Large-Scale Inspection Launched After Female Soldiers Report Abuse
Nine Members Discharged for Misconduct
A series of misconduct cases, including sexual harassment, drug use, and Nazi salutes, have been uncovered within Germany’s elite military units, prompting the military authorities to launch a large-scale inspection and investigation.
According to ARD on January 14 (local time), Army Chief Christian Freuding appeared before the Bundestag Defense Committee and reported that, so far, nine members of the 1st Airborne Brigade’s 26th Airborne Regiment have been discharged due to various incidents, with forced discharge proceedings underway for an additional four individuals. The Bundeswehr is investigating 55 cases of military law violations, while prosecutors in Zweibr?cken, where the unit is stationed, are handling 16 criminal cases.
"Sexual Harassment, Misogynistic Remarks Routine... Nazi Salutes Also Exposed"
The misconduct came to light after female soldiers from the unit reported it to the Bundestag in October last year. They testified that sexual harassment and misogynistic remarks were commonplace, and that the Nazi salute-prohibited under criminal law-was used among colleagues as a greeting inside the barracks. It was also reported that in 2023, two soldiers from this unit were convicted for sexually assaulting a fellow female soldier.
The 26th Airborne Regiment was established to defend the Western Front in the latter part of World War II. It is regarded as a top-tier unit, prioritized for overseas missions, including deployment to Afghanistan. The regiment has approximately 1,800 members.
Concerns Over Negative Impact on Troop Expansion
With the rise of right-wing extremism in Germany, related incidents have been increasing within both the military and the police. According to the Ministry of Defense, there were 280 suspected far-right incidents, including Nazi salutes, in the Bundeswehr in 2024, resulting in the forced discharge of 97 individuals.
The government is concerned that such collective misconduct within elite units could negatively affect troop recruitment. The Ministry of Defense has decided to increase the number of active-duty soldiers from the current 183,000 to between 255,000 and 270,000 by 2035. As part of this reform, starting in January this year, the government sent out questionnaires to all 18-year-old men and women to ask about their willingness to serve, thereby changing the conscription system.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized the military leadership, stating, "It is unacceptable that deviations were not immediately detected in the field and that necessary measures were not taken." Thomas R?wekamp, chairman of the Bundestag Defense Committee, pointed out, "Such actions tarnish the honor of soldiers who risk their lives every day and undermine the willingness to serve."
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