THE "BAVARIAN" ARMY

(HEIDELSHEIMAT DEFENSE COMMAND)

By James Boschma

I.  Acknowledgements
II. Order of Battle
    A.)  Land Forces
    B.) Aerospace and Interface Forces
    C.) Space Forces
    D.) Japanese Military Mission Heidelsheimat
    E.) Freihafen Military Mission Heidelsheimat
III. Introduction and Background
IV. International Relations
V. Notes on Internal Relations
VI. Units
VII. Personnel -- Recruitment and Training
VIII. Rank Structure
IX. Uniforms
X. Equipment
XI. Battalion Organization and Organization of Selected Small Units
Appendix A:  New Equipment -- Armored Vehicles
Appendix B:  New Equipment -- Small Arms and Support Weapons
 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Dan Hebditch, Bryn Monnery, and Randy McDonald for valuable assistance and input with the development of the HHMT's Bayerischesheer.  Particular thanks to Dan for help with the Japanese military unit terminology.

ORDER OF BATTLE

LAND FORCES (Bayerischesheer)

READY DEFENSE COMMAND
    Jäger Brigade 229 [Steinfurt]
        Kompanie 4, Bayerisches Sternkriegsmarineschützen Abteilung 178 [Orbital Station Neupassau]
        Jäger Abteilung 229 (-) [Steinfurt]
            1st Company [Gerollsbock Mining Facility on DM -56 328 II]
        Jäger Abteilung 1 [Kreutzal]
        Jäger Abteilung 2 [Oberstaufen]
        Artillerie Abteilung 3 [HQ Steinfurt, detachments at Oberstaufen and Kreutzal]

    Pioneer Abteilung 1 [Steinfurt]
    Flak Abteilung 4 [HQ Steinfurt, detachments at Kreutzal, Oberstaufen, and Kulmbach]
    Aufklarungs Abteilung 7 [HQ Steinfurt, detachment in Kulmbach]
    Luftkissenpanzer Abteilung 100 [Steinfurt]
 
HOME DEFENSE COMMAND ("The New Army")
    Freischützen Division 10 [Steinfurt]
    Freischützen Division 20 [Kulmbach]
    Freischützen Division 30 [Oberstaufen]
    Freischützen Division 40 [Kreutzal]

RESERVE DEFENSE COMMAND
    Freischützen Division 50 [Oberstaufen]
    Freischützen Division 60 [Steinfurt]
 

AEROSPACE AND INTERFACE FORCES (Bayerisches Luftwaffe)

Aufklarungsgeschwader 1 (AufG-1) (4 Albatros patrol aircraft, 6 surveillance satellites)
Jagdgeschwader 202 (JG-202) (12 Fafnir Scramjet fighters)
Jagdgeschwader 211 (JG-211) (12 Fafnir Scramjet fighter)

SPACE FORCES (Bayerisches Sternkriegsmarine)

Baden (Württemberg-class Destroyer) [Neupassau Orbital Facility]
Hof (Aconit-class Frigate) [Neupassau Orbital Facility]
Eine Freie Volk (Necessite-class Auxiliary Cruiser) [Neupassau Orbital Facility]
Ein Souverän Land (Necessite-class Auxiliary Cruiser) [Neupassau Orbital Facility]
Sternjagdgeschwader 18 (SJG-18) (6 Siegfried-class naval fighters) [Neupassau Orbital Facility]
 

OTHER FORCES ON PLANET

Japanese Colonial Self Defense Force Military Mission Heidelsheimat [Steinfurt]
    Rinji Hensei Chuutai 1 (Boukuu Butai)
    Rinji Hensei Chuutai 2 (Keisou Bihohei Sentou Kunren)

Heidelsheimat Kommando, Freihafen Freiwehr [Steinfurt]
    Heidelsheimat Abteilung 'Neuheidelberg Uhlans', Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Gruppe 42 (K8/ I9)
    Waffenlehr Abteilung 1 'Panzer und Jäger Lehr'

Notes:

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The armed forces of the independent colony of Heidelsheimat are technically known as the Heidelsheimat Command, Bavarian Army (Heidelsheimat Kommando, Bayerischesheer), with similar commands of the Bayerisches Luftwaffe and Sternkriegsmarine present as well.  Given that there is no longer a nation of Bavaria, nor a Bavarian Army on Earth, the armed forces of Heidelsheimat constitute the sum total of the Bavarian Army in 2303 (or, as one German politician put it, "an illegal rump of deserters, traitors and criminals").  In practice, the Luftwaffe and Sternkriegsmarine elements have come to be subordinated to the Heer on Heidelsheimat.  Most locals, as well as military analysts, have settled on the convention of referring to the colony's forces, in total, as the Bavarian Army.

The Bavarian Army on Heidelsheimat is based on the very small force of Bavarian troops which were stationed on the planet prior to the War of German Re-Unification, augmented by a large reserve system (the Freischützen).  While the Bavarian Army is poorly equipped, it has a relatively experienced officer and NCO corps (thanks to an influx of former Bavarian officers and soldiers among the large numbers of Bavarian expatriates who have emigrated to Heidelsheimat since German reunification).  Both native and expatriate members of the Bayerischesheer are possessed of a nationalistic fervor and determination to maintain their independence from Germany.

As such, the Bavarian Army looks to defending the colony from German aggression as their primary mission.  Though relations are cool with the Texan and Incan colonies on the planet, they are not seen as posing any significant military threat (nor does Heidelsheimat pose a military threat to them).  While the Bavarian Army is quite large by colonial standards (and in relation to the colony's overall population), its lack of heavy equipment and transport makes it relatively immobile and incapable of power projection outside its own borders.
 

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

America:  Mentioned here only because many of the goods imported to Heidelsheimat are carried aboard American merchant ships.  Officially, the American government's opinion on Heidelsheimat is limited to the general assertion that interstellar trade should be as free and unrestricted as possible.  Unofficially, many Americans are sympathetic to the Heidelsheimat cause, seeing parallels to the American revolution (a parallel supported in no small part by the Heidelsheimat government occasionally referencing Revolutionary American-era anti-colonial writings in its rhetoric).  While this American sympathy means little, in practical terms, it is worth noting that most of the military hardware recently acquired by the break-away colony has been delivered by American ships.

Canada:  The Canadian government has officially remained neutral regarding the "Heidelsheimat Question," publicly describing it as a issue internal to the "German community" and calling for a "peaceful resolution which is satisfactory to all parties involved."  From a more pragmatic point of view, Canada is mainly concerned that conditions on Heidelsheimat not develop in such a manner as to interfere with access to the Canadian Finger.

Canton:  Officially, Canton seems to be following the Manchurian lead and has a "non opinion" concerning "the Heidelsheimat Question."  Unofficially, Cantonese economic interests on Syulahm have made some attempts to open low-level trade with Heidelsheimat, but have been blocked and undercut by Japanese corporations on Daikoku.

