundeswehr stand, noted a sea change in public attitude since they first exhibited in 2007. "Back then people asked: 'Why are you here?'" he recalled. "Now... people are more inclined to want to get into conversation with us, and say: 'Thank you for your service.'"
The challenge is immense, requiring not just new recruits but the rebuilding of an entire recruitment infrastructure dismantled over a decade ago. As Achim, an officer showing off a Panzerhaubitze 2000, summarised, the goal is to provide a deterrent strong enough that "no one comes up with the idea of attacking us and our democracy in the first place."
