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General Habersetzer: An eventful career and commitment to the Luftwaffe
Learn more about Klaus Habersetzer, an important lieutenant general in the Luftwaffe, and his connection to Fürstenfeldbruck.
General Habersetzer: An eventful career and commitment to the Luftwaffe
Klaus Habersetzer, a pioneer in the German Air Force and closely associated with the Bundeswehr base in Fürstenfeldbruck, recently celebrated a significant milestone in his career. The 67-year-old, who began his career as an officer candidate in the Air Force in 1977, was honored at a festive reception in the Churfürstensaal of the police college. State Minister Florian Herrmann (CSU), MPs, district administrators and companions came together to applaud Habersetzer for his achievements.
The retired three-star general, who headed the Luftwaffe officer school in Fürstenfeldbruck from 2008 to 2012, can look back on a long and remarkable career. He remembers well the first days in the newly built Air Force training center, where he gained many formative experiences, he says. At that time, aircraft such as the Fiat “Gina” and Alphajets regularly flew over the square. “The school was modern and architecturally groundbreaking,” enthuses Habersetzer, as he recalls the challenges of the time – shaped by RAF terrorism and the global political climate under President Jimmy Carter.
A path full of ups and downs
Habersetzer originally planned to leave the Bundeswehr after twelve years. But the urge to pursue a military career overwhelmed him, and after three decades he returned to his former location as a commander. “I would choose this profession again today because it is important for society,” explains the general, who notes the high level of acceptance of the Bundeswehr today. This atmosphere did not exist during the Cold War, when the armed forces were often criticized.
Habersetzer never had any negative experiences in Fürstenfeldbruck. Rather, he noted that citizens were proud of Fighter Bomber Squadron 49, which was disbanded in 1994. It is a mindset that stands in stark contrast to the contradictions in how the Bundeswehr has been viewed in the past.
The path of the Bundeswehr from 1955 to today
The Bundeswehr was founded at the end of 1955 and reached its full combat effectiveness in the 1970s. However, the use of the armed forces was not always a given. Historians show the challenges and developments of the German army from 1955 to the present. While the Air Force was already equipped with modern equipment in 1971, it initially struggled with problems in leadership and logistics. It was not until the late 1970s that all aircraft squadrons became operational, giving the Air Force a technological advantage that continues to this day.
However, the years of rearmament were followed by difficult phases, particularly after reunification and the changes in the global security situation. The decline in investments and the resulting challenges continue to be part of the discussion about German defense policy.
Habersetzer is a symbol of this change and represents a new generation of military people who are fighting for acceptance and trust in the Bundeswehr. Interest in military careers has increased in recent years, which is also a clear sign of changing social attitudes.