Freihafen:  Though some Heidelsheimat colonists accuse Freihafen of taking far too passive a role in opposing German Reunification, the Tirane colony has provided economic and military assistance to Heidelsheimat, going so far as to station a small contingent of troops on-planet to guarantee the colony's sovereignty in case of "reckless imperialist adventures" by unnamed parties.  Most analysts are divided as to the precise reason behind this aid, with interpretations ranging from the notion that Freihafen is simply trying to "twist the [German] lion's tail," to a bid by Freihafen to cultivate Heidelsheimat as a client state.  Heidelsheimat has, thus far, been reluctant to accept as much aid as Freihafen has offered, possibly out of a fear of becoming too over dependent on the larger colony, but economic conditions on Heidelsheimat are making this reluctance increasingly untenable.

Germany:  The relationship between Heidelsheimat and Germany is the central issue for the break-away colony's foreign policy.  While Heidelsheimat clearly, and quite publicly, feels itself to be threatened by the prospect of German aggression, Germany has, thus far, focused its efforts on an as yet unsuccessful bid to diplomatically woo Heidelsheimat back into the fold.  The relationship is complicated by the post reunification demographics of the colony.  Some native colonists are moderately receptive to the idea of Heidelsheimat as an autonomous German colony, while more recent Bavarian expatriates are radically opposed to it (for more detail, see below).

The Germans also have their own internal divisions underlying the current government's moderate policy.  Many members of the left, as well as centrists, support independence for the colony, either on ideological grounds, or in recognition of the economic cost of maintaining a colony (willing or unwilling) so far up the Chinese Arm and remote from other German holdings.  On the other hand, a number of prominent right-wing "Pan-Germanist" politicians have undermined official government diplomatic overtures and fueled Heidelsheimat's fears of invasion by making inflammatory remarks calling for immediate military action against the "rebels."  The outbreak of the Kafer War has made Heidelsheimat a rather low priority issue for Germany, though it remains politically volatile in German politics, particularly as a rallying point for the right.

Inca Republic:  The Inca Republic has publicly criticized Heidelsheimat and its "ill-conceived and unwise policies."  It appears that the Incas are quite uncomfortable with the prospects of a post-colonial nation located in close proximity to one of its colonies.  In practical terms, Incan censure has little bearing on Heidelsheimat, as the two colonies had very little contact even before the War of German Reunification.

Japan: With the cessation of aid from Bavaria, Japanese commercial interests on Daikoku wasted no time in moving to develop closer ties with Heidelsheimat (or renew relationships first developed during the early days of the Heidelsheimat's settlement).  Japanese military assistance has been motivated partly by a desire to defend this upsurge in Japanese economic interest, as well as political maneuvering against Japan's historic rival, Manchuria.

Latin Nations:  Like the Inca Republic, the other Latin nations with colonies in the Chinese Arm (Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil) all seem uneasy about the possibly destabilizing presence of a "revolutionary" state in the Chinese Arm, and have publicly advocated a peaceful, negotiated reconciliation with Germany.

Manchuria:  Many Heidelsheimaters, both natives and Bavarian expatriates, regard Manchuria as a threat to the colony on par with that posed by Germany, a perception having more to do with the Central Asian War than any actions or statements by Manchurian officials since.  Manchuria has, in fact, been less than forthcoming on its opinion (if any) concerning Heidelsheimat, which many have regarded as a "wait and see" attitude.

Russia:  Russian aid to Heidelsheimat has been limited to small arms, individual equipment, and light support weapons, leading many to conclude that support is a token gesture in opposition to the reunified German state and in keeping with Russia's stated support for colonial independence movements.

Texas: The rather cavalier manner in which Texas established its colony on Heidelsheimat was a source of some tension between the Bavarian and Texan governments, prompting a brief "Police Race" in the 2250s as both nations established or deployed border police and maritime patrol forces.  Officially, government relations between the two colonies remain cool, partly motivated now by a Texan fear of the planet becoming politically, militarily and/or economically destabilized by Heidelsheimat's bid for independence.  More unofficially, however, Heidelsheimat's portrayal of itself as an armed David facing down the German Goliath has struck a chord with many Texan colonists who remember their own Wars of Independence with a certain national reverence.
 

NOTES ON INTERNAL RELATIONS

Bavarian Expatriates, the Military, and Heidelsheimat Politics:  The population of Heidelsheimat has increased greatly since the War of German Reunification, as the colony has been a common destination for the "Bavarian Diaspora."  At present, Bavarian expatriates make up slightly more than 20% of the colony's total population, but constitute more than 40% of the personnel strength of the military (being even more over-represented in the ranks of senior NCOs and the officer corps).

This influx of population has not been without problems.  While the Heidelsheimat economy is currently growing at a modest rate, and large portions of the colony are being cleared of native life for use in agriculture, this expansion has not yet managed to fully utilize the expanding population.  As a result, chronic unemployment or, more frequently, underemployment for Bavarian immigrants is fairly endemic.  This state of affairs has led to social tensions which have only been aggravated by the fact that, overall, Heidelsheimat is more prosperous now than it was at the end of the War of German Reunification.

As noted, Bavarian expatriates, particularly veterans of the Central Asian War and the War of German Reunification are over-represented in the Bayerischesheer, which has increasingly become a political forum for the venting of Bavarian grievances and extremist anti-German sentiments (such as calls for the export of revolution to German colony worlds).  Thus far the Bayerischesheer has formally claimed to be überpartligkeit ("above the party" or non-political) but the prospects of a political alliance between the military and any of several small, staunchly anti-German Bavarian political organizations (the largest, the Free Democratic Party, represents 5% of the Landestag assembly) has many alarmists making analogies to the Weimar Republic and the Freikorps.

As a consequence, the Heidelsheimat government finds itself facing the unpleasant prospects of becoming even more dependent on industrial and economic aid from Freihafen (with whatever strings may be attached) in an attempt to expand the economy and help integrate the Bavarian newcomers.

At the same time, some members of the government and the military are calling for the formation of a Heidelsheimat expeditionary force for deployment to the French Arm, integrated, perhaps, into the forces of a "neutral" nation (Russia, Japan, and America have all been considered), or perhaps in support of Tanstaafl.  The proponents of such a deployment hope that it would not only distract public opinion from internal divisions and politics, but might, if properly managed, help remove the most political officers from the colony without bolstering their prestige.

Relations Between Freihafener and Japanese Forces:  While both forces are ostensibly on-planet to assist the Bayerischesheer, they have thus far avoided cooperation.  It appears that neither group is acting under orders from their parent nations in this respect, but both organizations regard the other as a competitive rival, both in terms of military prowess and technological sophistication.  As a result, "Freihafen" and "Japanese" military subcultures have begun to appear in the Heer, reflecting the affiliation of certain units with one nation or the other's training units.

