18-year-olds to be asked whether they’re ready to fight as WW3 fears soar

German army recruits during a training exercise (Image: Getty)

German teenagers are to be asked whether they are prepared to fight for their country as the NATO ally launches a new form of military service. The move, confirmed in November following months of debate, came into effect on January 1 as Germany seeks to reinforce the Bundeswehr which has faced manpower shortages.

Under the scheme, all 18-year-old men will be required to fill out a questionnaire, querying them about their willingness to serve, as well as details on their physical and mental health. They will also be called up for mandatory medical examinations to assess their suitability. Women aged 18 will also receive the questionnaire but are not required to respond by law.

Germany is looking to expand the size of the Bundeswehr amid growing concerns over Russia (Image: Getty)

Around 54,000 surveys are expected to be dispatched every month from January.

Those who ignore the surveys can face a fine of up to £800, according to reports.

After filling out the form, all men will have to attend the medical — even if they are unwilling to serve.

Respondents are not required to join the military after completing the document.

The survey asks the teenagers to rate their level of interest in joining Germany’s armed forces on a scale of 1-10, according to a preview seen by The Telegraph.

They must also score their own fitness levels and say when they would be able to join as part of the form, it is claimed.

Additionally, the survey reportedly includes details on the branches of the Bundeswehr available to join.

Respondents are also asked for personal details, like weight, age, plus qualifications and any languages they can speak, The Telegraph reports.

Germany’s new scheme stops short of compulsory military service, which ended in 2011, as it aims to only recruit those who sign up voluntarily.

However, if the voluntary enlistment target is not met, people could be selected at random for compulsory service.

The coalition government in Berlin described this as a “last resort”.

Germany is looking to significantly increase the size of its regular forces from 182,000 to 260,000 by 2035, with plans to grow its reserves by around 140,000 to 200,000.

Germany wants the Bundeswehr to swell to 260,000 by 2035 (Image: Getty)

To encourage volunteers to come forward, there are incentives like subsidies to make it cheaper to gain a driving licence after a year of service. There is also a competitive salary, with a monthly pay packet of £2,293 (2600 euros) offered to those who volunteer.

The move comes amid growing fears over the threat posed by Russia.

Germany’s military chief General Carsten Breuer in June said Vladimir Putin’s forces could attack NATO within the next four years, while the alliance’s Secretary General Mark Rutte last month warned of an assault within the next five. Several other countries have turned to military service to boost their armed forces in response to the concerns.

France is bringing in voluntary military national service for mainly 18- and 19-year-olds who can sign up for 10 months.

Poland is working on plans for all men in the country to undergo military training, while the UK has unveiled a new ‘gap year’ scheme offering under 25s the opportunity to experience life in the armed forces.

Denmark also recently widened its mandatory military service scheme.