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A top German airborne unit is reportedly being probed concerning claims of sexual misconduct, antisemitism, far-right extremist behavior, violent ceremonies, and substance abuse, according to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who called the events “deeply troubling.”

Hundreds of soldiers are under investigation for various alleged improper conduct, as reported by German media.

The dispute initially surfaced in June when two female service members submitted a report to the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Military.

The Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD), the military judicial system, and the public prosecution are currently looking into the issue, with particular attention given to the 26th Paratrooper Regiment located in the southwestern town of Zweibruecken.

Multiple soldiers have already been let go after the investigation, and the head of the regiment has been replaced, according to the German Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), which reported on Monday.

Internal records acquired by FAZ indicate that inappropriate conduct was either overlooked or managed internally over many years. This encompassed the use of far-right slogans, anti-Semitic remarks, heavy alcohol consumption, and drug usage, according to the newspaper.

Female troops have reported incidents of sexual violence, offensive comments, and an environment where raising concerns was viewed as a lack of commitment. In certain combat groups, women were reportedly perceived not as fellow service members but as disturbances.

Individuals who stood up for themselves faced exclusion or transfer, whereas those accused of wrongdoing frequently stayed within the group, as reported by FAZ.

Some ceremonies, referred to as “maintaining customs,” also led to legal issues. One included forcefully attaching the paratrooper badge, enabling each individual to hit the pin until it penetrated the skin and caused bleeding. Soldiers reportedly went through the process to feel part of the group, while those who declined experienced bullying.

The German defense ministry has stated that these actions are “completely unacceptable” and qualify as criminal acts according to the German Military Criminal Code.

“Let me be perfectly clear, the offenses under discussion are right-wing extremism and inappropriate sexual behavior,” said Kenneth Harms, a spokesperson for the defense ministry, in a statement.

“Neither option is acceptable within the German Armed Forces, and it is therefore essential to conduct a detailed investigation into the incidents. Anyone found guilty of misconduct or criminal acts, or who, as a superior, turned a blind eye or allowed such behavior, will be appropriately addressed,” he added.

Pistorius describes the accusations as “extremely unsettling”

Pistorius stated that the accusations contradict the fundamental principles of the military, as reported by the German news agency dpa.

He stated that it was unacceptable for the misconduct “to have apparently gone unnoticed at first and thus not been addressed firmly. That should not occur again.”

Pistorius commended Army Inspector Lieutenant General Dr Christian Freuding for swiftly taking action to stop additional misconduct. The steps will be compiled into an “Airborne Forces action plan” and put into effect immediately.

He mentioned that the current emphasis should be on thoroughly investigating all events, penalizing verified instances, and rebuilding confidence in the unit’s leadership.

The defense minister also emphasized that there is no room within the German military for extremism, sexual misconduct, or drug use, and urged the creation of an environment where inappropriate behavior can be reported without fear, intimidation, or misplaced loyalty.

Problems in elite units

This is not the first controversy to affect a German military unit.

Similar problems have arisen within the Special Forces Command (KSK) located in the southern town of Calw. Its organization is similar to that of the paratroopers: small, isolated units, high physical and mental pressures, a strong feeling of superiority — and an environment where commitment to the team frequently takes precedence over official regulations.

The MAD discovered that warning signals at the KSK had been overlooked for many years. As per the Bundestag, from 2017 to 2021, the service examined approximately 50 instances of alleged right-wing extremism within the unit. The investigation led to multiple dismissals, personnel reassignments, and the eventual dissolution of a company.

A notable case in 2020 centered around Philipp S., a master sergeant from the KSK’s second unit, who accumulated firearms, explosives, and far-right publications at his residence. Authorities confiscated an AK-47, approximately two kilograms of explosive substances, and additional items.

No proof of political intent was discovered by the courts; he was found guilty only for violating firearm regulations and was given a suspended sentence.

The second company of the KSK was dissolved as part of reform efforts following investigations that uncovered extreme views and a harmful leadership environment, as stated in the concluding report by former Inspector General Eberhard Zorn.

Recent yearly reports from the MAD indicate that right-wing extremism continues to be a significant concern within the Bundeswehr. In 2024, a total of 1,159 suspected extremist cases were examined, including 216 new cases confirmed to be associated with right-wing extremism.

Why is the system taking so long to respond?

According to Section 10 of the Soldiers Act, leaders of the German Armed Forces are required to promptly report any extremist actions, criminal activities, or significant violations of their duties. Commanders at the company and battalion level are supposed to record unusual behavior, assist in inquiries, and, in cases of serious accusations, consult with military disciplinary attorneys or civilian prosecutors.

Military officers and enlisted personnel are tasked with leading by example, overseeing soldiers, and ensuring their well-being. All commands must be legal, and their behavior outside of duty should never damage the unit’s credibility.

However, reports from the Bundeswehr Centre for Military History and Social Sciences show that in certain high-stress elite units, red flags have been overlooked for years—frequently because of worries about operational effectiveness or the unit’s image.

Soldiers who neglect their responsibilities might encounter termination, rank reduction, or separation from service, yet in reality, such actions are delayed, necessitating undeniable proof of poor leadership before any steps are taken.