UNITS

READY DEFENSE COMMAND: The Ready Defense Command represents the active component of Heidelsheimat's ground forces, controlling a reinforced brigade of troops.  Subordinate units are outlined below:

Jäger Brigade 229:  Prior to the War of German Reunification, Heidelsheimat's military garrison consisted of a reinforced light infantry battalion, Jäger Abteilung 229 and a reinforced company of Bavarian marines, the 4th Company of Sternkriegsmarineschutzen Abteilung 178 (the remainder of the battalion were deployed as ships troops aboard Bavarian vessels operating in the Chinese Arm).  Since the declaration of independence, the two garrison units have been expanded to brigade size by incorporating the pre-reunification 1st Heidelsheimat Landwehr brigade, as well as through the absorption of an influx of former Bavarian soldiers from Earth.  The new 229th Brigade is composed of three Jäger battalions (each with three Jäger companies and a Weapons company), plus supporting units, and the 4th Company of SKMS Abteilung 178 remaining an independent command (tasked and trained for low and zero-G operations).  The brigade is well equipped (by Heidelsheimat standards), having recently received a large shipment of Russian small arms, body armor, and support weapons, as well as modern C4I systems and air defense weapons from the Japanese Colonial Self Defense Forces.  The 229th Brigade has one company stationed at the mining facilities on Gerollsbock, in the DM -56 328 companion system (drawn on a rotating basis from the 229th, 1st, and 2nd battalions) and another onboard the colony's Neupassau Orbital Interface facility (this duty performed alternately by the 4/178th Sterntruppen and a company from the 229th Jäger battalion).  The remainder of the brigade is located at various air bases within the colony, and maintained at high readiness for airmobile operations (primarily zeppelin mobile operations, technically).


Figure 1.  Organization of Jäger Brigade 229

Pioneer Abteilung 1:  Originating in a small Pioneer (combat engineer) platoon attached to the 229th battalion, Pioneer Abteilung 1 is currently deficient in all manner of engineering equipment, especially heavy equipment, and not particularly well trained.  The equipment shortage has only recently been offset, to some extent, by the arrival of materiel from Freihafen, but in the event of war the battalion would still be highly dependent on requisitioned civilian construction equipment.

Flak Abteilung 4:  This unit operates a collection of obsolete Bavarian air and orbital defense sytems and newer Japanese systems imported from Daikoku.  In theory it consists of two light companies (leicht Kompanie) equipped which short range air defense missiles and two heavy companies (schweres Kompanie) equipped with orbital defense missiles and close-range anti-missile laser systems.  In practice, however, the battalion operates four balanced company teams, each responsible for air defense of one of the colony's four starports.

Aufklarungs Abteilung 7:  This unit began its existence as the Bavarian Grentzpolizeigruppe 7 (7th Border Police Group) which was established after the arrival of the Texans in 2244 and tasked primarily with border surveillance and anti-smuggling missions.  Since independence, the 7th has been redesignated an Auflkarungs (reconnaissance) unit of the Heidelsheimat Army.  The battalion consists of three light-infantry reconnaissance companies (the closest thing Heidelsheimat has to a special operations force) and two aviation companies, one equipped with prop driven and tilt rotor patrol aircraft and the other with small maritime patrol zeppelins.

100th Luftkissenpanzer Battalion:  This unit originally consisted of two platoons attached to the 229th battalion (one equipped with LkPz-VIIIs and the second with the Bavarian predecessor of the Kangaroo IV hover IFV, the LkPzTr-V).  After independence it was expanded to battalion strength, using obsolete equipment purchased on the open market or donated by Freihafen.  At present the battalion has one company of LkPz-VIIIs (10 vehicles), a second 10-vehicle company of AC-8s, a company of 12 Kangaroo IV ACPCs (including the battalion's original 4 vehicles, which have been brought up to Kangaroo IV standards), and a platoon of three LkRw-12 MRLs for support.  The 100th Lukis Battalion has recently begun upgrading its LkPz-VIIIs to more modern Freihafen-designed LkPz-8B standards.  Current plans call for the battalion to be expanded to brigade size (two panzer-heavy and one panzergrenadier-heavy mixed battalions) using Freihafen built LkPz-8Bs and surplus Kangaroo IVs over the course of the next several years.

HOME DEFENSE COMMAND:  The Home Defense Command has administrative and operational control of the planet's four "high readiness" Freischützen divisions.  "High readiness," however, is a relative term, and the troops of these divisions are generally poorly trained by the standards of Core reservists, and quite outclassed by active component military troops.

The "New Army" (10th - 40th Freischützen Divisions):  All the Freischützen divisions have been organized since independence, and are currently deficient in both equipment and training.  Officially, each division consists of a Jäger brigade composed of four Jäger battalions, a Freischützen brigade (again four battalions, this time of Freischützen), an artillery regiment (two battalions), and independent Panzergrenadier and Pioneer battalions; in practice most have a single battalion of locally produced heavy mortars for artillery and the Pioneer battalions would be dependent, during wartime, on government appropriation of civilian construction equipment.  Jäger and Freischützen battalions are identically equipped, except that the Freischützen battalion adds a weapons company to the Jäger battalion's three infantry companies.  Training differs between the two organizations; the Jäger Brigade is trained to operate as guerillas, while the Freischützen Brigades are intended to fight deliberate, positional defenses in Heidelsheimat's cities and large settlements (also note that Freischützen brigades and battalions receive priority for equipment and training funds).  Jäger and Freischützen battalions are armed with indigenous small arms (mostly obsolete by current military standards), but are lacking in heavy weapons; like the Pioneer units, they are dependent on civilian transportation during wartime.  Each Freischützen division's Panzergrenadier Battalion is an active duty formation (the only non reserve part of the division, besides a small headquarters and training cadre), equipped with locally manufactured Ozelot tank destroyers and armored personnel carriers (the battalion has one company of tank destroyers, one company of assault guns, and two panzergrenadier companies).  The remainder of the division typically drills one day every two to three weeks.  It is hoped that the four "high readiness" divisions will make the cost of occupying the colony prohibitive for German invaders (or, more precisely, convince the Germans that this is the case before they try and invade).

Figure 2.  Organization of Freischützen Division 10

RESERVE DEFENSE COMMAND:  The Reserve Defense Command controls two "low readiness" divisions, 50th and 60th Freischützen Divisions.  These divisions currently exist only at cadre strength, and have only perhaps 50% equipment sets for their infantry battalions.  As such, mobilization would take some amount of time; official government requirements is for the divisions to be combat ready within four months of being alerted, but six to nine months is probably a more accurate estimate.  At full strength each division would have two Jäger brigades (eight battalions, total), an Artillery Regiment with two battalions of heavy mortars, and a Panzerjäger Battalion with three companies of Ozelot tank destroyers (27 vehicles total).  (Note that both divisions currently only have notional artillery regiments and Panzerjäger battalions.)

