Voluntary Military Service as an Entry Point
Voluntary military service is open to individuals aged 17 to 24 and allows for an immediate entry into the military world. With a minimum duration of 7 months and a maximum service period of 23 months, military service is time-flexible and offers young people the opportunity to gain experience before deciding on a vocational training (Ausbildung) or pursuing higher education. This type of voluntary commitment thus provides a way to orient oneself after schooling and to acquire initial professional experiences that can also prove valuable in other areas of life.
Professional Qualification during Military Service
During military service, there is the opportunity to acquire numerous qualifications that extend beyond immediate deployment in the military sector. These include technical, medical, and logistical trainings, which can open up new career perspectives for participants. These vocational programs can serve as a foundation for subsequent vocational training (Ausbildung) and enhance prospects in the civilian job market. Consequently, military service offers a meaningful alternative to directly starting a traditional vocational training (Ausbildung) by providing a variety of professional development opportunities within a structured framework.
Social and Personal Development
Military service places great emphasis on the personal development of its participants. In addition to physical fitness and military training, the promotion of teamwork, discipline, and leadership qualities is paramount. These skills are sought after in many professions and can be advantageous when entering the workforce later on. Thus, military service as an alternative to vocational training (Ausbildung) not only provides professional qualifications but also significantly contributes to personal maturity and social competence, benefiting young people in the long term.
Financial Security and Additional Benefits
Compared to vocational training (Ausbildung), military service offers financial advantages. Volunteers receive a base salary along with additional financial benefits such as separation pay and free accommodation and meals. Upon completion of military service, they are entitled to transitional allowances that can facilitate the start of subsequent vocational training (Ausbildung). This financial support presents an attractive alternative for young individuals who do not wish to immediately enter vocational training (Ausbildung) after school but prefer to gain other experiences first.
Potential Career Perspectives
Military service not only provides short-term options but can also offer long-term career perspectives. After voluntary military service, there is the possibility to enter a career as a soldier on time or to pursue a career as a professional soldier. Additionally, further studies within the Bundeswehr are possible. These long-term perspectives make military service a viable alternative to immediately starting vocational training (Ausbildung), offering both security and diverse development opportunities. Young people can thus consider a military career as a career option that extends well beyond the period of voluntary service.
Military Service and Transition to the Civilian Job Market
After military service, there are various support options to facilitate the transition to civilian professional life. The Bundeswehr offers extensive counseling and further training programs that prepare individuals for the civilian job market. These supports include, for example, application training, career counseling, and financial assistance for subsequent vocational training (Ausbildung) or studies. As a result, the qualifications acquired during military service can be transferred into a long-term professional career, making military service a good starting point for a civilian career.