Note: This article was originally posted to the old Twilight 2000 mailing list. The old Twilight 2000 mailing list has since been transferred over to yahoo groups. The article is posted "as is" without any editing. I have been unable to contact the author, Hans-Christian Vortisch. If anyone knows him, please have him send an email toorrin_ladd@yahoo.com
BUNDESWEHR FORCES
The Bundeswehr’s three branches, Heer, Bundesmarine and Luftwaffe
(army, navy and air force) are all issued (more or less) the same
equipment, which consists of: personal weapons, fatigues, boots, combat
web gear, pack, steel helmet, kevlar fragmentation vest, NBC-protective
mask, first-aid kit, gloves, poncho, parka, shelter half, sleeping bag,
eating utensils, canteen, flashlight and gun-cleaning kit.
New-style fatigues sport a woodland camouflage pattern similar to the
one used in WWII, while old-style combat clothing is universally
olive-drab (blue for navy). Winter camouflage is also issued. The
different arms are easily distinguished by the color of their
berets-e.g., armor (Panzertruppe) - black, infantry (Panzergrenadier,
Jager) - green, airborne (Fallschirmjager) - red. Navy personnel
substitute a cap for the beret. (BTW, the Bundesmarine has the
equivalent of SEALs: These are called Kampfscwimmer, with the insignia
being a swordfish). Fragmentation vests were adopted in the late-80s
and are now standard equipment with most troops.
Some changes to the personal weapons list in the basic rules are as
follows: First, although the G11K2 passed the rigorous tests of the
Bundeswehr in 1990, it is very doubtful that it will already be the
standard issue rifle by the year 2000. It is far more likely that it
will only see service with Fallschirmjager, Fernspah and selected Jager
and Panzergrenadier units, while most other troops will use the G41, G3
and AK-74N rifles.
The G41 is thought to become a supplementary weapon in case the G11 is
accepted, being nearly equally effective at a lower cost as well as
fitting better into existing NATO supply lines. This Heckler & Koch
weapon is based on the G3 and HK33 series and is chambered for the
5.56mm N round. It is built to NATO STANAG specifications, accepting
M16 magazines and all NATO rifle grenades. Capable of full automatic
fire and three-round bursts, it can also easily mount the HK79 or M203PI
underbarrel grenade- launchers. Additional features include a folding
carrying handle, dust-proof ejection-port cover, cleaning kit in the
grip and optional wintertrigger and bipod. The G41A2 variant, like the
G3A4, sports a collapsible shoulder stock. Note that the German-issue
variant of the G11, the G11K2, differs from the one presented in the
rules in some minor exterior details, the most outstanding being that
the top of the fore-end is designed to accept two spare magazines
positioned parallel to the magazine in use, to facilitate recharging.
And, more importantly, the G11K2 is capable of full automatic fire in
addition to three-round bursts. Full magazines weigh only 0.5kg, not
1.0kg.
With the takeover of huge stockpiles of the (then) East German army,
the Bundeswehr also had large amounts of brand-new German-built AK-74 in
its hands. These are and probably will stay in service, perhaps
rechambered to fire the 5.56mmN round.
And finally, as the difficult to produce caseless ammo of the G11 gets
increasingly scarce, it’s also likely that the old trusted G3 will see a
revival, especially with reserve and territorial units.
The PSG1 is more a police weapon and is unlikely to enter service, a
more promising contender being the Heckler & Koch MSG90 (Militarisches
Scharfschutzengewehr). This is the more rugged and reliable, yet
lighter, military version of the PSG1. It is equipped with a 12x
telescopic sight, bipod and adjustable stock and trigger.
In older days, G3 rifles fitted with 4x scopes (known as G3A3ZF) were
issued on squad-level, with some Mauser SP66s given to selected
marksmen. The SP66 sniper rifle is a conventional bolt-action rifle
with a 6x scope and thumbhole grip. Both will certainly still be
around.
Officers, vehicle crews and military police (Feldjager) in units not
equipped with the G11 receive MP2 (Uzi) submachineguns. Feldjager and
officers should also have the option to choose a P1 (modified Walther
P38), P6 (German-built SIG P225) or P226 pistol instead of the new
standard sidearm, the P7M13. Walther PPKs are also still in use.
The standard machine gun for all troops is the proven MG3 (modified
MG42).
