The Bundeswehr has contradicted media reports from this week claiming that more than 70 percent of 18-year-old men did not answer the conscription questionnaire sent since the start of the year within the deadline. As of April 29, the Federal Office for Personnel Management of the Bundeswehr had sent more than 206,000 letters to people of all genders. About 86 percent of the addressed men had returned the questionnaire on time within four weeks, according to a press release from the Bundeswehr issued this Friday.
After an initial reminder, around 73 percent of the reminded men also submitted their response within the two-week extension. This means that more than 90 percent of the addressed men in the period considered had filled out the questionnaire. Other reports were not correct. The response rate among individuals of other genders, who are not required to fill out the questionnaire unlike men, stands at around three percent.
Military conscription data collection started successfully, according to the Bundeswehr
The Federal Office for Personnel Management contacts those interested after the questionnaire is returned to provide information about possible uses, the further process, and advisory and assessment appointments. Based on the experiences of the first months, the methods and channels used will be further improved to provide every interested person with the appropriate offer in a timely manner.
From the positive responses to the questionnaire, preliminary screenings (basic suitability) and assessments (more in-depth evaluations) have already been conducted, suitable candidates have been planned for concrete uses and have been enlisted this year. The non-response to the questionnaire constitutes an administrative offense for men, which could be penalized with a fine. The Federal Ministry of Defense currently plans a fine of up to 250 euros. The internal administrative process is currently being developed.
