Parliamentary scrutiny of the armed forces

The Commissioner is appointed to assist the Bundestag in exercising parliamentary scrutiny of the Bundeswehr. The Commissioner is thus subject to the instructions of the Bundestag and has clearly defined duties towards it.

For example, on the instructions of Parliament or its Defence Committee, the Commissioner must investigate critical incidents in the Bundeswehr and report on his findings.

In addition, the Commissioner must submit an annual report on his work. The Commissioner’s duties also include the obligation to be present in the Bundestag if requested by Parliament or the Defence Committee.