Light support weapons include the Heckler & Koch CAW, HK69A1
(Granatpistole), HK79 underbarrel grenade-launcher and D34 HAFLA
(Handflammpatrone) disposable incendiary/smoke grenade-launcher. Note
that the HK69 needs extensive modifications to fit under a rifle, its
variant suitable for underbarrel use being the HK79.
Heavy firepower is provided through Armburst and Panzerfaust 3 rocket
launchers as well as the various MILAN, TOW and HOT missile launcher
variants. The Pzf3 was introduced in 1989 and can use HEAT, HE and
smoke rounds of various calibers. The Swedish Carl Gustav recoilless
rifle is also still in use.
Standard hand grenades are the DM51 concussion/fragmentation and the
DM24 incendiary/smoke grenades. The DM incorporates a detachable
fragmentation sleeve which permits its use either in the defensive (with
the sleeve fitted) or in the offensive (without it). The DM24 differs
from most incen/smoke grenades in that it is filled with red phosphorous
rather than WP, making it considerably safer to use.
All soldiers receive a Kampfmesser (knife/bayonet, which may not be
fitted to the G11).
The German forces also make use of the INKAS integrated night-fighting
system. This consists of a rifle-mounted infrared laser projector and
image-intensifying goggles worn by the soldier. The laser can be fitted
to many of the Heckler & Koch weapons directly in front of the
fore-sight. Its beam is invisible except with IR-goggles or similar
night-vision devices. Suitable weapons include the G3, G41, MP5, HK21,
HK33 and HK53. INKAS allows effective night combat efficiency, with the
laser considerably enhancing hit-probability through its simple
point-and-shoot system.
BUNDESGRENZSCHUTZ (FEDERAL BORDER GUARDS)
Although nominally police, these must be considered to be paramilitary
because they receive special training and military equipment, including
APCs and light tanks. The famous antiterror unit GSG 9 is part of it.
They wear combat fatigues in German police green and green berets.
Steel helmets and kevlar vests are available, with bullet-proof vests
given to high-threat teams. The BGS, like all German police, make
extensive use of all MP5 submachine gun variants, including MP5A2/A3,
MP5K and MP5SD.
Standard sidearm is the P7M13 but some use other police pistols like
the P9S or the Walher P5 (modified P38 with short barrel), while still
others field .357 Magnum revolvers. Standard sniper rifle is the PSG1.
A special automatic rifle is also in use, called the G8A1. This Heckler
& Koch weapon is based on the HK21 light machine gun series and was
built on specifications of the BGS. It fires the 7.62mm N round and
features a bipod, assault grip and selective fire including a
three-round-burst limiter. The G8A1 will accept G3, PSG1 and MSG90
magazines (which in fact are all the same) and a special 50-round drum
which weighs 2.0kg loaded. Beacause of its high accuracy it can be used
as a sniper rifle and is usually issued with a 4x scope. Like the
police, they are equipped with some G1 (FN-FAL) and G3 rifles.
EINMANNVERPFLEGUNG (EPA)
These are German combat rations which provide one day’s worth of food
for one individual. They include two complete pre-cooked meals, various
instant drinks, a small package of cookies jokingly referred to as
Panzerplatten (armor plates), paper, matches and even chocolate and
chewing gum. Wt: 1.25kg Price: $10 (S/R).
EQUIPMENT AND PRICE LIST UPDATE
The list corresponds directly with the text, giving complete game
statistics for the new items, and provides exact nomenclature and more
precise weights and prices for some already published ones.
