In the German armed forces - recruits on the move
The Bundeswehr is one of Germany's largest employers. Every year, people start their careers there. In doing so, they enter a world that is very different from the civilian world. Life in the barracks is strictly regulated and training is tightly timed. If you want to make a career here, you need stamina and ambition. And they must also be prepared to serve in crisis areas as part of a foreign deployment. As the Bundeswehr is such a large employer, it is not surprising that young people can imagine a future with the federal government.
But what does the first day in the barracks actually look like? The military world is very different from the civilian world. Everything is regulated - from making beds to uniforms. The Bundeswehr is still a popular place to train to realize the dream of flying. However, applicants must be prepared for a tough test phase in order to receive this pilot training at the highest level. What does such an application look like? And how do pilots fare in the final examination phase before obtaining the coveted license? Basic training with the Bundeswehr is initially the same for everyone.
For three months, young men and women learn basic military knowledge in 450 hours of training. Regardless of whether they are in the mechanized infantry, the mountain infantry or the navy. Anyone wishing to pursue a career as an officer is put through their paces at the Bundeswehr's assessment center for managers in Cologne.
Every year, 6,500 applicants go through all the tests in three days. But only 2500 pass. Those who want to become pilots have to pass the toughest flight psychology tests. The eye of the needle is more than small. Leon is 20 years old and has already trained as a construction equipment operator. In search of a varied job, he signs up for eight years with the Bundeswehr. ZDFinfo shows his very first day in the barracks, the so-called induction.
Alin is 28 years old and enthusiastic about her training as a sergeant in the military police. The ambitious young woman also trains incessantly at the fitness center in her free time to do her job justice. She asserts herself in a tough male world. After all, the proportion of women in the military is still rather low. Her biggest goal: to become a professional soldier. Markus has already served in the army for ten years. Now he wants to realize his dream of flying. The former chief petty officer in the navy is applying for helicopter training.
But there are a few thousand more who also want to become pilots. Will he be able to prevail against the tough competition? Lennard, on the other hand, is about to complete his training as a helicopter pilot with the navy. The final hurdle is the instrument flight. Before taking off, he has to draw up the flight plan. In the air, there is an unexpected change of course and a collision is imminent. Can he fly around the danger? Will he get the coveted pilot's license?
Broadcasting on 06th of May 2025 at 08.15pm on ZDFinfo/ZDF
Music: POPVIRUS Library