With Russia's attack on Ukraine, the geopolitical situation has changed. Consequently, NATO has adjusted its defence plans and the German armed forces are expected to grow again in personnel. Against this backdrop, the Federal Ministry of Defence has published the draft Military Service Modernisation Act (WDModG), which aims to open up additional military force potential from 2026. For businesses, this exacerbates the competition for skilled workers. The DIHK emphasises the need to think holistically about military service, vocational training, and the world of work, and to seize the opportunity to shape military service as a qualification opportunity for the labour market.
Key Information at a Glance
- The WDModG aims to establish an attractive service to enhance personnel capacities for the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). However, this new service may exacerbate shortages of skilled workers and general personnel in businesses.
- This new service offers young individuals opportunities for further education, helping them to enter or re-enter the workforce with additional qualifications.
- The introduction of a legal basis for a questionnaire allowing young people to signal their willingness to undertake voluntary military service.
Background
The draft WDModG defines the framework conditions for the new military service, the reintroduction of conscription, and a regulatory empowerment for the reinstatement of general compulsory military service. The objectives of the law are understandable due to the security policy situation, but significant operational efforts arise for businesses, such as exempting staff performing military service or the delayed entry of young people into the labour market. The DIHK stresses the importance of involving the economy to minimise negative impacts on securing skilled personnel and training. At the same time, young people should be deployed in areas during their military service for which they are already qualified – for instance, mechatronics in maintenance – and their skills should be systematically expanded through further training.
What is important for companies
- Early information about conscription dates for employees.
- Planning regarding the absence of employees undertaking voluntary military service.
- Introduction of a subsidy for a category B driving licence for voluntary military servicemen and further training opportunities for temporary soldiers.
DIHK demands
- Ensuring planning and reliability when employees undertake voluntary military service.
- Using the new military service as an opportunity for the training and education of young people so they enter or return to the labour market with more qualification options.
- For promoting skilled personnel: Extending the subsidy for driving licences to other vehicle categories.
- Clarifications on the process of the compensation procedure for employees undertaking military exercises.
- Modernising the indispensability process in collaboration with the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHKs).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the WDModG come into force?
Expected from January 1, 2026.
What impacts does Wehrdienst have on businesses?
Employees need to be released, affecting operational processes and workforce planning.
What benefits does Wehrdienst offer skilled workers?
Acquisition of qualifications such as driving licenses and soft skills, enabling them to return to the job market more qualified.
How can the Bundeswehr reduce planning uncertainties?
Through early information, digital application processes, and cooperation with Bundeswehr career centers.
(only available in German)
Download
DIHK statement on the Military Service Modernisation Act – WDModG (PDF, 209 KB)(only available in German)
- Relevant in topic:
- Fachkräfte
Released 14.08.2025
Modified 12.03.2026
Contact
Benjamin Baykal
Director Economic and Defence Policy