The driving force behind protected vehicles: Stefan Pauly

The driving force behind protected vehicles: Stefan Pauly

Stefan Pauly has been interested in all types of vehicles since his childhood. He turned this passion into a career in 2012 when he successfully completed his integrated mechanical engineering degree with the Bundeswehr, combining theoretical study with work placements.

A man standing in front of a vehicle

Stefan Pauly in front of an ENOK He was part of the procurement process of the protected vehicle.

Bundeswehr/Bannert

Since his first day on the job, the civil servant at the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBwBundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr) has been dealing with the procurement of protected vehicles. His work has allowed him to gather many interesting impressions and experiences. One of the highlights so far has been a business trip to Dubai. In an interview, the 28-year-old explains how this relates to the Bundeswehr.

by Katharina Theobald

7 Questions to Stefan Pauly

Technischer Regierungsamtmann

Mr. Pauly, why did you opt for the Bundeswehr? And why exactly did you choose to study mechanical engineering?

Even as a child, I was interested in vehicles and their technology. Anything that stank, made a racket and had wheels fascinated me. This is why I was sure I wanted to do something like mechanical engineering or vehicle engineering at quite an early stage. I accidentally found out about BAAINBwBundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr and its tasks via a friend. Well, one thing became clear to me quite quickly: I wanted to study an integrated mechanical engineering degree course with the Bundeswehr that included an integrated career training, specializing in design and development. And it worked out.

What exactly is your task?

To put it simply, our team is responsible for all protected vehicles – from their procurement to their disposal. After finishing my degree, I initially worked in the DINGO project. After a short period of familiarization, I was soon managing smaller projects. Meanwhile, I am not just in charge of the ENOK, but also mainly of specially protected commercial vehicles. It is my task to provide our service members with vehicles that are not recognizable as military vehicles from the outside. Nevertheless, they need to have the required level of protection. For this purpose, I cooperate quite closely with other areas such as the German Federal Intelligence Service (Bundesnachrichtendienst, BNDBundesnachrichtendienst), the German Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt), the Federal Police (Bundespolizei) and the Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt, BKABundeskriminalamt). All of these institutions use these types of vehicle.

How does cooperation with the BKABundeskriminalamt and the BNDBundesnachrichtendienst work?

Protected and armored vehicles are mostly associated directly with the Bundeswehr. However, other German agencies also use such vehicles in Germany and abroad. Regular mutual exchange and close cooperation make everybody’s work easier. This has repeatedly proven true in the past. Often, it is just a matter of a short phone call, but sometimes it involves a complete inspection. For instance, I accompanied the Federal Police to Dubai in 2019 and 2020 in the context of inter-agency support for the Federal Ministry of the Interior. We supported the procurement of the vehicles and inspected them at the manufacturer’s premises in the United Arab Emirates before their final acceptance. Final inspections of this type are routinely carried out by BAAINBwBundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr. This is why I could share my expertise with the colleagues from the Federal Police and support them during the technical inspection of the vehicles.

Has this business trip been the best experience of your career so far?

Of course, the business trips to Dubai were among the highlights. But I also think of the procurement of the protected limousines for the Chief of Defence as a memorable experience. It makes you proud to see these vehicles in the media reports knowing you were responsible for their procurement. With my work, I could contribute a little to protecting the Chief of Defence.

Describe your work in three words, please.

Diverse, exciting, demanding.

What do you do to relax after work?

In my free time, I relax during sports activities but also while driving cars or riding motorbikes. I often ride on or around the Nürburgring, the famous race track which is nearby.

Who would you like to swap lives with for one month?

If I could swap lives with anyone for a month, I would like it to be our Defence Minister. I think this would give me an overview of the Bundeswehr as a whole. In our day-to-day work, we are only responsible for a small part of the bigger picture. However, the Bundeswehr has so much more to offer.

Insights into Stefan Pauly’s work

  • A man looking inside the engine compartment of a vehicle

    Stefan Pauly also needs to be familiar with the engine compartment of the SERVAL Reconnaissance and Combat Vehicle

    Bundeswehr/Bannert
  • A man checking dog transport boxes in a vehicle

    Stefan Pauly checking the retrofitted dog transport boxes in the vehicle

    Bundeswehr/Bannert
  • Two vehicles crossing rough terrain

    Two ENOK vehicles undergoing off-road endurance testing

    Bundeswehr/Bannert
  • A man sitting inside a protected limousine, inspecting it

    During the final acceptance test of the protected limousine for the German Chief of Defence, Stefan Pauly is inspecting everything very thoroughly

    Bundeswehr/Pauly

Other people in the AINAusrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung Organization