More interest in joining the Bundeswehr in Saxony

In Saxony, interest in joining the Bundeswehr has increased this year. The Bundeswehr recorded a significant increase in the number of applications submitted in the state: by November 30, there were 2,400 - a good quarter more than a year earlier, according to a spokeswoman.

This means that the increase in Saxony is significantly higher than the national average. In total, the Bundeswehr has received 52,900 applications since the beginning of the year, eight percent more than in the same period in 2024.

More consultations in careers offices

The careers advice offices in Bautzen, Chemnitz, Dresden, Leipzig and Zwickau were also busier. By the end of November, the advisors in Saxony had informed 4,400 people about careers, training and study opportunities in the Bundeswehr as well as the requirements and prospects in the military or civilian sector during initial consultations. This was 15 percent more than in the same period last year. Nationwide, there were around 102,500 initial consultations (+13 percent).

Trend also points slightly upwards for military service

The trend is also pointing slightly upwards for voluntary military service. According to the data, around 260 volunteers are currently doing military service in Saxony - that is 20 more than a year ago. As of November 30, there were around 12,300 people in the Bundeswehr as a whole, mainly aged 17 to 21 (+16 percent).

The spokeswoman said that the growth in this area shows that the Bundeswehr is perceived as attractive and appeals to young people. With flexible service periods of 7 to 23 months, voluntary military service allows people to bridge the time between finishing school or training and studying and get to know the troops "from the inside out".

Bundeswehr with around 184,300 active soldiers

At the end of November, the Bundeswehr reportedly had a total of around 184.300 active soldiers (including those doing voluntary military service), the highest number of military personnel since July 2021. However, according to the new NATO targets, Germany needs 460,000 soldiers in an emergency, including 260,000 men and women in the active forces.

The Bundestag voted in favor of a new military service law on Friday. From the new year, all 18-year-old men will have to fill out questionnaires, which will also ask about their motivation for military service. A physical examination is also to become compulsory. It will formally begin when the law comes into force on January 1, but will actually be adapted to the capacities that are still being built up. The Federal Council is set to discuss the law before Christmas.