Was Germany's new service program voluntary?

Was the German service program mandatory rather than voluntary?

It is described as voluntary and aimed at expanding the reserve, while details of the older conscription system remain uncertain.

A participant asks whether the program is mandatory or voluntary. It is identified as voluntary, with uncertainty about when Germany's previous conscription arrangements ended. Alex then reads a parliamentary division of 323 to 272 and interprets the scheme as aimed at expanding reserves, mentioning exemptions. A parliamentary division does not itself measure public support, and the uncertain historical date is not settled in the exchange.