Of particular interest to PD Dr. Severine Thomas and Dorothee Kochskämper of the University of Hildesheim and Dr. Johanna Wilmes of the University of Frankfurt, members of the research team: how is the current situation affecting young people. “We want to know what young people think about the new military service and how they feel about it,” explains Thomas. “And what emotions and concerns young people have - especially in light of current wars and crises,” adds Wilmes. 

These considerations are also based on the results of previous surveys on youth and COVID-19. These have shown how burdened young people feel by current crises. Many feel ignored by politicians and worry about their future. They are now directly affected by the new military service regulations - and are experiencing an escalating security situation. 

Since January 1, 2026, young men born in 2008 or later are required to complete a questionnaire on motivation and suitability. For young women, military registration is voluntary. Participation in military service itself also remains voluntary for now.

Further information

The survey runs until March 27, 2026, at https://www.soscisurvey.de/JugendundWehrdienst/.
Participation takes about 10 minutes.
Previous publications on the earlier study series Youth and Corona I–V can be found at
t1p.de/studien-corona

Contact the research team:

University of Hildesheim | Institute for Social and Organizational Pedagogy
Dorothee Kochskämper: kochskaemper@uni-hildesheim.de
PD Dr. Severine Thomas: severine.thomas@uni-hildesheim.de

University of Frankfurt | Department of Education
Johanna Wilmes: wilmes@em.uni-frankfurt.de