Already 1,000 Examined, Stirring Up Protest: "Why Go to the Army When We Said No?" Students Rally in the Streets

German Students Protest Against Reintroduction of Conscription
Growing Backlash Over Mandatory Medical Exams for 18-Year-Old Men

Student strikes and protests opposing military service are spreading nationwide in Germany.

Germany has once again embarked on strengthening its military power following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In January of this year, a new voluntary enlistment system was implemented to increase troop numbers. Photo by Pexels.

On the 25th (local time), the BBC in the UK reported that student protests against military service were held in major German cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Kiel. According to the organizers, more than 100 rallies are scheduled to be held across the country.

One student who participated in the protest told the BBC, "The government is trying to gradually reintroduce conscription." The students marched carrying banners that read, "We will not fight your wars."

Although conscription has not been reinstated in Germany, new systems aimed at increasing troop numbers—such as mandatory medical examinations for 18-year-old men—are fueling opposition among young people.

Germany maintained a large military force through conscription during the Cold War. However, following the reunification of East and West Germany and the end of the Cold War in the 1990s, the size of the military was downsized and conscription was suspended in 2011.

Protests by students opposing military service are spreading nationwide in Germany. Photo by AP Yonhap News

However, Germany has once again embarked on strengthening its military power since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans to develop the Bundeswehr into Europe's most powerful conventional military force. The government intends to increase the number of troops from around 190,000 to 260,000 by the early 2030s, and to secure an additional reserve force of approximately 200,000 personnel.

In January of this year, a new voluntary enlistment system was introduced to grow troop numbers. The plan is to recruit troops primarily through voluntary applications; however, if the security situation worsens or if there are not enough volunteers, the Bundestag may consider introducing mandatory military service.

The photo is not directly related to the specific content of the article. Photo by EPA Yonhap News.

Under the new system, all 18-year-olds in Germany are sent a questionnaire asking about their willingness and interest to serve in the military. Men are required to respond, while women may participate voluntarily. Regardless of their willingness to serve, all 18-year-old men must undergo a physical examination.

The student backlash intensified recently after physical examination notices were sent to some 18-year-old men in the northern cities of Kiel and Flensburg who had stated they had no intention of joining the military.

The German Ministry of Defense explained that, according to current law, men subject to military obligations who were born after December 31, 2007, must undergo physical examinations regardless of their intent to enlist. According to the ministry, since July, about 1,000 18-year-old men who replied that they were not interested in military service have also undergone physical examinations. Students are voicing concern and expressing resistance, fearing that this kind of system could ultimately lead to a return of conscription.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.