“People remain able to work longer today,” Ernst said.
“We should not waste these human resources, who have life and professional experience. And if we complain about a lack of young talent, we should also take measures at the other end of the age pyramid.”
He also backs scrapping employers’ right to object to reservists taking part in military training.
Bundeswehr reservists are currently not required to take part in exercises. Both they and their employers must consent to participation.
“They should not have the right to object when reservists are to be mobilized for training. But we should not force the reservists themselves,” Ernst said.
By 2035, the Bundeswehr’s ranks are expected to rise to at least 260,000 active service members and 200,000 reservists.
Ernst said the exact number of reservists is not currently known. Between 8 million and 9 million people have served in the Bundeswehr; about 60,000 reservists are officially counted in its ranks. The German Reservists’ Association has about 110,000 members.
“The task of the new system for registering those liable for military service will now be to determine this figure accurately,” he added.
In September 2025, Reuters reported the German army was preparing for a possible Russian strike and planned to significantly increase its forces.
A confidential document issued by army commander Alfons Mais said that by 2029 the German army would need to add about 100,000 active troops to the current 62,000 to meet new NATO standards and improve readiness for threats from Russia.