One in Four German Volunteers Unfit for Military Service

More than one in four volunteers for Germany’s armed forces were deemed medically unfit for military service during the second quarter of 2026, according to Defence Ministry figures cited by Der Spiegel.

Medical examinations found that 359 of 1,490 candidates failed to meet the physical requirements for service, while 1,131 were deemed fit, according to the ministry’s response to a parliamentary question from the Left Party.

The figures show that more than 24% of volunteers were rejected during the second quarter. During the first months of the new legislation, the rejection rate also stood at around 25%.

Between April and the end of June, the Bundeswehr sent questionnaires to 169,141 young people to assess their potential interest in serving in the armed forces. Of those, 86,962 men were required to complete the questionnaire, while 82,179 women were invited to do so voluntarily.

Medical examinations assess candidates’ hearing, eyesight and vital signs, while doctors also check for existing health problems, including back and lower-back conditions. Candidates may also undergo a psychological assessment if required.

The Bundeswehr has significantly simplified the medical assessment process as Germany seeks to increase the number of recruits. Before Germany suspended compulsory military service in 2011, rejection rates were even higher, reaching as much as 50%. At the time, examinations were considerably stricter and the Bundeswehr did not have the capacity to train all candidates.

Germany plans to expand its armed forces from around 184,000 personnel to 265,000 men and women in the coming years, alongside an additional reserve force of 200,000 soldiers.

For 2026, the Bundeswehr has reached its relatively modest target of recruiting several thousand additional soldiers. The Defence Ministry expects to assess by 2028 whether the changes to the legislation have produced the desired results.

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