The German Field Artillery in the Neues Heer structure.

The German Army is transforming into a Neues Heer, or "New Army." Its transformation is a continuous, farsighted adjustment of its security, social, technological and, above all, mental dimensions. This process is not only ongoing in the army, but also in the entire German armed forces and those of our allies.

The conceptual framework for transforming the German armed forces and Bundeswehr was defined in the "Defense Policy Guidelines," dated 21 May 2003; the "Directive for the Further Development of the Bundeswehr," dated 1 October 2003; and the "Overall Bundeswehr Concept," dated 9 August 2004. Figure 1 summarizes the core assumptions and design principles of these three planning documents.

In the course of preparing these documents, the "Directive for the Further Development of the German Army" was refined and issued on 5 July 2004, defining the model Neues Heer personnel and equipment. By 2010, the German Army personnel strength will be reduced by some 30,000 billets to the target of about 104,000 soldiers.

As will the other German armed services, the German Army will be divided into three categories of forces: reaction, stabilization and support. The core of the Neues Heer organization is five division headquarters with a total of 12 reaction or stabilization brigades. (See Figure 2.)

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

One division will be purely reaction forces. German Army reaction forces contribute to combat and peace enforcement operations with minimum friendly losses. These forces will be capable of fighting in network-centric multinational operations in high-intensity scenarios as well as perform rescue and evacuation operations at the lower end of the spectrum. German Army reaction forces will be mechanized for large-scale and mobile combat operations and characterized by high mobility and robustness. These reaction forces will be supported by precision fires and effects from standoff distances.

Two divisions will consist of purely stabilization forces. These forces must operate successfully against both a predominantly military adversary and asymmetrical insurgency forces, ensuring minimum losses in both cases. Stabilization forces must be able to control limited areas of operations in a situation with escalating danger and fight in combined arms operations at the battalion level for a limited time. In addition, stabilization forces must be able to function in stability and support operations (SASO). To achieve these capabilities, stabilization forces will be supported by graduated precision fires and effects from standoff distances.

The other two of the five divisions in the Neues Heer, the Division Spezielle Operationen (DSO), or Special Operations Division, and the Division Lufthewegliche Operationen (DLO), or Air-Mobility Division, will have a mixture of reaction and stabilization forces.

Given the limited number of forces and the increasingly complex and rapidly changing battlefields of today and tomorrow, the Neues Heer requires the alternating capabilities of the reaction and stabilization forces during military operations. This "operational interplay" describes the cooperation between the headquarters and units of both force categories and illustrates the reciprocal assumption of each other's tasks.

[FIGURE 2 OMITTED]

FA Mission. In the Neues Heer structure, the German Army Field Artillery continues to be the backbone of fire support, operational fires and reconnaissance and target acquisition (TA) across the spectrum of conflict. The Field Artillery provides the all-weather, day or night, near-real-time precision effects from standoff distances--anywhere in the maneuver commander's area of responsibility (AOR). These fires are critical for Neues Heer reaction and stabilization forces to avoid head-on duels with the enemy, incurring heavy friendly losses. In addition, the FA is the German Army's provider of joint fires.

The FA has a digitized integrated artillery system (IAS), a system of systems for command and control ([C.sup.2]), surveillance. TA and reconnaissance (STAR) as well as for coordinating the fires of all FA weapons platforms within an operational formation, task force or major subordinate command. This system of systems is centralized under a single command and linked to central ([C.sup.2]) and weapons control systems.

[FIGURE 3 OMITTED]

FA Organization. In the course of the German Army personnel reduction, the FA branch will be reduced from about 9,500 billets in today's plan for the Heer der Zukunft (German Army of the Future) to about 4,900 billets in the Neues Heer structure.

As shown in Figure 2, the Neues Heer's Reaction Force Division will have an artillery brigade, consisting of one self-propelled/TA battalion and one medium artillery rocket system (MARS) battalion (Figure 3). (MARS is the equivalent of the US multiple-launch rocket system.)

Also, the Reaction Force Division will have an artillery battalion in each of its two brigades (Figure 4 on Page 38). In addition to the elements shown in Figure 4, the self-propelled artillery battalion in each of the two mechanized brigades will have an integrated fire control platoon and a battlefield surveillance section in each firing battery.

As shown in Figure 5 on Page 38, the Franco-German Brigade has a unique self-propelled/TA artillery battalion. This brigade is 50 percent French and 50 percent German with rotating leadership. In addition to the headquarters and weapons elements, it has a meteorological (Met) component and integrated reconnaissance capabilities: the counterbattery radar (COBRA) and Kleinfluggerat Zielortung (KZO) target-locating unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). It also has an integrated fire control platoon in each of the cannon firing batteries.

Thus, the Franco-German Brigade has all components of the IAS with organic [C.sup.2] systems, STAR assets and weapons platforms. For the first time, the Franco-German Brigade will have an artillery battalion optimized for the brigade's tactical-operational role in the European Corps (EUROCORPS) and for initialentry operations. This EUROCORPS is the combined forces from Germany, Spain, France, Belgium and Luxemburg.

