Salute our boys in berlin

Chatchai explains that an Air Force committee selects its attachés from a pool of qualified volunteers - who have to be ready to be posted anywhere in the world.

"This has always been my career goal," says Chatchai, who by way of preparation studied foreign languages, participated in joint-training exercises with other countries and chose to fly C-130 cargo planes rather than fighter jets.

"I think it's very unlikely we'll see a full-scale war, and in times of peace the cargo planes serve a much more important role. C-130s are included in almost all strategic planning, and I've been able to work on all kinds of assignments."

In the Army, says Jirawat, applicants undergo a tough screening process.

The first son among an Ayutthaya farmer's nine children, Jirawat says the applicants can select the country where they want to work, but they have to show their solid command of English.

Two rounds of interviews follow, one involving their wives.

Jirawat chose Germany because of the way it rose from the wreckage of two world wars to become the world's fourth-largest economy.

"Germany's about the same size as Thailand, but it has a very good political and social system that, in my opinion, derives from the people," he says.

"I hope to learn about their way of thinking, and bring some useful ideas back home.

"And relations between the German and Thai military have always been very positive - Germany has never threatened our sovereignty."

In the year before their overseas assignments, military attachés undergo further military training and learn the ropes of diplomacy through the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Both Chatchai and Jirawat say their main concern at the outset was the German language. Even though most of their business in Berlin is conducted in English, they took German classes at the Goethe Institut in Bangkok, striving to be fluent.

"It makes for friendlier, more genuine relations," says Jirawat.

Chatchai plans to take more German courses while on duty in Berlin.

Their chief duties are as consultants to the ambassador on military-related matters and as aides-de-camp to visiting members of the royal family.

But another crucial role is burnishing relations with the armed forces of the host country and others that have attachés stationed in Berlin.

Evidence of the excellent relations between the Thai and German military, says Chatchai, is seen in the number of scholarships that Berlin awards Thai soldiers.

"We don't have joint-training sessions with the Germans, like we have Cobra Gold with the US, but Thailand is allotted five scholarships a year for the military academy here, which is very high among Asian nations."

There are currently nearly 50 Thai soldiers studying in Germany, at all levels - from military academy to general-staff college.

Chatchai believes this demonstrates the Germans' recognition of Thai soldiers' readiness and potential.

"Strategically, they would want to have friends in Asia who can speak their language and understand their culture, and are capable of learning and exchanging plans and ideas."

It's crucial, Chatchai says, to continue strengthening these already stout bonds.

"Every country is trying to boost its role - staying put is the same as moving backward."

Interpersonal skills are vital in building trust and understanding between countries.

The attachés have another duty, Chatchai says - intelligence gathering.

"But it's nothing to do with spying, as some people might misunderstand," he adds.

"It's simply a matter of learning about Germans, trying to understand how they think and how they would react to a given situation."

He'd like to be more assertive in gathering this kind of knowledge, he says, but nothing is worth risking an international misunderstanding.

Chatchai and Jirawat will serve in Berlin for three years and then expect to return home and continue their military careers.

Asked about his next career goal, Chatchai smiled broadly. "Anything more than this would already be a bonus!"