Lone Sentry: TM-E 30-451 Handbook on German Military Forces: Introduction: Equipment

[DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department Technical Manual, TM-E 30-451: Handbook on German Military Forces published in March 1945. — Figures and illustrations are not reproduced, see source details. — As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. — Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]

CHAPTER VIII. EQUIPMENT

Section I. INTRODUCTION

1. General

Current equipment of the German Armed Forces is generally good, despite more than five years of war. Although some German equipment does not reach Allied standards, in the majority of categories it has been found to be as good as, or better than, comparable U.S. items.

2. Design

Much German equipment differs radically in design from Allied counterparts. This does not mean that the functioning of the equipment is in any way inferior; the solution of the problem has been approached from another angle.

3. Shortages

Although acute material shortages sometimes force the employment of substitutes, redesigned German equipment seldom shows impaired efficiency. This is attributable to careful, meticulous planning, and to the production of a surprisingly versatile industry which is controlled completely by the state.

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