Welcome to Freyung: Strong together for new soldiers!

Welcome to Freyung: Strong together for new soldiers!

A lot has happened in Freyung recently, as the city and the district of Freyung-Grafenau invited around 40 newly transferred soldiers to a warm welcome. This social, which was organized by regional manager Stefan Schuster and conversion manager Carolin Schuster, was intended to be more than just a welcome greeting - it was about presenting the region as a living space worth living in, far beyond its military aspect. “We want to build bridges between the Bundeswehr and the regional economy,” said Schuster, who emphasized the structural and economic strengths of the district in order to inspire the new members of the Bundeswehr for the regional future. The event highlighted the high quality of life and the attractive employers in Freyung-Grafenau, which are important for the soldiers and their families.

In addition to the welcome from Stefan Schuster, his colleague Carolin emphasized the social importance of the Bundeswehr for Freyung and gave practical everyday tips so that the newcomers can settle in more quickly. The planned future project “TonYversum” was presented as a special attraction, an interactive exhibition about sound and music that is expected to cause a sensation from 2027. A lunch together and a tour of the city by Herbert Schiller were also on the program to make it easier for the new soldiers to arrive.

Bundeswehr Day in Freyung

But it wasn't just at this reception that there was good news for the Bundeswehr in the region. Bundeswehr Day took place at the “Am Goldenen Steig” barracks area, attracting over 14,000 visitors by 3 p.m. Commander Dan Tomuzia opened the event with a speech and thanked the supporters, while Mayor Olaf Heinrich and District Administrator Sebastian Gruber emphasized the close ties to the Bundeswehr. Heinrich even offered city land for a possible expansion of the barracks.

The day was a celebration for the whole family, with numerous attractions such as a popcorn stand and a pioneer bridge for the children. Police Chief Ingrid Grötzinger reported on smooth traffic management, which contributed to the successful implementation of the event. Minister Florian Herrmann spoke of the return to freedom, providing another emotional accent of the day.

The challenges for the Bundeswehr

In this context, it should not be forgotten that the Bundeswehr is facing major challenges, particularly when it comes to the shortage of skilled workers. As of December 31, 2023, the number of Bundeswehr soldiers had fallen to 181,500, a decrease of 1,500 compared to the previous year. This shows how urgently qualified and operational soldiers are needed for future tasks, especially since demographic and social change also affects the ranks of the soldiers.

The Bundeswehr has therefore begun to take measures to increase its attractiveness and flexibility, including a targeted approach to young people in order to attract them to the region in the long term. It is important to reduce dropout rates and develop a more realistic advertising campaign in order to inspire more people to pursue a career in the Bundeswehr. The ambitious goal is an increase to 203,000 active soldiers by 2031.

Overall, it is clear that Freyung is more than just a Bundeswehr location. The region has a lot to offer – both for the new soldiers and their families. The current events and projects form the perfect basis for further strengthening the connection between the Bundeswehr and the community.