Mission Statement

As part of the Bundeswehr and the Joint Support Service (Streitkräftebasis), we are the central federal institution responsible for all questions regarding German military history.

Conducting fundamental research in the field of military history, we focus on the era of the two world wars and the military history of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic. Our research work is internationally recognized, and through our expertise we serve the German Armed Forces as well as the public in general.

We lay the essential foundations for history education for the entire Bundeswehr. In doing so, we significantly contribute to the maintenance of tradition in our armed forces. We cooperate with other institutions to further develop the concept of Innere Führung, i.e., leadership development and civic education, and by providing detailed and contextual knowledge in the field of military history, we contribute to the transformation of the Bundeswehr into an army dedicated to peacekeeping missions around the globe.

As a team, we are the leading service provider of military historical expertise to the Bundeswehr.