Bundeswehr traditions regulations

The Bundeswehr regulations on traditions (Traditionserlass) are special rules made by the Bundeswehr, Germany’s military. These rules started in the 1950s and have been updated in 1982 and 2017. They help protect and honor the traditions of the German military from the past and today. These traditions include values and practices that the military wants to keep alive, showing respect for history while also fitting modern times. The rules make sure that the Bundeswehr can remember its past in a way that supports its current mission and values.

Legal basis

The name Bundeswehr was first suggested by a former Wehrmacht general and centre-right politician named Hasso von Manteuffel.

When the Bundeswehr started in 1955, it was created to defend West Germany with a brand-new military force. It did not see itself as continuing from older groups like the Reichswehr from the Weimar Republic or Hitler's Wehrmacht. Instead, it focused on three important ideas: the goals of early 19th-century military leaders like Scharnhorst, Gneisenau, and Clausewitz; the brave actions of people who fought against Adolf Hitler, such as Claus von Stauffenberg and Henning von Tresckow; and its own history since 1955.

To honor these unique traditions, rules called the Traditional Regulations were made in 1965. These rules were designed by a former Wehrmacht soldier who was then the Minister of Defense, Kai-Uwe von Hassel. They help the Bundeswehr keep a few traditions from older German armies while also building its own path in a changing world.

Traditions permitted to be upheld by the Bundeswehr

The Bundeswehr, Germany's military, has special traditions it can keep and honor. These include symbols like the Flag of Germany and the Coat of arms of Germany, songs such as the Deutschlandlied, and important signs like the Iron Cross and the Badge of Honour of the Bundeswehr. Ceremonies like the Grand Tattoo Ceremony and the Ceremonial pledge taking are also part of these traditions. Additionally, the Flag of Europe and the Anthem of Europe are included, along with the song Ich hatt' einen Kameraden.