Changing Gears for a Noble Cause: Dynamic Professionals Join the Bundeswehr Reserve Officer Career Path
By Doris Schneyink | Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
Jennifer Schwoerer, 48, Doctor: "It's Time to Get Involved"
New recruit in Bundeswehr expresses motivation: "Felt the urge to take action" - Urge to carry out an action arose
In 2023, Jennifer Schwoerer had a life-changing experience. Her brother invited her to a security policy event at the Bundeswehr Leadership Academy in Hamburg. After hearing the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Eberhard Zorn, discuss the Russian aggression against Ukraine and its impact on Europe, she realized that the world was no longer as peaceful as she had believed.
Feeling the urge to do something, Schwoerer started exploring her options. As a doctor, she felt she could contribute to the protection of those defending her country. Through discussions with various military personnel, from soldiers to generals, and with international officers who had lived through war, she discovered that lateral entry into the Bundeswehr's reserve officer career path was possible.
After submitting her application and a lengthy wait of over a year, Schwoerer was provisionally assigned. Despite some skepticism, her commander supported her, recognizing her determination. Now, she has worked several weeks as a reserve senior field doctor at the military hospital, using her anesthesiology skills to help wounded soldiers.
"Engaging in Society is Essential"
Schwoerer's children are nine and twelve years old, and they support her initiative. She sees volunteering as crucial for their development, pointing out that activities like walking dogs for the animal shelter or joining the Technical Relief Agency as great examples. Those who only plan their next vacation and paint their nails, she contends, are outdated.
Achim, 52, IT Specialist: "Choosing Civilian Service over Military Service"
Growing up with the constant threat of nuclear weapons, Achim chose civil service over military service on conscientious grounds. After working for over 15 months at a Cologne clinic caring for dialysis patients, he felt that he had made a valuable contribution to society.
As a father of two children, the attack on Ukraine made him question his position. Seeking ways to protect his family, he decided to join the Bundeswehr's reserves through homeland security training, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure like power, water, and food supply.
"A Desire to Contribute to Society"
Tim Boch, 36, Key Account Manager at a logistics company: "A Proud German Citizen"
Four years ago, Tim Boch decided he wanted to give back to society. Impressed by the freedom and opportunities he's had in Germany, he applied for reserve officer training in the navy and was accepted after a series of tests and an interview. Despite the challenges, he found the experience both strenuous and fun.
As a non-combatant, Tim will replace sailors in staff positions when they are needed elsewhere. He is confident that his skills in maritime logistics can contribute to the Bundeswehr's missions such as securing trade routes and protecting humanitarian aid shipments.
Lateral Entry into the Reserve Officer Career Path in the German Bundeswehr
Lateral entry into the Reserve Officer Career Path allows civilians with relevant skills and experience to join the military at the officer level without traditional initial military training. This path is valuable for individuals seeking professional growth and an opportunity to contribute to national defense.
Requirements for lateral entry typically include education, qualifications, age, physical fitness, and security clearance. The application process involves submitting an application, assessments, evaluations, medical examination, and training.
Benefits of participating in the Reserve Officer Career Path include professional development, leadership roles, a sense of service, career flexibility, and networking opportunities.Between basic officer training, specialized training, and career advancement opportunities, Reserve Officers can develop valuable skills and contribute to the country's security while maintaining a civilian career.
- To complement her efforts in helping the community, Jennifer Schwoerer encourages her children to participate in volunteer activities, such as walking dogs for the animal shelter or joining the Technical Relief Agency, setting an example of essential societal engagement.
- Despite his earlier choice of civil service over military service, the Russian aggression towards Ukraine prompted Achim to consider joining the Bundeswehr's reserves, focusing on securing critical infrastructure like power, water, and food supply through homeland security training.
- Tim Boch, a key account manager at a logistics company, found the experience of training as a reserve officer in the navy both strenuous and enjoyable, and looks forward to replacing sailors in staff positions when needed, utilizing his maritime logistics skills to contribute to the Bundeswehr's missions, such as securing trade routes and protecting humanitarian aid shipments.
