Insight into the new command: Pistorius makes informational visit to Schwielowsee

On 19 February 2025, the Bundeswehr Joint Force Command welcomed Defence Minister Pistorius to Schwielowsee for an informational visit. The focus was on the added value the command provides at the strategic and tactical level. During the visit, it became particularly clear that operational decisions require a comprehensive situation picture as a basis.

The new Bundeswehr Joint Force Command (BwJFC) is the single source responsible for operational-level planning and the operational level of command across the Bundeswehr’s entire task spectrum. It is the first point of contact for national and multinational institutions, partners and Allies. The establishment of the BwJFC is a key part of the Bundeswehr’s structural reform aimed at giving the armed forces a stronger focus on national and collective defence. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said: “The Joint Force Command is at the centre of the structural reform. This is the first time that the Bundeswehr’s operational level of command has been outlined so clearly.”

How is a situation picture generated?

In a one-on-one conversation, Lieutenant General Alexander Sollfrank, Commander of the Bundeswehr Joint Force Command, informed the Defence Minister on current progress regarding the establishment of the command. The subsequent leadership briefing focused on how a comprehensive situation picture is generated as a basis for operational decisions.

A comprehensive situation picture involves the continuous collection, analysis and presentation of all relevant information on the current security situation, both at the national and international level. Civilian and military aspects are equally considered. Partial situation pictures from the entire Bundeswehr and from civilian authorities and actors are merged and combined to form the comprehensive overall situation picture. General Sollfrank explained: “Hybrid situations in particular require the cooperation of all actors. A tailored solution can only be achieved with an integrated approach.” Accordingly, security-relevant developments and events are documented, assessed and integrated into the situation picture at the operations centre at all hours. This is essential to make informed decisions and to ensure coordinated cooperation between the various military and state actors.

In the following discussion with the soldiers of the new command, Pistorius emphasised the special responsibility of the BwJFC with respect to running Germany as a hub and the Operational Plan for Germany: “You will be the bridge builders in interministerial, cross-state and multinational cooperation.”

Established during ongoing operations

The BwJFC is currently emerging from the Bundeswehr Homeland Defence Command, previously responsible for all the Bundeswehr’s domestic tasks as well as national territorial defence, and from the Bundeswehr Joint Forces Operations Command, which currently still controls most of the Bundeswehr’s operations abroad in international conflict and crisis management. The focus is on a smooth transfer of all tasks so as to ensure responsiveness to situational changes at all times and to guarantee continued task performance. In early April, the establishment of the Joint Force Command will be completed. Speaking to the soldiers in Schwielowsee, Pistorius said: “The situation determines the mission. I can only imagine how complex it is. I am deeply impressed by what you have already achieved.”