History of the Federal Ministry of Defence
The so-called Amt Blank became the Federal Ministry of Defence on 7 June 1955. Shortly before this date, the Federal Republic of Germany had acceded to NATO. The Federal Ministry of Defence is thus one of the younger ministries of the Federal Government. It can nevertheless look back on a very eventful history.
The Bendler Block in Berlin is particularly symbolic of both the lighter and darker sides of recent German military history.
Since the founding of the Federal Ministry of Defence in 1955, thirteen politicians have held the office of Federal Minster of Defence. Please click on the photograph for more information on the biographies of the individual ministers.
Since 1957 fourteen officers of the Bundeswehr have held the position of Chief of Staff of the Bundeswehr". The position of the highest ranking officer was held ten times by an army general, twice by an air force general and twice by a naval admiral, too.
The Iron Cross is firmly established in German history. Originally conceived as an award for acts of bravery, the Iron Cross soon became a national symbol. Since 1956 it has been the emblem of the Bundeswehr.
