Annika Schröder's Journey from Soldier to Farmer
Annika Schröder served in the German military for nearly 20 years, joining as a young adventurer who needed income. She enjoyed activities like parachuting and tank driving before being deployed to Afghanistan. Within a month, her unit was sent on a rescue mission known as the Good Friday Battle, the largest German military engagement since World War II. She recovered two dead soldiers and one severely wounded comrade, but later developed severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Bundeswehr took over a decade to fully recognize her condition. Meanwhile, she was discharged for being unfit for duty. In 2025, a television documentary highlighted her life. She now receives a full army pension and has established a veteran farm outside Leipzig, where she raises pigs and geese and keeps two dogs. Living self-sufficiently aids her PTSD, and the dog in the photograph, though not an official support animal, helps her stay calm.
The Concept of Jan Kraus's Photography Series
Jan Kraus began this photographic series in 2023, exploring visually what "the state" means, especially amid rising defense spending. By photographing uniformed individuals in their private homes, he aimed to reveal the dynamic between the private person and a state representative. Kraus, from a left-wing background, initially knew only one Bundeswehr member. He photographed that person holding his baby drinking from a milk cup.
Kraus found he shared common ground with about 80% of his subjects and could easily socialize with them. Most contacts came through referrals, but he strived for diversity. He photographed Anastasia Biefang, a transgender soldier who led up to 700 troops and became the first openly transgender battalion commander in the German military in 2017.
Annika's Unique Approach to the Uniform
Most subjects in the series are shoeless in their homes, but Annika insisted on wearing shoes. According to Kraus, "She insisted on wearing shoes, because to represent the country properly, the uniform has to be worn completely." Finally receiving recognition from the Bundeswehr for her service and its impact was significant for her.
Annika offers two spare attic rooms to former soldiers with PTSD, no questions asked. Her philosophy: "If you’re really feeling shit, you can come here. I’ve been there." She believes that sending someone to war means they won't return unchanged, and society must care for them.
Exhibition and Impact of the Series
Annika attended Kraus's first exhibition for the series, which was crowded and challenging for her. Despite maintaining a public Instagram profile, she distances herself from the art world. She came with her father, and Kraus was delighted to see her.
Kraus is pleased with the project's outcome, which turned out more positive than expected. Some friends criticized him for photographing a NATO soldier, accusing him of advertising for the Bundeswehr. But Kraus emphasized conversation and photography. "Don’t discuss over social media. Sit down and talk to people, even if you might not agree," he said. The book In Uniform by Jan Kraus is published by Verlag Kettler.