G1 Use FN-FAL G3A3 Use G3 except: Wt (empty): 4.4kg G3A3ZF Use G3 except: Wt (empty, w/scope): 4.8kg G3A4 Use G3 except: Wt (empty): 4.7kg Blk: 4/5 G8A1 Ammo: 7.62mmN Wt(empty w/scope): 9.1kg Mag: 20box/50drum Price:$1250 (R/-) ROF: 3/10 Dam: 4 Pen: 2-3-Nil Blk: 6 SS: 1 Brst: 3/9 (2/4 w/bipod) Rng: 65 (75 w/bipod) G11K2 Ammo: 4.73mmCls Wt(empty): 3.7kg Mag: 50box Price: $750 (S/R) ROF:3/5 Dam: 3 Pen: 1-Nil Blk: 4 SS: 2 Brst: 3/3 Rng: 55 G41 Ammo: 5.56mmN Wt(empty): 4.1kg Mag: 20/30box Price: $450 (C/S) ROF: 3/10 Dam: 3 Pen: 1-N Blk: 5 SS: 2 Brst: 4/6 Rng: 55 G41A2 Use G41 except: Wt(empty): 4.4kg Blk: 4/5 AK74N Use AK-74 except: Wt(empty): 3.6kg PSG1 Use PSG1 except: Price: $1500 (R/R) MSG90 Use PSG1 except: Wt(empty): 7.2kg Mag: 5/20box Price: $1250 (R/R) SP66 Ammo: 7.62mmN Wt(empty): 6.1kg Mag: 3I Price: $850 (R/-) ROF: BA Dam: 4 Pen: 2-3-Nil Blk: 6 SS:4 Rng: 75 MP2A1 Use UZI except: Wt(empty): 3.5kg MP5A2 Use MP5A2 except: Wt(empty): 2.5kg MP5A3 Use MP5A2 except: Wt(empty): 2.85kg Blk: 3/4 P1 Use P38 except: Wt(empty): 0.8kg Price: $600 (S/R) P5 Use P38 except: Wt(empty): 0.8kg Price: $650 (S/R) P6 Use P7 except: Wt(empty): 0.75kg Mag: 8 Price: $500 (S/R) P9S Use P9S except: Wt(empty): 0.9kg P226 Use P7 except: Wt(empty): 0.75kg Mag: 15box Price: $550 (S/R) HK79 Use HK69 except: Wt(empty): 1.5kg + Wt of rifle Pzf3 Ammo: 90mm, 110mm, 125mm Wt(empty): 12.0kg Price: $4500 (R/-) ROF: 1 Rld: 2 Rng: 150 110mm HEAT C:6 B:6 Pen:125C 110mm HE C:12 B:12 Pen: 10C 110mm Smoke B:150 DM24 Wt: 0.35kg Price: $20 (S/R) Dam: 0 B:12 (smoke) DM51 Wt: 0.2kg (0.5kg with fragmentation sleeve) Price: $5 (C/S) Dam: C:4 B:0 (C: 4 B:12) INKAS laser Wt: 0.2kg Price: $1000 (R/-) Effect. Rng: 200min starlight goggles Wt: 0.5kg Price: $500 (R/-) Effect. Rng: 300m (any other IR-goggles may also be used. The goggles allow the character to freely act at night times, and the laser reduces the final hit number by 1) 4.73x33mmCls All 4.73mmCls ammo is prepackaged in sealed, air-tight plastic packs (50 rounds apiece) which also serve as magazine loaders. Loaded magazine: 0.5kg Price: $50 Ammo pack: 0.4kg Price: $36 Case (1800 rounds): 15.0kg Price: $1300 (S/R) 110mm HEAT round: 6.0kg Price: $250 (S/-) 110mm HE round: 6.0kg Price: $250 (S/-) 110mm Smoke round: 6.0kg Price: $200 (S/-) Base Equipment: 16.0kg German kevlar vest (AV: 1): 2.75kg Price: $900 (C/S) German steel helmet (AV:1): 1.35kg Price: $150 (V/C) German bullet-proof vest (AV:3): 8.0kg Price: $1500 (R/-)
ORGANIZATION - Ground Forces
These represent the prewar authorized equipment levels of units.
GERMANY
The following tables are prewar levels and do not represent the
current (1 July 2000) condition of any unit. MBTs are either Leopard
IIIs or Leopard IIs; light tanks are TH-301s or (rarely) Cadillac Gage
Stingrays.
