German Army: 2300AD

Overview

By Dan Hebditch

Author's Note: Germany is one 2300 AD state that arouses great controversy when it is discussed with people polarised in their opinions. This is my take on Germany's Army and is rooted in my concept of Germany as a new incarnation of a historical state under threat from outside; with all the vibrancy, strengths and defects of such nations, as anyone who studies 1990's Croatia will note. However that doesn't mean I see Germany as a fascist state, just one of fairly typical 2300AD nationalism.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Jason Weiser, James Boschma, Bryn Monnery and the other members of the USM list for feedback and ideas.

Introduction

The modern German Army is only eight years old but it has already won itself a glorious reputation defeating the might of France to secure the Reunification - the Wiedervereinigung - of Germany. It now stands on the brink of perhaps an even greater conflict as the Kafers mass for their invasion of human space and several German colonies stand in the path of this assault.

The German Army is a force evolved out of those of the German States - Hannover, Bavaria, Westphalia, Saxony, Brandenburg and the colonial states that formed the Bundesrepublik. The remnants of which still provide the reserve forces of the Bundeswehr, whilst the new national army, the Bundesarmee, provides the regular defensive and striking force.

Narrative

Unteroffizier Wilhelm Sandrock came to with a jolt, one eye closed, the smell of burning strong in his nose. He sat stunned for a minute before the urgency of the situation forced its way through the fog of pain clouding his brain. In the forward compartment the young driver from Hamburg had been decapitated by the AP round that killed the tank; blood and brains were splattered about the compartment. He reached up to release the hatch above him but couldn't do it, one of his arms wasn't moving and he didn't dare to look at it. He reached again with his good arm and the hatch blew out, pulling smoke with it. Sandrock unlocked his harness and levered himself onto the red hot deck of the Luki-9.

The level of noise outside was immense. High velocity tank rounds were flashing past Sandrock's tank from the next ridge over towards a target he couldn't see. Artillery rockets were pumping into a forest a kilometre away. The hulks of smashed hovertanks, both German and Kafer, were scattered around the open plain. The nearest, a Luki-9 of Sandrock's platoon, was burning fiercely some 200 metres away, explosions in its missile magazine periodically rocking the hull.

It had nearly gone so well. The Kafers had been drawn onto a static infantry position and the Kampfgruppe had hit them from the flank scything through them like wheat. Sandrock had fought the French on their own territory and the Kafers on Aurore, he had 13 vehicle kills to his credit. He was a veteran soldier in an excellent division, but the tactics they'd used so well before hadn't worked here. The battle had teetered on the edge of victory, then a single enemy tank, seemingly out of action, came to life and knocked out the Kampfgruppe commander's Luki-9 and a key platoon in quick order. Now the Kampfgruppe was falling back, badly mauled and the way to Uethan was open.

Sandrock heard the distinctive clanking of an approaching Kafer APC. Infantry were coming in to mop up. Clutching his SG-77 under his good arm he slid off the deck of the Luki-9. Recovery teams of Panzer G men should be on call to sweep up knocked out crews. He needed to get back to another Luki, he had an idea about how to tackle these Kafers.

Index

Organisation
Order of Battle
Recruitment
Training
Foreign Relations
Rank Structure
Armies
Combat Unit Organisation

Organisation

The German Army - the Heer - is a component part of the German Defence Forces, the Deutsches Bundeswehr, which includes all land, sea, air and space forces on Earth and beyond. Although a professional military body it answers to the political control of the civilian rulers of the Bundesrepublik.

The Heer itself has a complicated organisation. Although it has a single, relatively conventional tactical organisation involving Corps, Divisions, Brigade and the like, it is composed of troops drawn from a number of administrative bodies. These can be divided into the national and the state armies. The Bundesarmee is a pan-German body which has no direct regional affiliation, this body has the priority in terms of manpower and equipment. When foreigners think of the German Army, it is the troops of the Bundesarmee that come to mind.

The remainder of the Heer is comprised of the state armies, which are the rump armed forces of the German States. These provide the bulk of the defensive and reserve forces of the Heer and retain much of their previous insignia, traditions and equipment. Today these are a shadow of their former selves as the national army creams off the best regular and reserve manpower, but would still be a significant factor should a major war again erupt in Europe. The should be regarded as more powerful versions of the National Guard in the USA and answer to their state governments unless 'federalised', something easy to achieve under the current constitution.

In the colonies the former colonial defence forces have been absorbed but retain most of their previous organisation and tasking. However due to continuing tensions with France and the Kafers they have been reinforced by Bundesarmee forces belonging to IX Korps, which has substantially increased their effectiveness.

German defence policy is necessarily Terran-centric and centred on Europe. Although she defeated France, Germany did not deliver a knockout blow and still fears French revenge especially should France mobilise all the vast resources of her empire. To Germany's east is Poland, heavily armed and normally a French ally, whilst other neighbours remain wary of Germany's new found power. Germany retains strong defences as she faces the same dilemma as her historical counterparts, a threat from both East and West.

