The latest event of the “Ludovika Attaché Forum–2026” discussion series welcomed Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Passbach of the German General Staff, Defence Attaché of Germany. During his visit, he met with officer cadets and faculty leaders at the Zrínyi Miklós Barracks and University Campus.
The nearly one-hour forum was attended by more than 40 officer cadets. The discussion was moderated by Lieutenant Colonel Ferenc Petruska, Vice Dean for International Affairs of the Faculty of Military Science and Officer Training, and Colonel Zsolt Kálóczi, representative of the Institute of Military Aviation.
Participants received a comprehensive overview of Germany’s role in strengthening NATO’s European pillar, Central European security cooperation, European Union defence initiatives, and the opportunities for German–Hungarian military and defence industry cooperation.
In his presentation, Lieutenant Colonel Passbach illustrated the stages and milestones of an international military career through his own professional journey, highlighting both the advantages and the challenges of the profession. During the informal discussion, he shared that throughout his career he and his wife—who accompanied him to the event—have relocated more than twenty times and lived in numerous countries around the world.
He also provided insight into the organizational culture of the German armed forces, the Bundeswehr, and explained two of its key principles: Auftragstaktik, a mission-oriented leadership philosophy that encourages initiative and decentralized decision-making; and Innere Führung, a concept emphasizing responsible, values-based leadership and the integration of democratic principles into military service.
In 2022, Lieutenant Colonel Passbach completed the approximately ten-month senior leadership training program at the Institute for Advanced Leadership of the Faculty of Military Science and Officer Training, Ludovika University of Public Service. He was subsequently appointed as Germany’s Defence Attaché.
In his remarks, he stressed the importance of cooperation both between nations and within alliances. He highlighted the depth and diversity of German–Hungarian relations, which are rooted in a long shared history and continue to thrive across numerous fields today. At the end of the forum, officer cadets had the opportunity to ask questions, addressing Germany’s role in Europe and within the alliance system, as well as past and present characteristics of German officer education.
Following the event, Lieutenant Colonel Passbach held a brief meeting with Brigadier General Péter Lippai, Dean of the Faculty.
Text: Major Renáta M. Révész
Photos: Ferenc Antal, Renáta M. Révész