Category: Security policy

We have carefully read the article on the 59th Naval Historical-Tactical Conference in the current issue of MarineForum. We were particularly interested in the reference to the presentation "Cross-shots - lateral thinking - change of course: Jimmy Mann's Sylt Fleet": "Vice Admiral Hans-Joachim Mann made a decisive change of course in 1991 at the beginning of his appointment as eighth inspector of the navy, which became known as the "Sylt Fleet". This came at a time of disorientation in defence policy and Admiral Mann was often accused of being 'too quick'. ... This led to lively discussions among conference participants from the first ranks who were involved in these events as contemporary witnesses or had experienced them." Let's first ask what the "You're too fast" was referring to: To the inability of an entrenched apparatus to change course or to a lack of intellectual foresight on the part of fellow campaigners? We prick up our ears when the argument is made that nothing should be put on the table in advance without promises. It is also true that those who do not change will be changed! As always, it is a question of moderation and balance. You have to recognise the signs of the times early on. Today, the main drivers of change are demographics and technology (artificial intelligence/autonomous systems/cyber). How many marines will still be at sea in the future? All in all, we are more likely to be on the side of uncomfortable lateral thinkers than of streamlined lords of the sea. And this Bundeswehr currently benefits from constructive lateral thinking...