In the colonies Germany has pursued a 'Riskflotte' policy, of ensuring she is too powerful for potential enemies (normally France) to destroy without doing irreparable damage to themselves. Germany tries to rely on local forces in order to avoid inflaming local opinion, which in some colonies is fairly ambivalent about the new Germany. Most colonial forces have a combination of mobile forces and light infantry, that can either act as reaction forces or guerrillas if overrun by hostile forces. Lastly the Jäger Brigades of IX Korps can be moved swiftly around the colonies should they be needed.

Germany faces three off-world conundrums; Freihafen and Heidelsheimat, both former colonies, and the Kafers. Freihafen is a powerful Tiranean state which has the potential to challenge Germany as the centre of the Germanophile colonies, whilst Heidelsheimat is the home to the self-declared rump Bavarian government. A policy of diplomatic engagement has been launched toward Freihafen, whereas Heidelsheimat represents a different problem. Some see it as a challenge to the legitimacy of the Reunification whereas others see it as a minor irritation, however military action has not yet been ruled out.

The Kafers are a threat to at least two German colonies in the Eta Bootis finger. Germany has reinforced these and sent military aid to the colony world of Aurore intending to bolster this important buffer zone.

INDEX

Order of Battle

The German Army is a large force comprised of 3 standing corps, 5 reserve corps, 3 colonial corps (one administrative) and numerous smaller forces. It is designed to provide a strong deterrent force in peacetime which is capable of massive reinforcement in time of war.

Above: Areas of responsibility during peacetime for A) Bundesarmee corps and B) State Army reserve corps.

Army Troops

Directly under the command of OKDB are an number of forces including airmobile, air assault and special forces units which are assigned to individual Corps as required. In addition one LkPzGren division from IX Korps is assigned as a reserve when on Earth.

1 Luftlande Division
33 Luftangriff Brigade
4 Kolonial Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division (IX Korps)
39 Jäger Brigade

I Korps

I Korps is the full time Bundesarmee force that is the first line of defence against the French and is the main effort for the German Army. It comprises three manoeuvre divisions with assault and reconnaissance brigades.

Luftkissenpanzer Division 'Lehr'
6 Luftkissenpanzer Division 'Gespenst'
2 Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division
30 Gefectspanzergrenadier Brigade
1 Aufklärungsgruppe

II Korps

II Korps is a Bundesarmee corps that provides the main defence of eastern Germany and trains with operations against the Polish Army in mind. It is organised in the same way as I Korps.

Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division 'Wiedervereinigung'
1 Luftkissenpanzer Division
3 Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division
31 Gefectspanzergrenadier Brigade
2 Aufklärungsgruppe

III Korps

III Korps is the Bundesarmee central reserve force capable of operations on either flank or, much more unlikely, in the north. It is organised in the same way as I Korps.

Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division 'Deutschland'
5 Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division
7 Luftkissenpanzer Division 'Der Legion'
32 Gefectspanzergrenadier Brigade
3 Aufklärungsgruppe

IV Reserve Korps

IV Korps is the main remnant of the once mighty Bavarian Army. It has undergone a more searching reorganisation than any other state army, but is re-emerging strongly from the reform. It is one of the most powerful corps but still has only one full time division, 52 LkPzGren Div which includes many famous units.

52 Bayerisch Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division
54 Bayerisch Panzerjäger Division
56 Bayerisch Panzerjäger Division
40 Bayerisch Gefectspanzergrenadier Brigade
107 Bayerisch Luftkissenpanzeraufklärungs Brigade (Panzer Kavallerie Regiment 107)
1 Bayerisch Panzer Brigade
501 Bayerisch Reserve Panzerjäger Brigade
502 Bayerisch Reserve Panzerjäger Brigade
503 Bayerisch Reserve Panzerjäger Brigade
504 Bayerisch Reserve Panzerjäger Brigade

V Reserve Korps

V Korps is mostly comprised of the old Saxon People's Army but also includes some Bavarian units. It has one of the best fighting reputations of any of the German reserve corps.

2 Sächsisch Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division
211 Sächsisch Panzergrenadier Division
1 Gebirgsjäger Division
Jäger Brigade Sachsen
Jäger Brigade Thüringen
Jäger Brigade Sachsen-Anhalt
505 Bayerisch Reserve Panzerjäger Brigade

VI Reserve Korps

VI Korps was once the Hanoverian Army. Although responsible for the defence of northern Germany it is regarded more as a strategic reserve force operating alongside III Korps.

22 Nord-Deutsche Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division
23 Nord-Deutsche Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division
24 Nord-Deutsche Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division
205 Nord-Deutsche Gefectspanzergrenadier Brigade
210 Nord-Deutsche Territorial Brigade
211 Hanseatische Territorial Brigade
213 Nord-Deutsche Territorial Brigade

VII Reserve Korps

VII Korps is made up predominantly of Westphalians with some Hanoverian State Army forces. Although often sneered at by troops from other state armies with better fighting reputations the Westphalians were heavily engaged in the War against France and mostly performed well. They would expect to fulfil a similar defensive role should war break out again and are trained almost exclusively for urban warfare.

