Academic Year 1967-1968, Unit 3: Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Germany Page: 13
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ARMED FORCES OF THE FE
e of any indicationof objectionable military or
vilian behavior.The applicant must have dem-
onstrated his capacity to adjust to life after the
war by his efforts to make an honest living aid.
to integrate himself into the civilian community.'
The Draft Law. In a nation where the em-
ployment rate is so high that a serious manpower
shortage exists, filling the ranks of the armed
forces with volunteers from the eligible 18-45
year-olds, is not an easy matter, even with all
the inducements of greater democratization and
educational advantages. In December 1956, the
German parliament enacted a draft law applying
to men aged 20 who were otherwise qualified.
The draft law provided for a 12-month period of
service. This was later extended to 18 months.
Slightly less than half of the West Germans now
on active duty are draftees.
The minimum training period for inductees in
the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic is
the three months spent in basic training. The ad-
ditional technical training, so necessary for mod-
ern armed forces, further subtracts from the
draftee's productive service time, and places an
increased burden on training personnel and fa-
cilities. The West German Government rec-
ognized that it would be much more economic if
these young men could be prevailed upon to
volunteer for even the minimum enlistment pe-
riod of two years. One of the inducements the
government adopted to encourage this choice, is
the difference in pay between draftees and vol-
unteers. Currently, the draftee receives $16 a
month, but the volunteer receives $78 per month,
from which he is required to pay $20 for meals
and laundry. At the end of his 24 month period
of enlistment, the volunteer receives $400 in
mustering-out pay.
The Soldiers Law. Establishing a foundation on
which to build the new army required long and
thorough planning. The new Federal Republic
had to do considerable wrestling with the prob-
lems of legalizing an army that would meet its
defense needs, yet be free from the undesirable
characteristics of the old Wehrmacht. This was
accomplished by amending the Federal Constitu-
tion to adopt a suitable "Soldier's Law."
A fundamental part of this new "Soldier's
Law" was the tenet that the Bundeswehr must
never be permitted to play a political role, nor be
allowed a privileged status.The army must be the
servant, not the master of the emerging nation.
Where, under the old order, class, race, and fam-
ily position had counted heavily, all this was
changed under the new soldier's law Tow it is
stipulated that "the soldier shall be appointed andDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
employed according to his suitability, qualifica-
tions, and efficiency, irrespective of his descent,
race, faith, religious or political views, territorial
connections, or family background.'
Superiors are strictly enjoined fo concern
themselves with the welfare of their subordinates.
Orders may be given "for service purposes only,
and only with regard to the rules of international
law, the laws of Germany, and the Service regu-
lations." Orders which violate human dignity, or
would constitute a criminal offense if complied
with, are not to be given, or obeyed.
The Soldier's Law also sets up disciplinary
regulations (somewhat similar to the United
States Uniform Code of Military Justice) which
provide for citations of approval as well as pun-
ishments. Possible punishments range from repri-
mand through arrest. Arrests may be imposed
only by commanders of battalions and higher
units. Punitive confinement must be confirmed by
a military court.
A military complaint order guarantees mem-
bers of the West German Armed Forces the right
to appeal to either a military or a civilian court
in cases where they believe they have been
abused or mistreated. In peacetime, the military
courts deal only with disciplinary and complaint
cases. These courts contain two military judges
and one civilian judge. Trials before military
courts are reviewed by the Military Senate of the
Federal Supreme Court.
Each unit of the Bundeswehr is authorized to
elect a soldier's representative from the ranks.
The soldier's representative presents complaints,
suggestions, and proposals to the commander, on
behalf of the members of the unit.
Every effort has been made to divorce the
army from politics. The soldier may not engage
in political activities while on duty. This, how-
ever, does not affect his right to express an opin-
ion, or to vote as he chooses. Superiors are for-
bidden to attempt to influence their subordinates
in political matters.
Training
Officer Training. Young men aspiring to be-
come officers of the Bundeswehr-whether reg-
ular or Zeit (which are "temporary" officers sign-
ing on for from 2 to 12 years) apply to the
Bundeswehr Volunteers Recruiting Command. At
the Officer Candidate Test Center, applicants un-
;,' dergo a fitness examination that includes sports
activity and a personality rating. Applicants for
officer training must have a high school diploma,
or an equivalent educational background, and be
under 25 years of age. This latter qualification
13
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Air University (U.S.). Academic Year 1967-1968, Unit 3: Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Germany, pamphlet, January 1967; Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1010254/m1/17/?q=%22~1~1%22~1: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting National WASP WWII Museum.