The German armed forces also recorded a positive personnel development in February 2026. By the end of the month, around 16,100 people had applied for a military career-an increase of 20 % compared with the previous year, the Federal Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday. New hires rose by 14 % to more than 5,300 individuals.
In particular, the numbers of enlisted soldiers under the New Military Service were significantly higher than in the previous year. Currently roughly 13,400 people are serving in the Bundeswehr as volunteer military‑service members and short‑term soldiers, a 15 % increase from the year before.
The active strength of the Bundeswehr is now about 186,200 soldiers, up by roughly 3,600 compared with February 2025. Overall personnel levels fluctuate seasonally throughout the year, as many soldiers exit in spring on schedule to begin civilian training or university studies.
Looking ahead, the Bundeswehr aims to achieve a force of 260,000 active soldiers and 200,000 reservists by the mid‑2030s.
