National Guardian 2024: Homeland Protection in Action

It is one of many material depots of the Bundeswehr. Somewhere in this republic. They are part of the defense-critical infrastructure of the German armed forces. In addition to material depots, seaports, ammunition depots, loading stations or logistics transfer points of the Bundeswehr and allied partner states are also included. On this April day, the entrance to the guardhouse is secured with red and white concrete barriers and barbed wire. The homeland defense forces of the Bundeswehr are practicing their core mission: they protect the material depot - around the clock.

The sky is overcast and cold and windy for April in Baden-Württemberg. But despite the wetness and cold, the homeland defenders in Karlsruhe are fully engaged. The threat situation has intensified during the exercise "National Guardian 2024". The protection of defense-critical infrastructure is being increased, including at Materiallager II on the outskirts of Karlsruhe. The entrance is controlled by homeland defense forces with a checkpoint. It's not peaceful; routine during the exercise: not found. Intrusion attempts, unannounced protests at the fence, classified documents that are supposed to be smuggled out of the depot, and even an attack with a Molotov cocktail must be repelled. These are not necessarily scenarios that are only conceivable in a scenario of tension. It could also happen earlier - if the crisis in Eastern Europe escalates or if hybrid threats become more pronounced and tangible.

"During the exercise National Guardian 2024, the three Baden-Württemberg homeland defense companies are also practicing the security of defense-critical infrastructure. Only what is practiced in peacetime works in an emergency," said Colonel Thomas Köhring, commander of the Baden-Württemberg State Command.

Reserve as an important part of homeland defense

The three homeland defense companies are subordinate to the state command. From October of this year, another homeland defense company will be established in Pfullendorf. A large part of the homeland defenders are reservists. Some of the personnel of the homeland defense companies, for example, come from the project "Non-servicemen for the reserve", which has successfully trained over 170 soldiers since 2018 in Baden-Württemberg. In the current exercise "National Guardian 2024" under the responsibility of the Territorial Command of the Bundeswehr, around 150 homeland defenders are involved, who are trained by around 50 active soldiers. During "National Guardian", they practice everything they need to secure defense-critical infrastructure. They check identification papers, search vehicles, and ensure that only those with the right to pass through their checkpoint. Routine in everyday service, but the ability to act in exceptional situations - that's what matters.

The entire area must be continuously guarded. The patrols in Karlsruhe face very special challenges: drones spying on the area, leaflets and propaganda fluttering over the fence. Quick decisions are the challenge; especially when things get confusing. "Even with a lot of stress, it's important to stay calm, apply what you've learned, and work through the situation according to priorities," says Staff Sergeant Michael H. If he's not in uniform, he works in sales for sporting goods - during the exercise "National Guardian", the 46-year-old is also assigned as the duty officer.

Embedded in the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War

Germany is currently participating in the largest NATO exercise since the end of the Cold War. With "Steadfast Defender 2024", NATO is practicing the alliance's response on the eastern flank and demonstrating its readiness for defense. Around 90,000 soldiers - including 12,000 from the Bundeswehr - are participating in the NATO major exercise "Steadfast Defender 2024". The Bundeswehr is participating with the German exercise series "Quadriga 2024". "National Guardian" is part of "Quadriga". Here, the homeland defense forces of the Bundeswehr practice the tasks of national territorial defense nationwide under the responsibility of the Territorial Command of the Bundeswehr.

If a case of alliance defense were to occur, the Bundeswehr would be committed to the eastern flank. The homeland defense forces are then responsible for the protection and security of the rear area - this is classic national defense. It is the territorial contribution that Germany would have to make as a hub in a case of national and alliance defense. The homeland defenders of the Bundeswehr secure the material depot - against intrusion attempts, sabotage, drone overflights. And this support is essential. The exercise serves not only training purposes, but the homeland defense forces also support real deployments of German and multinational forces throughout Germany. This also includes cooperation with civilian authorities in national and alliance defense.

GERMAN ARMED FORCES Online