Sein Job: Waffen testen für die Bundeswehr - Gehalt als ziviler Ingenieur | Lohnt sich das? | BR

Summary

In this video, Frank, a technical officer in the Bundeswehr's advanced administrative service, walks us through his role at the Bundeswehr's technical center for IT and electronics. He explains how they test and improve military systems, ensuring soldiers receive effective tools. The video showcases Frank's work on a vehicle simulation for testing weapons systems and his efforts to integrate cameras for virtual simulations. Frank also shares personal insights into his career, salary, and family life, highlighting the balance between his responsibilities and the satisfaction he finds in his work.

Takeaways

• 👨‍💻 The goal is to provide soldiers with high-quality, useful products that are thoroughly tested before deployment.
• 💼 Frank works in a technical administrative role at the Bundeswehr, specifically in a department focused on IT and electronics.
• 🛠️ His job involves testing new systems and improving old ones to ensure they meet the needs of soldiers in the field.
• 🚜 One of his tasks is preparing a Leopard tank for testing in a virtual simulation environment.
• 🎯 The aim of the virtual simulation is to test weapons systems and vehicles in a safe, controlled environment before live testing.
• 🔍 The current challenge is integrating a camera into a gun scope for better observation and testing of its functionality.
• 🤔 One solution he is exploring is stabilizing the camera to prevent it from shaking, which is crucial for accurate testing results.
• 📈 Frank discusses his salary, explaining that his monthly gross income is around €6,600, with a net income of approximately €5,300 after taxes and insurance.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Frank lives with his wife and four children, having purchased a home that he plans to pay off by the time he retires.
• 🏡 He opted for homeownership due to high rental costs and has chosen to be the sole earner while his wife stays at home.

Q & A

What is Frank's role in the Bundeswehr?

Frank works in the upper-level technical administrative service at the Bundeswehr, where he is responsible for ensuring that soldiers receive high-quality equipment.

What is the purpose of the 'wertechnische Dienststelle' Frank works at?

The 'wertechnische Dienststelle' focuses on testing and developing information technology and electronic systems to improve equipment used by soldiers, ensuring it is effective and suited for military operations.

Why does Frank say that soldiers should not just be given any product?

Frank emphasizes that the goal is to provide soldiers with equipment that is functional and beneficial, rather than just purchasing items that may not serve their needs or improve their capabilities.

What is Frank's current project involving the Leopard tank?

Frank is working on preparing the Leopard tank, which is currently being used as a test object, to be ready for further trials and experimentation in a simulation environment.

How is virtual simulation used in Frank's work?

Virtual simulation is employed to test weapons systems and other military equipment in a controlled environment before conducting live tests. This allows for repeated testing and adjustments without the risks and costs of real-world trials.

What challenge is Frank facing with the target scope (Zielfernrohr) in the simulation environment?

Frank is trying to integrate a camera into the target scope to capture what a soldier would see through it. However, he faces difficulties with focus and stability when using the camera.

What are some of the technical challenges in simulating military equipment testing?

One challenge is ensuring that camera systems remain stable and properly aligned during tests. Frank is working on creating a fixed position for the camera to prevent it from shaking or losing focus during testing.

What is Frank’s income as a civil servant in the Bundeswehr?

Frank earns around €5,400 as a base salary, with an additional €1,200 in bonuses, bringing his total gross salary to approximately €6,600. After taxes and deductions, his net income is around €5,300.

What personal sacrifices does Frank mention in relation to his job?

Frank mentions that his family relies solely on his income as his wife stays at home. This responsibility makes managing finances a bit more complex, especially with the cost of raising children and paying off their house mortgage.

How does Frank balance work and personal life?

Frank lives with his wife and four children in a house they purchased, and he acknowledges the importance of his income for supporting his family. He also highlights that despite the challenges, he enjoys his work, which motivates him to continue.