HISTORY LOOMS… RESOURCES, RESTRICTIONS, AND PERSPECTIVES ON MILITARY SOCIOLOGY IN GERMANY

Abstract

The field of military sociology necessitates great deal of self-reflection due to its having strong institutional and personnel ties to the armed forces. This fact also holds true for the author of this article. At present I am employed at the Bundeswehr Center for Military History and Social Sciences (ZMSBw) as a senior researcher in military sociology. The ZMSBw is the central research institution of the Bundeswehr for military history and social sciences, with the latter combining military sociology and security policy. The task of our center is to conduct historical and social science studies, which are assigned by the Federal Ministry of Defense. Research is conducted according to precise scientific standards and the Basic Law for the Republic of Germany guarantees freedom of teaching and research. The ZMSBw Service Regulation states that: “The free and independent scientific research of military history and social science issues is the core activity of the ZMSBw.” Based on these guidelines our studies are first presented to the ministry, and later published for the academic community and the public.