THE BAVARIAN LUFTWAFFE:  The Bavarian Luftwaffe currently operates three squadrons, consisting of one patrol and search squadron (outfitted with a mix of high altitude patrol aircraft and surveillance satellites) and two interceptor squadrons equipped with sub-orbital scramjet Fafnir fighters.  The Fafnirs are a design dating from the late 2270s, and are considered obsolete by modern standards, and the Luftwaffe is facing rapidly escalating operating costs due to scarcity of spare parts which call into question the long-term future of the interceptor squadrons, unless a replacement can be found.

THE BAVARIAN STERNKRIEGSMARINE (BSKM):  On paper, Heidelsheimat's space forces are quite robust, consisting of a destroyer, a frigate, two auxiliarly cruisers, and a squadron of six fighters.  Unfortunately, there is a wide gulf between paper strength and real-world capability in this arena.  Like the Luftwaffe, the BSKM is currently hamstrung by supply shortages and a growing personnel problem as War of German Reunification-era ships crews age, and qualified replacements are not forthcoming.  Most of the BSKM's naval commitments (primarily patrols and convoy escorts for ships supporting the Gerollsbock mining facilities) are handled by the service's two Necessite-class auxiliarly cruisers and its six Siegfried-class fighters.  The BSKM's Aconit-class frigate, the Hof, is fully operable, but expensive enough to operate that it only rarely leaves the Neupassau Orbital Station, while the destroyer Baden is in quite poor condition (the status of the BSKM's ships is considered a state secret, and, while Heidelsheimat claims the ship is still operable, it is quite possible that the Baden is non-functional).  There are persistent rumors that Freihafen is in negotiation with the government to purchase the Baden and the Hof.

THE JAPANESE MILITARY MISSION ON HEIDELSHEIMAT:  The Japanese Colonial Self-Defense Forces maintain a small military mission on Heidelsheimat consisting of a battalion headquarters and administrative group which oversees two provisional training companies.  One company provides training on new air and orbital defense weapons which Japan has recently sold to Heidelsheimat, while the other company provides infantry and small unit training for the Freischützen Divisions.  The Japanese mission is commanded by Itto Rikusa (Colonel) Shinji Takamori (who has actually been breveted to colonel from lieutenant colonel, as the JCSDF did not think it appropriate that Takamori's Freihafen counterpart outrank him).  Provisional Company One (Air Defense) is commanded by Santo Rikusa (Major) Takahashi de Garcia, and Provisional Company Two (Small Unit Tactics) is commanded by Santo Rikusa Ichiro Yamada.

HEIDELSHEIMAT KOMMANDO, FREIHAFEN FREIWEHR:  Known unofficially to its members as "HK" or, more irreverently as "Kampfgruppe Stolperdraht" ("Battle Group Trip-Wire"), Heidelsheimat Kommando is the controlling headquarters for both the conventional forces Freihafen has contributed to Heidelsheimat's defense, as well as a military assistance command which is involved in training the Bayerischesheer, particularly the Freischützen.  The combat component consists of a mixed Panzer and Panzergrenadier Abteilung, equipped with LkPzTr-5 APCs and LkPz-8B HBTs (cf).  Personnel from the maneuver battalion are rotated back to Freihafen every six months (Heidelsheimat is considered a "hardship" posting within the Freiwehr), while members of the military assistance command, consisting of an ersatz battalion, "Waffenlehr Abteilung 1,"serve a one year tour.  Waffenlehr Abteilung 1 operates two infantry-training companies and a single armored training company.  Overall commander of Heidelsheimat Kommando is Oberst Elzbieta Nagy, while the conventional forces are under the command of Oberstleutnant Karl al-Hasheed, and the Waffenlehrgruppe is commanded by Oberstleutnant Otto Liung.
 

PERSONNEL -- RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING

At present, the Bayerischesheer is an all-volunteer force which has managed to compensate for its lack of adequate training facilities by relying on the pre-existing training of its formerly Bavarian officer and NCO corps.  With these personnel aging, this situation is not indefinitely feasible, and has only been partially redressed by Japanese and Freihafen military assistance.

At the same time, many native Heidelsheimaters are becoming alarmed by the large percentage of Bavarian expatriates in the military, and the military's growing participation in the political arena.  This has led to calls for a switch to a conscript force (which would, hopefully, limit expatriate numbers in the military to something more resembling their overall percentage of the population).  Doing this, however, is complicated by a clause in the Colonial Charter which specifically reserves the right to conscript military forces to the (now non-existant) Bavarian national government.  Pro-independence factions within the government have seized on the issue of conscription as grounds for framing a new constitution which would also constitute a de facto declaration of independence.  Because of this, conscription has become a very volatile and contested political issue and it is unlikely that it will be introduced in the near future unless a significant change in the Heidelsheimat government (or its relations with Germany) occurs.

Infantry Training Depots:  There are currently three recruit training depots in operation on Heidelsheimat.  The Northern Training Depot is supported by the 20th, 30th, and 50th Freischützen Divisions (for which it trains personnel), as well as a cadre from the Japanese military mission to Heidelsheimat.  The Southern Training Depot, supported by 10th, 40th, and 60th Freischützen Divisions, and a Freihafener cadre, performs a similar role for the southern divisions.  Both depots also provide training support and evaluation to their three associated divisions.  Infantry Basic Training conducted at the Northern and Southern Depots is extremely abbreviated by modern standards, consisting of a four week course which teaches a recruit the basic minimums of military skills and culture.

The 229th Jäger Brigade maintains its own training depot, which conducts a three week assessment program for recruits, followed by a twelve week "Jäger Skills Course."  As a rule, incoming personnel are drawn from members of the Freischützen.  Open recruitment is not practiced, unless the prospective recruit has prior military experience or some sort of critical specialist skills.  The small size of the 229th, and its very low personnel turn-over rate, allows it to be quite selective about new personnel, and there are usually twenty or more applicants for every opening (both because of the prestige of the unit, as well as because members of the 229th are well-paid, making the brigade very attractive to unemployed Bavarian military veterans).

Other Ground Forces Training:  The Luftkissenpanzer Abteilung 100 and the 229th Brigade's Flak Abteilung 4 have both benefitted greatly from Freihafen and Japanese military advisors (as equipment), while other units typically conduct in-house training programs wherein recruits serve an apprenticeship period of up to one year after completing the short Freischützen basic training course.

