Der Spiegel: More than 24% of volunteers do not meet the physical requirements for the Bundeswehr

Figures from the German Defense Ministry show that more than one in three volunteers are not considered physically fit for military service, the magazine “Der Spiegel” reported.

In the second quarter of 2026, medical examinations found that more than 24% of volunteers were unfit for service in the Bundeswehr. According to the statistics, during the first months after the new legislation came into force, the percentage of rejected candidates was 25%.

In its response to a parliamentary question from the Left parliamentary group, the Defense Ministry announced that, of the 1,490 candidates examined in the second quarter, 1,131 were declared fit for military service.

Between April and the end of June, the Bundeswehr sent the prescribed questionnaire to 169,141 young people to assess their interest in joining the armed forces. Completing it was mandatory for 86,962 men, while 82,179 women completed it voluntarily.

The examinations include assessments of hearing, eyesight and vital signs, as well as checks for potential health problems, including those affecting the back or lower back. In certain cases, candidates may also be required to undergo a psychological assessment.

To rapidly increase the number of recruits, the selection procedure has been significantly relaxed. Before compulsory military service was suspended in 2011, the rejection rate reached as high as 50%. At that time, the examinations were particularly strict, and the Bundeswehr did not have the capacity to train all candidates.

In the coming years, the number of armed forces personnel is expected to rise from around 184,000 to 265,000 men and women, while another 200,000 soldiers will be added to the reserve. This year’s target, which envisaged only several thousand additional soldiers, has been met. The Defense Ministry is expected to assess in 2028 whether the legislative changes have produced results.

PERMBAJTJA:

Figures from the German Defense Ministry show that more than one in three volunteers are not considered physically fit for military service, the magazine “Der Spiegel” reported.

In the second quarter of 2026, medical examinations found that more than 24% of volunteers were unfit for service in the Bundeswehr. According to the statistics, during the first months after the new legislation came into force, the percentage of rejected candidates was 25%.

In its response to a parliamentary question from the Left parliamentary group, the Defense Ministry announced that, of the 1,490 candidates examined in the second quarter, 1,131 were declared fit for military service.

Between April and the end of June, the Bundeswehr sent the prescribed questionnaire to 169,141 young people to assess their interest in joining the armed forces. Completing it was mandatory for 86,962 men, while 82,179 women completed it voluntarily.

The examinations include assessments of hearing, eyesight and vital signs, as well as checks for potential health problems, including those affecting the back or lower back. In certain cases, candidates may also be required to undergo a psychological assessment.

To rapidly increase the number of recruits, the selection procedure has been significantly relaxed. Before compulsory military service was suspended in 2011, the rejection rate reached as high as 50%. At that time, the examinations were particularly strict, and the Bundeswehr did not have the capacity to train all candidates.

In the coming years, the number of armed forces personnel is expected to rise from around 184,000 to 265,000 men and women, while another 200,000 soldiers will be added to the reserve. This year’s target, which envisaged only several thousand additional soldiers, has been met. The Defense Ministry is expected to assess in 2028 whether the legislative changes have produced results.