Following the award-winning formats “The Recruits” (2016) and “The Female Recruits” (2019), which together have more than 18.5 million views on YouTube, the Bundeswehr will release a new web series in July 2026. With “Generation Wehrdienst” it aims, according to a press release from the past weekend, to show what experiences young women and men undergo during the new basic training, modernized about a year ago.
The series follows recruits, according to the Bundeswehr, on an emotional and gripping journey in which the young women and men also push to their limits — unscripted, with all the highs and lows. From arrival, through the issue of clothing and the formal service to the ceremonial oath, to combat training and the bivouac, the camera stays close. Friends, family and instructors also have their say.
Kick-off on July 1 on the YouTube channel “Bundeswehr Exclusive”
The visual styling and aesthetics of the series were aligned with current trends and would correspond to the viewing habits of young adults. The production would technically meet the quality standard of documentary formats from well-known streaming services, such as Netflix. Viewers could look forward to three seasons from early July to November 2026.
The teaser phase for the series had already begun on June 15, 2026 on the YouTube channel “Bundeswehr Exclusive”. The trailer and from July 1 the episodes for viewing can be found here. The episodes will be released every Wednesday and Sunday at 17:00 on YouTube and Joyn. In addition, content will also be visible on TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Reddit, supplemented by the specially produced title song “Du bist nicht allein” on all major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Deezer, Shazam and YouTube Music.
Military service is once again a central topic for young people
For ten years now, according to its own statements, the Bundeswehr’s employer communications have been able to reach the recruitment target group of 17- to 35-year-olds and to spark their interest in the Bundeswehr as an employer. The Bundeswehr is everywhere where the young target group is: in public transport, in shopping centers, at career fairs and on social media. The YouTube channel “Bundeswehr Exclusive” has now around 533,000 subscribers and almost 480 million views.
In the Trendence ranking of the most popular employers in Germany, the Bundeswehr remains at the front ranks this year as well, despite the ongoing difficult labor market: whether among pupils (rank 6), professionals (rank 1) or students/academics (rank 11). Since January 2026, 18-year-olds are being addressed as part of the Military Service Modernization Act for conscription. They are also informed about career paths and roles in the Bundeswehr and asked about their general willingness to serve in the armed forces.
According to the Bundeswehr, more and more young people are considering, due to the international security situation, whether they want to contribute to the country’s external security. Many are clear: with a strong Bundeswehr we also protect our life in freedom. Suddenly, military service has become a central topic again on Germany’s schoolyards, in families, and in society. The new military service is being very well received. With currently over 10,000 enrollments, interest has risen by around eight percent compared with the previous year’s reference date.
