The parliamentary commissioner for the armed forces, Henning Otte of the CDU, is intensifying calls for a more rigorous response to incidents of sexual harassment and assault within the German Bundeswehr. In an interview with “Focus” magazine, Otte stated unequivocally, “Anyone who violates the dignity of others has no place in our Bundeswehr. Every incident is one too many”. This demand comes amidst ongoing investigations into alleged misconduct within the Fallschirmjäger (paratrooper) unit, highlighting a persistent and deeply troubling issue within the German military.
Otte emphasized that a functioning military environment requires all personnel to perform their duties with respect, dignity and security – a necessity he framed not only as a legal obligation but as a reflection of the Bundeswehr’s core values and attitudes. He stressed the vital need for affected soldiers to feel confident that their experiences will be taken seriously, that they won’t be isolated or stigmatized and that any instance of sexualized misconduct will be thoroughly investigated and appropriately punished.
A significant point of contention for Otte is the protracted delay in the release of a comprehensive study examining the prevalence of sexual offenses in the Bundeswehr. This study, initially recommended over a year ago by his predecessor and subsequently commissioned by the Ministry of Defence, remains conspicuously absent. Otte views this omission as a major impediment to developing targeted and effective preventative measures, arguing that a robust analysis is fundamental to addressing the problem effectively.
Despite a reported rise in the number of incidents being reported, likely driven by increased awareness and transparency within the Bundeswehr, Otte acknowledges that a substantial ‘dark figure’ – unreported cases – still likely exists. This suggests that the present measures, while perhaps improved by increased reporting, may be failing to fully address the underlying causes and systemic issues contributing to the problem. Critics are questioning whether the Ministry of Defence is demonstrating sufficient commitment to resolving the issue and whether the current handling of investigations is truly guaranteeing justice and support for victims. The delayed study, in particular, is fueling concerns about a lack of seriousness within the defense establishment regarding a problem that risks eroding trust and undermining the Bundeswehr’s operational effectiveness.