Federal Cross of Merit for Brigadier General: Arlt honored for Kabul evacuation mission

The Bundeswehr flew thousands of people from Kabul after the Taliban seizure of power – a dangerous mission under the leadership of Brigadier General Arlt. He has now received the Federal Cross of Merit.

Two places, two worlds – connected by a ceremony. The atmosphere in the large hall at Bellevue Palace is solemn, but filled with thoughts of Kabul Airport and the two dangerous weeks in August when the Bundeswehr flew more than 5,300 people.

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier wants to say thank you – to all those involved who will receive the Bundeswehr Mission Medal. But above all one: Brigadier General Jens Arlt, who led the evacuation mission. “We would have gone to hell with him and got the devil out – and we would have made it too” – said one of the people who were with Arlt in Kabul.

Steinmeier says that one could not wish for more praise and recognition from the troops. Arlt stands for the best of the Bundeswehr, he led his team through two extremely tough weeks, spared himself the least and brought everyone back home unharmed despite the greatest dangers. According to Steinmeier, the Brigadier General stands for a successful mission like no other, which is why he receives the First Class Cross of Merit.

Arlt speaks of team performance

Arlt emphasizes that it was a team effort, so he sees the medal as an award for everyone. In his free speech of thanks, it can be seen that the general is worried about the situation in Afghanistan. He says that he was in Afghanistan for the first time 17 years ago and that the country will not let go of him now either. “That is an incredible time, I was in the country a lot, I was able and allowed to help set up many security forces and of course I also ask personal questions.”

Arlt is taking up a warning from the Federal President. According to Steinmeier, politics must learn from the 20 years of operation in Afghanistan and the rapid collapse of the government and security forces. “The experience from Afghanistan will be in the West, it will hang on us Germans, German politicians and the Bundeswehr for a long time to come. We shouldn’t answer all the painful questions quickly, but honestly and thoroughly.”

Steinmeier also expresses the hope that the great attention paid to the risky deployment in Kabul will change society’s view of the Bundeswehr. The Federal President would like to see more alert eyes, more understanding of what soldiers are doing and that, in the end, their lives are also at stake. The army has once again shown what it can do, says Steinmeier. For this she deserves the recognition of society.