61 Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division
63 Reserve Panzergrenadier Division
64 Reserve Panzergrenadier Division
601 Westfälisch Panzer Brigade
602 Westfälisch Panzer Brigade
603 Westfälisch Reserve Jäger Brigade
604 Westfälisch Reserve Jäger Brigade
605 Westfälisch Reserve Jäger Brigade
212 Nord-Deutsche Territorial Brigade

VIII Reserve Korps

The old Brandenburg Army makes up most of VIII Korps. It is squarely tasked with containing any Polish incursions into the north-east of Germany. The corps retains much of its old nomenclature, with regiments rather than brigades.

33 Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division 'West Pommern'
32 Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division 'Brandenburg'
31 Panzergrenadier Division 'Berlin'
Sturm Regiment 351
Panzer Regiment 352
Landwehr Regiment 361 'Wachregiment Berlin'
Landwehr Regiment 362
Landwehr Regiment 363
Landwehr Regiment 364

IX (Kolonial) Korps

IX Korps is a Bundesarmee corps which is primarily an administrative formation which co-ordinates national army units deployed to the colonies. Its units are some of the best regarded in the German order of battle.

4 Kolonial Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division - Earth
8 Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division 'Windhund' - BCV
34 Jäger Brigade - Hochbaden
35 Jäger Brigade - Joi
36 Jäger Brigade - BCV
37 Jäger Brigade - Dunkelheim & Vogelheim
38 Orbitallande Brigade

Neubayern Korps

The Neubayern Korps is responsible for the defence of the German colony of Nibelungen in the Neubayern system. The corps still retains most of its old Bavarian organisation and little resembles other German corps. The corps has a number of Freiwehr personnel attached to it to aid with training and maintenance of Freihafen produced equipment still used by the corps, a state of affairs that worries some key members of the OKDB.

Nibelungen Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division 'Neubayern'
13 Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Brigade (IX Korps)
23 Nibelungen Jäger Division
25 Nibelungen Jäger Division
26 Nibelungen Jäger Division
Nibelungen Jäger Brigade zvB

Deutscher Kontinent Korps

The German Continent of BCV is at the centre of German settlements on the French Arm and is the most valuable of these colonies. The corps acts as a central reserve for the whole Arm whilst deterring any aggression from the French Continent. Today troops from the corps' 8 LkPzGren Div serve on Aurore, most famously in Kampfgruppe's Reiner and Schmidt.

8 Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division 'Windhund' (IX Korps)
71 Deutscher Kontinent Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Division 'Beta Kanum'
Kolonial Jäger Division zvB
72 Deutscher Kontinent Reserve Panzergrenadier Brigade
73 Deutscher Kontinent Reserve Panzergrenadier Brigade
241 Deutscher Kontinent Reserve Jäger Brigade
243 Deutscher Kontinent Reserve Jäger Brigade
244 Deutscher Kontinent Reserve Jäger Brigade

Other Colony Troops

There are several German colony worlds that are not large enough to have corps sized formations. Instead these have independent division or brigade sized structures comprised of locally raised state army (usually Bavarian) or Bundesarmee units from IX Korps.

Dunkleheim

Kolonial-Brigade Dunkleheim

Hochbaden

Kolonial Division Hochbaden
34 Jäger Brigade (IX Korps)
1 Hochbaden Jäger Brigade
2 Hochbaden Jäger Brigade

Vogelheim

Kolonial Division Neumark
Kolonial-Brigade Neumark
14 Luftkissenpanzergrenadier Brigade (IX Korps)

Joi

Kolonial Division Landplatz-Frederich der Grosse
35 Jäger Brigade (IX Korps)
206 Nord-Deutsche Jäger Brigade
214 Nord-Deutsche Territorial Brigade

INDEX

Recruitment

Germany has reintroduced a system of conscription to provide manpower for the Bundeswehr. Before the Reunification several of the state armies had a system of voluntary enlistment, however conscription was reintroduced during the war with France. Conscription was brought in both to provide the extra manpower for the expanded army and as a nation building measure, young conscripts would both defend the new nation and be taught pan-German values. That way the divisive notions of belonging to an individual States would be replaced by a single loyalty to Germany. So far the system has proved effective on both counts.

All 18 year old German citizens are tested for aptitude and when they finish school are drafted into the military. They are sent where their testing suggests they will be of most value to the Bundeswehr. After initial training they are either sent on to advanced training or discharged as being not required for service, something like 75% will serve. After a fairly short period of advanced training they will be sent on to their units where they will generally serve for the remainder of a two year period. Service is not particularly well paid but is regarded as an important part of society and few people try to avoid it.

