Sexual harassment and ‘Nazi party’: Scandal rocks German paratroopers as recruitment drive begins

Germany has initiated its most significant personnel drive in years, mailing 18-year-olds a letter containing a QR code for an online questionnaire under the voluntary „New Military Service” (Neuer Wehrdienst) scheme. While a response is mandatory for men, women may opt in. Berlin aims to raise the active troop strength from approximately 182,000 to a target of 255,000-270,000, alongside a force of roughly 200,000 reservists.

The rollout, however, coincides with a scandal in Fallschirmjägerregiment 26, an elite airborne unit based in Zweibrücken. Reports by „Der Spiegel” and the „Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” detail allegations of a toxic culture, including sexual harassment of female soldiers, violent hazing rituals, drug abuse, antisemitic slurs, and Hitler salutes, as well as references to a Nazi-themed party.

The Bundeswehr confirmed that complaints reached the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces last year. Germany’s top general Carsten Breuer said the allegations have „shaken” him and that soldiers who condone such behaviour cannot serve as officers. The reports triggered investigations have identified 55 suspects. Dismissal proceedings have been initiated against 19 soldiers, with nine dismissals already carried out and four further cases currently in process. Separately, local prosecutors in Zweibrücken are investigating suspected incitement and the use of unconstitutional symbols.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has ordered an „Action Plan for the Airborne Troops” to tighten leadership, training, and prevention standards. With conscription suspended since 2011, officials maintain that service will remain voluntary provided these recruitment targets are met through improved pay and training incentives.

Author: Jakub Bielamowicz