Gathering of ITSBw Reservists 2022
A detailed account of the ITSBw Reservists gathering in 2022, highlighting the historical significance of the Feldafing military site and recent developments in the organization.
In a significant event for the ITSBw Reservists, the latest gathering took place at a different location, moving from the General-Fellgiebel-Kaserne to the military base in Feldafing. Attendees traveled via ICE to Munich, followed by a short S-Bahn ride to Feldafing, culminating in a walk to the base.
Upon arrival, participants engaged in some organizational activities and settled into their accommodations before sharing a meal at the Casino. The meeting provided a platform for discussions on current topics and focal points, allowing for meaningful conversations among the reservists.
The following day offered a unique opportunity for a guided tour of the Military Historical Collection of Communications Technology located on the grounds. This tour revealed a wealth of fascinating artifacts, including outdoor displays of vehicle modifications, and an indoor exhibition featuring uniforms, key devices, field telephones, telegraph technology, Hellschreiber, Enigma machines, measurement technology, radio technology, and much more. Additionally, a small section dedicated to General Fellgiebel and the assassination attempt on Hitler at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze was also part of the collection. The collection is supported by a patronage association, which I plan to explore further in the near future.
The history of the entire site is equally intriguing, as briefly highlighted in the collection:
- Established as the "Reichsschule Feldafing" by the NSDAP for training the party's leadership elite.
- After World War II, it became the "DP-Lager Feldafing" for survivors of liberated concentration camps. Recently, clothing from that era was discovered in one of the buildings, evoking a profound sense of empathy for the experiences of its former wearers.
- In 1956, the Bundeswehr took over the site, relocating the "Fernmeldeschule des Heeres" (initially established in Sonthofen as the "Truppenschule Fernmeldetruppe") there. The name changed in 1972 to "Fernmeldeschule und Fachschule des Heeres für Elektrotechnik," and in 2005 it was handed over from the Army to the Joint Support Service. The current name, "Schule Informationstechnik der Bundeswehr," was adopted in 2017.
- Although plans were in place to close the Feldafing location by 2020 and relocate the ITSBw completely to the General-Fellgiebel-Kaserne in Pöcking, the political initiatives known as "Trendwende Personal" and "Trendwende Material" have ensured that the site remains operational. As a result, only essential maintenance has been performed on the buildings, with parts of the area already sold off (including a hospital now situated on part of the former barracks grounds).
After the tour, the group returned to the train station by bus and traveled back to Aschaffenburg via rail.
A brief note: I was also involved this month in the founding of the "German Cyber-Force e.V." This organization is the successor to the Cyber Reservists Working Group (RAG Cyber) and aims to facilitate collaboration with civilian companies and non-serving individuals in the security sector.