At the end of this period they will be given the chance to sign on for regular service or pass onto the reserve. The reserve is composed of three types of reservists, Type A, Type B and the Ersatz Reserve. Type A reservists are ex-national army soldiers and have a 5 year commitment to serve in reserve national army units, they must do 4 weeks training a year and pass onto the B Reserves after 5 years. Type B reserves include those that have done their Type A reserve commitment and ex-state army soldiers, the Type B commitment is for up to 10 years and involves 2 weeks training a year. Type B soldiers are normally assigned to state army units.

After 10 years, or if the services of the B Class reservist are no longer required by their unit, the soldier passes into the Ersatz Reserve. This is generally comprised of soldiers with no permanently assigned unit and would form ad-hoc units or provide battle casualty replacements in wartime. The Ersatz Reserve commitment generally lasts until 40 but can be extended at the request of the individual soldier. There is no compulsory organised training but Ersatz Reservists can choose to train with Class B reserve units on their annual training.

Officers and non-commissioned officers are selected from the ranks of the conscripts at the end of their first year of service. Soldiers of the colonial IX Korps are chosen exclusively from volunteers who have completed their two year conscript service.

In general terms German colonies have a similar system although some have retained the previous system of voluntary enlistment. By and large Germany will recruit only from German citizens or those with provable German ancestry, however in the colonies slightly less stringent conditions are applied.

INDEX

Training

Basic training in the German Army comprises of three separate phases. After they graduate from school all Germans must attend a four week period of basic military training, which run on a three monthly cycle. This is aimed at improving fitness, instilling team spirit and civic virtues and imparting basic military skills. It also aims to confirm the previous aptitude testing to see what military speciality (if any) the conscript is best suited for. After this the recruits are sent off to an advanced training centre or discharged.

Advanced training lasts between one and three months depending on the speciality being taught. These concentrate entirely on arm-specific tasks and the training is designed to bring the soldier up to a high enough standard to operate as a basic soldier with a combat unit. In the Bundeswehr this training is conducted in classical 'shape up or ship out' fashion. The soldiers are pushed to their limits and advanced training is usually a formative time in any young German's life. During advanced training the soldiers are graded and assessed, and upon graduation are assigned to the units they will serve with.

The choice of unit depends on a variety of factors including where the soldier has come from and his performance during training, whilst personal choice is also taken into consideration. The best soldiers are sent to the best units, such as the Panzer Lehr Division. The next banding of soldiers are sent to a national army division linked to their home region e.g. 2.LkPzGren.Div for Saxons. Mediocre and below average soldiers will go to a division from their home state army. Those that truly show no aptitude may be discharged directly to the reserve. Many soldiers demand to go to a particular unit and this is usually allowed if there is a vacancy in the unit, consequently many prestigious state army units have been able to maintain a high quality of soldier.

When the soldier arrives at his unit he will be assigned to a sub-unit and begin to train with the unit in the particular skills demanded of them. Due to the turn-over of conscripts, a new batch arriving every six months the level of training is necessarily fairly limited, however all conscripts will take part in company, battalion, brigade and divisional exercises during their time in the ranks. German main force units are usually well skilled in their particular tasks but can sometimes fall short when asked to conduct operations they are unused to.

The German Army has array of specialist schools and courses many of which are highly regarded by foreign militaries. These are usually open only to those soldiers who have gone full-time after their conscript service.

INDEX

Foreign Relations

Germany is a new state with a modern and liberal constitution, however the very notion of a unified Germany invokes memories of the three World Wars and un-numbered millions of deaths for many Europeans. Germany has responded to this handicap with a forward looking and inclusive foreign policy stressing the benign nature of modern Germany. Unfortunately this is frequently undermined by a combination of nationalist politicians and suspicious foreign media who play up certain rabble rousing announcements about 'recovering all German territory'. German foreign policy is primarily defensive, ensuring the integrity of the new state whilst trying to win goodwill from other states. Germany's generosity during the Kafer War, donating state-of-the-art armoured vehicles to France and Tanstaafl is one example of this.

America

America has been a traditional ally of France, although one that has often chaffed in the shadow of the French Peace. The re-emergence of Germany came as something as a shock to an insular state and the military defeat of France came as even more of one. However as America has emerged with a more outward looking foreign policy they have come to make common cause with Germany on several issues and relations are good.

Britain

Britain was an ally of France, Bavaria and Hannover and its reaction to German Reunification was an important factor in the War. Had the British Army taken up its 'traditional' position on the left of the French line the outcome of the War may have been very different. Britain had little problem with the unification of the north German states but the incorporation of Bavaria and its huge colonial empire raised major questions about the balance of power in Europe and beyond. However Britain had little in common with France's increasingly erratic military government. In the end the UK opted for neutrality, ensuring with the Scandinavian Union that the North Sea didn't become a warzone and deploying troops to ensure the neutrality of the Netherlands.

