The goal of the New Military Service is to contribute to strengthening the reserve—that is, increasing the number of available reservists—and to strengthening the active troops, especially among the enlisted personnel. The New Military Service opens up the possibility of making a personal contribution to Germany's security even with short commitment periods of six months or more.

Each individual can decide for themselves how long they wish to serve in the military. Monthly commitments of up to 23 months or, if appropriate, even longer periods of up to 25 years are possible. Depending on educational level, qualifications, aptitude, or need, it is possible to change careers and later even become a professional soldier. The draft law also proposes to modernize military registration. It is to be adapted to current registration law. The responsibility of the military registration authorities will be transferred from the registration authorities to the Bundeswehr administration. This will reduce the burden on the registration authorities of the federal states.

New approaches are needed to acquire this personnel level, which is also necessary for credible deterrence. For national and alliance defense, a total of 460,000 soldiers, including the reserve, can be assumed.

Due to the abolition of voluntary military service as a special civic engagement, all soldiers serving on a fixed-term basis will in future be assigned the service status of a temporary soldier (SaZTemporary soldiers). The minimum period of commitment can be flexibly adjusted, so that, for example, six or nine months of military service in the statusSaZTemporary soldiers– combined with new, attractive and meaningful content and training – can be achieved. This represents a significant increase in attractiveness, asSaZTemporary soldiers– unlike volunteers doing military service (FWDLVoluntary military service member) – will be paid according to the Federal Remuneration Act and thus earn significantly more from the beginning of their service. Furthermore, the attractiveness of the New Military Service will be enhanced by additional benefits in the areas of career development and service-related benefits. Furthermore, a subsidy for obtaining a Class B driver's license is planned.

However, the attractiveness of the service is not just a monetary issue: At least equally important is offering a meaningful, challenging, and attractive service in terms of daily service. Therefore, with a view to the introduction of the New Military Service, training was already adapted in summer 2025. The Bundeswehr essentially trains new soldiers as security and guard soldiers, equipping them for expanded homeland security. They are then offered a range of attractive qualification opportunities in the various branches of the armed forces.

In principle, all soldiers can be deployed within the framework of the armed forces' constitutional mandate. This applies without restriction to the defense mandate. Soldiers with a commitment period of less than twelve months are only required to participate in special foreign missions if they have specifically committed to doing so.

After their service, the Bundeswehr trains reservists during regular reserve training exercises so that they can call upon their acquired skills in an emergency. This expands reserve structures to meet the NATO capability goals negotiated between NATO partners.