Latest news with #militaryservice
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Germany will reintroduce compulsory military service screening for all 18-year-old men under plans to ramp up defence amid soaring tensions with Russia
Germany is planning to reintroduce compulsory screening for military service for 18-year-old men under plans to ramp up their defence, a defence ministry source said. Conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz has made boosting Germany's threadbare military a key priority amid a growing threat from Russia and US President Donald Trump 's questioning of the traditional American security umbrella for Europe. The drive aims to attract volunteers to the armed forces, but includes provisions for compulsory service in case numbers fall short. As part of planned legislation due to be presented to cabinet next month, all young German men would have to fill out a questionnaire about their readiness and willingness to serve in the military. The questionnaire would be voluntary for young women. From 2028, all 18-year-old men would be required to undergo screening to determine their fitness for military service, whether they have shown an interest in joining the armed forces or not. The planned law would also provide for compulsory military service to be reintroduced if deemed necessary because of the security situation, and provided parliament gives its explicit approval. Conscription was officially suspended in Germany in 2011 under then chancellor Angela Merkel. The policy has been introduced amid a growing threat from Russia and Vladimir Putin Merz has introduced sweeping plans to largely exempt defence spending from Germany's strict debt rules in a drive to build up 'the strongest conventional army in Europe'. But the Bundeswehr, currently 180,000-strong plus 49,000 reservists, has been struggling to recruit. This year the defence ministry expects 15,000 new recruits for military service, 5,000 more than last year. The eventual aim is to have a total military strength of 460,000 - made up of 260,000 active soldiers and 200,000 reservists. For the moment the government says it plans to rely on volunteers to build up the ranks, and hopes for 40,000 new recruits per year by 2031. It also wants to make military service more attractive, for example by offering training in new technologies and language courses. Sweden reintroduced a limited form of conscription in 2017, seven years after abandoning it.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
With great sadness and deep gratitude for a life well-lived,
Jul. 23—With great sadness and deep gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Joe Orlando Torres, age 90, on July 16, 2025, at his home in Socorro, NM. He was surrounded by the love and prayers of his family as he was called home to be with the Lord. Joe was born August 30,1934 in Socorro, NM to Vicente and Anna Maria Torres. He was a man of faith, love, and service-devoted to his family, proud of his heritage, and guided by strong values that never wavered. He served his country with honor through 6 years in the Army National Guard, including 2 years of active duty in the US Army. After his military service he dedicated 32 years of hard work as an Optics Technician at White Sands Missile Range. Joe had a heart full of life and a soul anchored in joy. He found God's presence in the simple pleasures: the stillness of a fishing trip, the joy of hunting and camping, the rhythm of music as he played his accordion or harmonica, and the laughter shared during a game of bowling. He tended the land with care and cherished the beauty of God's creation through farming. Joe will be remembered for his generosity, unwavering kindness, and the way he made everyone feel welcome. He was a jokester and a dancer, but above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He poured love into his family and built a legacy of warmth, faith, and laughter that will live on through generations. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Rosalie Torres; daughters Darlene Torres, Connie (Daniel) Gallegos: seven grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren; and his siblings Eddie Torres, Vincent Torres, and Elaine Valdez, and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He is reunited in eternal peace with his parents Vicente and Anna Maria, his beloved son Joseph "Seppie" Torres, and his siblings Lucas, Felix, Leopoldo, Tommy, Kate, Virginia, Rita, and Mary. As we grieve his passing, we take comfort in knowing he has entered the gates of Heaven, welcomed by those who went before him. His faith, laughter, and love will continue to guide us. Services for Joe will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the San Miguel Church. A visitation will take place at 9:00 am followed by the rosary at 9:30 am. Mass will then be held at 10:00 am. Inurnment will take place immediately following the services at the San Miguel Cemetery. All are welcome to join in prayer and remembrance. "Well done, good and faithful into the joy of your Lord."-Matthew 25:21 Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at Solve the daily Crossword
Bloomberg
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Netanyahu's Coalition Loses Majority on Military-Draft Feud
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition has lost its ruling majority after a second ultra-Orthodox party quit over a bill watering down a decades-long religious exemption from military service. Shas — one of two Jewish orthodox parties thought to be the premier's closest political allies — said late Wednesday its 11 members will resign from the government, leaving Netanyahu wielding just 50 seats in parliament — short of a minimum 61-seat majority.
Al Jazeera
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Israeli Ultra-Orthodox party quits government as Netanyahu loses majority
A key partner in Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition says it is quitting, leaving the Israeli prime minister with a minority in parliament. The Ultra-Orthodox Shas party said on Wednesday that it was leaving the government in response to a long-running dispute over mandatory military service, Israeli media reported. Another ultra-Orthodox party resigned from the government earlier this week. Leading a minority government would make governing a challenge for Netanyahu. But Shas said it wouldn't work to undermine the coalition once outside it and could vote with it on some laws. It also wouldn't support its collapse. More to come…
Bloomberg
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Netanyahu's Coalition Loses Majority on Feud Over Military Draft
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition has lost its ruling majority after a second ultra-Orthodox party quit the government over a bill watering down a decades-long religious exemption from military service. Shas — one of two Jewish orthodox parties thought to be the premier's closest political allies — said late Wednesday its 11 members will resign the government, leaving Netanyahu wielding just 50 seats in parliament — short of a minimum 61-seat majority.
