Students across Germany are taking part in protests against the possible return of compulsory military service. The demonstrations, organized by groups like the School Strike Against Compulsory Military Service, are reacting to government plans that could bring back mandatory military service if needed. One of the organizers, Bela Breitner, said the federal government is "serious about gradually reintroducing compulsory military service." Protesters in cities like Hamburg have waved flags and held signs reading "We won't take part in your wars," expressing opposition to being forced into military service. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has made strengthening the military a priority, especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A new law, which took effect in January, introduced voluntary military service to help recruit more soldiers. However, the law also allows for the possibility of compulsory service if the security situation worsens or if there are not enough volunteers. Under the law, all 18-year-olds receive a questionnaire asking if they are interested in joining the armed forces. Men are required to answer, while women can choose whether to participate. Additionally, all 18-year-old men must undergo a medical exam to assess their fitness for possible military service. The protests were sparked after some 18-year-old men in Kiel and Flensburg received official invitations for medical exams despite indicating they had no interest in joining the army on their registration forms. Over 100 demonstrations are planned across Germany, including in Kiel, Hamburg, Berlin, and Frankfurt. A spokesperson for the Defence Ministry explained that the medical examination requirement applies to all men liable for military service born after December 31, 2007, regardless of whether they expressed interest in military service. Approximately 1,000 18-year-old men who showed no interest in the army have undergone the medical exam since July. Germany had a large military during the Cold War, but it reduced its armed forces in the 1990s after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel ended compulsory military service in 2011. Now, under pressure from the US and due to perceived threats from Russia, Merz aims to transform the Bundeswehr into Europe's strongest conventional army. The Bundeswehr currently has around 186,700 troops, with plans to increase this number to 260,000 by the early 2030s, supported by around 200,000 reservists, to meet new NATO force targets and strengthen Germany's defences.