Changing times and upheavals

After two years Covid-related break, the major debate and networking conference of the Marine under the motto "Changing times and upheavals - 175 years of German Marines" took place for the 62nd time.

The commander of the fleet has been inviting people to the "HiTaTa" for over 65 years. Vice Admiral Frank Lenski was able to lead the 62nd for the first time and "bring it out of quarantine", as he put it. Around 550 participants travelled to Linstow. Naval officers have been meeting at the conference resort there for years. This conference, which is shrouded in myth, serves as a forum for exchanging professional opinions and networking. The HiTaTa is an old naval tradition that cannot be copied. Anyone who is not a naval officer or does not belong to the naval associations and supporters must remain outside. The press is also not permitted, after all, people speak their minds here, regardless of rank, age or position. The conference has certain rules that are not necessarily obvious to outsiders, but these include the fact that this is not a scientific congress, that decorum must be maintained and that humour is not prohibited. The HiTaTa also stipulates that while the speakers are to be given thunderous applause, the superiors are not to be applauded. Traditions, after all.

As guest of honour, Minister of State Tobias Lindner from the Federal Foreign Office thanked the naval personnel for their "important service". He emphasised the increased importance of the northern flank for the security of Germany and its partners as a result of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. The turning point that has occurred requires a change in mindset in politics and the armed forces. Tobias Lindner, who admitted that he had worn a different uniform, also emphasised the importance of the navy for the diplomatic service. Ship visits in particular are very welcome.

The Inspector of the Navy, Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, also spoke at the beginning. This was new, as the inspector - the host's superior - normally speaks at the end of the conference and sets out his intentions for the year. He focused on the tasks that have arisen for the Navy over the past year: since 24 February, the day of Russia's attack on Ukraine, and 26 September with the attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines. As a positive outlook, he particularly emphasised the improvement in the availability of naval units and spare parts. This will be further increased by the new Warnow Werft naval arsenal opened in Rostock on 11 January. Looking ahead, the biggest challenge for the navy over the next three years will be recruiting and retaining personnel.

However, the core of the HiTaTa is always the presentations, usually given by younger officers.

Lieutenant-Captain Joachim Mrnka from Naval Air Wing 5 dealt with naval armaments that are in line with the war picture and therefore appropriate to the threat. Lieutenant Captain Annika Klußmann-Bahnemann from the BAIUDBw (Federal Office of Infrastructure, Environmental Protection and Services of the German Armed Forces) focussed on the connection and interaction between the development of tactics and technical innovation.

Oberleutnant zur See Simon Baumgärtner from the Naval Operations School posed the question of the extent to which past naval battles and wars can be used as a basis for military action in the present and future. First Lieutenant Louise Kalz from the frigate "Hessen" presented past and current problems of personnel recruitment and retention. Lieutenant Captain Kai Stehrenberg, also from the Naval Operations School, discussed the constants and breaks in dealing with tradition since the founding of the first German navy by the Paulskirchen parliament 175 years ago.

In his closing remarks, Vice Admiral Lenski thanked the speakers for their presentations and the audience for the lively discussions. The human leadership practised in today's navy is the best tradition you can have, he said.

Read the detailed report on HiTaTa in issue 3 of Marineforum!