Bundeswehr sees surge in civilian reserve applicants

The Bundeswehr is experiencing a significant surge in interest for its new reserve program designed for civilians who have never served in the military. Approximately 6,000 individuals have applied to become reservists, with the military providing 1,000 training slots this year—double the amount available in 2024. The political objective is to expand the reserve to 70,000 by 2026 and 200,000 by 2033. Participants undergo 300 hours of training to qualify as ‘Heimatschützer-Streitkräfte’ (home defense forces) and will be deployed domestically to secure locations such as airports, ports, and ammunition depots.

Simultaneously, the German military has begun summoning 18-year-old men for medical examinations (Musterung) under the Military Service Modernization Act, even in cases where the individuals expressed no interest in service. As of late August, over 451,500 questionnaires were sent out, with a 96 percent response rate among men subject to mandatory reporting. This process is part of a broader plan to implement nationwide mandatory medical examinations by July 2027, supported by the construction of 24 modern examination centers across the country.