The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces, Eva Högl, described deficiencies and material deficits in the Bundeswehr's operations as "alarming".
“In some cases, the operational readiness of large-scale equipment was just under 50 percent.
Everyday items of equipment such as protective vests or winter jackets were sometimes first sent to the operational area," wrote the SPD politician in her annual report published in Berlin on Tuesday.
“This is totally unacceptable.
And that needs to be improved.”
Since the men and women in the armed forces risk their lives in an emergency, they are entitled to the best possible and comprehensive equipment.
Reports from the soldiers made them "very upset," wrote Högl.
If this is not already guaranteed in use, then it is not surprising that it is no different in routine operation - i.e. the service in Germany - according to Högl.
The Bundeswehr is "still - unfortunately - far away" from the "train as you fight" claim.
No visit to the troops and no conversation goes by without you being told about deficiencies.
In addition to material resources, staffing is also an issue that the troops are dealing with, said Högl.
With 183,695 soldiers, the Bundeswehr is basically well positioned.
However, the wide range of tasks and assignments and, last but not least, extraordinary deployments such as extensive administrative assistance or the evacuation mission in Afghanistan revealed that the troop's manpower and reserves are limited.