Erwin Rommel and the Bundeswehr

The Field Marshal Rommel Barracks' exercise field with the Teutoburg Forest, usually affiliated with Arminius, in the background. Critics note that the blend of the two figures, represented by the placing of a Rommel portrait and an Arminius statue together in the main building, seems to combine Germanic cults with veneration towards the Wehrmacht.[1]

A significant controversy exists over the German Bundeswehr's use of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel as its role model. Numerous critics take issue with the Bundeswehr's reverence towards Rommel as its primary role model.[2][3][4][5][1][6][7] While recognising his great talents as a commander, they point out several problems, including Rommel's involvement with a criminal regime and his political naivete. However, there are also many supporters of the continued commemoration of Rommel by the Bundeswehr, and there remains military buildings and streets named after him and portraits of him displayed.

  1. ^ a b Schnadwinkel 2017.
  2. ^ Knab 2017.
  3. ^ Rotte 2017.
  4. ^ Schmitt 2017.
  5. ^ Heiducoff 2017.
  6. ^ Kummer 2017.
  7. ^ Menne 2017.