I know you're German and I'm American, but thanks for your service to your country.
Uh, old thread came to live. And your comment on my contribution required some elaboration,
@Bodi.
At that particular time in 2016 it was "inbetween".
After leaving grammar school with university entrance exams, I did a conscript year as a soldier of a bridging platoon of a construction engineer company of an army engineer battalion. Then I did half a year apprenticeship in construction engineering (brick layer, carpenter, contruction office jobs) as prerequisit for civil engineering studies.
I was student for 1½ years. The army officer career turned out to be very attractive. I passed successfully the 3 days lasting assessment center. For the next 13 years I was trained to become a combat engineer, was platoon leader of an amphibious bridging system, platoon leader of basic military training company of the mountain engineer battalion, aswell as executive officer officer/deputy company commander of that particular unit. My last 4,5 years I spent as a Captain in the concepts and capabilities development branch of the army engineer school. Center of main effort: Explosive ordnance disposal.
I accomplished my time career volunteer contract, left service for hiring in a commercial EOD company.
That turned out to be my monetary desaster, because CEO didn't take care of labor law, and confirmed income. I took the opportunity for addressing several times politely the issues.
No reactions, but the last time I received a letter of dismission. I accused the company at law court, judge proved I had been right. In the end I left the job with some monetary compensation.
Parallel to applications for new jobs, I was called by military HR office with the request, if I could sign sgain, because my special qualification is needed severly.
I was reluctant in signing contracts quick. For an educated guess army reserve was the first step.
At that time I made my comment in summer of 2016, I was reserve, but already agreed in the official return.
This was in OCT 16, again as time career voluteer with the option of lifer contract, if my evaluations would be excellent.
Half a year staff college (with performance evalution in the top quarter), three years company commander of a combat/armoured engineer company, within 5 months EOD/IEDD refresher/update training (evaluated as best trainee), two tours to Afghanistan with 1½ years on mission in total. Most relevant: Battalion commander (LTC), brigade commander (Brigadier General), division commander (Major General) all highly recommended the transition to lifer contract in late summer/autumn of 2018. The selection board at military HR office followed their voice. Now I'm LTC, still dealing with conventional and improvised ammunition on operational level.
I make my living as a soldier, though I prefer peace and transparent diplomacy as the status and manner of policy.