A Break in your Biography or Career Boost? The Views of German Youth on Military Service

Our report “A Break in your Biography or Career Boost? The Views of German Youth on Military Service” documents how young Germans view the possible specificities of a mandatory service model. Looking at the results, we can see tensions at play: Many of those interviewed associate military service with a far-reaching interruption of their lives - something that would split up friendship groups. They stress the importance of free will and see mandatory service as a limitation. Many mention the physical and mental burden as a concern, and a desire to stay in their comfort zone.