Armed counterfeit cartridges disguised as ordinary ones, handed out to soldiers in the eastern region of Pomerania, causing confusion and potential danger.
The Panzergrenadier Battalion 411 recently held its annual open house event at the Cuirassier Barracks in Viereck, offering the public a unique insight into the unit's activities, equipment, and daily life. This event, designed to promote transparency and strengthen the relationship between the military and the local community, is a regular occasion for public engagement and community outreach.
Thousands of visitors attended the event, with more than 3000 counted at the entrance in the morning. The day was filled with various stations for exploration, including the command post, military intelligence, and planning stations, as well as a captivating weapons display featuring the G36 rifle, a grenade launcher, the MG3 machine gun, the Panzerfaust 3, and various drones. The equipment, tents, and soldiers' gear were also on display for visitors to see.
The third company of the Panzergrenadiers showcased their combat capabilities in two dynamic demonstrations, simulating a combat scenario in the fictional town of "Griesch-Endland Viereck" under attack by enemy forces. Visitors could ride in the "Marder 1A3" armored personnel carrier and other vehicles, gaining a firsthand experience of the military's machinery.
In addition to the Bundeswehr, several other organisations were present, including the voluntary fire brigade from Viereck and Pasewalk, the Technical Relief Agency Pasewalk, the Police Inspectorate Anklam, the Federal Police, and the State Forest Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
The day was not just about military demonstrations. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about field life, including water procurement and fireplace construction, and free drinking water was provided to combat the summer heat. Food vouchers for traditional pea soup were available at the entrance.
However, not everyone was pleased with the event. A former Pasewalk city councilor, Uwe Joachim, criticized the Open Day for being staged as a family festival while wars destroy families, citing the current situation in Ukraine.
Despite this, the Open Day proved to be a successful event, providing a valuable opportunity for the public to engage with the military and gain a better understanding of the battalion's work and training. It was the first time since 2017 that the barracks had opened its gates to visitors. The Panzergrenadier Battalion 411's open house events are a testament to their commitment to transparency and community engagement.
The sports equipment display, featuring various drones and the G36 rifle, attracted many visitors to explore the military's technology in action. On that day, one could even ride in the "Marder 1A3" armored personnel carrier, getting a firsthand experience of the military's sports-like agility on wheels.
