New marine recruits start their training in Wilhelmshaven!

New marine recruits start their training in Wilhelmshaven!

A fresh wind is currently blowing at the Heppenser Groden naval base in Wilhelmshaven: around 90 new recruits began their basic training with the Bundeswehr four weeks ago. For many of them, this is an exciting step into a new phase of life, while others come on board with prior knowledge. Important military basics are imparted during the training; This includes dress code, rights and responsibilities as well as first aid and shooting training. This training is comprehensive and ranges from theoretical content to practical exercises - for example how a naval ship works and correct behavior on board. The new training facility is a tough task for the recruits, as the journey within the barracks can prove to be an organizational challenge, as Lieutenant Captain Niels Schildwächter, who heads the training and protection company, reports.

A big highlight of the basic training is the ship evacuation exercise, in which the prospective sailors have to be free from heights: they slide from a height of five meters into a life raft. During this exercise, the recruits wear orange survival suits and inflatable life jackets - impressive equipment that prepares them for their future missions. Many of the recruits come from North Rhine-Westphalia and northwest Lower Saxony and are both motivated and eager to learn, which makes company commander Schildwächter very positive.

New training location with tradition

Wilhelmshaven has established itself as a promising training location in recent years. For the first time in decades, recruits for the Bundeswehr are being trained here again. The training previously took place in Bremerhaven, Parow and Plön. The decision in favor of Wilhelmshaven was made due to the increased demand for basic training, which is of great importance for the naval location and the region. There are still concerns about the organization of this basic training, because the routes within the barracks are long and pose some challenges to the training.

However, the recruits' accommodation in Wilhelmshaven is pleasantly modern and comfortable: two people share a room and can enjoy a refrigerator and television. A certain luxury in a military training company that hopefully makes it easier for recruits to get started.

On the way to professionalism

For many, it is not just a temporary step. This is particularly true for sailor Marco, who is already planning to stay in the Bundeswehr longer - knowing full well about the risks associated with the service. Another important event for the recruits is coming up on November 13th: their vows at Rathausplatz in Wilhelmshaven. This ceremonial act marks the official entry into the Bundeswehr and the commitment to the values ​​that are associated with it.

Overall, it can be said that the start of the military career is an exciting and challenging experience for the new recruits. Thanks to the enterprising attitudes and commitment among the recruits, it is certain that not only soldiers but also strong personalities will be recruited here who will provide a valuable service to the Federal Republic of Germany.

For further insight and information on this topic, we recommend the reports from World and Northern Courier.