[Michael81Dus]

Uhhm... [thinking] .. you´re right that Germany is not willing to wage war if not unavoidable. But military technology "made in Germany" sometimes is excellent - after all. I think of the Heckler & Koch G3 earlier, and now the G36, the Leopard II A6, the Panzerhaubitze 2000, the Subs of the Dolphin class - every one leading in its class. It´s actually the money we lack... and the political support from our government.

[.cnI redruM]

I'll grant you that German R@D is badly underfunded and as a result, undercuts the performance of the scientists and engineers in the Wehrmacht's civil service and acquisition corps. I was reading a recent issue of The Army Times. In it, our army's lead C3 specialist voiced concern that the US Army will not be able to interoperate with NATO forces 15-20 years from now.

Europe will have to reach a decision as to whether they really want to be able to operate completely with US forces or as seperate forces in the same theater. It doesn't mean the US is even particularly resentful towards NATO over recent diplomatic arguments.

We just have gotten to the point where non-digital commo gear is too obsolete to interoperate with. This leaves us less able to avoid situations where friendly fire incidents and other forms of tragic miscommunication become more prevalent.

[Spandau]

Germany builds great weapons. The Gew 98 is my all-time favorite. The MG42 soldiers on as the MG3 after 60 years of service.