Military commander
December 18, 2009
Germany has appointed Volker Wieker, a former German army general, as head of the country's military command. Wieker was given the position Friday by defense minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and replaces former military head Wolfgang Schneiderhan.
Guttenberg said Wieker is a “first-class soldier” and that he will act wisely and in the best interests of German citizens. The 55-year-old Wieker has been a soldier since 1974, and was trained for high command in both Germany and the United States.
Since 2008, Wieker was in command of the First German-Netherlands Corps based in Muenster. He has also been the chief of staff of NATO ISAF troops in Kabul.
As head of military command, Wieker will be responsible for the development and implementation of Germany's overall defense plans.
Wieker's appointment as Germany's top soldier comes after Schneiderhan was relieved of command over allegations that he withheld details of a German-ordered airstrike in northern Afghanistan.
The airstrike, which occurred in September, hit two fuel tankers hijacked by Taliban fighters. It is estimated that up to 142 Afghans died in the attack, including civilians.
mk/AP/dpa
Editor: Kyle James