Germany’s plan to reinstate compulsory military service has sparked heated controversy. Meanwhile, military officials are attempting to present conscription “in a new light”. The most outlandish idea yet is to market the conscription medical as a “free fitness test” for young people.

The prospect of conscription and the associated medical examination evokes gloomy memories for older generations. Many view the planned return of mandatory service – and the messaging around it – with deep scepticism. Some even see it as a dangerous revival of an old agenda: the gradual militarisation of an entire generation, one that must be accustomed to the idea of war.

Conscription’s New Look – Slick Marketing and Deceiving the Youth

After years of debate about personnel shortages and allegedly growing threats, Germany is now working towards introducing a new model of military service. The federal government is drafting legislation that marks an unmistakable return to full-scale conscription. According to experts, this would lay the groundwork for reinstating compulsory military service.

In an unusually united stance, both the SPD and the CDU support the move. Lars Klingbeil (SPD), the Vice-Chancellor, has already stated that the talks are “nearing completion”. A swift decision is expected before the end of the year.

However, the Bundestag’s military commissioner, Mr. Henning Otte (CDU), is currently attempting to present the concept of conscription in what he calls a more “modern” light.

What was once a compulsory, sternly formal procedure is now framed as a “public service offer” – some kind of health check with a patriotic undertone. Writing in Rheinische Post, Mr. Otte even spoke of a “positive experience”, or indeed a “free state fitness test”.

According to Mr. Otte, the examination “could contribute to healthcare provision” – voluntary, but with clear expectations placed upon young people.

The political leadership has accompanied the initiative with solemn rhetoric, including symbolic gestures such as this year’s 70th anniversary of the Bundeswehr. In Berlin, a ceremonial oath-taking is to be held in front of the Reichstag, attended by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. This is a ritual designed to strengthen emotional attachment to the uniform and the flag.

Der Wehrbeauftragte des Bundestags drängt auf eine schnelle Einigung beim Wehrdienst. Die Musterung sollte seiner Ansicht nach als Service gesehen werden: »quasi als kostenfreier staatlicher Fitnesstest«. https://t.co/sUpfWMBeWI

— DER SPIEGEL (@derspiegel) November 12, 2025

The Escalation of Pro-War Rhetoric

What is being sold as harmless modernisation is, in reality, a matter of rhetorical rebranding. The assessment becomes a fitness test, and compulsory military service becomes “an opportunity for young people”. Yet behind it lies a clear political objective: the gradual return of a military mindset at a time when war rhetoric is becoming more pronounced.

While Germany may attempt to examine its young citizens in a friendly manner, the issue is ultimately not physical fitness but availability. And those who listen closely will notice: this new friendliness is wearing a uniform – as the Exxpress news outlet points out.