Germany's Military Misses Out on Diverse Talent Pool of 2 Million Young People with Migration Background

Germany's military has a chance to enrich its ranks with diverse skills and backgrounds. Experts urge it to tap into the 2 million young people with migration backgrounds.

, and Administrator

2025 October 17 . 2:03 AM

1 min read

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Study: German Armed Forces Enjoy High Trust Among Immigrants - Germany's Military Misses Out on Diverse Talent Pool of 2 Million Young People with Migration Background

In Germany, nearly two million young people aged 15-24 have a migration background, representing almost 30% of their age group. Meanwhile, only 8.9% of the German Armed Forces personnel share this background. Experts see this disparity as an opportunity to boost diversity and skills within the military.

Currently, around 13 million people in Germany have a migration background and German citizenship, making up 15.7% of the total population. Among them are nearly two million young people aged 15-24, who could potentially join the German Armed Forces. These individuals bring diverse backgrounds and skills that could enrich the military's legitimacy and effectiveness.

Fabian Gǘlzau, deputy head of research at the Scientific Advisory Council on Migration Background, notes that the German Armed Forces enjoy a stable foundation of trust among those with migration backgrounds. This trust, combined with the potential recruits' diverse skills and perspectives, could strengthen the military's integration and democratic legitimacy.

With nearly two million young people of migration background eligible for recruitment, the German Armed Forces have a significant opportunity to increase diversity and intercultural skills. This could enhance the military's legitimacy, acceptance, and overall effectiveness, while also promoting integration and democratic values.