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Wachbataillon Drills Urban Combat in Berlin U-Bahn During 'Bollwerk Bärlin' Exercise

The honor-guard unit is practicing its mandate to secure federal facilities in worst-case scenarios.

Overview

  • Soldiers conducted night operations in the Jungfernheide training tunnel to rehearse fighting in confined, low-visibility underground spaces.
  • The weeklong company exercise focuses on clearing traffic routes, evacuating own forces, detaining saboteurs, and addressing limited visibility and radio connectivity in dense city terrain.
  • Scenarios included recovering numerous wounded after a simulated prolonged firefight in the station.
  • Commander Maik Teichgräber said the unit is preparing from "the sharp end" for the highest escalation level he defined as the Spannungs- und Verteidigungsfall, referencing the drive to become "kriegsfähig."
  • Berlin’s transit operator BVG said the drills will not lead to closures or other restrictions for passengers.