The German Armed Forces now need more trainers for the new military service than they have had before. In an internal directive, Inspector‑General Carsten Breuer and State Secretary Nils Hilmer called for “innovative approaches to strengthen training capacity”, the magazine Spiegel reported. The directive stresses that the forces must reliably maintain sufficient training capacity for recruits while keeping the operational readiness of active units intact.
To achieve this, Breuer and Hilmer set out concrete measures. The order calls for the deployment of enlisted personnel in training roles-a change documented in the paper. It also directs the Ministry to increase the involvement of reservists in training new recruits, offering them an inducement bonus that could rise to up to three and a half times their initial salary.
In addition, the directive fundamentally redesigns the twelve‑week basic training programme for the new defence service. Beginning 1 May, all branches will provide a uniform basic course. Previously, the Army, Air Force, and other bodies had tailored this training to their specific needs. The paper says that the homeland‑protective mission will now deliver a common foundation for all soldiers-a measure deemed urgently needed to reinforce the Reserve.
The updated training curriculum introduces several new elements. Already in the first twelve weeks, in addition to standard shooting drills, soldiers will receive basic instruction in drone operations. The lesson plan also incorporates a focus on “individual resilience preparation”; soldiers will be taught how to prepare for a crisis while living in civilian life.
