Traditional military drills clash with modern concerns in the German armed forces.
Date: May 30, 2025, 10:18 AM
Germany's army, the Bundeswehr, is undergoing significant changes, focusing on enhancing its capabilities in response to the ongoing geopolitical tensions. A team from "Westpol" was granted exclusive access to the lives of young soldiers, offering insights into their daily routines and their views on service during these challenging times.
By Mathea Schulke
Corporal Joel, aged 31 and hailing from Paderborn, has spent ten years as a conscript soldier with the Bundeswehr. His decision to join stems from a long-held commitment to combat terrorism. He shares his personal history, having served two deployments in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan Deployment
Sergeant Dennis, 34, from Bad Honnef, also served in Afghanistan in 2021. This experience, he explained, was far removed from mere training exercises. The memory of conducting a patrol and returning safely still resonates with him. For Dennis, realistic deployments demand confronting the reality of death. Tragically, the pair lost a comrade in Afghanistan. They try to keep those painful memories at bay, Dennis admits.
Simulated Combat Exercise
In a three-day exercise in the woods near the General Field Marshal Rommel Barracks in Augustdorf, the tank grenadiers of Battalion 212 simulated an enemy attack. The drills included alarms, fire commands, machine gun salvos, smoke grenades, and post-mortem searches of the "enemy's" equipment. Each scenario was analyzed for mistakes before the next mission began.
The question lingers: Can the real thing truly be rehearsed? Joel concedes it's challenging, suggesting that personal debriefings would be pivotal in the processing of difficult moments.
The Changing Landscape of European Warfare
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has transformed perceptions of the Bundeswehr. Dennis knows Ukrainian colleagues who are currently deployed and sharing their harrowing experiences. They describe fighting in densely populated areas and the persistent danger posed by drones. Battalion Commander Sven Scharnitzki acknowledges a shift in responsibilities and resources for his soldiers. Funds from the €100 billion earmarked for special Bundeswehr support have started to arrive in Augustdorf, enabling the renewal of outdated tank grenadier equipment and the provision of modern protective vests.
Recruitment Challenges
Despite the increased resources, recruitment remains a significant obstacle, with the Bundeswehr aiming to expand to approximately 204,000 soldiers. This goal has yet to be met, prompting the focus on attracting motivated young people to serve voluntarily. Some drop out of basic training due to the rigorous physical demands and mental strain. The commander refrains from commenting on the possibility of reinstating conscription, acknowledging its political sensitivity.
Life in the Barracks
Politics and personal matters are left behind once the soldiers step into their shared rooms. Furnished with bunk beds and scant storage space, the barracks foster discipline and camaraderie. Disturbances, mainly due to snoring, are rarely major problems.
A Desire for Appreciation
The soldiers understand that they must make sacrifices for their country, but they hope for a reduction in material shortages, particularly when it comes to equipment for Puma armored vehicles. The lack of suitable vehicles has resulted in some exercises being conducted without real tanks.
In a quiet moment by the campfire, the soldiers reflect on their risks and the fragility of peace. Dennis accepts the likely price they may pay in physical and mental well-being, but he and Joel maintain their readiness for future service.
For further insights on the future of the Bundeswehr, read our articles on "Future of the Bundeswehr: What the parties demand and experts say," "What does defense capability cost? - Stefan Bayer," "Do we need conscription?" and "Conscription for women: Arguments for and against."
Our team will follow this topic further: Tune in on June 1, 2025, at 19:30, for an in-depth discussion.
Editorial note: The soldiers' last names are not included for security reasons.
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- Germany's focus on enhancing the Bundeswehr's capabilities extends beyond geopolitical tensions to encompass education in mental health, as the soldiers grapple with the challenges and traumas of war-and-conflicts, particularly seen in Dennis' experiences in Afghanistan.
- In light of the evolving landscape of European warfare, the importance of health-and-wellness, both physical and mental, within the Bundeswehr becomes increasingly crucial, as evidenced by the soldiers' personal struggles and the need for modern protective vests.
- Amidst these changes, the role of politics in shaping the future of the Bundeswehr also comes under scrutiny, as the recruitment challenges demonstrate the need for policy decisions that address the political sensitivity surrounding conscription and the desire for better resources and equipment.
