Germany struggles to recruit women soldiers
Germany is struggling to recruit more women into its armed forces despite expanding the military and opening nearly all military roles to female personnel more than two decades ago.
Women currently make up only a small share of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces), even though all military careers, including combat positions, have been open to them since 2001. As Germany works to strengthen its military in response to growing security concerns across Europe, increasing female participation has become an important goal.
Military officials say one of the biggest obstacles is the public perception of the armed forces. Many women still see the military as a male-dominated profession, while concerns about work-life balance, family responsibilities, career opportunities, and the risk of discrimination or harassment continue to discourage potential recruits. These issues make it harder for the Bundeswehr to compete with civilian employers.
The recruitment challenge comes as Germany plans to significantly expand its military ranks over the coming years. The government has introduced new recruitment measures and aims to increase the number of active soldiers to around 260,000 by 2035, but attracting enough volunteers—especially women—remains a major hurdle.
Defense experts believe the Bundeswehr must do more than advertise military careers. They argue that improving workplace culture, providing better support for families, creating flexible career paths, and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment will be essential if Germany wants to persuade more women to join its armed forces and help meet its long-term defense goals.