Military-civilian exercise “Red Storm Charly” in Hamburg

The title of the military-civilian exercise in Hamburg seems to be based on that of a novel from the 1980s. In “Red Storm Rising,” Tom Clancy imagined a conventional Third World War that was started by Moscow. The Soviet attack was initiated by Spetsnaz sabotage. The port of the Hanseatic city, which is essential for NATO supplies, is paralyzed when two merchant ships are grounded in the shipping channel.

Hamburg's key logistical role

In the fictional scenario of the “Red Storm Charly” exercise, things haven’t gotten that far yet, but even there it’s about Hamburg’s key logistical role when the eastern flank needs to be reinforced within the alliance. In plain language: We are preparing against the threat of aggression from Russia. For this purpose, processes are practiced between the Bundeswehr, THW, fire brigade, police and civilian companies.

Resilience is a buzzword, but that's exactly what it's about: becoming resilient in the face of impending danger. Political forces on the far right and left like to defame this as warmongering. This claim is cynical or naive at best. A war started by Moscow has been raging in eastern Europe for years, and the countries that provide legitimate aid to the victim of the aggression are also threatened and subtly attacked. It is necessary to prepare for the storm, precisely so that it is not fully unleashed.