Once a year, the Bundeswehr opens their doors – and everyone can come to the army for one day. I once spent one day in the Polish army, so I was curious about what it looks like in German. I found that the comparison may be interesting – after all, both armies claim to be the strongest in the EU.
The Bundeswehr Day is actually a series of events that take place throughout the country. Every year, the command chooses several army units that organize great events, inviting everyone willing to themselves. I went to such an event to Neubrandenburg in the north of the country.
The atmosphere was very picnic
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Mateusz Madejski / Business Insider
German Bundeswehr day. The first shock came very quickly
After a quick control by the soldiers, I went out to the huge square – a large inflatable for children began to set up, beer booths opened and sausages, Shakiry hits from the speakers. I began to wonder if I was wrong to enter – and whether I accidentally found a picnic.
Those willing could ride an armored vehicle
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Mateusz Madejski / Business Insider
It quickly turned out that this was not a mistake – and next to booths with beer and sausages are spaced, transporters or helicopters. For example, everyone willing could enter the pride of the German army – the Leopard 2 tank – and see for themselves how cramped this great machine is inside. You could also sit at the helm of the helicopter or admire the lightweight Bundeswehr carts. Those willing could ride the training ground with an armored transporter or walk through a dark magazine with a night vision. And the children could try their hand as little sappers – looking for a dummy min in a special “sandbox”.
There were also spectacular shows – Eurofighter fighters flew over the sky, and military mechanics showed how the engine was removed from the armored transporter. Interestingly, there were few unmanned systems – guests could see just a few drones. Considering how popular such systems are on the modern battlefield, it was at least surprising.
It was difficult not to feel the picnic atmosphere. Guests admired heavy equipment with beer in their hands, the children had fun in the inflatables. – Only whether it really is to be the most powerful European army, which takes into account that it may face the Russians in the near future – such questions I asked myself in my mind.
The rest of the article is under video material
A day in the German army. The contrast could not be clearer
I remembered my day in the Polish army. It was an adventure, but certainly not in a “picnic” style. At that time, the military taught willing how to use weapons, how to throw grenades, how to apply a gas mask – or how to navigate the terrain with a topographic map. The goal of the Polish day with the army – which the organizers did not hide – was that the civilian would learn a little how soldiers function – and what could be useful during a crisis. It is known that during the day no one will become a soldier. However, learning to apply a gas mask or remembering the rules of resuscitation are things that will be useful to every citizen.
The contrast between the day in the Polish army and between the day in the Bundeswehra could not be clearer. In Polish barracks I really had the feeling that I spent a day in Kamaszy – and that I learned something. In the German army, however, I just spent a nice day in a picnic atmosphere – but should it really be here?
I talked about it with one of the dozens of German soldiers who dealt with the guests of the Bundeswehr Day. I said that on such a day in Poland you can learn to throw a navy blue – and here rather guests think about sausages and taking a selfie against Leopard. “But it's not about throwing a grenade at all,” he said.
Those willing stand in line to enter the Leopard tank
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Mateusz Madejski / Business Insider
And he began to tell that on this day the Bundeswehr simply shows people what he is and build a “positive mood” around him. My interlocutor added that this is currently very much needed for many reasons. If only because young people do not go to the army – and it is difficult to build a powerful army when you do not have candidates for soldiers. But also – as the soldier added – the Bundeswehr did not associate the Germans best. Over the years, the pacifist society did not take military threats seriously – and the maintenance of the army by many Germans was considered senseless. There were also scandals related to soldiers who belonged to the far -right organizations in recent years.
“So we want to show what we really are,” the soldier smiled. “But throwing grenades on the Bundeswehr day?” It is probably not ready for this yet He added quickly.
See also: War in Iran. This weapon played the first violin [GALERIA]
Queue under the beer booth
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Mateusz Madejski / Business Insider
Military equipment show
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Mateusz Madejski / Business Insider
Everyone could see armored cars up close
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Mateusz Madejski / Business Insider
Author: Mateusz Madejski, Business Insider Polska journalist
