The German government has confirmed that it is laying the groundwork for a new form of civilian service, raising fresh questions about the return of compulsory military service. The story emerged on Tuesday after the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs confirmed reports it was examining how a future civilian service scheme could operate. READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about Germany’s new military service lettersWhat exactly is Germany's civilian service? 'Civilian service' was Germany's alternative to compulsory military service. For decades, young men who were called up for military service but objected to serving with weapons could perform civilian service instead.