A recent inquiry by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (FAS) into the military Ministry reveals an increasing trend of Bundeswehr soldiers transitioning into the defense industry. Over the period spanning mid-December 2024 to mid-June 2026, 332 cases were documented where a member of the German armed forces reported taking up a new position within a defense company or a relevant industry association. This sharp increase contrasts with the roughly three years preceding this period (October 2021 to December 2024), during which 411 such cases were recorded, though the time frame for the previous period was twice as long.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence told the FAS that this numerical rise is primarily attributed to the retirement of large cohorts of soldiers, combined with a heightened demand for specialized expertise within the military technology sector.
Sebastian Schäfer, a Green Party politician focused on fiscal policy, expressed concern over these transitions. He questioned whether the transferred knowledge is being utilized primarily for the benefit of corporate interests rather than the nation. While he supports the general idea of retired soldiers sharing their knowledge-for instance, through university lectures-he expressed reservations if this knowledge results in further enrichment for companies like Rheinmetall. Schäfer cautioned against naive assumptions, noting that given the significant funding flowing into military modernization, powerful material interests are at play, which may affect the ex-military personnel themselves.
Of the 332 reported cases, 326 involved active soldiers, while six involved Bundeswehr civil servants. Almost all of these individuals began their new roles after retiring from the military. Only eight people requested early discharge. The most common transition path sees soldiers moving from the officer corps into the private sector (214 cases), followed by non-commissioned officers (97 cases), and then enlisted personnel (15 cases).
Experts highlight the high demand for retired generals and admirals due to their unique knowledge and industrial connections. Christian Badia, a former four-star general who was responsible for NATO’s strategic future planning, stressed the necessity of closer cooperation between the military and private industry today. He pointed to the situation in Ukraine, where soldiers maintain constant contact with manufacturer representatives. Badia noted, “Military personnel pass on their experience and provide input on how things can be improved. But ultimately, it is the industry that implements the innovation.”
