German cabinet backs voluntary military service, opening door to conscription
The German cabinet has backed the proposal for voluntary military service, potentially paving the way for the reintroduction of conscription. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius aims to increase the number of soldiers in service from the current 182,000 to 260,000 by the early 2030s. The move comes amid growing security concerns in Europe following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The voluntary service program would offer young Germans the opportunity to serve for a period of 7-23 months, with the potential for further professional military service afterwards. The proposal still requires parliamentary approval, and the government has stated that any decision on conscription would be made separately. The plan is seen as part of Germany's efforts to bolster its military capabilities and contribution to European security in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges.
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