Thread by @JakubPalowski

#Germany: As @nld_37 has mentioned, #Bundeswehr is taking on a structural reform in #Army (#Heer). This is essential not only for Germany, but also for the allies of Germany. On one hand, @Deutsches_Heer is becoming more mobile, but this comes with a price - a hefty one 1/

German Army is going to have only three "heavy" brigades, i.e. with #Leopard and #Puma battalions. Another one is the Dutch 43 Mech. Further three will be "medium forces" / Mittlere Kraefte based on Boxer APC. Not only the Franco-German brigade and 23 Mountain, but also 2/

21 Mountain. While this will improve mobility of German Army, even after provision of full equipment for the Army, #Germany will have very limited capability when it comes to "schwere" (heavy) forces. This has certain implications for NATO posture... and for Poland 3/

In short, if our Allies are severely limiting their heavy forces (not only GER but also FRA, and UK), *we* need to step up. And this is probably the reason *we* are purchasing literally hundreds of tanks including #K2 and #Abrams, for existing and new formations. I understand 4/

that this has been consulted with @NATO and I *may* be OK with that. But still, the richest European NATO nation with three plus one heavy brigades. That comes with challenges, including force generation during a sustained conflict etc. What Germany could then do? 5/

I assume the force structure is agreed, but as they say devil is in the details (always). Technically there is a possibility of establishing reserve companies in tank/IFV bns,AND reserve structures on brigade level (either tank or PzGren/Mech). If those are manned and equipped6/

Germany could still be valuable contributor to the #NewForce model. In other words - keep the active forces at high readiness (Kaltstartfaehigkeit) and also *be able to regenerate them*. Challenging task, but not impossible, and I hope Minister #Pistorius will understand that.7/

A summary of the new German Army Force structure is here. I welcome your thoughts 8/ cc @Ce_Moll @KampfmitKette @gepardtatze @ulrichspeck @Bjoern__M @ThielsChristian @jgotkowska @thinkdefence @Duda1967Adam @BundeswehrGI @MAStrackZi
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