SÕDIMISVÕIMELISE SÕDURI TÄHENDUSEST WOLF GRAF VON BAUDISSINI JÄRGI

The Concept of Individual Soldier Readiness for Combat Based on Wolf Graf von Baudissin

Abstract

Combat power and fighting power (Kriegs- und Kampftüchtigkeit) are terms that are obvious in the armed forces and therefore they are hardly mentioned in the regulations and manuals of the Bundeswehr. However, in the 1950s, when the Bundeswehr was being established, the main issue discussed was whether future German soldiers should be able to fight in combat or they should be trained to defend peace and democratic core values in accordance with the ideas of leadership development and civic education (Innere Führung). The ideas of Wolf Graf von Baudissin, the developer of the concepts of the Bundeswehr Innere Führung, clearly indicate that combat power and fi ghting power do not involve only the formal properties of a military organization, in other words its physical and material „hardware”. Rather, the above domains comprise the „software” of an organization, involving its norms, attitude and readiness. This means the readiness and willingness of an individual soldier for combat and the ability to keep fighting, if necessary, to the death. Thus these concepts entail the core values of an individual – both then and today. This is an important part in educating „a soldier with high values, determined in his goals, able to handle his weapon, and mentally ready to respond rapidly”.