Swearing in and ceremonial pledge on the harbour island in Stralsund

In addition to a speech by Lord Mayor Dr Alexander Badrow, Klaus Jürgen Strupp, President of the Rostock Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), addressed the recruits and their families with moving words. He emphasised the importance of commitment and responsibility for the common good.

Traditionally, the parent with the longest journey was honoured. In this case, the mother of a recruit travelled 4,887 kilometres to attend her son's swearing-in ceremony. Another highlight was the presentation of a commemorative stone, which represents the recruits who completed their basic training. This stone is embedded in the pathways of the basic training buildings as a "stone of remembrance" - a firmly established tradition at the MTS.

Musical accompaniment was provided by the Neubrandenburg Army Music Corps under the direction of First Lieutenant Jouri Kitagawa. The ceremonial event, which was crowned with the national anthem, ended with a closing speech by the deputy commander of the naval technical school in Parow.

Text & Photos: Daniel Angres