Many Happy Returns of the day John.

Another year another birthday. Many happy belated returns John

For those of you who aren't on my mailing list but look in here, then you should read this. It was sent in by Robbo.

1. Bundeswehr Association: "Catastrophic readiness should not be surprising"
2.
The Bundeswehr lacks all "catastrophic operational readiness": Bundeswehr Association brings dissolution of the troupe to Spiedpa / Michael Kappeler The head of the Bundeswehr Association, André Wüstner
Friday, 16.02.2018, 10:44
3.
The Bundeswehr lacks material and money. The operational readiness of the troop was "generally not satisfactory", admits meanwhile also the Ministry of Defense. Critics call the poor state of the Bundeswehr a "scandal". The Bundeswehr Association and politicians of all parties demand a swift action.
4.
"The catastrophic readiness for action, which means that we can no longer fulfill our covenant commitments, should not surprise a specialist politician," said the head of the Bundeswehr Association, André Wüstner, the newspaper "Die Welt". The key question is: "Should Germany again have ready forces or not? If not, I propose the dissolution of the Bundeswehr. "
5.
The bad situation with the troop is meanwhile no longer deniable. In order to counter Russia's actions in the Crimea, NATO set up the so-called "spearhead" for rapid deployment in 2014 - Germany will play a leading role there in early 2019. According to the "Welt", the army is currently lacking ready battle tanks for it.
6.
As reported by the newspaper, referring to a confidential paper of the Ministry of Defense, the provided for the task Panzerlehrbrigade 9 in Munster are currently only 9 of 44 provided Leopard 2 tanks available. In addition, of the 14 Marder armored infantry fighting vehicles only three are operational. This is no longer a rarity.

1. Bundeswehr Association: "Catastrophic readiness should not be surprising"
The Bundeswehr lacks all "catastrophic operational readiness": Bundeswehr Association brings dissolution of the troupe to Spiedpa / Michael Kappeler The head of the Bundeswehr Association, André Wüstner
7.
Friday, 16.02.2018, 10:44
The Bundeswehr lacks material and money. The operational readiness of the troop was "generally not satisfactory", admits meanwhile also the Ministry of Defense. Critics call the poor state of the Bundeswehr a "scandal". The Bundeswehr Association and politicians of all parties demand a swift action.
8.
"The catastrophic readiness for action, which means that we can no longer fulfill our covenant commitments, should not surprise a specialist politician," said the head of the Bundeswehr Association, André Wüstner, the newspaper "Die Welt". The key question is: "Should Germany again have ready forces or not? If not, I propose the dissolution of the Bundeswehr. "
9.
The bad situation with the troop is meanwhile no longer deniable. In order to counter Russia's actions in the Crimea, NATO set up the so-called "spearhead" for rapid deployment in 2014 - Germany will play a leading role there in early 2019. According to the "Welt", the army is currently lacking ready battle tanks for it.
As reported by the newspaper, referring to a confidential paper of the Ministry of Defense, the provided for the task Panzerlehrbrigade 9 in Munster are currently only 9 of 44 provided Leopard 2 tanks available. In addition, of the 14 Marder armored infantry fighting vehicles only three are operational. This is no longer a rarity.
Ministry of Defense admits problems
10.
It must be made as quickly as possible "a law for the lasting increase of the personnel operational readiness inclusive the necessary financing," said Lt. Col. Wüstner of the "world". "It can not go on like this, especially against the background that large parts of the world are in flames." The insight is there, but there are no solutions.
"The commitment is obviously not guaranteed," said Wolfgang Hellmich (SPD), the chairman of the defense committee in the Bundestag. Necessary is a roadmap with concrete measures and times. The security spokespersons of the CDU and CSU demand more investment in defense. The coalition agreement must be improved.
11.
NATO commitments at risk
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The opposition is clearer: "The Bundeswehr is in many parts not operational," said Rüdiger Lucassen, defense policy spokesman for the AfD, the "world". "30 years ago such a state would have resulted in a special session of the Bundestag. Today, on the other hand, neither in the Federal Government nor in the ranks of the ruling parties does anyone seem to seriously bother anyone. "
The defense spokeswoman for the FDP, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, told the newspaper, it was "highly distressing that tasks within the framework of NATO can only be met with awkwardness and noise. Who else could be put off? "Like many colleagues, Agnieszka Brugger, vice-group leader of the Greens, accused Minister Ursula von der Leyen (CDU) of failing.
13.
Röttgen denounces "empty words"
14.
But also from the ranks of the government parties is sometimes sharp criticism. CDU foreign politician Norbert Röttgen said that the state of equipment of the Bundeswehr was because of the many failed weapon systems a "scandal" and a "state revelation". The member states of NATO have committed to invest two percent of their gross domestic product in the defense.
It is true that increases in the defense budget are envisaged. However, this is not enough to restore the readiness of the Bundeswehr and to fulfill its NATO obligations and the agreed goals in development cooperation, according to Röttgen. "Without the necessary money, these are all empty words. There is a credibility gap, which is very well perceived worldwide.

Re: Para 6
Looks as if they are in the same situation as the Brit Army. Doubt if we have a armoured Regt that could field a full compliment of tanks !!!

Ann passed away last Tuesday and condolences have been sent to the family. Unfortunately Paddy having dementia he is not aware of her passing.

This info has come from the daughter via Ron Baker

Paddy not being aware is so sad. Condolences to the family.

Come on Kev what about your Vietnam war stories when you joined the Oz Army?

Bit of a change to the Blues and Royals and Boys Squadron

From a very reliable source I was told that if you attained the rank of WO in the SBS you could retire on a £40,000 pension at the age of 40.

Bit late to tell us now Charlie.
Not to worry, I've never been much of a swimmer.

Don't know a lot about boats. Did go on the IOW ferry once - would that count !!!

Here's the answer to your question Kev

You regain your previous rank but lose seniority, in the RAC the SAS is looked upon as a bad career move but in the Infantry it is a good move. You can be promoted in the Regiment but on return to your parent Regiment you only get the rank that you left with. My friend was a Bombardier in 7 RHA but in the Regiment he was a Staff Sergeant but when he returned to his parent Regiment he had to return to Bombardier, luckily somebody was batting for him and he eventually got promoted, hope this helps. The Royal Signals can get promoted whilst in the Regiment and get paid but if they are a Trooper in the Regiment he will get the Royal Signals pay, is that fair



The answer we was given was “ if you joined this Regiment for money or medals we don’t won’t you…………….I rest my case

Thanks Charlie.
Stay warm.
kev