Since the war and the succession of Freihafen, Britain has opted to pursue the middle path between France and Germany as it has strong trade and military links with both. However some on Britain's political right wing instinctively distrust Germany, a feeling reciprocated by some German nationalists. Military links are, by and large, good with exchanges of military personnel. In addition Germany officially allows the recruitment of former conscript personnel to Britain's Royal German Legion although popular and political sentiment is rising to stop this.

France

France is Germany's greatest threat, one with which it tries to deal with a combination of military strength and diplomatic engagement. Although the war was actually a 'close run thing', Germany realises the resentment caused in France has not dissipated. It especially fears the results of a total French concentration of its vast imperial resources against it. In the colonies the situation on several worlds has been one of tension stoked up by both sides. However the war against the Kafers has forced both nations to work more closely together, although this has not always gone smoothly.

Poland

Poland is a constant irritant to German foreign policy. Proud, xenophobic, heavily armed and determined never to allow foreign armies to lay waste to her soil again the Poles are also allied to the French. Poland never became directly involved with the War of Reunification because of skilful German diplomacy and lingering resentment over Polish casualties in the Central Asian War. Nevertheless the Polish Army mobilised and substantial numbers of German troops remained in the east to screen the border.

Post-war the relatively pro-German Unity Party was thrown out of power and replaced by a party that renewed the alliance with France and has come to regard Germany with suspicion. The Polish Army, some of whose officers served with the French in 2293, is somewhat jealous of the current reputation of their German counterparts and would love a chance at measuring their skills against their neighbours. In spite of this belligerence, trade links are strong across the Oder. Should war again loom against France, Poland is a factor Germany cannot ignore.

Scandinavian Union

The Scandinavian Union had little problem with the Reunification and in many ways was glad to see French militarism taken down a peg or two. However it did co-operate with the British and Dutch to impose a North Sea Demilitarised Zone. Today the SU sees little military threat from Germany, although it fears the possible human and economic cost of another round of fighting.

INDEX

Rank Structure

The Bundeswehr has consolidated its previous ranks structures into one system applied across the military although some state armies retain some individual names for ranks they all follow the same structure. One practical matter of note is that the position of Brigade Commander is given to an oberst (colonel) and is not considered a General officer's rank.

Enlisted ranks

Rank Typical Position 2300 British Equivalent (Infantry)
Schütze,

Grenadier,

Jäger etc.

Rifleman, machine gunner etc

(Conscript 1st year)

Private
Oberschütze,

Ober… etc

Rifleman, machine gunner etc

(Conscript 2nd year)

Private
Gefreiter Rifleman, machine gunner etc

(Regular soldier)

Lance Corporal
Obergefreiter Fireteam commander Corporal
Unteroffizier Section commander Sergeant
Unterfeldwebel Battalion Staff sergeant Colour Sergeant (Staff position)
Feldwebel Platoon Sergeant Colour Sergeant (Combat position)
Oberfeldwebel Company Sergeant Major WO2 - Company Sergeant Major
Hauptfeldwebel Battalion Sergeant Major WO1 - Regimental Sergeant Major
Stabsfeldwebel Brigade Sergeant Major WO1 - higher formation staff position

Commissioned ranks

Rank Typical Position 2300 British Equivalent (Infantry)
Leutnant Rifle platoon commander 2nd Lieutenant
Oberleutnant Rifle platoon commander Lieutenant
Hauptmann Support weapon platoon commander, company 2 i/c Captain
Major Company commander Major
Oberstleutnant Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel
Oberst Brigade commander Brigadier (actually Colonel)
Generalmajor Division commander Major General
Generalleutnant Corps commander Lieutenant General
General Army commander General
Generaloberst Theatre commander n/a
Generalfeldmarschall Commander of the OKDB Field Marshall

INDEX

Armies

The Bundeswehr is composed of a number of different administrative forces. These include the Federal Army, 5 state armies and 2 colonial state armies. Each of these bodies are organisationally independent and with their own traditions and quirks, however they all provide troops for a unified defence force. The State Armies can be best thought of as very strong and influential state National Guards in the American style.

Bundesarmee - Federal Army

When outsiders think of the German Army they generally think that the Federal Army is the only ground force. However it is only the leading agency amongst several. The Bundesarmee was formed from units seconded from the State Armies in 2292 and bolstered by new national units created in order to increase the strength of the Bundesarmee. The Bundesarmee forms the bulk of the active military strength of the German Army, manning the three active European Corps and the colonial IX Corps. The Bundesarmee has the pick of the conscripts entering the military and is loyal to the Bundesrepublik above all and friction between Bundesarmee and State Army units is relatively commonplace.

Bayerisch Staatwehr - Bavarian State Army

The Bavarian armed forces have long been seen as the most competent of those of the German States. This is partly due to the 'head start' that saw the new Bavaria inherit a very large proportion of the old German Army and most of the American 'stay behinds', mostly US Cavalry units, that were fully integrated into the new Bavarian Army.

Bavaria participated in several key campaigns since the 20th century, usually as an ally of the French. Her strong economy and well developed military allowed her to avoid having its units subsumed by the French like the other German State units. Bavaria went on to develop a massive off-world colonial system, dwarfing the size of Bavaria on Earth.

