You know, I keep asking this question but never get a straight answer. Do you think our troops think their help is "microscopic?" And if so, do you think our troops think the life of a German soldier is cheap? Under what circumstances is the life of any soldier cheap? When am internet bulletin-board "expert" says so?
You're right. The Germans are doing plenty; they're definitely carrying their weight punching above their weight.
Well, I leave in a week - but not for northern Afghanistan, where things are quite a bit more settled than in the south. And I consider their help to be pretty darn small compared to their capability. I also consider their help to be smaller than their mouth.
The life of a German soldier isn't cheap - but they take very few risks compared to the Americans or British. This doesn't prevent them from taking cheap shots at those who risk far more, or from their government from acting as though they have the right to call the shots.
Like most in continental Europe, they talk big about Afghanistan but pony up little.