The Association – About Us

As a non-profit association, we see ourselves as part of a network of support comprising members of the German Armed Forces, doctors, psychologists, pastoral carers, social workers, guides for those affected by military service, and aid and support organisations from the German Armed Forces and other institutions.

Our association offers information and assistance to members of the German Armed Forces and their families who have been exposed to particular psychological stress in the course of their service or who suffer from mental disorders. It also caters to former members of the German Armed Forces.

We also support institutions and individuals involved in researching and treating mental disorders among members of the German Armed Forces.

Chairman: Frank Eggen
Vice-Chair: Dr Kai Köhler, Certified Educator/MSc Psych.
Treasurer: Heinrich Rau

Register of Associations: Charlottenburg Local Court (VR 34323 B)

Attack on the soul – Psychosocial support for members of the German Armed Forces e. V.
c/o Psychological Trauma Centre of the German Armed Forces
13 Scharnhorst Street

10115 Berlin

„The Attack on the Soul is another impressive example of effective self-help for affected soldiers and their families. As Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces, I support the great work of this internet initiative with all the means at my disposal. Because „caring for the soul“ concerns us all. The association offers help that is independent of the employer and neutral.“

Reinhold Robbe, 2009

Reinhold Robbe, former Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces, has been a great supporter of Angriff auf die Seele (Attack on the Soul) since 2008. During his tenure as Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces from 2005 to 2010, improving operational support and protecting soldiers on deployment was a personal concern and a key focus of his term of office. Even after leaving office, Reinhold Robbe has continued to campaign for the interests of soldiers and the destigmatisation of psychological consequences of deployment, such as PTSD, in the German Armed Forces.

If you would like to actively support the association, you can do so by becoming a member. We offer two types of membership. The annual fee is at least £24 per year, regardless of the type of membership, and can be increased as desired.

Being on constant alert means stress. Combat soldiers are often under stress. They work in a tense atmosphere and experience things that are far beyond their previous life experience.

This does not leave the soul unaffected. It is important to process stress and stressful experiences well, to recognise illnesses in good time and, if necessary, to seek and accept help.

Soldiers on deployment may be confronted with a variety of traumatic events. They may experience hostage-taking, atrocities and violence first-hand, or become victims of attacks, mine accidents, traffic accidents or other accidents. They may have to identify and recover dead comrades or care for civilian casualties. People, including children, may die in their arms.

However, soldiers cannot „only“ become victims or witnesses of such incidents. In the event of defending against terrorist attacks, they may be forced to take active part themselves.

The website www.angriff-auf-die-seele.org is a low-threshold point of contact on the Internet.

Here you will find important independent information and contact details for soldiers in the British Armed Forces who are exposed to particular psychological stress. This service is also available to former soldiers and their families.

You will receive answers to the question: What options are available for help with emotional trauma? Links lead to central contact points.

We are supported by psychotherapists with experience in the armed forces. You can obtain confidential, expert advice online, anonymously and directly on topics such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues.

Anonymous online tests on topics such as PTSD, addiction or depression show you your stress level immediately as a result.