News from our German Member DBwV                                                          

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Parliamentary evening: Defence Minister Pistorius emphasises constructive and trusting cooperation with the DBwV

The German Armed Forces Association once again hosted its annual Parliamentary Evening at the Berlin Museum of Communication. Federal Chairman Colonel André Wüstner was once again able to welcome Defence Minister Boris Pistorius to the high-calibre event. The evening proved once again how extraordinarily important the DBwV is, especially in these times of war and crisis.

The guest list alone proves the charisma of the German Armed Forces Association: no one can avoid it when it comes to the people of the Bundeswehr and thus the foundation of German security policy. This was also the case on this parliamentary evening. The Inspector General, General Carsten Breuer, will be present, as will his deputy, Lieutenant General Markus Laubenthal. The inspectors Lieutenant General Alfons Mais (Army), Vice Admiral Dr Thomas Daum (CIR), Lieutenant General Martin Schelleis (SKB) and Surgeon General Dr Ulrich Baumgärtner (Medical Service) have also accepted the invitation.

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Association Congress 2024 – determining the position in difficult times

On 13 and 14 March, the top mandate holders of the German Armed Forces Association met for the 2024 Association Day in Berlin. The motto: Strong together. In addition to all kinds of association organisational topics, the agenda also included a “Positioning of the association conference on extremism and anti-democracy”.

The Association Congress is the highest body of the DBwV after the Annual General Meeting. It takes place at least once between the major meetings. Its purpose: to determine where we stand, to reassure ourselves – and of course to discuss. Always in line with the association’s good practice: with an open mind, clear on the matter – but always in a comradely manner.

 

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Defence report 2023: Still too little of everything

Personnel, material and infrastructure continue to be perennial issues – this is the conclusion of the 2023 Defence Report presented by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces Eva Högl on Tuesday. The problems are known, the progress compared to the previous year is manageable.

The three perennial issues of personnel, material and infrastructure are hardly surprising, according to the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces Eva Högl (SPD) in the 2023 Defence Report: “The force is ageing and shrinking. […] There is a lack of material from large equipment to spare parts.” The material shortages have become even worse as a result of the transfers to Ukraine.

“Unfortunately, I have to say: There is still too little of everything,” explains Högl. There is still a lack of ammunition, radio equipment, ships, tanks and aeroplanes.

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“We will introduce a veterans’ day”

It is entirely appropriate to speak of a “Veterans’ Week”: Today sees the start of the first German Veterans’ Congress in Berlin – initiated by the German Armed Forces Association. Yesterday evening, politicians from the governing coalition and the CDU/CSU parties discussed very specific topics with veterans, their families and experts – such as Veterans’ Day or ways to better recognise and appreciate veterans.

“Veterans’ Day can help to further raise awareness in society for the service of soldiers,” said former Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces Hans-Peter Bartels at the start of the discussion in the Jakob-Kaiser-Haus of the Bundestag. Bartels also referred to current surveys which show that the Bundeswehr has the support of the population – a Veterans’ Day should therefore also meet with broad acceptance.

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Board of DBwV visits Lithuania

The Federal Executive Board travelled to Lithuania for a week to gain its own impression of the challenges involved in setting up the new Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania. The challenges exist in terms of personnel, material and infrastructure. The brigade’s future location is still a sandy wasteland.

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European Election comes nearer!

The German Association will have several pages in their magazine about the European election and what programs are there. This is a further step to raise awareness towards the 9^th of June when Germany will vote. After online articles and other information there is no chance that a member of the DBwV does not know about the election.

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Delegates at 129. General Assembly of EUROMIL and embassy

The German delegates participated in the 129. General Assembly in Lisbon. Before the Freedom Day they visited the German embassy in Lisbon and talked to the military attaché. There was a good conversation, and every side wants to keep the contact.