Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has introduced a draft law for a new voluntary military service aimed at expanding the German Armed Forces, raising active personnel from 180,000 to 200,000. Young men and women will receive a QR code upon turning 18 to fill out a questionnaire assessing their fitness and willingness to serve, with mandatory participation for men only. The new service will initially offer six months of basic training, extendable to 23 months, with incentives such as special licenses. The law could take effect in spring 2025 if approved by the Federal Council and Bundestag, but concerns remain about meeting recruitment targets solely through volunteerism.