As of 31 May [update] , the Bundeswehr had a strength of , active-duty military personnel and 80, civilians, [ 4 ] placing it among the 30 largest military forces in the world, and making it the second largest in the European Union behind France. In addition, the Bundeswehr has approximately 34, reserve personnel The name Bundeswehr was first proposed by former Wehrmacht general and Liberal politician Hasso von Manteuffel.
The Schwarzes Kreuz is derived from the black cross insignia of the medieval Teutonic knights ; since the symbol has been used to denote a military decoration for all ranks.
When the Bundeswehr was established in , its founding principles were based on developing a completely new military force for the defence of West Germany. In this respect the Bundeswehr did not consider itself to be a successor to either the Reichswehr β of the Weimar Republic or Hitler's Wehrmacht β , and did not adhere to the traditions of any former German military organization.
Its official ethos is based on three major themes: [ 14 ]. This is a form of military tattoo that has its origins in the landsknecht era. The FRG reinstated this formal military ceremony in , three years before the foundation of the Bundeswehr. Today it is performed by a military band with 4 fanfare trumpeters and timpani, a corps of drums, up to two escort companies of the Bundeswehr 's Wachbataillon or another deputized unit and Torchbearers. The Zapfenstreich is only performed during national celebrations or solemn public commemorations.
It can honour distinguished persons present such as the German federal president, or provide the conclusion to large military exercises. There are two kinds of oath: a pledge for recruits, and a solemn vow for full-time personnel. The pledge is made annually on 20 July, the date on which a group of Wehrmacht officers attempted to assassinate Adolf Hitler in This was the headquarters of the resistance and also where the officers were summarily executed following the failure of the attempt.
