German Defence Minister Pistorius Proposes Mandatory Reserve Service

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced a draft law that would require members of the Bundeswehr reserve to take part in military exercises even in peacetime. The proposal aims to expand the reserve to about 200,000 personnel and to support a planned active‑force strength of 260,000. Under the draft, reservists who have completed at least six months of voluntary service could be called up until age 45, while career soldiers could be called up until age 65. The law would also obligate employers to release employees for reserve training. Pistorius argued that a reliable reserve is essential for national security and societal resilience, noting that the current legal framework only allows compulsory use of reservists during a state of tension or defence. The draft is already posted on the ministry’s website and is expected to be debated in the Bundestag.