PANZER BATTALION
Headquarters and Headquarters Company:
2 MBTs
2 Leopard ARVs
4 M577 TOCs (staff)
3 Panzer Companies, each with:
13 MBTs
MIXED PANZER BATTALION
Headquarters and Headquarters Company:
2 Marders
2 M577 TOCs (staff)
2 Panzer Companies, each with:
13 MBTs
1 Panzergrenadier Company:
14 Marders
12 Milan ATGM launchers
PANZERGRENADIER BATTALION
Headquarters and Headquarters Company:
2 Marders
4 M577 TOCs (staff)
3 Panzergrenadier Companies, each with:
14 Marders
12 Milan ATGM launchers
1 Mortar Company:
6 M113 SP 120mm mortars
1 M113 fire direction vehicle
3 M113s
MIXED PANZERGRENADIER BATTALION
Headquarters and Headquarters Company:
2 Marders
2 M577 TOCs (staff)
2 Panzergrenadier Companies, each with:
14 Marders
12 Milan ATGM launchers
1 Panzer Company:
13 MBTs
1 Mortar Company:
6 M113 SP 120mm mortars
1 M113 fire direction vehicle
3 M113s
PANZER AUFKLARUNGS (RECON) BATTALION
Headquarters and Headquarters Company:
3 MBTs
2 Heavy Companies, each with:
14 MBTs
1 Light Company:
31 TH-301 or Spahpanzer Luchs armored cars
PANZERARTILLERIE BATTALION
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery:
4 M577 TOCs (staff)
12 M113 FIST vehicles
3 Firing Batteries, each with:
8 M109A2 SP 155mm howitzers (4 per platoon)
8 M548 ammo tractors
1 Support Battery:
4 M578 ARVs
HOWITZER BATTALION (SP)
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery:
4 M577 TOCs (staff)
3 Firing Batteries, each with:
6 M110 8" SP howitzers
6 M648 heavy ammo tractors
FIELD ARTILLERY ROCKET BATTALION
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery:
4 M577 TOCs (staff)
3 Firing Batteries, each with:
6 multiple rocket launchers
NOTE: either MLRS or LARS.
AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY BATTALION
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery:
4 M577 TOCs (staff)
15 Stinger launchers (AA rocket platoon)
10 TPz-1 Fuchs wheeled APCs
6 Firing Batteries, each with:
6 Flakpanzer Gepard SPAA guns
6 TPz-1 Fuchs wheeled APCs
AIR DEFENSE MISSILE BATTALION
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery:
4 M577 TOCs (staff)
4 TPz-1 Fuchs wheeled APCs
3 Firing Batteries, each with:
4 M113s
12 Roland SP SAM launchers
JAGER BATTALION
Headquarters and Headquarters Company:
4 M113s
3 Jager Companies, each with:
15 M113s
12 Carl Gustav recoiless rifles
1 Heavy Company:
6 120mm mortars
18 Milan ATGM launchers
GENERIC
The following is a list of combat vehicles in common usage by German
Army ground units:
M151 1/4-Ton Truck "Jeep"
MAN 7t 6x6 7-Ton Truck
Marder tracked APC
M992 FAASV (Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle)
Spahpanzer Luchs ("Lynx") 8x8 wheeled LCV
TH-301 tracked light tank
TPz-1 Fuchs ("Fox") 6x6 wheeled APC
UR-416 4x4 wheeled APC
Leopard AEV (Armored Engineer Vehicle) tracked engineer vehicle
Leopard ARV (Armored Recovery Vehicle) tracked engineer vehicle
Leopard I main battle tank
Leopard II main battle tank
Leopard III main battle tank
M110 203mm (8") self-propelled howitzer
Flakpanzer Gepard self-propelled antiaircraft gun
Jagdpanzer Kanone self-propelled tank destroyer
Roland SPAA (Self-Propelled Antiaircraft)
Wiesel tracked self-propelled artillery
Wildcat 4x4 wheeled self-propelled antiaircraft
ORGANIZATION - Air Forces (Luftwaffe)
German attack helicopter tactics differ radically from the rest of
NATO: German attack helicopters operate in flights of seven helicopters,
with each helicopter locating and attacking its own targets. german
fixed-wing aircraft operate in pairs. Recon helicopters are attached to
the headquarters of the corps-level Aviation Command, which consists of
an antitank helicopter regiment, one light and one medium transport
regiment. the Germans hope to make up for the lack of scouting with an
intimate knowledge of the local terrain acquired by imtensive training
flights. Note that a German helicopter regiment actually has only one
battalion of helicopters.
LIGHT FLIGHT BATTALION
Headquarters:
2 Light Transport Companies:
16 UH-1s
NOTES: One per light aviation transport regiment.
MEDIUM FLIGHT BATTALION
Headquarters:
2 Light Transport Companies:
12 CH-53s
NOTES: One per medium aviation transport regiment.
ANTITANK FLIGHT BATTALION
Headquarters:
4 Bo-105s (Scout and Liaison)
2 Antitank Squadrons:
28 Bo-105s with ATGMs or Bo-117s with ATGMs
NOTES: One per corps antitank helicopter regiment
GERMAN AIRFORCE (Luftwaffe)
The Luftwaffe is organized in squadrons of approximately 30 aircraft
which, like most nations, operate in pairs.
Back