New Recruits Take the Oath in Ploen Amidst Growing Challenges
"Let's unite and protect our nation!"
The swearing-in ceremony on June 12 in Ploen was a solemn affair, as 57 new recruits promised to commit themselves to their new roles. The historic castle grounds echoed with the serious and reflective tones of the event. Invited guests, relatives of the young soldiers, and other attendees joined in the proceedings co-organized by the Marinemusikkorps Kiel.
Starting a career with such a symbolic act is a unique experience, more so in today's world of ongoing crises. Captain at Sea Edgar Behrends, the commander of the Marine Non-Commissioned Officers' School Ploen, highlighted the need for the Bundeswehr to invest more in freedom. The current set of challenges and global political changes have significant implications for the training of the next generation.
Behrends took the opportunity to express his deep respect for the recruits as they embarked on their military journeys. The responsibilities that come with becoming a soldier are not to be taken lightly, especially given the precarious global situation. Behrends spoke candidly about the security-related events that have been happening since Vladimir Putin's attack on Ukraine three years ago. He labeled the conflict a "criminal war of aggression" and predicted the potential loss of a good friend.
In addition, Behrends alluded to sabotage and disruptions within the Bundeswehr, pointing out specific instances and emphasizing the importance of military training in light of growing military tasks. The new recruits, he stressed, must be ready to face mental and physical challenges that exceed those faced by previous generations.
Mayor Mira Radünzel-Schneider shared a similar perspective. She acknowledged the difficult world situation that the recruits would confront, which may require them to be deployed far from home. Despite the challenges, she expressed her belief that, with courage and determination, the new soldiers would overcome any obstacle.
The oath taken by the recruits symbolizes more than just a duty to their country. It represents a commitment to the values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Mayor Radünzel-Schneider emphasized that these values would bind the recruits together, even in the most challenging circumstances.
After eleven weeks of basic training, the recruits had traversed unfamiliar physical and mental territories. Julian Marks addressed them at this juncture, reminding them that the hardships they endured would be followed by a sense of camaraderie. The oath, he said, would serve as the foundation of this newfound bond among the recruits, guiding them throughout their military careers.
In the current climate of hybrid threats, the Bundeswehr faces challenges in the form of sabotage, disinformation, and cyberattacks. As Captain Behrends hinted, the Bundeswehr is vigilantly addressing these matters, working closely with various federal agencies and intelligence services to improve resilience and implement better defense measures. The emergence of artificial intelligence and the manipulation of public opinion through digital media necessitate advanced cybersecurity measures, counter-disinformation campaigns, and a stronger digital information environment - all crucial elements in maintaining overall national security.
Together, the recruits and the Bundeswehr are now standing guard, ready to protect their country and its values. The oath and pledge they took will undoubtedly serve as a source of strength and support throughout each soldier's military career, bolstering their resolve to face any challenge that comes their way.
Amidst the ongoing global political changes and crises, including the war-and-conflicts like the one in Ukraine, Captain Behrends emphasized the need for the Bundeswehr to focus more on freedom and democracy for the training of the next generation of soldiers.
The oath taken by the new recruits represents not only a commitment to their country but also to the general-news values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, which will bind them together in the most challenging circumstances during their military careers.
