Stefan D. Pauly

Rear Admiral
Founder and Coordinator, Defence & Security Consultants – Germany

Rear Admiral Stefan D. Pauly is the founder of Defence & Security Consultants – Germany. He has been continuously expanding his network of experts in the fields of defence, intelligence, civil resilience, critical infrastructure protection, and intercultural competence. Within this network, specialists exchange perspectives on current developments and engage in professional assessments. Admiral Pauly advises private-sector organizations, civil institutions, and think tanks. He is committed to the highest standards of confidentiality.

Admiral Pauly joined the Navy in 1982. He commanded a Submarine, and served as Commander of a Submarine Squadron of 8 submarines and 3 reconnaissance ships. He served with the Bundeswehr’s Operations Command where he headed the Maritime Operations Division, coordinating counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.

A graduate of the General/Admiral Staff Course and the Capstone Course at the Bundeswehr Command and Staff College—widely regarded as the most prestigious training programs for senior leaders—Admiral Pauly has held key appointments in both operational and strategic intelligence.

On shore, he served in Military Intelligence and with the Federal Intelligence Service (BND). He was Head of Strategic Reconnaissance at NATO’s former Supreme Allied Command Atlantic in Norfolk/USA. He contributed his expertise to the Federal Ministry of Defence as Senior Analyst focusing on the Near & Middle East. In 2013, he assumed duties as Director of Naval Intelligence, followed by his appointment as Deputy Director of Military Intelligence.

Promoted to flag rank, he became Director of Intelligence at NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples (Italy) in 2018, where he was responsible for intelligence assessments relating to NATO’s Strategic Direction South—the regions of the Near&Middle East and Africa.

Subsequently, as Chief of Staff of the newly established Joint Force Command Norfolk/USA, Admiral Pauly helped to shape a NATO headquarters capable of directing Allied operations from the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico.

In June 2022, he was appointed Commander Surface Forces NATO at Allied Maritime Command Northwood/UK, assuming command of all warships assigned to NATO.

Since May 2025, Admiral Pauly has served as Head of the Planning Division at the Bundeswehr Joint Force Command, responsible for the “Operations Plan Germany”—the military component of Germany‘s national defence concept.

As of April 2026, Rear Admiral (ret.) Pauly will bring his extensive national and international experience to bear as Senior Counsel Defence to a consulting firm and as Senior Mentor to NATO academies and commands