The Bavarian Army has been badly hit by Reunification and the subsequent loss of the colony of Garten (and over 200M citizens). Elements of Bavarian High Command were key opponents of Reunification as were many ordinary soldiers, especially those born off-world. As the war ended a massive retrenchment of Bavarian units was undertaken with many formations returning from Tirane (although no few stayed) whilst some Earth units were disbanded due to manpower problems and loyalty concerns.

When the shooting war actually started most Bavarian units fought well but were sometimes accused by their colleagues from other German States of pulling their punches. Indeed Bavarian units did suffer lower casualty levels than Westphalian and Saxon troops, but figures were similar to the Bundesarmee.

Consequently, many units were reduced in size or disbanded and all were re-organised entirely with the 2 battalion strong Kampfgruppe structure being done away with. (Perhaps surprisingly those units with American heritage have survived particularly well.) Combined with the introduction of conscription in the formerly all-regular army and political misgivings, this created a wave of resignations and a new generation of Bavarian professional soldiers serving with Freihaven, Heidelsheimat, with state mercenary units (such as the Légion Étrangère, Royal German Legion & Tanstaafl Free Legion) and with smaller mercenary companies.

However the Bavarian State Army has now largely recovered from the ructions of the Reunification and its units are performing to their previous high standards.

Nord-Deutsche Wehr - Hanoverian State Army

Prior to the Reunification, the state known as Germany occupied the northern part of the German States and was widely, if inaccurately, known as Hannover (the actual capital). Hannover included the areas of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein as well as parts of Westphalia, Hesse and Saxony-Anhalt.

This area had an unpromising start during the Twilight War as it contained relatively few troops especially after the American evacuation. Only small enclaves around Kiel and Bremen were positively controlled by German troops, however the remnants of the British Army of the Rhine retained control of the central area around Hannover. When they began preparations to return to the UK rather than abandon the areas to anarchy they created a locally recruited auxiliary force, the German Legion.

The German Legion was one of the lead elements in keeping firm control of the Hannover area, although only a small regular force it became the kernel of an army mainly composed of militia and reformed warlords. Together they expanded the pacified areas, the semi-democratic Hannover government making deals with the governors of Kiel and Bremen (although the latter not without military skirmishing). The southern expansion of Hannover came up against the newly formed French puppet state of Westphalia in a long running border war only resolved in 2020. Similarly in the north control of Schleswig-Holstein was only firmed up after bitter suppression of pro-Danish militias.

By 2020 Hannover had a powerful military machine that was able to stand up to the Bavarians and potentially re-unite Germany. However its economy was badly damaged and French diplomatic manoeuvring was forcing Hannover into a dangerously isolated position with even their British allies pressing the Hanoverians to cut a deal with the French. This they eventually did, but declared themselves to be the successors to the pre-war BRD and took the name Germany for the newly reformed state. Germany-Hannover quickly recovered and began to prosper, trading her way back to prosperity. The city of Hamburg entered the new union although it retained its strongly independent character.

Germany-Hannover became a somewhat centralised state that retained its distrust of France, and the French dominated German States. It maintained a strong military and looked north to Britain and the Scandinavian countries for trade and diplomatic support whilst militarily allying with the Netherlands, Brandenburg and occasionally Saxony. Although relations with all the German states waxed and waned at times. Germany-Hannover would become the only non-Bavarian German state to have a colony world thanks to Bavarian and British help.

Strangely, considering Germany-Hannover's role in creating the new Germany, the Army was less than convinced of the case for Reunification. Several key Generals were concerned by the motives of the politicians and convinced of the likelihood of a war with France or between German States would result. Many of these voices were sidelined and left for retirement or places with other militaries, although some dissent persisted in the lower ranks especially in the crack, if outspoken, German Legion.

With the creation of the Federation Germany-Hannover became known as Nord-Deutschland. North German special forces were heavily involved in fermenting revolt in the Flanders alongside their Dutch allies. Two of the army's crack divisions were transferred to the newly formed national army and the remainder of the army was mobilised to the reserve. During the war Hanoverians were heavily committed with the 7 Panzer Division playing a major role in the Battle of Picardy. Of the remaining divisions one was used to reinforce the eastern border freeing up national army divisions for action against the French. The remainder fought in Westphalia and on the front near Stuttgart.

Post War the army was heavily re-organised, causing resentment in the regimentally minded ranks. Most of these reforms have been eased off in the State Army divisions.

Sächsisch Volks Armee - Saxon State Army

The Saxony State Army was a small force with a high reputation before the Reunification. It benefited from inheriting a strong force of both West and East German units in the Twilight Era and developed a strong military tradition from that time. Saxony was relatively resource poor and was not above using its military to gain the resources it thought it needed. Clashes with other German and Central European states were relatively common. However as the state matured it developed strong relations with Czechoslovakia amongst others.

