Army Inspector Christian Freuding is still urging women to enlist in the Bundeswehr. “I am firmly convinced that the qualifications and talents of young women are needed in the armed forces” he told the ARD “Hauptstadtstudio” when asked whether he would presently recommend women to join. “The manner in which the Bundeswehr treats the allegations against some paratroopers should demonstrate that every member of the forces is protected”.
Freuding made clear that there is zero tolerance for the accusations raised against the paratroopers. “None of the allegations you mentioned are, in any way, tolerable for us in the army” he said. Eleven soldiers have already been dismissed, and further disciplinary and criminal proceedings are ongoing.
He also called for a reduction in the number of units. “We currently have a regiment of about 1,800 men and women spread over eleven companies at different locations. Any organizational scientist will tell you that managing eleven sub‑units is almost impossible, and we are scrutinizing that closely” Freuding explained.
Looking ahead to NATO personnel requirements, Freuding announced reforms. “We will adjust our army structures to align with NATO’s defense plans, and in doing so we will also integrate what we call infantry-skirmish troops, mountain infantry, and paratrooper units-into this task analysis”.
