Reservists practice homeland security: Germany is preparing for crises!

Reservists practice homeland security: Germany is preparing for crises!

There is currently a lot of practice going on in the Südpfalzkaserne in Germersheim. Around 100 members of the Upper Rhine Homeland Security Company are gathered there to prepare for various operational scenarios. The plan includes, among other things, roaming the terrain and checking vehicles. The goal? The protection of critical infrastructure and military facilities at home, a task that has become more explosive, especially as a result of the Ukraine conflict. This was reported by Stimme.de.

Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Marc Hansmann, a vocational school teacher, the aim is to have a total of 30 training days per year. These exercises are particularly important for training processes and reactions in an emergency. However, organizing the accommodation of the reservists is challenging: while some spend the night in a gym in Bruchsal, others make the journey home to their own apartment. Nevertheless, motivation remains high because the reservists receive 27.50 euros per day for taking part in the exercises.

A new wind is blowing in the homeland security reserve

Homeland security in Germany was greatly reduced after the Cold War. However, the current geopolitical situation, particularly due to the Ukraine conflict, has significantly changed the role of these units. Military planners say it's time to increase homeland security force numbers. There are currently five homeland security regiments in Germany with around 6,000 personnel, but demand is growing. An example of this is Daniel Gay, a 40-year-old father of three daughters from Karlsruhe who once refused military service. Now he has volunteered for basic training with the Homeland Security Reserve, reflecting a change in thinking prompted by images of violence in the Ukraine war. Gay now believes his earlier decision was a mistake.

The trend shows that commitment to the reserve is increasing, especially among former conscientious objectors. Surveys show that 66% of Germans support increased defense spending, but only 17% are willing to actively defend themselves. In 2024, 623 applications to withdraw conscientious objection were made in Germany, but only a few of these applications actually lead to active deployment. In Baden-Württemberg, only ten former objectors to basic training have joined in the last three years. Despite all this, the growing number of inquiries – around 100 per year in Bad-Württemberg – shows a growing interest in this training.

Training and its challenges

The training of the volunteers includes important elements such as shooting, medical services and orientation in the terrain. This 164-hour basic qualification prepares volunteers to protect critical infrastructure such as power plants and hospitals in an emergency. The next training course begins at the end of April with 70 men and five women. The volunteers must be physically and mentally fit, and a security check by the Military Counterintelligence Service is also required.

For the first seven months of active service, reservists receive a gross salary of around 1,550 euros per month. During the total five-year reservist commitment, which takes private and professional obligations into account, there are numerous opportunities for further development and to take on other careers in the Bundeswehr.

Overall, it is clear that the role of the homeland security forces is becoming increasingly important and there is something in the air. In times of global uncertainty, it is crucial to mobilize resources and be prepared to defend one's homeland.