A Saxon brigade fought with the Bavarian Army throughout the Central Asian War and most of the senior commanders have experience of that war. In the Reunification War Saxons fought mainly on the front around Frankfurt, enhancing their martial reputations further.

Brandenburg Volks Armee - Brandenburg State Army

The Brandenburg government formed in the ruins of Berlin in the early 21st century, spurred by the need to rebuild, which required them to hold off raiders and pacify the surrounding areas. The Brandenburg Army took some time to develop from the remnants of NATO, WARPAC and marauder units in the area and by and large were outclassed by Saxon and Polish forces raiding for resources in the area. By the 2030's the government in Berlin lost patience and put its ad-hoc army through a series of reforms. The result was the genesis of a military system that would eventually be adopted by the new Bundeswehr. Brandenburg's soldiers were never as individually feared as those of Saxony or Germany-Hannover but they worked within a system of logistical and artillery support that rarely failed them.

Once an accommodation had been reached with the other German States Brandenburg's main threat was always from the East. Newly resurgent and highly nationalist Poland had a love-hate relationship with Brandenburg through the centuries. Commercial and trade links were hindered by cultural misunderstanding motivated by politicians on both sides of the border. Brandenburg and Poland fought a war over the city of Stettin in the mid-22nd century and the fate of that city is still a bone of contention.

The Brandenburg Army concentrated almost entirely on defending her own eastern frontier during the War with France. Polish intervention didn’t occur, due to Polish anger with France, but Polish forces were mobilised and manoeuvring inside her own frontiers. The possibility of Polish military intervention should France receive too big a setback couldn't be overlooked by Germany. Since the war Brandenburg's military has actually decreased in size, partly sparking a strong revival of the economy in the state.

Westfälisch Armee - Westphalian State Army

The Westphalian Army was formed by the French in the aftermath of the Twilight War. The French moved into the Zone Morte from Frankfurt to the Rhur in order to secure what remained of German industry, partly to stop these resources from falling into the hands of Bavaria or the rump Germany. They established a puppet regime and army, which although criticised by many in the German States enabled Westphalia to get back on its feet with remarkable speed. Internal conflict in the region with the doomed 'Dämmerung' Division and external pressure from Germany-Hannover were notable.

Westphalia's Army was marked by its excellent equipment, French organisation and skills in operating in Westphalia's heavily urbanised terrain. Although close to France, Westphalia increasingly became irritated with French exploitation of her industrial power especially during the Central Asian War and its aftermath. The factories of the Rhur produced much of France's war materiel at knock down prices, only to find themselves locked out of post-War contracts by the new monopoly system. However Westphalia's production over-capacity enabled the rapid expansion of the new Bundeswehr during the War with France. Westphalian troops also fought in the CAW under French command but received little in the way of recognition.

The pre-War Westphalian Army was a conscript force on the French model, designed primarily for defensive tasks it was not particularly well regarded for its fighting spirit or sophistication but had an excellent General Staff, mostly trained by the French. In particular the commander of the war time III Corps was French trained and knew his French opponent of the Battle of Picardy from his days at French Staff College.

Westphalia suffered the most of any German State during the war with heavy fighting in Frankfurt as the French attack towards Stuttgart stalled and secondary attacks were pushed across the Rhine. French air and missile strikes hit at factories in the Rhur above all others. The Westphalians were in the front line of defence and took heavy casualties, however the work of Westphalian special forces and the 4th Division were vital in opening the way for III Corps assault through the Ardennes, and the crack 1st Panzer Brigade fought on the Somme.

The Westphalian Army has rapidly converted to national army norms. It is notable for its strong equipment with tracked MBTs and two HBT brigades.

Niebelungen Staatwehr - Niebelungen State Army

The formerly Bavarian colony of Nibelungen in the Neubayern system was already militarily self sufficient by the time of the Reunification. Consequently it has the status of a state army and it has largely not re-organised its military along Bundeswehr lines and retains its old Bavarian organisation. The army has a single armoured division equipped with locally converted (to Freihafen specs) LkPz-VIII's, a small special duties unit, a light role division and a pair of reserve Jäger divisions. The only Bundesarmee presence comes from a IX Korps brigade deployed to the world.

Deutscher Kontinent Staatwehr - German Continent State Army (BCV)

The Bavarian colony on Beta Canum initially had troops from the Bavarian 22nd Jäger Division and a locally raised 24th Jäger Division. These were supplemented by a Panzer Kavallerie Regiment and a hover mobile light division.

When the War took place tensions with France sky rocketed, although outright hostilities were limited by the small militaries of both colonies. Consequently fighting usually took place on the extremities of the continents or in the seizure of assets and restriction of trade. Some bloody clashes of battalion size took place in coastal areas and on islands and special forces from both sides scored some successes in attacking prestige targets.

After the war the German Continent's military was overhauled and reinforced as French regular units arrived on-world. A new armoured division was formed from the PKR and the light mobile division whilst the 24th Jäger Division was re-jigged and defensive reserve armoured formations created.

