Increase in Voluntary Enlistments in Brandenburg's Bundeswehr

Interest in voluntary service within the Bundeswehr has seen a slight increase in Brandenburg, particularly among 17-year-olds. In the previous year, nearly 700 individuals from the region joined the German armed forces voluntarily, marking a rise compared to the previous year.

According to data from the Ministry of Defense, a total of 692 volunteers and short-term soldiers from Brandenburg began their service in the past year, up from 667 in 2023. Short-term soldiers commit to several years of service, while those enlisting voluntarily can choose service periods ranging from 7 to 23 months. Notably, this commitment can be initiated even before reaching the age of 18.

Among the new recruits from Brandenburg, over 10% were not yet of legal age. Specifically, 85 individuals enlisted at the age of 17, an increase from 72 in the previous year. For 17-year-olds, parental consent is required, along with successful completion of both physical and psychological suitability tests.

Once they complete a twelve-month training program, voluntarily enlisted soldiers may be deployed abroad. Those who opt for service in homeland protection are assigned to roles such as disaster relief within Germany. In the last year, 13 young men and 2 young women from Brandenburg signed up for homeland protection.

By the end of the previous year, the Bundeswehr employed a total of 7,016 personnel in Brandenburg, comprising 6,934 men and 1,082 women. This figure reflects a slight decrease from 2023, which had 7,032 personnel (6,967 men and 1,065 women).

On a national level, the Bundeswehr's overall personnel strength remained relatively stable. The armed forces had a total of 181,167 soldiers last year, compared to 181,512 in 2023.