Lower thirds:

0:02 Report by / Simon Young
0:25 Frank-Walter Steinmeier / German Federal President
1:20 Boris Pistorius / German Defense Minister

Script:

New recruits taking a solemn oath 
to serve in the German armed forces

This event on Wednesday marked 70 years 
since the Bundeswehr was founded

But the world is becoming more dangerous
These young people are joining up 
at a time when Germany aims to beef up its military
and needs to persuade many more to enlist.

SOT Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German Federal President (German):
In order to increase our defense capability, the Bundeswehr now needs more soldiers. And we need a procedure that reliably and fairly ensures that the Bundeswehr can better fulfill its tasks in the future.

The government has now agreed what that procedure should be.

From 2026, young men aged 18
will be required to state whether they are willing to serve.
Young women can opt to do so.
After a physical test, those who don't object
may get the call-up.

The idea is to avoid a compulsory draft
by making the armed forces attractive to young people
-with pay of 2,600 euros per month
and the length of commitment flexible 
starting from 6 months.

The Defence Minister says it's an approach
which other countries may also adopt.

SOT Boris Pistorius German Defense Minister (English):
They are all watching what we are doing. Our new model of conscription is quite modern, it is very modern. And it might be, it might be able to be an example for other countries too. I don't know, but it might be.

Compulsory military service was suspended in 2011
and many Germans have got used to that.

So how do they feel about the new plan?

VOX POPS
1. What I like about it is the idea that you first look at people - you don't make any decisions, but first say that everyone will be looked at.

2. You can understand the situation and see the necessity. On the other hand, you don't want young people to get into such situations.

3. The checks are good for finding out what you have. The question is what happens after that.

Pistorius believes enough volunteers 
will be found to reach the target of 
up to 270 thousand service personnel by 2035.

If not - the government says it will 
introduce a form of conscription.

That would need new legislation
and could be controversial.

So for now 
politicians are hoping young people
will see military service 
both as something that is needed
and as an opportunity.