Stadtwerke and Hesse State Command agree partnership for reserve service
25.01.2024 – Stadtwerke Offenbach has entered into a pioneering partnership with the German Armed Forces Command. The aim is to intensify cooperation for homeland security in times of increased social demands.
The cooperation is an agreement that enables Bundeswehr reservists employed by Stadtwerke to take time off for reserve duty. In addition, those who have not yet served are given the opportunity to be trained as homeland security officers in the reserve. The partnership is intended to promote cooperation and security in the region. By releasing reservists willing to serve for training, Stadtwerke Offenbach is supporting the establishment of the Homeland Security Regiment 5 in Hesse. So far, 2,200 applicants have registered for the new homeland security regiment - more than in any other federal state.
Support for the German Armed Forces and employees
The certificate of partnership was presented on Friday, January 19, 2024, by Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Bernstorff from the Hesse State Command in Senefelderstrasse. "For us, strengthening voluntary commitment to society is of great importance - this is also reflected in our sponsoring activities," said Claudia Georg, Head of the Stadtwerke Competence Center Legal, representing Managing Director Peter Walther. "We were therefore happy to enter into this arrangement on the recommendation of our Human Resources Competence Center." Its head Gerlinde Klos added: "Especially in these times, it is important to us that our employees can make a fundamental contribution to crisis and disaster management." Stadtwerke Offenbach thus recognizes the importance of the Bundeswehr for national security. They also support their employees in coordinating their service in the Bundeswehr with their civilian profession - and thus their service to the community.
Important contribution to heritage protection
"As a public utility company, you know how important it is for the infrastructure to function on a daily basis," emphasized Lieutenant Colonel Bernstorff. "By joining, you are now making a contribution to making our society as a whole more resilient." Due to the special requirements resulting from the changed security situation, the reserve is becoming increasingly important for relieving the active troops. The Bundeswehr sees such cooperation as an opportunity to promote local understanding of the armed forces' overall social mission and national security efforts.
Flexible reservists for a deployable Bundeswehr
Reservists support the Bundeswehr's entire range of tasks: from homeland security, such as in Hesse - for example, protecting defense-critical infrastructure, providing aid after disasters or securing transport routes in the event of a crisis - to information technology and reinforcing active troops. A deployable Bundeswehr requires a flexible reserve that can be made available quickly. Around 200 public and private employers across Hesse are currently involved in this partnership for reservist service, thereby assuming social responsibility.