The man who keeps the Bundeswehr in motion

What does it mean to bear responsibility for 55,000 people as a general – at a time when Europe is once again discussing defense and war? Lieutenant General Gerald Funke is the first commander of the new support area of the Bundeswehr. Logistics, medical services, field police, NBC defense – without these areas, no tank rolls, no plane flies, no ship sails. 

David Mattei talks with Funke about his journey from a technical officer to a three-star general, about leadership responsibility, about crises, and about personal turning points. What has he taken away from his deployments in Afghanistan? How does the Ukraine war change his perspective on warfare – specifically on logistics, medical care for the wounded, drones, and resilience? And of course, I also ask the question that is rarely posed directly to a general: When will the fourth star come? A conversation about leadership, change, security policy – and about the people who stand behind the systems.

DAVID MATEI on YouTube