Naval and Aerospace Forces:  Like the specialized ground force units, the Luftwaffe and BSKM are both reliant on apprenticeship programs for new personnel, a practice which has proven problematic, at best, for these two services.  The crash of a Fafnir scramjet in 2297 has been linked to improper maintenance by a poorly trained apprentice mechanic, and there are persistent rumors that the destroyer Baden suffered damage to its drives or powerplant from similar crew error in 2298.  Freihafen has offered to allow Heidelsheimat space forces recruits to attend Freihafen Raumwaffe training courses, but Heidelsheimat has yet to take the larger colony up on its offer.

Officer and NCO Training and Education:  The training of qualified officers is another personnel choke-point for the Bayerischesheer which has yet to be adequately addressed.  Immediately following the War of German Reunification, the colony was able to make use of a large body of expatriate Bavarian officers (as well as commissioning former Bavarian NCOs), but, by 2303, this manpower resource is basically played out (though, it should be noted, the 229th Brigade and other regular formations have yet to feel this pinch as much as the Freischützen units).  Currently, the Heer operates an Officer Training Academy in the capital of Steinfurt which trains officers for the Freischützen, running a 16-week training course (also offered in a four 4-week course format, spread out over a year and a half, for those who cannot leave their jobs for four months).  The end result are officers whose training (like that of their men) is not anywhere near the standards of Core-world reservists (much less regulars).

Presently, the Heer lacks any sort of higher training (staff colleges, etc.) for officers, with further serves to limit the effectiveness of ground forces.

For NCOs, the two Infantry Training Depots run short (15 day) training courses which are required for promotion to each successive NCO rank.  Once again, this system produces sergeants whose training is quite deficient compared to contemporary forces.  The 229th and other regulars have bypassed this bottleneck by establishing their own NCO Academy which conducts rather more rigorous training and evaluation programs for non-commisioned officers.

Recently (and with some reluctance) the Bayerischesheer has begun sending officer canditates and senior NCOs from the 229th Brigade to Freihaven military academies and training programs.  Though the government fears the increased dependence on Freihafen, it is hoped that exposure to Freihafen will help mitigate extreme anti-German sentiment in the military.

RANK STRUCTURE

 

BAVARIANS ARMY RANK STRUCTURE
ENLISTED/NCO RESPONSIBILITY COMMISSIONED RESPONSIBILITY
Soldat (or Jäger, Schützen, Grenadier, or Panzertruppe) -- Leutnant Platoon Leader
Gefreiter Fire Team Leader Oberleutnant Company XO/2IC
Unteroffizier Squad Leader Hauptmann Company Commander
Feldwebel Platoon Sergeant Major Battalion XO/2IC
Oberfeldwebel Company Sergeant Oberstleutnant Battalion Commander
Stabsfeldwebel Battalion Sergeant Oberst Brigade CO, seperate battalion CO, aerospace squadron CO, ship CO
Hauptfeldwebel Brigade Sergeant Brigadegeneral 229th Brigade CO
    Generalmajor Division CO
    Generalleutnant Chief of Staff and Force Commanders

Note that the level of responsibility depicted here reflects authorized personnel strengths.  It is generally accurate for the 229th Jaeger Brigade, the independent battalions, and the aerospace and space forces.  Great variability is seen, however, within the Freischützen divisions.
 

UNIFORMS

The members of the Heidelsheimat Bayerischesheer wear locally manufactured battle dress, based on Bavarian uniforms, but utilizing a camouflage scheme tailored to planetary environmental conditions.  Rank for officers and enlisted personnel is worn on the right collar, while the left collar carries a small unit crest and the right shoulder sports a Bavarian flag.  Load bearing equipment and other items are also local copies of Bavarian equipment.  Naval personnel assigned to the Bayerisches Sternkriegsmarine wear gray coveralls, also copied from Bavarian uniforms.

Heidelsheimat forces do not make use of any sort of dress uniforms, though it is typical for active duty personnel to maintain "dress" battle dress uniforms outfitted with any awards and decorations (not authorized on field uniforms), highly starched and polished, etc.  This practice is not seen in Freischützen reserve units.

Standard headgear for all personnel is a light blue beret (the same shade as found on the Bavarian national flag).  Though no portion of the unit is airborne, the 229th Brigade's infantry units wear scarlet berets as markers of their distinct status, and the 100th Luftkissenpanzer Battalion's troops have adopted the traditional black berets of panzertruppen.  All personnel wear cap badges identical to their unit collar insignia.
 

EQUIPMENT

The Heidelsheimat Army is, generally speaking, very poorly equipped.  The volatile relationship with the German government has made many Earth nations reluctant to sell arms to the colony.  Russia, Japan, and the former German colony of Freihafen have thus far proved to be the exceptions to this trend, providing the Bayerischesheer with "self-defense equipment" (a concept with varying definitions, ranging from Russian small arms to Freihafen AFVs and Japanese air defense missiles and lasers).  France, a fairly obvious ally for the colony, has been unwilling to provide overt military assistance for fear of complicating the uneasy alliance with the Germans in the Kafer War; it is believed that the French government has covertly subsidize Freihafen's military and economic aid to Heidelsheimat, however.  Besides military aid, both Freihafen and Japan have also furnished financial, technical and humanitarian aid to the colony aimed at bolstering industrial capacity and economic independence.

The indigenous arms industry is dominated by a single firm, Pfau-Singer Fabrik GmbH and its subsidiary firm, Heidelsheimat Panzerfabrik GmbH.  Before the War of German Reunification, Pfau-Singer produced hunting weapons and held depot maintenance contracts for the Bavarian Army forces stationed on Heidelsheimat.  After independence, Pfau-Singer began to produce copies of the SG77 assault rifle, MG7 machinegun, and GW12 grenade launcher, along with locally designed small arms and support weapons, including mortars of up to 160mm, which constitute the Bayerischesheer's artillery.  Heidelsheimat Panzerfabrik has taken up the manufacture of the indigenous Ozelot armored vehicle, as well as carrying out conversions of LkPz-VIIIs to LkPz-8B standards (this last task with extensive assistance from Freihafen).

Small Arms:  Most of the Heidelsheimat troops are equipped with a mix of SG77s, MG7s, and GW12s (a typical 12-man squad has 2 MG7s, 2 GW12s, and 8 SG77s), though the 229th Brigade is armed with a mix of AS-89s and SVBs recently received from Russia.  Units assigned to the Orbital Security and Gerollsbock garrison are armed with a mix of SVBs and obsolete Lasergewehr 2280s, a less than satisfactory predecessor to the successful LK-1 laser rifle.  Rear area troops are usually armed with a mix of SG77s and locally produced Sturmkarabiner 2296s.  The SK96 is a variant of the SG77 firing 9x24mm pistol ammunition (Pfau-Singer also manufactures a pistol in this same caliber).  It is not uncommon to see privately owned weapons in the hands of Freischützen troops, particularly long-range civilian hunting weapons which can be used for sniping.

