NATO Response Force (NRF) is a crucial component for robust deterrence and national defense. In 2023, Germany is contributing as the lead nation, including the deployment of military police forces. This includes the “Military Police Company VJTF Land” from January 2022 to December 2024. The commanding officer of the ninth company of the 1st Military Police Regiment in Berlin explained the specifics of their role.
The officer highlighted the main challenge of balancing domestic military police duties with leading a multinational military police company. It was clear from the outset that the company, consisting of 94 soldiers, could not be stationed exclusively in Leipzig, their home base. To ensure the effective fulfillment of domestic tasks, the company is stationed at six locations across Germany, the Czech Republic, Belgium, and Norway. This presents various challenges, including communication with other nations, coordination for training exercises, and managing the different demands placed on personnel. However, it also makes the mission highly interesting and demonstrates the multinational nature of their operations.
Regarding their role as the company commander of the military police in the NRF, the officer’s primary focus is on advising the commander of the 37th Armored Infantry Brigade “Free State of Saxony” on military police matters. They act as the brigade commander’s advisor, also known as the “Provost Marshal” or field police leader. This involves direct communication with the brigade commander, the entire brigade staff, and subordinate units.
The officer emphasized that the military police, specifically the Feldjäger, are recognized as robust support forces with specialized capabilities. After numerous joint exercises with the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), both the brigade leadership and its subordinate elements quickly recognized the high value of the Feldjäger. “Mobility Support,” which involves mobile operations within the Military Traffic Service, is a vital component of their work and accounts for approximately 90% of their tasks. Their second area of focus is everything related to detention and prisoner-of-war affairs, where they provide advice and support as military police.
One of the major challenges for the VJTF Feldjäger Company is the lack of a standardized communication and command system across nations. As a result, they rely on mobile phones and email communication for information sharing and coordination with team leaders. Despite these limitations, they maintain their readiness and demonstrate creativity until the necessary communication tools are provided. Procurement of comprehensive communication equipment is expected in the second half of 2023. In the meantime, they continue to improvise effectively.
Overall, the equipment and vehicles are rated as very good, although protected vehicles remain a scarce resource within the military police. Despite increasing demands and simultaneous operations, they are committed to fulfilling their military police tasks because they understand the purpose they serve. Recent challenges included participation in exercises such as “Noble Jump II” held primarily in Sardinia and the brigade exercise “Wettiner Heide I 2023” at the Bergen training area.
The officer highlighted the significant contribution of the Feldjäger as enablers for the VJTF Brigade, despite being the smallest maneuver element within the brigade. Through the personal commitment and dedication of every soldier, they are able to fulfill their tasks during this challenging time of military readiness, at any time and with a hundred percent effort. This shared commitment strengthens their unity and demonstrates a true sense of camaraderie.
It is crucial to continue developing infantry and general military capabilities. The concept of a “robust green military police” means going back to the core competencies of being a soldier while maintaining their specialized skills as Feldjäger. This requires professionalism, prioritization, and flexibility. Through joint exercises with the brigade, engagement at group and platoon levels, and the positive attitude of the entire company, they have