Driving with a movement credit

The Bundeswehr Logistics Command not only determines the exact route and time of movement, but also defines general instructions and special requirements for the planned route, such as a night driving ban where certain roads or sections of roads may not be used between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., or other particular constraints for the transport of dangerous goods. The march column or the individual vehicles to which a movement credit has been granted must adhere to these requirements. There is no leeway.

The logistics specialists have generally already identified the most favourable and shortest route in cooperation with civilian authorities and have planned it so that, if possible, no two march columns use the same route at the same time. When completing their preparations, drivers must, on this basis, ensure that they comply with the ordered departure time in order to both pass through specified transit points and reach their destination on time. Any delay could disrupt the process.

Deviation from even one of the specifications could result in the need for a new movement credit. This is the case, for example, if a heavy goods transport is to transport a Puma armoured infantry fighting vehicle to another Bundeswehr location instead of a Leopard 2 A6 main battle tank. Although both vehicles are tanks, they do not match either in their dimensions or in their weight, so the existing movement credit does not cover such a change.

If there is an accident on the road or a vehicle breaks down, the unaffected vehicles will continue their movement. The broken-down vehicle remains on site until it has been repaired by a repair team and is able to continue the movement alone. If repair on site is not possible, the broken-down vehicle will be transported to the nearest appropriate Bundeswehr facility. In this case, the movement credit number stays the same.

Even though requesting movement credits initially generates additional administrative work, they offer major advantages. They provide drivers with greater reliability and safety during planning and actual transport, which prevents obstructions for normal road traffic. Additionally, they are also considered in the determination of road loads, which allows for timely maintenance.