Bundeswehrfamilien

Since 2001, women serve in all branches of the German Armed Forces. Often they are mothers. Male soldiers with children oftener have partners who work full-time. The German Armed Forces develop into an army focused on foreign deployments. How do male and female soldiers realize their parenthood under these circumstances? Cultural anthropologist Marion Naeser-Lather gives, by means of numerous interviews and a representative survey, fascinating insights into the everyday life of soldier families, their problems and handling of professional requirements. Given the debate on the reform of the German Armed Forces, the study shows which compatibility-measures must be taken to cope with societal developments.