Conscientious objection claims triple amid Bundeswehr misconduct reports

The number of applications for conscientious objection in Germany has almost tripled since the end of June, with nearly 1.900 new applications submitted in October alone. The increase follows the new military service law introduced in January 2026, with experts pointing to security concerns and reports of misconduct within the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) as possible reasons.

Conscientious objection applications reach new high

Between January 1 and October 31, the Federal Office for Family Affairs and Civil Society (Bundesamt für Familie und zivilgesellschaftliche Aufgaben, or BAFzA) received 16.869 conscientious objection applications in Germany, according to data obtained by Rheinische Post. By the end of June, that figure stood at just 5.862.

This contrasts with previous years, when conscientious objection applications totalled 3.879 in 2025 and 2.249 in 2024. Applicants include people who have never served.

The rise comes 10 months after Germany's new military service law took effect. Under the law, military service remains voluntary, but the German parliament, Bundestag, could vote to introduce compulsory service if recruitment targets are not met.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) has welcomed the rise in troop numbers and said he sees no need to reintroduce conscription for now, according to Rheinische Post. Despite this, many may be applying as a precaution.

Security concerns and misconduct reports behind the rise

Experts believe that uncertainty among young people over the tense security situation in Europe, including threats from Russia, is driving the rise in conscientious objection applications. The German government has also cited the security situation in Europe as a reason for introducing the new military service law to strengthen the country's defences. 

Reports of misconduct within the Bundeswehr are also thought to play a role. On November 11, Pistorius and Inspector General Carsten Breuer presented the results of the armed forces’ first study into unreported cases of sexual misconduct. It found that 40 percent of female soldiers and 19 percent of male soldiers had experienced at least one form of sexual misconduct in the 12 months before the survey.

According to the study, the groups most affected include younger soldiers, female soldiers in the lower ranks, non-heterosexual men, members of seagoing naval units and female soldiers outside the medical service.

Following the release of the findings, Pistorius stressed that the Bundeswehr would show “zero tolerance” towards sexual misconduct.

What the new military service law means for future German citizens

The new military service rules apply to all German citizens, including naturalised citizens and dual nationals, according to the Federal Foreign Office. Anyone who becomes German is therefore covered by the law in the same way as Germans by birth.

For now, this mainly affects men living in Germany who were born on or after January 1, 2008. Once they turn 18, they must complete a questionnaire about their willingness to serve in the Bundeswehr. From July 1, 2027, they will also be required to attend a medical examination. For women, the questionnaire is optional. Military service itself remains voluntary for now under the new military service law.

Naturalised citizens have the same right to refuse military service as any other German. This right is protected by Germany’s constitution, which states that no one can be forced to serve in the armed forces against their conscience.

To apply, they must send the Bundeswehr’s Federal Office for Personnel Management (Bundesamt für das Personalmanagement der Bundeswehr, or BAPersBw) a signed statement invoking this right, a CV and a detailed personal explanation of their reasons. The application is then passed on to BAFzA, which decides whether to approve it.