Enlistment period restrictions for the German military in the Treaty of Versailles

Part V of the Treaty of Versailles not only imposed restrictions on the number of personnel allowed in their respective positions, but also defined minimum service periods, and who was eligible to serve and receive military training. Service in the German military was now completely voluntary, and any form of compulsory service or conscription was to be abolished under Articles 173 and 194 of the treaty. The Great Germany General Staff was abolished, and no previously-serving Generals were allowed to serve in any capacity. For those officers who remained in service, they had to serve until the age of at least 45, while any officer who stepped down was forbidden from re-enlisting again, and was forbidden from receiving any further military training. For newly enlisted officers in the military, the minimum period of enlistment was 25 years, while the minimum period for all non-officers was just twelve years. In addition to these specifications, it was also made clear that non-military government employees (such as police officers) or merchant sailors were forbidden from ever receiving military training.