BERLIN 

Germany's top general called on Monday for universal registration of all young men for potential military service, saying it's essential to know who would be available in a defense emergency.

"From a military perspective, it is crucial that the entire age cohort is assessed," Gen. Carsten Breuer, the Bundeswehr's highest-ranking soldier, told the RND media group. "Only then do we know who is available and who we could access in case of a defense situation."

He rejected proposals to use a lottery system for military service, arguing that a lottery after registration would have the disadvantage that people would come to the military randomly, regardless of who shows interest or is qualified.

The German parliament is currently debating a new military service law to reach 260,000 soldiers by 2035—requiring approximately 20,000 recruits annually.

The draft law, proposed by Social Democrat Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, would initially remain voluntary. Under it, all 18-year-old men must complete a questionnaire about their qualifications, fitness, and willingness to serve. The Bundeswehr would then contact them about military service opportunities.

Last month, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives proposed adding a "Danish model" lottery provision to automatically draft young men if volunteer numbers fall short. They warned that volunteers alone would likely be insufficient. But Pistorius rejected the amendment, insisting military service must remain voluntary.

Germany suspended compulsory military service in 2011, transitioning to a professional army. The Bundeswehr currently has 183,000 active military personnel.