German-Mongolian military cooperation: A lesson in friendship!

German-Mongolian military cooperation: A lesson in friendship!

An exciting training cooperation between the German Panzergrenadier Brigade 41 “Western Pomerania” and the Mongolian armed forces is taking shape. Over the next two years, the brigade, which is based in Neubrandenburg, will train Mongolian comrades. Again Northern Courier reported, the training weeks take place in May from 2025 to 2027 and last four weeks.

The training itself will take place approximately 30 kilometers west of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. A team of 30 German trainers will be on site. The focus of the training is on conducting patrols, correct behavior in the event of threats from improvised explosive devices (IEDs), providing medical care to the wounded and defusing booby traps. To facilitate communication between soldiers, Mongolian officers who have previously received extensive language training in Germany will act as interpreters.

Partnership with a historical background

This cooperation is not the first of its kind. The Panzergrenadierbrigade 41 has already gained experience with the Mongolian armed forces in 2023 in a previous cooperation that took place as part of a United Nations Mobile Training Team (MTT). This MTT is a recognized training program of the United Nations, but in this case the implementation takes place without the direct involvement of the Organization. Notably, the Mongolian Armed Forces are also actively engaged in South Sudan as part of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS), where approximately 10% of its troops are stationed.

The Panzergrenadier Brigade 41 itself, which is subordinate to the 1st Panzer Division, aptly describes itself as the “army in the northeast”. Their main tasks include not only conflict prevention within the framework of NATO and EU operations, but also national defense in the event of an attack. With its colorful coat of arms showing Pomeranian national colors and a red griffin, the brigade has a history that dates back to 1991, when it was formed from parts of the National People's Army (NVA).

A look at the future

The coming years of training promise deep cooperation and lively exchange between the two nations, characterized by camaraderie and mutual appreciation, even if language barriers have to be overcome. Over the years, Panzergrenadier Brigade 41 has repeatedly proven itself in national and multinational operations, be it in disaster control measures or international missions in crisis areas such as Afghanistan and Mali.

The Croatian initiative not only reflects Germany's commitment to international security, but also promotes a spiritual connection that goes beyond the military framework. With a good knack for the challenges of the future, the soldiers are ready to train their Mongolian colleagues as well as to gain valuable experience themselves.

The cooperation is expected to be supported by the “Military Training Support” department of the Panzergrenadierbrigade 41 and the Panzerpionierbataillon 803 from Havelberg, which creates further potential for ongoing exchange. If you consider that the brigade extends across several federal states, from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to Schleswig-Holstein, it is obvious: the future is being written here.