Unique Bundeswehr center in Mayen: Fight against disinformation!

Unique Bundeswehr center in Mayen: Fight against disinformation!

In the beautiful town of Mayen, not far from Cologne, there is a location that is second to none: This Bundeswehr Operational Communication Center (ZOpKomBw). Here, work is being done in the information space to combat disinformation and targeted propaganda. This center is not only unique in Germany, it has also developed into an important pillar within the Bundeswehr.

Under the leadership of Colonel Dr. Ferdi Akaltin, who has been at the helm since July 2021, focuses on three main areas at ZOpKomBw: recognizing, advising and influencing. Akaltin, who has an impressive military career spanning over 40 years with deployments in Afghanistan and at NATO headquarters in Izmir, brings with him in-depth knowledge of history and law. The unit analyzes the information environment and advises the military and political leadership without targeting the German population or our allies.

Modern methods of communication

The soldiers use a variety of means, such as mobile printing presses and radio transmitters. The center operates, among other things, the soldiers' radio station Radio Andernach and the television station BwTV to inform German soldiers in operational areas. A special ability is “distant product delivery”, which makes it possible to drop leaflets with weather balloons precisely. These numerous opportunities for influencing are produced in the Bundeswehr's own media department, which makes the ZOpKomBw an important holder and disseminator of information.

This is of great interest, especially in today's world of rapid developments. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who recently visited the center, highlighted the rapid change in warfare. This is primarily characterized by false reports, cyber attacks and targeted information campaigns. The soldiers of the ZOpKomBw wage war with words and images, use psychological tricks from marketing and advertising and have a keen sense of the local conditions and the communication habits of their target groups. Starting next year, they will increasingly support the Bundeswehr in Lithuania, especially with regard to possible combat missions.

Economic factor for the region

The Mayen location is not only militarily important, but also an economic factor for the region. Exchange between the armies is promoted through international cooperation and exercises such as “Active Volcano”, in which soldiers from over a dozen nations take part. This creates a network that goes beyond the military and strengthens good relations between nations.

Akaltin also reported a positive development: the unit currently has no worries about recruiting young people - operational communication is very popular with officer candidates. In times of “turning point” in security policy, the demands placed on soldiers have increased. For example, first aid training is now indispensable because rapid medical care is of enormous importance on modern battlefields.

Overall, it can be seen that the ZOpKomBw in Mayen plays a key function for the Bundeswehr and Germany's future defense policy. It remains to be seen what further steps the unit will take to respond to the challenges of modern warfare. Those interested can look forward to exciting developments that will affect both the Bundeswehr and the Mayen region.