18-year-olds to be asked whether they’re ready to fight as WW3 fears soar | World | News
German teenagers are to be asked whether they are prepared to fight for their country as the NATO ally launches a new form of military service. The move, confirmed in November following months of debate, came into effect on January 1 as Germany seeks to reinforce the Bundeswehr which has faced manpower shortages.
Under the scheme, all 18-year-old men will be required to fill out a questionnaire, querying them about their willingness to serve, as well as details on their physical and mental health. They will also be called up for mandatory medical examinations to assess their suitability. Women aged 18 will also receive the questionnaire but are not required to respond by law.
Around 54,000 surveys are expected to be dispatched every month from January.
Those who ignore the surveys can face a fine of up to £800, according to reports.
After filling out the form, all men will have to attend the medical — even if they are unwilling to serve.
Respondents are not required to join the military after completing the document.
The survey asks the teenagers to rate their level of interest in joining Germany’s armed forces on a scale of 1-10, according to a preview seen by The Telegraph.
They must also score their own fitness levels and say when they would be able to join as part of the form, it is claimed.
Additionally, the survey reportedly includes details on the branches of the Bundeswehr available to join.
Respondents are also asked for personal details, like weight, age, plus qualifications and any languages they can speak, The Telegraph reports.
Germany’s new scheme stops short of compulsory military service, which ended in 2011, as it aims to only recruit those who sign up voluntarily.
However, if the voluntary enlistment target is not met, people could be selected at random for compulsory service.
The coalition government in Berlin described this as a “last resort”.
Germany is looking to significantly increase the size of its regular forces from 182,000 to 260,000 by 2035, with plans to grow its reserves by around 140,000 to 200,000.
