Bundeswehr

The Bundeswehr is the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany. It is responsible for national defense, crisis management, and international security cooperation, and it participates in NATO, EU, and United Nations missions. The force operates under the authority of the Federal Ministry of Defence and is subject to parliamentary oversight by the Bundestag.

Organization: The Bundeswehr comprises three branches: the Army (Heer), the Navy (Marine), and the Air Force (Luftwaffe). In addition, the Joint Support Service (Streitkräftebasis) provides logistics and shared support, while the Cyber and Information Space Service (Cyber- und Informationsraum) carries responsibility for cyber defense and information operations. The Bundeswehr also maintains reserve forces and civilian personnel.

Leadership and governance: The force is under civilian control of the Federal Minister of Defence, with strategic direction provided by the Chief of Defence (Generalinspekteur) in coordination with the minister. Although the primary chain of command runs from the ministry to the service branches, multinational deployments often operate under alliance commands.

History and development: The Bundeswehr was established in 1955 during the Cold War as West Germany joined NATO and began rearmament within the alliance. Following German reunification in 1990, units from the former East German armed forces were integrated. Since 2011 conscription has been suspended and recruitment is voluntary, with ongoing modernization efforts to expand capability in rapid reaction, cyber, and special operations.

Activities: German forces participate in international missions and training exercises, support humanitarian and disaster relief, and contribute to alliance and EU operations. The force emphasizes interoperability with partner militaries and adherence to international law.