"Squad, ten-hut!" resounds loudly from the U.S. sergeant into the still young morning as well as into many a sleepy ear of the 41st Field Artillery Brigade. "Left march!" In accurate time, hundreds of pairs of boots march off, setting out for "Operation Schön." U.S. Army scouts moved out earlier from Europe's most modern military training area in Grafenwöhr, Bavaria, and were able to spot an outpost with special appeal. In addition to extensive training areas, state-of-the-art firing ranges, a military airport and housing units where up to 4,000 U.S. soldiers live, a garrison for military clothing and equipment is located in the immediate vicinity of the 233-square-kilometer area of operations, which has long since become a popular port of call for both the military and the civilian population.

Bitterly cold moonlight sweeps across countless treetops and mountain ridges, shrouding the depths of night in a meek silhouette of breathtaking beauty. Silence, seclusion, and unleashed forces of nature fill the crisp air of the mighty Rocky Mountains with a sense of adventure, awe, and humble contemplation. Being at one with nature and the ripe realization of being only a small piece of its puzzle after all. Suddenly, the inner contemplation is interrupted by a cracking sound. A trampling branch, a dull tramp in the snow and steaming breath. A grazing deer - this hunting trip will be a successful one.

Confident designs full of passion, emozione and the necessary attention to detail - Italian Alessandra de Santis is a passionate knife designer and the face of Hydra Design. The knife division emerged from Hydra Armaments, her husband's company that produces accessories for firearms such as muzzle flash suppressors and muzzle brakes for sporting, tactical as well as hunting applications. Her creations are characterized by a distinctive design that combines unique details with uncompromising functionality and high utility.

This year, too, new apprentices are taking their first steps into professional life at Boker Manufaktur in Solingen. We are currently training a total of 12 apprentices in the professions of metal technology specialist (specializing in machining technology and assembly technology), machine and plant operator, industrial clerk, marketing communications clerk, IT specialist (specializing in system integration) and warehouse specialist. This time we looked over the shoulders of Nassim (21) and Eric (17) during their exciting training. If you are also looking for an apprenticeship and would like to become part of our apprentice team, we look forward to receiving your application!