German lawmakers back new military service model

German lawmakers back new military service model

German lawmakers backed a new scheme for military service on Friday as the country seeks to bolster its long ill-equipped and understaffed armed forces following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The reform stops short of introducing conscription but will include mandatory screening of all 18-year-old men and measures such as higher pay aimed at making service more attractive.

Conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz says he wants Germany to have Europe's strongest conventional army, at a time when the Trump administration has questioned its commitment to defending its traditional European allies.

NATO targets call for Germany to eventually boast a total military strength of 460,000 -- made up of 260,000 active soldiers and 200,000 reservists.