The German Cabinet on Wednesday approved a draft bill that provides for conscription when the military's recruitment targets are not met.



The government says it is seeking to bolster the country's defenses amid growing security concerns prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.



The German military aims to add 80,000 more soldiers to the current number of 182,000.



From next January, men and women will receive a questionnaire on their 18th birthday, asking if they are willing to serve in the armed forces.



Physical examination for men after they turn 18 will become mandatory from July 2027, to provide a better indication of the personnel potentially available.



If the bill becomes law, the government could reintroduce compulsory military service when there are not enough voluntary recruits, subject to further parliamentary approval.



Germany suspended mandatory enlistment in 2011. Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters after the Cabinet meeting that the draft law "puts us back on the path to a professional army."



Merz also said that given Germany's size and economic strength, it "must have the strongest conventional army in NATO on the European side."



The government aims to have the bill approved by parliament by the end of the year.



There were mixed reactions to the plans on the streets of the capital, Berlin. One 16-year-old student said that he felt he had to give something back to his country, such as by fighting, so he was in favor of the bill.



A 17-year-old student said that while "it's probably not the best thing for everyone right now,'' military service is a way for people to give something back to their country.



Another 17-year-old said that it is a difficult decision for young people who still have their whole lives ahead of them and are trying to determine what they want to do.



An 18-year-old student said he would ''rather focus on other things.'' He added that at this point, his career, and things like sports are more important to him.
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Quiz 1:
Which of the following statements about Germany's military is correct?
A. Germany has always had mandatory conscription.
B. The German military aims to reduce the number of soldiers.
C. Germany's military currently consists of 182,000 soldiers.
D. Germany aims to add 80,000 more soldiers to its military by the end of this year.

Quiz 2:
What is the age at which men in Germany will be required to undergo physical examination for military service?
A. From January 2027
B. From July 2027
C. From January 2028
D. No physical examinations are planned for men

Quiz 3:
What is the viewpoint of a typical 16-year-old student about Germany's plans to reintroduce conscription?
A. He feels he has to give something back to his country, so he is in favor of the bill.
B. He thinks it's not the best thing for everyone right now.
C. He finds it a difficult decision as he still has his whole life ahead of him.
D. He would rather focus on other things and does not support the bill.