Bundeswehr Day 2026: Pistorius campaigns in Weißenfels for more exchange with the troops

In Weißenfels, one of the ten stations nationwide, the focus was on the presentation of the medical service. The city in the Burgenlandkreis is home to the largest Bundeswehr medical facility in Germany. Boris Pistorius, who according to his own account was in Weißenfels for the first time, used the visit to emphasize direct exchange between society and the troops. In Weißenfels' city center, people came into conversation with soldiers, got to know the departments of the Bundeswehr, learned about career opportunities, and saw exhibitions and demonstrations.

Pistorius campaigns for a look behind the barracks gates

The SPD politician described the action day as a good instrument for re-establishing a stronger connection between society as such and a Bundeswehr of citizens in uniform. In Weißenfels, he put it this way: „Wir reden hier über das, was die Soldatinnen und Soldaten machen, was ihr Auftrag ist und wofür sie da sind.“ The day also offers the chance to "experience the Bundeswehr from the inside," said Pistorius. That is a very, very good signal, "aber die Menschen sollen auch sehen, wie sieht es in einer Kaserne aus, denn die sehen sie sonst ja nie."

At the medical location in Weißenfels, the troops also showed dimensions beyond first aid, according to the minister's words. „Wir bekommen gezeigt, dass es mehr ist als Salben verteilen und Pflaster aufkleben“, said Pistorius with a view to the demonstrations.

Merz in Laage, program in Neubiberg

Parallel to the program in Saxony-Anhalt, Merz visited the Air Force location in Laage near Rostock. In a written statement following the visit, he said: „Unsere Soldatinnen und Soldaten sorgen dafür, dass wir im Hier und Heute verteidigungsbereit sind. Sie können sich auf unsere Unterstützung verlassen – am Tag der Bundeswehr und an jedem anderen Tag.“ According to Bundeswehr information, Eurofighter pilots of the Air Force are trained in Laage, among others, with around 1,000 soldiers stationed there. The displayed equipment included A400M transport aircraft, among others.

In Neubiberg, the Bundeswehr University shaped the program, featuring not only study offerings but also military vehicles, aircraft, and parachute jumps. Other locations that opened their gates to the public were Eckernförde, Nordholz, and Munster.

Growth and new military service

The action day falls in a phase of personnel growth for the Bundeswehr. The active force is to grow to 260,000 men and women in view of the threat from Russia and new NATO targets. At the end of the first quarter, the strength was around 185,000 active soldiers, according to Bundeswehr figures. To gain new forces, a new military service has been in force since January 1, on the basis of which all adult men and women receive questionnaires on aptitude and motivation. Filling out the questionnaire is mandatory for young men and voluntary for young women.

Pistorius had himself described Bundeswehr Day last year as a good instrument for strengthening the connection between society and the armed forces. He pursued this line in Weißenfels as well. The minister's visit also underscored the special role of the location, which, with its medical center, forms a central pillar of the Bundeswehr's medical care and is of supraregional significance.