Germany's New Military Law Requires Men to Seek Approval for Long Stays Abroad
Germany has introduced a new military service policy that mandates men aged 17 to 45 to obtain permission from the armed forces for any stay abroad exceeding three months. This legislation, effective from January 1, aims to bolster military ranks without reinstating compulsory service. The policy requires all 18-year-old men to complete a questionnaire assessing their suitability for military service. If voluntary recruitment fails to meet targets, the German parliament may reconsider conscription. The law's fine print, which recently gained media attention, has sparked public protests, particularly among school pupils. The defense ministry confirmed the requirement, stating it is necessary to track potential conscripts' whereabouts in case of urgent need. However, the ministry assured that the regulation, reminiscent of Cold War-era rules, is largely without consequence and not subject to sanctions. 
