Bundeswehr and sexual violence | Sexualized violence in the Bundeswehr: Toxic system

Women in particular are courted with big words. They are completely inadequately protected in the troops from sexualized attacks. Photo: Imago/Bihlmayerfotografie Zero tolerance blabla, strengthening inner leadership blablabla. Defense ministers, military commissioners and inspectors general made such statements every time revelations about violence, sexual harassment and brutal humiliation rituals among “comrades” shook the republic. After the first unreported study revealed the true extent of such crimes, Boris Pistorius also did his duty and announced the implementation of an action plan. The stated goal: to make the Bundeswehr a place where all soldiers can feel safe or at least expect support if they have suffered attacks.

But not much will happen beyond lip service. Because the armed forces are a system that is based on hierarchy and therefore large internal power imbalances - because its purpose is to exercise violence against real or perceived external enemies. Such a system will continue to attract people who abuse their position and delight in humiliating subordinates. And it promotes esprit de corps and ducking under the guise of the “comradeship” glorified in self-promotion.

Given that three quarters of female soldiers and one third of male soldiers experience verbal abuse and that two percent of all military personnel, both men and women, suffer real violence, it is irresponsible of the government, according to bourgeois-democratic principles, not to shelve the plan for compulsory military service. It speaks volumes that, according to the study, most of those affected do not report it because they do not trust the relevant system, because they find the following procedure to be too much of a burden and because superiors and "comrades" put pressure on them to leave it alone. It is equally revealing that, according to Minister Pistorius, "quite a few voices" advised against the investigation in order to protect the reputation of the troops, which is more important to them than the health of the soldiers.

Those who are particularly at risk in the military system are those who enlist in service for noble motives such as the desire to "give something back to society" or to protect "democracy" and "our freedom." Anyone who insists on adhering to democratic principles and respect or even reports misconduct must expect “educational measures”. In this respect, these young people in particular should be warned against the troops. And also those who, because they trivialize themselves with YouTube and social media clips, are hoping for an entertaining job with great income and a feeling of adventure.

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