Bundeswehr advertising at schools: Malchin relies on peaceful education!

Bundeswehr advertising at schools: Malchin relies on peaceful education!

In the small town of Malchin, the Group of the Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) and the left alarm. She demands that the Bundeswehr keep itself out of schools. The application, which was presented today as part of a meeting of the city council, suggests receiving a clear position against advertising and advertising events by the Bundeswehr in general education schools. This is seen as an important sign of democratic and peace -oriented education, which is to be promoted in a protected space without military influence. Group leader Gerold Lehmann emphasizes that the concern is not directed against the Bundeswehr as an institution, but rather pursued the goal of creating a clear separation between professional orientation and security policy influence, especially in the sensitive phase of career for young people. There was no specific reason for the application at a Malchin school.

The city administration is also asked to become active at the state level and to campaign for school education without military influence. It is urgently emphasized that schools should be a place where democratic values ​​and critical thinking are promoted - a space that should not be burdened by advertising for military professions, as this is considered problematic. The mayor Kerstin Mahnke is also part of this initiative that advocates the protection of young people.

The debate about Bundeswehr visits in schools

But the discussion about the role of the Bundeswehr in schools does not only concern Malchin. The topic is also hotly controversial at nationwide level. Youth officers of the Bundeswehr give lectures in schools, mostly at the invitation of the teachers. While the Ministry of Education welcomes such missions, unions express sharp criticism. Captain Jan Czarnitzki, such a youth officer, conducts school hours at the Nelson Mandela School in Berlin-Wilmersdorf. In this context, students debate topics such as the military commitment of Germany and present controversy, sometimes open opinions.

The number of lectures that Bundeswehr youth officers performed in 2022 is around 4,308 compared to over 100,000 students. Classic topics include NATO, German security interests as well as the Afghanistan use and its consequences. However, there is also an advertising ban and the Beutelsbacher consensus, which should ensure that students can form their own opinions.

social concerns and new laws

In the background, the Bavarian state government positions itself with a draft law that is intended to facilitate the access of the Bundeswehr to research and schools. This initiative is discussed against the background of the changed security situation in Europe, in particular through the attack on Ukraine. The organizations of the peace movement, including the Union for Education and Science (EW), say that visits by Bundeswehr representatives in schools are perceived as advertising for military service and thus promoting a militarization of society. These opinions were also discussed in a duel in the media, where the perspectives of Bundeswehr representatives and critics collided.