Former Bundeswehr sergeant major: 6,300 euros fine for refusing to vaccinate!

Former Bundeswehr sergeant major: 6,300 euros fine for refusing to vaccinate!

The case of a former Bundeswehr sergeant major is causing a stir in Neubrandenburg. The 42-year-old musician, once part of the Army Music Corps, was convicted of “insubordination.” Again Northern Courier reported, the case dates back years. In 2017 and 2018, the man repeatedly refused to take the “basic protection” vaccinations required for soldiers in the Bundeswehr. Despite submitting certificates from a civilian ENT doctor and a pharmacologist, the Bundeswehr doctors had a different opinion and had no concerns about the vaccinations.

The court hearing took place on October 14th and Judge Natalie König decided on the punishment after consultation with the public prosecutor and the defense attorney. Without an objection from the convicted person, the fine of 90 daily rates of 70 euros each, a total of 6,300 euros, now becomes legally binding. The sergeant major now lives in Switzerland and was represented in the trial, which underlines the unusual nature of the case. A senior officer in the music corps noted that there had been no similar case in the unit in the past 45 years.

Background on compulsory vaccination in the Bundeswehr

The general obligation to vaccinate against the coronavirus existed for the Bundeswehr, but has now been lifted daily news reported. From now on, a strong recommendation for the Covid-19 vaccination has been made, but it is no longer mandatory. The Federal Ministry of Defense has also made it clear that no Covid-19 vaccination will have to be presented in the future. The obligation to tolerate has been replaced by a voluntary vaccination offer, so that soldiers can decide for themselves whether they want to be vaccinated or not.

However, other important vaccinations remain mandatory, including hepatitis, measles, rubella, mumps and influenza. While the Covid-19 vaccination was still included in the basic vaccination schedule in 2021, a clear trend reversal is now noticeable. Less than a quarter of the soldiers refused to comply with the regulations, and around 96 percent of the personnel subject to toleration were basic immunized at the beginning of 2022.

An extraordinary case with consequences

The refusal to vaccinate not only has financial consequences for the sergeant major, but also ended his career as a soldier. The military musician, who had been with the Bundeswehr since 2006 and studied music there, ultimately had to leave the service. As the court's decision shows, obedience is very important in the Bundeswehr, and violations can have significant consequences.

The case shows once again how important the discussion about vaccination and obedience remains in the Bundeswehr. While regulations regarding Covid-19 are changing, the importance of vaccinations in the military remains high. So anyone who plans to operate in this environment should not take their duties lightly.