Soldaten

It would be better if there weren't any missions abroad, but somebody has to do it, "says the young Bundeswehr recruit Jerell to his worried mother on the balcony of her rented apartment in Berlin-Reinickendorf. In a few months he will be boarding a military plane to Afghanistan As one of the last Bundeswehr soldiers to be called up for this mission. "Of course it is difficult as a mother when your own son goes into the military," says Jerell's mother. "But it is his wish, I have to accept it. " A few years after the conversion to the professional army, the film follows three young men through their basic military training up to their first assignment abroad. A personal film that gives deep insights into the living conditions of young soldiers and their everyday lives. "What does it mean if I have to go to the crisis area as a soldier?" "Soldiers" tells the story of Jeremy, Alexis and Jerell, who signed up for service at the age of 20 in the Panzergrenadier company in Hagenow, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Shaped by a sometimes difficult youth, they are now looking for recognition, belonging and a perspective. However, their new job also entails enormous risks: As an experienced combat unit, the soldiers from Hagenow play a relevant role in the Afghanistan conflict and other crisis areas. In the first few days, the recruits are confronted with a strange world: the loud commanding tone, the many unknown people in the eight-bed room, the first night, far away from home. In the following months: Drills, shooting training with live ammunition, personal challenges in private life. And again and again the discussion with the relatives: "What does it mean if I have to go to the crisis area as a soldier?" It actually comes to that. After a year, the young Berliner Jerell is sent to Afghanistan. As one of the last soldiers for the "Resolute Support" mission in Mazar-e Sharif.