Henning Otte, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the German Armed Forces (CDU), has expressed serious concern over a rise in sexism within the Bundeswehr, noting an increasing number of reports concerning violations of sexual self-determination. According to his statement to Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, the military ministry and various commands must take decisive action immediately. He stressed that measures cannot wait until the ‘dark field study,’ initiated by his predecessor, reveals the true figures.
Otte emphasized that sexually aggressive behavior fundamentally contradicts the “core values of internal leadership” and must be consistently punished. He asserts that every single incident is unacceptable. While the Bundeswehr possesses clear rules and operational instruments for military oversight, he insists that it is crucial these rules are practiced and enforced in daily operations.
This heightened focus comes amidst a general mood of concern. Last Monday, General Inspector Carsten Breuer instructed soldiers via a daily order that “disrespectful and hurtful behavior has no place in our ranks.” He himself stated that he is observing the scale of reports on sexual misconduct with great concern.
Breuer confirmed that the Bundeswehr’s Centre for Military History and Social Sciences is currently conducting the dark field study, with initial findings expected this year, though he refused to draw premature conclusions. He reiterated that the volume of reported cases is too high, adding that accountability should not be limited only to the perpetrators. He also warned that “willful turning away or tacit tolerance” must also face consequences.
The number of reported cases of sexism has been climbing for several years. While 430 incidents were registered in 2025, an further increase is anticipated in 2026. This growing issue gained new urgency following the severe scandal involving sexual abuse, right-wing extremism, and drug misuse at the Zweibrücken base in Rhineland-Palatinate. During that scandal, the Bundeswehr initially identified 59 suspects, and by spring, reports indicated that 16 of the 21 individuals applying for dismissal had been processed.
To gain a precise understanding of the extent of both verbal and physical assaults, the dark field study will survey 50,000 military personnel, including all approximately 22,000 female soldiers. It is expected that the results of this survey will be published by Christmas.
