German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius views comprehensive screening of all young men as a strong signal against Russia. The black-red coalition has submitted its military service reform plans to parliament, amid disagreements. Pistorius is optimistic that the law will take effect at the beginning of 2026.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) emphasized in an interview with "Bild am Sonntag" that returning to comprehensive screening of all young men would send a deterrent signal to Russia. "If we screen all men of a year group again and collect data on all those capable of military service, it will be noticed in Russia too. In other words: This is also deterrence!", he said.
If a defense case occurs, the military service obligation suspended in 2011 would immediately take effect under the Basic Law. "Then we need to know who is deployment-ready and who is not," Pistorius explained. He criticized the abolition of the district military replacement offices associated with the suspension as a serious mistake. New, modern structures are to be established by mid-2027 to enable comprehensive screening.
On Thursday, the black-red coalition submitted its military service reform plans to the Bundestag. There are disagreements between CDU, CSU, and SPD, particularly regarding mechanisms if not enough volunteers for the Bundeswehr are found. Pistorius said parliament must decide on a possible lottery procedure, and the ministry will contribute. It is important to him to rely on voluntariness as long as possible.
The minister wants to stick to the planned entry into force of the military service law at the beginning of 2026 and expressed optimism about reaching an agreement. "I am confident that we can make it work. Everyone in the Bundestag knows: It's about Germany's security."