INDEX

Combat Unit Organisation

The system in current use with the German Army is a development of that evolved by the Brandenburg Army during the middle of the century. It was first used by the putative Saxon-Brandenburg 'German Division' in the last months of the Central Asian War but not taken up widely until the Reunification. It involves the use of interchangeable Panzer or Panzer Grenadier divisions within a corps structure.

Divisions

The bulk of the combat power of the Heer is composed of its Panzer and Panzergrenadier Divisions, which can be either tracked/wheeled or hover mobile, but are essentially organised in the same way. There are differences between Federal and State Army organisations however. It should be noted that the standard organisation of these divisions during peacetime fields 6 teeth battalions, the same as a French Division de Marche, which will be their prime opponent. However on mobilisation two extra battalions are added, giving the German division an edge in combat power.

Panzer Divisions

Panzer Divisions provide the bulk of the mobile firepower of the Heer. They are designed to manoeuvre swiftly across the battlefield and spearhead assault and mobile defence missions. The typical division has two manoeuvre brigades, an artillery brigade and divisional troops.

The manoeuvre brigades will usually be either Panzer or less frequently Panzergrenadier formations. In a panzer brigade there will be two standing panzer battalions, one standing panzergrenadier battalion and one reserve PzGren battalion which will be mobilised in time of war. In Panzergrenadier formations this ratio is reversed.

The artillery brigade includes one drone strike battalion, two close support rocket artillery battalions (one assigned to each brigade) and a self-propelled anti-aircraft battalion. Divisional troops include a divisional reconnaissance battalion, a combat engineering battalion and an independent panzer battalion to be used as the divisional reserve committed at the key point of the battle and used as the 'schwerpunkt' battalion. There is one 'named' Panzer Division, the Panzer Lehr of I Korps, which has three manoeuvre brigades.

Panzer Grenadier Divisions

PzGren Divisions are organised almost identically to their Panzer Division counterparts, however they are weighted towards a stronger infantry compliment. Their role is more towards set-piece attacks and defensive actions within the Corps, freeing up the Panzer Divisions to be committed at the schwerpunkt.

The PzGren Div also normally has two brigades (although some have 3), an artillery brigade and divisional troops. These generally follow the pattern described above. However instead of a divisional Panzer battalion most divisions have a 'Sturmtaktik' trained and equipped Panzer Grenadier battalion which is used as the same way as the divisional commander's reserve.

Light Divisions

The German Army is primarily concerned with the defence of mainland Germany, a task for mobile armoured formations and so has little need for light divisions. However there are two light role divisions on Earth and a further number in the colonies.

The two Earth based divisions are the specialist airlanding and mountain divisions. The Luftlande Division is comprised of three independent brigades which can be assigned to any of the corps or committed in any way the theatre commander may wish. The Gebirgsjäger Division is manned by both Bavarian and Saxon state army troops and can fight on foot or as a light mechanised formation.

The colonial light divisions vary in their composition. The Kolonial Divisions found on many world are composite formations made up of state army and IX Korps forces and can be either light or mechanised in role. The Kolonial Division zvB on BCV is a specialist unit including IX Korps Jägers and special forces alongside local Gebirgsjägers and Fallschirmjägers and is an elite formation. The Jäger Divisions of Neubayern are light and reserve formations which still use the old Bavarian organisation.

Brigades

Gefectspanzergrenadier Brigade

GfPzGren Brigades are the shock troops of the German Army, trained and equipped to use the highly aggressive 'Sturmtaktik'. Whilst every PzGren Division has an integral GfPzGren battalion each Bundeswehr and some State Army Corps have integral GfPzGren Brigades which are used to punch holes in the opposing line and create a gap to be exploited by the following forces.

Currently the GfPzGren Brigade has two panzer grenadier battalions and one panzer battalion equipped with converted LkPz-VIII's to provide close fire support for the infantry. If needed the GfPzGren battalions from the corps' PzGren Divisions can be assigned to the brigades to give them extra punch. These brigades are an elite, manned by some of the physically toughest soldiers Germany possesses who are given the best equipment and excellent training.

Panzer Brigade

Panzer Brigades are heavy armoured forces equipped with tracked AFVs. These are organised primarily to operate in built up areas. Currently all of these units are provided by the State Armies as the use of heavy armour is at odds with the current highly mobile Bundeswehr doctrine, although their value is still recognised. Currently these units are equipped with a mixture of Czech and German equipment, however re-equipment with the German Löwe tank is underway. The brigades are organised with two panzer battalions, one panzer grenadier unit and the usual scale of support formations.

Territorial Brigades

German territorial brigades operate under a number of names and organisational patterns and are usually manned by Class B reservists. They can be mechanised or light role troops and are primarily designed to defend the lines of communication in times of war by counter-attacking any breakthrough or to defend urban areas, an infantry intensive task. The usual organisation is at least three infantry battalions.