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The mutual responsibility of the armed forces and civil society
The German army - founded in the 1950s - is the first German army controlled by parliament. One of the underlying concepts of the army is the organizational idea of "internal guidance". The self-concept of the soldier here is that - even while wearing a uniform - he is still a citizen with all rights and duties. The soldier is a part of society. But what happens if you look at society as being separated from the army? What should the relationship between society and army look like - especially in times of changing political security and increasing missions in foreign countries?
Is there a mutual responsibility? Can the army rely on society and society on its army? Does society support the missions sanctioned by parliament? How do the media see this mutual responsibility and how do they report about it?
Speakers:
Thomas Schirrmacher, International human rights expert 
Hans W. Odenthal, Colonel (ret.)
Impressions 2009 
