More interest in joining the Bundeswehr in Saxony

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.

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