Support Weapons:  Pfau-Singer produces a copy of the DunArmCo Mini-12 which is in fairly widespread use.   In addition, the Russian Automatichesky Granatomat Radchenko Model 20 (AGR-20) heavy grenade launcher has recently entered service.  Indirect fire support consists of Pfau-Singer manufactured 8cm, 12cm, and 16cm mortars.  Missiles of all types are in short supply, with most launchers (also scarce) being of pre-Independence Bavarian manufacture (a situation which the Bayerischesheer has only recently begun to address with the purchase of new Freihafen designed systems).

Personal Protective Gear:  Standard equipment for the 229th Jaeger Brigade includes inertial armor body suits, rigid breast plates, and modern high threat helmets which have been recently purchased from Russia.  The two companies assigned to orbital and Gerollsbock security missions are equipped with sealed combat armor ensembles.  Freischützen units tend to be issued non-rigid armor vests and standard helmets, though these are in short supply.

Armored Vehicles:  The Bayerischesheer's 100th Luftkissenpanzer Battalion uses a mix of LkPz-VIII (including 3 LkRw-12 12cm MRLs) and AC-8 hovertanks as well as Luftkissenpanzertrager-V (the Bavarian designation for the Kangaroo IV) armored personnel carriers.  As mentioned in the description of that unit, it is currently undergoing an upgrade of its vehicles to LkPz-8B standards.  The Freischützen divisions were initially equipped with improvised APCs for their Panzergrenadier battalions, but these have mostly been replaced by the indigenous Ozelot family of armored vehicles within the last two years.

Aircraft and UAVs:  The Heidelsheimat Luftwaffe is primarily built around the Fafnir sub-orbital scramjet interceptor, a design dating from the late 2260s and considered obsolete by modern military standards.  Currently, the Luftwaffe operates two squadrons of 12 aircraft each; an additional four aircraft were originally available for replacements, but one was put into service after a crash in 2297 and the remaining three have been extensively cannibalized for spare parts.  As the Fafnir is no longer in service elsewhere besides Heidelsheimat, there are very few other sources for spare parts besides existing airframes and the Luftwaffe is giving serious consideration to eliminating one squadron entirely in an effort to keep the other serviceable until a suitable replacement (and funding for its purchase) can be found.
 
 

BATTALION ORGANIZATION AND ORGANIZATION OF SELECTED SMALL UNITS

 

ABTEILUNG/BATTALION ORGANIZATION*
  HQ Company Jäger Company Freischützen 
Company
Panzergrenadier 
Company
Weapons Company Aufklarungs
Platoon
Sturmgeschütz Company Jagdpanzer
Company
Medical
Platoon
Engineer
Platoon
Air Defense 
Platoon
Jäger Abt, 229th Bde. 1 3     1 1     1 1 1
Freischützen Jäger Abt 1 3       1          
Freischützen Abt 1 3     1            
Panzergrenadier Abt 1     3     1 1  1 1  

Jäger Squad, 229th Brigade (includes 4/174th BSKM Schützen):  Twelve men (squad leader, communications specialist, and two 5-man fire teams), armed with 10 AS-89 gauss rifles and two SVB sniper rifles.  Typically, one man per fireteam receives some basic medical training and is equipped with a minimal trauma aid kit to provide immediate care to casualties and aid the platoon medic    Those squads operating as part of the Orbital Security company are armed with obsolete LG-80 laser rifles and SVB sniper rifles.

Jäger Platoon ("):  Three squads, plus a platoon headquarters consisting of the platoon leader, platoon sergeant, commo specialist, medic, and a two-man anti-armor team (42 men total) armed with either an Panzerfaust 85 ATGM, a Type 1 High Energy Gun, or a Type 20 Storm Gun (the latter two imported from Russia from stocks captured during the Central Asian War).  All HQ personnel, including the AT gunner are armed with AS-89 gauss rifles.  The orbital security company's platoons do not have anti-armor sections, all personnel are armed with LG-80 and SVB rifles.


Figure 3.  Jäger Platoon Organization in Jäger Brigade 229

Jäger Company ("):  Three rifle platoons, plus a headquarters section and a weapons platoon (originally an air defense section) equipped with 2 Hornisse SAM launchers and 2 8cm Pfau-Singer Mortars.  Total company strength is 160 men.  When tasked to the Orbital Security mission, the weapons platoon personnel are armed with SVBs and LG-80s and used as additional riflemen.

Jagdpanzer Company:  There is one of these assigned per "high readiness" Freischützen Division (part of the Panzergrenadier battalion).  The company consists of seventeen Ozelot Tank Destoyers, organized into four platoons of four vehicles (which also frequently operate as two-vehicle sections), plus a command vehicle.  The company also has two range trucks and three heavy trucks for logistics support.  "Low readiness" divisions are allocated three smaller companies, each of nine vehicles, organized as four two-vehicle sections and a command vehicle.

Freischützen Squad:  Also twelve men, but the communications specialist functions as a runner (radios, like everything else, being in short supply) or is simply deleted from understrength units.  The squad has 2 MG7 machineguns, 2 GW12 grenade launchers, and 8 SG77 assault rifles.  Most Freischützen squads differ from this organization in some way (many substitute SK96s for some portion of the authorized SG77s, or have one or two Guiscard FC-70s or Pfau-Singer JG-82s for sniping), and many Freischützen members carry various privately owned handguns as well as their issue weapons.

Freischützen Platoon:  As per the Jaeger platoon, except the anti-armor section is equipped with Type 20 Storm Guns or has been replaced by either a 4-man machinegun section armed with 2 MG7s on tripod mounts or two sniper teams armed with Rockwell 12-81 heavy rifles (or one of each team).  Headquarters personnel in Freischützen platoons are usually armed with a mix of SG77s and SK96s.

Freischützen Company:  Slightly larger than a Jager/Schutzen Company, with 170 men total.  The weapons platoon is equipped with 4 8cm mortars, and has no organic air defense weapons.

Panzergrenadier Platoon and Company:  Each Freischützen Division's Panzergrenadier Battalion includes three companies of Panzergrenadiers (plus Tank Destroyer and Assault Gun Companies).  Each PzGr company has three platoons of four Ozelot APCs, plus a support section equipped with three Ozelot Assault Guns.  Each platoon consists of three nine-man squads (equipped, at least in theory, with three SG77s, three GW-12s, and three MG7s, and operating as three fire teams), plus a headquarters section which includes two weapons teams (one with a Type 1 Plasma Gun, one with a Panzerfaust 85), along with a pair of medics and a sniper team (armed with a Rockwell 12-81 Magnum).

Luftkissenpanzer Platoon and Company:  Basic unit is the three vehicle platoon, three of which, plus a command tank, comprise a 10-tank company. The First Company of the 100th Battalion used LkPz-VIIIs (transitioning to LzPz-8Bs), while the Second Company is equipped with AC-8s (to be replaced by LkPz-8Bs in the near future).

Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Platoon and Company:  There is only one of these at the moment, Third Company of the 100th Battalion.  It is comprised of three 4-vehicle platoons equipped with LkPzTr-Vs and a HQ section with two LkPzTg-Vs. Each platoon consists of three 6-man dismount squads with the headquarters commo specialist and medic riding on the fourth vehicle with two weapons teams (one with an Type 1 plasma gun and one with a Panzerfaust 85).  The dismounted squads (6 men) are armed with 2 SG77s, 2 AS-89s, and 2 MG7s.  The platoon leader and platoon sergeant function as vehicle commanders, with the senior squad leader commanding the dismount section.

Sturmgeschütz Company:  There is one of these per Freischützen Division.  It consists of seventeen Ozelot Assault Guns, divided into four platoons of four, plus a headquarters vehicle (as well as two range trucks and three heavy trucks for logistics support).  Like the Jagdpanzer Company, the platoons often configure themselves into two vehicle sections to support infantry units.

APPENDIX A:  NEW EQUIPMENT -- ARMORED FIGHTING VEHICLES

Luftkissenpanzer 8B 'Tiraner Greerslöwe' (LkPz-8B)

Upon its declaration of independence from the newly formed state of Germany, the former Bavarian colony of Freihafen found itself in possession of a fleet of several hundred now-obsolete Luftkissenpanzer VIIIs.  The government of Freihafen initially queried the French government concerning the possibility of purchasing AC-12 HBTs, but French procurement needs, as well existing contracts with Texas, Brazil, and Poland, meant that Freihafen would have to wait several years before the French HBTs became available.

At the same time, a consortium of Freihafen corporations was seeking government support for the expansion the colony's limited armarments industry, both for local consumption as well as export purposes.  A cornerstone of this scheme was a new hover tank, tenatively dubbed the Freihafen Luftkissenpanzer 1 (FLkPz-1) which, it was hoped, would compete favorably with the LkPz-IX and AC-12 (both on the battlefield and the export market) by pairing Freihafen heavy industry with expatriate Bavarian AFV design experience.

As a stop-gap, until either the FLkPz-1 or the AC-12 became available (and also to demonstrate the feasibility of the FLkPz-1 program) the industrial consortium, operating under the name Freihafen Waffenfabrik, contracted with the Freihafen government to upgrade the existing LkPz-VIII fleet, under the new designation LkPz-8B "Tiraner Greerslöwe" (named for a large carnivore native to portions of Tirane).

The LkPz-8B is, in many ways, a radical departure from the original vehicle, incorporating an entirely new turret and powerplant, as well as slightly improved armor protection.  The new turret is built around a license-built copy of the 65mm mass driver used on the AC-12 and a dual launcher for the Freihafen designed schweres Panzerraketen 1 (which combines features of the French Manta-1 and the American Striker missiles).  The new one megawatt MHD turbine provides power for an expanded active sensor suite, as well as the more powerful MDC, heavier armor, and modern jump jets (10 minutes of endurance per minute of flight, with greater flight capability than the original LkPz-VIII).

The crew of the LkPz-8B has been reduced to two, from the three of the original LkPz-VIII, with both crewmen riding in the turret.  This arrangement has presented some problems (in the event electronic sensors fail, the turret must be faced forward to see and drive the vehicle), as well as dissatisfaction among vehicles crews whose maintenance workload has increased with the elimination of the third crewman.  Battlefield performance, however, has been deemed comparable, or superior, to LkPz-VIIIs, thanks to improvements in sensor and computer equipment.

While the LkPz-8B is still outclassed by a Lukis-IX or AC-12, the Freihafen redesign has done much to reduce the mismatch between the aging Lukis-VIII and more modern opponents.  As a result, the LkPz-8B has attracted a good deal of attention from colonial forces and Earth nations still using the LkPz-VIII and a number of nations are currently negotiating with Freihafen Waffenfabrik for refit kits and technical assistance.

Type: Hover Battle Tank
Crew: Driver, Gunner/Commander
Weight: 8000 kg
Armor:
        Plenum: 20
        Front and Overhead: 70
        Other Faces: 60
Armarment:
        65mm Mass Driver Cannon (90 rounds)
        5.5mm Coaxial MG-7 Machinegun (800 rounds)
        5.5mm Point Defense Weapons System (2000 rounds)
        Dual sPzR-1 Antivehicle Missile Launcher (4 reloads carried internally)
Rangefinder Bonus: +3 (MDC and PDWS), +1 (Coax)
Signature: 4
Evasion: 6
Sensor Range:  10 km (+1)
        Millimeter wave radar forward (30-degree arc to turret front)
        360 degree LIDAR and Laser Rangefinder/Designator
        360 degree combined Thermal/Optical viewing system
Communications:
        Secure directional radio/data link (50 km range)
        Secure omnidirectional radio/data link (100 km range)
        2 x secure directional radio/datalinks (5 km range)
Electronic Countermeasures:
        Radar and Laser Threat Warning Receiver (detects and indicates back azimuth to emitter)
        Passive Thermal and Radar ECM
        Polychromic exterior coating (standard on Freihafen vehicles, optional on export versions)
Cargo: 500 kg
Max Speed:  210 kph
Cruising Speed:  190 kph
Combat Move: 430 meters
Off-Road Mobility: Full
Power Plant:  1MW MHD Turbine
Fuel Capacity: 270 kg H2
Fuel Consumption:  25 kg/hr
Endurance: 10.8 hours
Price:  Lv120,000 for conversion of an existing LkPz-VIII, Lv300,000 for entirely new vehicle (estimated costs)
 

Ozelot Jagdpanzerwagen, Panzertragerwagen, and Sturmgeschützwagen (Tank Destroyer, APC, and Assault Gun)

Ozelot (Ocelot) is the name given to a family of light, wheeled armored vehicles developed by Heidelsheimat with assistance from Freihafen, and includes a tank destroyer, armored personnel carrier, and assault gun vehicle.

The tank destroyer version is a fairly simplistic vehicle by Core standards, mounting a 60mm mass driver cannon (surplus weapons from LkPz-VIII's purchased from Freihafen) paired with a coaxial 30mm auto-grenade launcher.  The vehicle commander is provided with a pintle-mounted MG7 5.5mm machinegun, which can be fired while under armor (though the weapon can only be reloaded externally).  The assault gun version is similar, except that a breach-loading 120mm mortar (equipped with an autoloader) replaces the 60mm MDC, and the 30mm AGL has been replaced with a 5.5mm coaxial machinegun.  The APC version replaces the large turret with a small, one-man turret mounting a 30mm AGL and a coaxial 5.5mm MG7.

