07.04.2026<\/strong>: The new regulation in the Military Service Modernization Act is currently causing widespread criticism and discussion, as a Report of the Frankfurter Rundschau<\/strong><\/a> shows. Particularly controversial: this obligation now no longer only applies in a state of tension or defense, but permanently in a normal situation. Critics speak of a considerable intrusion and criticize the lack of public debate in advance. The regulation is also seen as overly bureaucratic and poorly communicated by some politicians. At the same time, important questions remain unanswered, such as the practical implementation or possible consequences in the event of violations. The Ministry of Defense refers to the improved registration of potential conscripts for emergencies, but admits that the effects could be \u201efar-reaching\u201c. Overall, the debate shows how strongly the topic of compulsory military service and military preparation is currently regaining importance - and how sensitively corresponding interventions are being perceived.<\/p>\n 03.04.2026<\/strong>: A largely unnoticed Amendment to the Military Service Modernization Act<\/strong><\/a> is causing discussion: Men between the ages of 17 and 45 must obtain permission from the Bundeswehr before longer stays abroad. Specifically, this applies to stays of more than three months - for example for study, work or travel. The main novelty is that this regulation no longer only applies in a state of tension or defense, but is also applied permanently in a normal situation. This significantly increases state control over potential conscripts. The Ministry of Defense justifies the change with better military registration in an emergency. At the same time, the Ministry itself admits that the effects could be \u201efar-reaching\u201c, while specific exceptions have not yet been fully worked out. The adjustment shows how the framework conditions surrounding compulsory military service and military preparation are gradually changing - often without much public attention.<\/p>\n 29.01.2026<\/strong>: In Germany, more and more applications for conscientious objection are being rejected, although the number of applications is rising sharply. According to the German government, in 2025 a total of over 1,000 applications rejected as inadmissible<\/strong><\/a> - almost four times as many as in the previous year. The main reason for this is that the Federal Office now automatically treats formal errors, such as the absence of a physical examination, as a rejection instead of leaving the applications in abeyance until the examination. Jan van Aken, Chairman of the Left Party, describes this practice as a \u201escandal\u201c, as it effectively undermines the constitutional right to freedom of conscience. He warns that young people in particular could be disadvantaged in future debates on compulsory military service.<\/p>\n 01.01.2026<\/strong>: On January 1, 2026, the Bundeswehr will introduce the \u201eNew military service<\/strong><\/a>\u201c, which does not simply reintroduce the former general compulsory military service, but represents a modern service model. The service itself remains voluntary, but all 18-year-old Germans (born in 2008) receive a questionnaire to assess their suitability and willingness. Men must participate, women voluntarily. This is followed by a medical examination, and those who are fit to serve and decide to do so serve for at least six months with attractive pay and training for homeland security and the reserve. The aim is to strengthen the Bundeswehr's personnel without the traditional compulsory military service.<\/p>\n![\"School](\"https:\/\/www.markus-schall.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wehrpflicht-Schulstreiks-300x200.jpg\")
<\/a>07.03.2026<\/strong>The discussion about compulsory military service and conscientious objection to military service has once again become the focus of public attention in recent years. At the same time, however, it is clear that something has changed elsewhere too: The Bundeswehr now appears more frequently in the education sector, for example through lectures by youth officers or security policy simulation games in the classroom. Parallel to this Pupils protest<\/strong><\/a> in several cities against possible new models of military service. In a detailed article, I have therefore taken a closer look at how this development came about - from the end of compulsory military service to security policy reforms and the current debate about Bundeswehr visits to schools.<\/p>\n
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