Colonel Uwe Staab, Commander of the Saarland State Command in Saarlouis, recently paid an inaugural visit to District Administrator Frank John at the district administration office. As well as getting to know each other, the colonel took the opportunity to deliver a few messages. Civil-military cooperation was at the centre of a lively exchange. With reference to the German operational plan, Colonel Staab stated: "Administrative assistance will have to be reversed. We need the civilian organisations to carry out our military mission." And in short, the mission is: national and alliance defence.
In his speech, the commander made it clear that Russia's warlike conflicts, which have been going on for years, and its armament require consistent preparation for a defence situation in Europe. Germany had a key role to play in this with regard to NATO's eastern flank. Credible deterrence measures are necessary to counter possible threats.
The inter-agency planning exercise SAAREX 2025 with civilian and military players set the initial course for this in Saarland.
District Administrator Frank John also sees an absolute necessity in coordinating and bringing together state, civilian and military components and players in order to expand and strengthen civil protection. "I am very interested in the Bundeswehr's plans and you have my support," assured the District Administrator.
Colonel Staab did not fail to emphasise the role of each individual citizen in all of this. He is keen to raise public awareness of the fact that every single person has a role to play in major emergencies. He referred to supposedly simple things such as stocking up on food and water, which should be sufficient for at least 72 hours. Neighbourhood help is also a necessary component in crisis and emergency situations: "It will no longer be possible to be there for everyone and everything by calling the usual numbers 110 or 112. It is imperative that you make your own resources available in your personal and immediate environment," the commander points out.
Even though Colonel Uwe Staab, who lives in the Saarpfalz district, will be retiring next spring, the two gentlemen were certain that their meeting at the district administration office was the first, but certainly not the last.