Bundeswehr shortlists Cuxhaven barracks for reactivation as Germany expands volunteer service

The Bundeswehr is considering reactivating the former Hinrich-Wilhelm-Kopf-Kaserne in Cuxhaven, Lower Saxony, to accommodate recruits for its new voluntary military service. The site is one of eight nationwide that have been shortlisted as potential locations for the expanded intake.

The site is particularly suitable for the new military service due to its location, infrastructure, and capacity.

No final decision has been taken, and the planning process is now moving into a next phase, with the ministry announcing it will discuss opportunities and challenges with all relevant local stakeholders.

Local perspectives

The city of Cuxhaven has welcomed the Bundeswehr's interest. According to the city, up to 2,000 soldiers could be stationed at the former barracks. The facility had previously been considered for use as refugee accommodation before plans shifted to demolition and redevelopment. Now the defence ministry's shortlisting puts the 1930s-era site back on the map for a military role.

A new model for service

Germany's new voluntary military service took effect on 1 January 2026. Under the law, all men turning 18 receive a mandatory questionnaire to assess their suitability and motivation, while women may opt in. The reform is designed to boost the Bundeswehr's active personnel and reserves in response to the threat from Russia and revised NATO capability targets.

Personnel targets

The active force is intended to grow to 260,000 men and women. At the end of the first quarter of 2026, the strength stood at around 185,000. The reserve is to reach 200,000. If the voluntary scheme fails to meet these recruitment corridors, the Bundestag retains the option to reintroduce conscription.