In the Bundeswehr, soldiers elect a Vertrauensperson, a person of trust, to represent them. Before a disciplinary superior decides on certain personnel measures, he is to hear this representative, unless the soldier concerned expressly refuses it. The law adds two sentences that turn a formality into an obligation: Das Ergebnis der Anhörung ist in die Personalentscheidung einzubeziehen. Über die Anhörung ist ein Protokoll anzufertigen, das zu den Akten zu nehmen ist. (The result of the hearing must be included in the personnel decision. Minutes must be taken of the hearing and placed on file.)