Category: Security policy

Where are the young savages?

Where are the young savages?

Gepostet von | 21 Mar 2023 | , , | 0

A glance at the HiTaTa auditorium once again suggests that "age before ambition" was a key criterion when compiling the invitation list. But this is hardly the way to initiate innovative and fruitful discussions. I am delighted and inspired by the tangible sense of community in the event room in Linstow. The discussions of those present hang heavy in the air, as they engage heatedly with what they have heard between presentations. The uniformly navy blue-coloured crowd sips from their coffee cups. I feel, as I haven't for a long time, that I am part of We. Even if we don't all have the same opinion...

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Leadership as a tradition

Leadership as a tradition

Gepostet von | 20 Mar 2023 | , , , | 0

After the enforced break due to the coronavirus pandemic, leading figures from the navy came together again for the first time at the Historical Tactical Conference. The fruitful dialogue between young and experienced officers was revived for the 62nd time. It is the German Navy's annual event in January: the Historical-Tactical Conference. But nobody in naval circles calls it that. It is the HiTaTa, which was held at the conference hotel in Linstow for the 62nd time since its premiere in 1957 after a two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Initiated by the then Commander of the Naval Forces, Rear Admiral Rolf Johannesson, in order to learn from history in an open and critical atmosphere, the format has continued to develop....

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A long journey

A long journey

Gepostet von | 17 Mar 2023 | , , , | 0

When Flotilla Admiral Axel Schulz, Commander of Operational Flotilla 2, handed over command of the 4th Frigate Squadron on 19 January, it was not the kind of ceremony we are used to at the Heppenser Groden naval base. Kapitän zur See Dirk Jacobus handed over his four BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG-class ships to Kapitän zur See Matthias Schmitt, thus ending a period in command that, at five and a half years, not only represents a record, but also a turning point in the navy. When Jacobus took over the squadron, the frigate BADEN WÜRTTEMBERG had only been in the water for a year and was returned to the manufacturer in 2017 due to various defects. Jacobus, who was involved with KARLSRUHE, AUGSBURG...

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The renaissance of compulsory military service?

The renaissance of compulsory military service?

Gepostet von | 16 Mar 2023 | , , , | 0

After the end of the Cold War, compulsory military service was seen as an obsolete model. But the new era requires new solutions. Since 24 February 2022, conscription, which was suspended in 2011, has suddenly been on everyone's lips again. At the time, German politicians were unanimous in their view that a defence war in Europe was not to be expected in the foreseeable future. Rather, the main task of the armed forces was to secure peace around the world. Furthermore, with a shrinking armed forces, military justice could only be guaranteed if service was shortened to such an extent that it hardly allowed for any meaningful training. Conscripts no longer appeared to be deployable in modern wars. As a result, it was not only opponents of conscription who...

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Ready for management tasks  

Ready for management tasks  

Gepostet von | 15 Mar 2023 | , , , | 0

The establishment of a maritime command centre is progressing. Deu Marfor is well on the way to achieving full operational capability. Deu Marfor, the German Maritime Forces Staff, is ready. Commissioned on 23 January 2019, the staff is now capable of planning, supporting and leading multinational maritime manoeuvres and operations. The goal of taking on more responsibility within NATO resulted from the security situation following the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014. The interim goals achieved to date and the experience gained show one thing above all: Deu Marfor has proven its planning and leadership capabilities. The Northern Coasts exercise...

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