Germany is encountering significant challenges in recruiting sufficient volunteers for its 45th Armored Brigade, which is destined for Lithuania as part of NATO's enhanced forward presence. The brigade is expected to include around 4,800 soldiers and 200 civilians and is anticipated to be operational by 2027. Despite plans to initially deploy 1,971 soldiers, reports indicate that only 209 volunteers have registered, which is just over ten percent of the required number. This shortfall raises concerns about the brigade's capacity to meet its operational commitments on time.

The news, reported by German media and relayed by Ukrainian channel RBK-Ukraina, highlights the mounting issues within the Bundeswehr regarding voluntary enlistment. The low registration numbers for the brigade suggest a potential inability to deploy the force as planned. Consequently, these recruitment challenges cast doubt on the effective readiness and operational capacity of the brigade, which is a key component of NATO's military strategy in the region.

In light of these difficulties, Thomas Röwekamp, the Chairman of the German parliament's Defense Committee, proposed introducing compulsory military service if necessary. He maintained that while the principle of relying on volunteers is still valid and remains a cornerstone of the Bundeswehr's philosophy, the current circumstances may necessitate a reevaluation of recruitment strategies to ensure the brigade can fulfill its role within the NATO framework in Lithuania.