More young Germans joining the military early

Germany’s Bundeswehr added a record number of soldiers under the age of 18 in 2025, Der Spiegel reported on Saturday. A total of 3,131 (an eighth of all new recruits, and 1,000 more than the previous year) joined at age 17 with parental consent. Although 638 minors left the Bundeswehr early last year, it’s clear that there is increased interest from young Germans in joining the military.