As of: March 8, 2024, 3:30 p.m
By: Verena Möckl
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Two years ago, Claudia Schleier flew in a fighter jet over her hometown of Jetzendorf at Easter.
It was the highlight of her time as a professional soldier in the Bundeswehr so far.
© Bundeswehr
Claudia Schleier from Jetzendorf found her calling as a soldier in the Bundeswehr.
On the occasion of International Women's Day, she tells us what she experiences as a woman at the federal government.
Jetzendorf – When Claudia Schleier found her calling at the age of 25, her family was initially very afraid.
Some friends said it wasn't for women, others admired her for her courage.
Claudia Schleier is a professional soldier – no matter what others think of it.
“I am a trained dental assistant, but that didn’t fulfill me.
I needed a challenge,” recalls the now 45-year-old.
She hasn't regretted her decision to join the military for a single moment.
What counts in the Bundeswehr is cohesion.
“There are no differences between men and women here,” she says.
Neither in the training program in basic training nor in the salary or career opportunities, emphasizes Schleier.
“It doesn’t matter who’s in the uniform.”
The company's mother: Claudia Schleier from Jetzendorf is a professional soldier
That wasn't the case for a long time.
Only since 2001 have women received the same pay as men and no longer have to work as medics, but are free to join any armed force.
Claudia Schleier is stationed as a so-called spie in the tactical air force squadron in the first flying squadron in Neuburg an der Donau.
She is the right-hand man of the squadron leader and, in Bundeswehr jargon, “the mother of the company”.
But this is not a classic women's position within the Bundeswehr, says Schleier.
She is the first woman in this position in the Air Force.
She is also the first female active member and cashier of the Jetzendorf Warriors and Soldiers Association.
This makes her part of a minority in the Dachau district.
“I feel comfortable in the male domain,” says Claudia Schleier.
She doesn't feel like she has to prove herself because she's a woman.
According to Schleier, there is one thing you need if you join the Bundeswehr as a woman: a thick skin.
“There is a rough tone here.
You can’t be sensitive.”
Read here what it feels like to be the only woman playing football on a men's team.
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