Im Krisenmodus

Anmerkungen

Tanks, Patrols, Permanent Mission:

What is a German Marder infantry fighting vehicle doing in the Lithuanian forest? How is the Bundeswehr preparing for a possible war? In Lithuania, NATO’s deterrence force is gaining a new unit: Armored Brigade 45.

In this episode of In Crisis Mode, FUNKE’s war and crisis reporter Jan Jessen speaks with soldiers and Brigadier General Christoph Huber about daily life in the multinational battalion, the psychological strain, and family life. First-hand impressions and voices from between the training grounds and geopolitical reality.

And Jan asks: Are tanks still relevant in the age of drones – or are they a relic of past wars?

👤 Guests / Interviewees

• Christian, Master Sergeant, Tank Commander
• Dennis, Private First Class, Armored Infantryman and Driver
• General Christoph Huber, Commander, Bundeswehr Brigade Lithuania
• Marcel, Corporal, Driver
• Malte, Senior Corporal, Gunner

🧭 Chapter Overview

1 | Ten Seconds to the Outside – with Christian in the Marder

Jan rides along with Master Sergeant Christian. They discuss everyday life in the infantry fighting vehicle, the proximity to the Suwałki Gap – one of the most sensitive points on NATO’s eastern flank – and how to balance family life with deployment.

2 | Heavy Equipment, Heavy Responsibility – Dennis on His Tank

Dennis shares his enthusiasm for the “coolest job in the world,” talks about responsibility during missions, and explains what the Bundeswehr contributes to NATO’s mission in Lithuania.

3 | Ready for the Real Thing – General Huber and Marcel

General Huber explains why Armored Brigade 45 must not only train but also be ready for real combat – and what message it sends to Russia. Marcel talks about training within the multinational force.

4 | Training, Deterrence, and Jan’s Conclusion

Malte emphasizes the high quality of training and how they deal with fear. General Huber discusses deterrence as a core mission. Jan wraps up with the hope that the worst-case scenario never comes.

📬 Contact & Feedback

Questions, criticism, suggestions? Write to us:

✉️ krisenmodus@funkemedien.de

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In Crisis Mode – available wherever you get your podcasts:

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📅 New Episodes

Every two weeks, always on Wednesdays.

In Crisis Mode is a podcast by the FUNKE Media Group.