In all versions, the power plant is located in the front of the hull, with the driver seated in the left front of the hull, while the gunner and commander (or just commander, in the case of the APC) are seated in the turret.  Each crewmember is provided with his own hatch, with additional access via two large roof hatches on the back deck of the vehicle and via two hinged doors at the back of the hull.  In the APC version, infantry are seated along either size of the hull, facing inward.

Electronics and computer equipment on the Ozelot is quite simplistic compared to Core designs, but an emphasis has been placed on making equipment simple and sustainable (both for Heidelsheimat's industrial capacity and by its poorly trained forces).  The vehicle's weight and signature are higher than for a comparable design, both owing to the use of more metal in the vehicle than is customary.

Thus far the Ozelot has only been produced for internal use by Heidelsheimat, and it appears unlikely that it will be exported, as the design is not particularly competitive alongside Core-designed AFVs.

Type: Hover Battle Tank
Crew, Jagdpanzer and Sturmgeschütz: Driver, Gunner, Commander
Crew, Panzertrager:  Driver, Commander + 9 Dismounts
Weight: 3500 kg
Armor:
        Suspension: 2
        Front: 8
        Other Faces: 5
Armarment -- Jagdpanzer:
        60mm Mass Driver Cannon (40 rounds)
        30mm Coaxial Automatic Grenade Launcher (2 x 120 rounds)
        5.5mm MG7 Commander's Machinegun (3 x 200 round cassettes) [can be fired while under armor]
Armarment -- Panzertrager:
        30mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (2 x 120 rounds)
        5.5mm MG7 Coaxial Machinegun (1000 rounds)
Armarment -- Sturmgeschütz
        120mm Breechloading Gun/Mortar (25 rounds)
        5.5mm MG7 Coax Machinegun (3 x 200 round cassettes)
        5.5mm MG7 Commanders Machinegun [can be fired while under armor]
Rangefinder Bonus, Jagdpanzer and Sturmgeschütz: +2 (MDC), +1 (Coax) [No Rangefinder Bonus for Panzertrager]
Signature: 4 (6 for radar detection)
Evasion: 0
Sensor Range:  8 km
        High magnification optical/passive thermal sight (45 degree field of vision to turret front)
        Laser rangefinder/designator
        Independent thermal viewer/image intensifier for driver (60 degree frontal arc)
        Independent thermal viewer/image intensifier for commander (360 degree field of vision) [Assault Gun and TD versions only]
Communications:
        50km secure omnidirectional radio [Command versions add one or two additional radios]
Electronic Countermeasures:
        Radar and Laser Threat Warning Receiver (Alarm Only)
Cargo: 500 kg
Max Speed:  120 kph
Cruising Speed:  80 kph
Combat Move: 250 meters
Off-Road Mobility: Halved
Power Plant:  0.5 MW hydrogen fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 150 kg H2
Fuel Consumption:  15 kg/hr
Endurance: 10 hours
Price:  Lv23,000 (estimated cost, not publicly available)
 

120mm Gun/Mortar

Type: 120mm breech-loading mortar
Nation: Heidelsheimat
Range, Direct Fire: 1000 meters (flechette round is 200m)
Range, Indirect Fire: 9000 meters (flechetter and HEAT may not fire indirect)
Rate of Fire: 1
Ammunition Types:

APPENDIX B:  NEW EQUIPMENT -- SMALL ARMS

Jägergewehr 2282 (JG-82):  A popular semi-automatic "varmint" rifle produced by Pfau-Singer, firing a high-powered 6x45mm cartrigde deemed optimal for long-range hunting of Bush Bunnies and other indigenous pest species.  The JG-82 is a bull-pup configuration weapon with a long barrel.  It is typically fitted with an telescopic or electro-optical sight and a bipod.  The weapon has been exported throughout the Chinese Arm, in limited quantities, and is sometimes used by the Heidelsheimat Freischützen as a squad-level designated marksmans rifle.

Lasergewehr 2280 (LG-80):  An obsolete laser rifle fielded by the Bavarian military primarily for zero-gravity operations.  Performance was considered adequate, at best, though the excellent LK-1 is a direct development of the LG-80.  The weapon is still in service with Heidelsheimat forces for orbital security forces, but it is otherwise rarely seen.


Panzerfaust 85 Anti-Tank Guided Missile:  The predecessor of the Panzerfaust 93 in Bavarian (and later German) service, the Panzerfaust 85 is quite similar to that weapon, with slightly shorter range and a less sophisticated seeker head.  The Panzerfaust 85 is in widespread use on Heidelsheimat, and also in service with some German colonial militias.


Pistole 2295 (P-95):  The P-95 is the first military arm designed by the Pfau-Singer corporation.  It is a fairly standard automatic pistol, firing the same 9x24mm round used by the Traylor 57 and many other designs.  The P-95 is somewhat heavier than comparable designs (the weapon is made mostly of metal, instead of the composites favored by Earth-based manufacturers), and has a very large magazine capacity.  The P-95 has been exported, to a limited extent, elsewhere in the Chinese Arm.

schweres Panzerraketen-1 (sPzR-1) Anti-Tank Guided Missile:  The sPzR-1 is very modern anti-vehicle missile developed by Freihafen Waffenfabrik which incorporates features of both the French Manta-1 and the American Striker missiles.  The sPzR-1 is only available in very limited numbers to the Bayerischesheer, being used on the LkPz-8B hover tanks that have also been provided by Freihafen.

Sturmkarabiner 2296 (SK96):  A derivative of the SG77, the SK96 fires 9x24mm ammunition from a top mounted, horizontal magazine (which required the use of a rolling mechanism as part of the bolt).  Performance is considered mediocre (and extremely poor against body armor), but the design has proven to be reliable, inexpensive to produce, and handy for close quarters operations.  Standard features include a simple colliminator sight, as the weapon's range is too short to warrant a more sophisticated system.  The SK96 has not been extensively exported, but it can be legally purchased by civilians within the Heidelsheimat colony, so a few might have filtered out to other planets.

AGR-20 Automatic Grenade Launcher:  A Russian-built 30mm automatic grenade launcher based on lessons learned during the Central Asian War.  The AGR-20 differs from most contemporary designs in that it is capable of firing either standard, low-velocity 30mm grenades (as used in modern assault weapons) as well as high-velocity, extended range grenades.  The weapon and its ammunition cassettes are designed to accept either type of ammunition, with minimal modification which can be accomplished by troops in the field in under one minute.  When encountered in a tripod or pintle mounted version (such as those in use by the Heidelsheimat military) the AGR-20 is typically fitted with an electro-optical sight incorporating variable power magnification (x1-x10), thermal imaging, and a laser-designator/range-finder; the AGR-20 is capable of firing proximity-fused HE grenades, which are available in both low and high pressure versions.