Following convictions of three former guards battalion soldiers in Berlin for violent sexual initiation rituals, leading figures in politics and the military have addressed the issue of such practices and customs within the armed forces. Reports from the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung indicate that while young conscripts can still expect forms of camaraderie and esprit de corps, clear boundaries must not be crossed.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) stated emphatically in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung: “Violence, extremism and sexism have no place in our Bundeswehr”. He further emphasized the importance of encouraging reporting, asserting, “We want to ensure that as many cases as possible are reported. We take every suspicion seriously, we investigate and act consistently.
Minister Pistorius highlighted the significance of a modernized training program within the new military service. He explained that a comprehensive review is underway, noting, “Essentially, we are turning over every stone. It’s not just about introducing new modules, such as drone training”. The goal is to cultivate confident recruits who are treated with respect from the outset. He underscored the necessity of mutual trust among soldiers, stating, “In every situation. Camaraderie holds the unit together and strengthens readiness.
Conversely, failing to report incidents and breaches of conduct undermines unity. Regulations have been revised and legal frameworks strengthened in recent years “to remove perpetrators from the armed forces faster.
André Wüstner, chairman of the Bundeswehrverband, a union-like organization for soldiers, defended the existence of traditions within military communities while also stressing the importance of boundaries. He stated: “Initiation rituals can be beneficial for spirit and a sense of community. They cross the line when they violate human dignity, physical integrity, laws, or Bundeswehr regulations. If people cross these boundaries, they will rightly be held accountable.
Henning Otte, the parliamentary commissioner for the armed forces, declared in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung: “Practices or so-called rituals that rely on degradation and violence are unacceptable. They cannot have a place in our Bundeswehr and must be prevented by supervisory staff.
The case that prompted these statements involved several older soldiers from the guards battalion who collectively subjected a younger recruit to sexual harassment and humiliation. According to the convicted individuals, the “Zäpfchen-Ritual” (a specific practice) and other initiation exercises were common in their units. Last week, another soldier was convicted of serious bodily harm and failure to provide assistance to his subordinate. Several accomplices remain at large. Currently, the Bundeswehr and prosecutors are investigating potential incidents related to initiation rituals at the Panzergrenadierbataillon in Marienberg.
