German Army takes over homeland defense forces

On March 14, the German Army took over the homeland defense forces of the Bundeswehr with a solemn roll call in Berlin. The Homeland Defense Division was also established during the ceremony.

The roll call for the official establishment of the homeland defense division is a significant milestone. The event not only marks the symbolic beginning of the new command structure but also emphasizes the importance of the homeland defense forces as an essential part of national and alliance defense. Homeland defense forces protect and defend their own territory. This includes not only military threats, but also support in crisis situations, such as natural disasters, widespread power outages, or pandemics, as well as deterrence. The Bundeswehr plays a supporting role in homeland security for civilian authorities when their resources are stretched to the limit.

"This solemn roll call is an important signal for the protection of our homeland. With the decision to subordinate the homeland defense forces to the Army, they are now centrally managed for the first time. I am convinced that they are in good hands in the Army," emphasized the Deputy Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Lieutenant General Andreas Hoppe, in his speech. Former Federal President Joachim Gauck also praised homeland defense with his words. "It is a visible sign that our country is taking on its responsibility more strongly than before. We need to be willing to protect and, if necessary, defend our way of life. They are the link between military protection and civilian resilience," Gauck highlighted the important role of the many people in our country who are involved in homeland defense.

The measures are an important part of the current reorganization of the Bundeswehr. With the transfer of the homeland defense forces from the Territorial Command of the Bundeswehr to the Army, the command structure in the area of national and alliance defense is significantly strengthened. The establishment of the staff of the new Homeland Defense Division (HSchDiv) began on January 1, 2025, with its headquarters in the Julius-Leber-Kaserne. A so-called establishment staff was set up on December 13, 2024, in preparation. HSchDiv is now the fourth division of the Army. It will soon have a total of six regiments spread throughout Germany.

Further information on homeland defense:

• Homeland Defense Division
• Homeland Defense Forces: Essential for the Operation of the Hub Germany