Military Careers
After completing their education, many young Germans used to be summoned to serve their country before this practice was suspended in 2011.
conscription (Wehrpflicht)
This rank is between a regular Sergeant and a Sergeant First Class in the German military hierarchy.
Staff Sergeant (Oberfeldwebel)
The branch of the German Armed Forces responsible for ground combat operations.
Army (Heer)
Where soldiers line up for inspection, ceremonies, and announcements.
parade ground (Antretplatz)
Special footwear designed for durability and protection in combat situations.
Combat boots (Kampfstiefel)
This type of military member commits to a specific number of years rather than a lifelong military career.
short-service soldier (Zeitsoldat:in)
This collective term refers to all lower-ranking soldiers who are neither officers nor non-commissioned officers.
enlisted ranks (Mannschaften)
These specialized troops are trained to operate armored vehicles and tanks on the battlefield.
Armoured Forces/Armour/Mechanized Infantry (Panzertruppen/Panzertruppe)
This secured facility on base houses the weapons when they're not being used.
Armoury/Arms room (Waffenkammer)
This headgear is worn as part of formal military attire and often indicates which unit a soldier belongs to.
Beret (Barett)
The military you have when soldiers sign up to join the armed forces of their own free will rather than being forced to serve.
volunteer army (Freiwilligenarmee)
This specialty designation tells you what job a soldier performs in the military, similar to a civilian job title.
MOS/Military Occupational Specialty (Verwendung/Verwendungsreihe)
This branch specializes in constructing bridges, clearing obstacles, and handling explosives.
Engineers (Pioniertruppe)
This installation is where soldiers practice their marksmanship skills with various weapons.
Firing range/Shooting range (Schießbahn)
A container soldiers carry to ensure they have water during field operations.
Canteen (Feldflache)
These experienced military personnel serve as a backup force, ready to be mobilized when needed but not on active duty.
reservists (Reservisten)
In the German military, this senior rank sits between Major and Colonel in the hierarchy and is written as "Oberstleutnant" in German.
Lieutenant Colonel
This elite unit is trained for special reconnaissance and direct action missions behind enemy lines.
Special Operations Forces (Kommando Spezialkräfte)
The main administrative building on a military base where command staff work.
Headquarters (Stabsgebäude)
This visual design helps soldiers blend into their surroundings during operations.
Camouflage pattern (Tarnmuster)
This term describes a military's ability to rapidly respond to threats and successfully conduct operations.
military readiness/combat readiness (Einsatzbereitschaft)
The highest-ranking non-commissioned officer position, serving as a bridge between enlisted personnel and officers.
Sergeant Major (Oberstabsfeldwebel)
This relatively new branch of the German military deals with digital threats and information warfare.
Cyber and Information Domain Service (Cyber- und Informationsraum)
This location stores explosive materials safely away from populated areas of the base.
Ammunition depot (Munitionsdepot)
This piece of identification contains a soldier's personal information and is worn around the neck.
Dog tag (Erkennungsmarke)