The two stabilization force divisions and the mixed-category special forces and air-mobility divisions, generally, will have access to the artillery in the self-propelled/TA regiment organic to the air-mobility division shown in Figure 6 on Page 39, as needed. Each firing battery in this artillery regiment has an integrated fire control platoon.

This reduction in the overall number of FA units in the German Army should not automatically be construed as a reduction in operational capabilities. In fact, the Heer der Zukunft structure called for 19 units (battery equivalents) in the reaction forces while the Neues Heer structure has 22 rapidly deployable units (battery equivalents) in the reaction forces.

Order of Battle. The order of battle and internal structure of the Neues Heer units largely adhere to the principle "organize and train as you will fight."

The IAS has been maintained in the organization--even optimized in parts of the force. For instance, the Reaction Force Division has organic IAS under the command of the divisional artillery commander, making the requirement to merge modular artillery elements from the artillery brigade and the three mechanized brigades' artillery battalions obsolete.

Similarly, the IAS is in the self-propelled/TA regiment available to the stabilization forces.

By linking TA assets directly with weapons platforms at the battery or battalion levels--sensor-to-shooter--and factoring in the accuracy of the TA systems and high rate-of-fire of the weapons platforms, the FA can eliminate layers of indirect fire coordination and provide target effects in near-real time. The linkage at the lowest levels minimizes collateral damage and optimizes ammunition expenditure and post-strike damage assessment.

Additionally, a synergistic effect is achieved by combining the organizational capabilities of the TA battalions and fire control batteries.

The design of the TA and firing batteries are standardized by type. This ensures the operational interplay between the FA reaction and stabilization forces. (Rocket artillery is the exception because it is not included in stabilization forces.)

The number of billets for stabilization forces prevented those forces from having one artillery battalion per brigade. The result is that artillery support for the stabilization forces must come from the self-propelled/TA regiment in the air-mobility division. Thus, the artillery can support stability operations in a maximum of two theaters but only with limited combat capabilities.

Considering the likely operational-tactical demands of future theaters and the increase in missions for the FA as the main contributor of the German Army's joint fires, the four batteries in the MARS battalion of the Reaction Division's artillery regiment is somewhat on the lean side.

Force Capabilities. Figure 7 outlines the essential capabilities the maneuver or contingent commander must have for all types of operations, both combined arms and joint, throughout his AOR. These capabilities allow him to gain and maintain his freedom of operations and initiative, avoid close combat situations involving heavy losses and protect friendly and allied forces. The following FA systems provide these capabilities.

Command and Control. The fielded and well proven Artillerie-Daten-Lage-Einsatz-Rechnerverbund (ADLER) is a [C.sup.2] and intelligence ([C.sup.2]I) system that is the central link between [C.sup.2] systems, STAR assets and weapons platforms (including those under development). ADLER provides digital interface, both nationally and internationally.

With preplanned product improvements, ADLER will be interoperable with the [C.sup.2] and information systems of the German Army, the [C.sup.2] and weapons control systems of the other German armed forces branches, as well as those of our allies. ADLER must have this [C.sup.2] superiority and be fully capable of network-centric operations.

[FIGURE 4 OMITTED]

The current FA command post (CP) vehicles can operate across the spectrum of conflict. However, they are not mobile enough and do not afford enough force protection for the modern battle-field. FA CP vehicles must comply with the requirements for Neues Heer equipment as outlined in the "German Army Command Post Concept," Parts 1 and 2.

STAR. TA and post-strike reconnaissance must be in real-time and under all Met conditions 24/7, cover large areas and identify targets in the depths of AOR. These capabilities are prerequisites for standoff, precision indirect fires.

In addition, intelligence must be collected and disseminated via integrated networks as an essential part of the near-real-time situational picture. What the Neues Heer needs is a mix of various standoff, penetrating and imaging sensors complementing each other that are closely linked with weapons platforms plus highly mobile ground-based systems.

In the Neues Heer, the FA will have the following STAR assets.

* Artillery Observers -- They are equipped with Marder infantry fighting vehicles and work closely with their maneuver companies. The FA Marder is an interim vehicle to be replaced by the objective system, the future Puma, an armored observer vehicle, and the new Fennek, a lightly armored wheeled observer vehicle. These two vehicles will improve the units' flexibility in employing their artillery observers and the fire support they provide maneuver forces.

[FIGURE 5 OMITTED]

For the first time, the observer vehicle, the Puma, will be the same vehicle used by the supported maneuver forces only with fire support equipment installed. The observer Puma will be indistinguishable from the other Pumas in the unit.

The Fennek allows for day and night observations with high-mobility, force protection for all types of operations and has a navigation system and laser rangefinder capable of locating long-range targets precisely. Its onboard systems are integrated into ADLER.

The German Army bought Fenneks to fulfill immediate requirements, and they are deployed as part of the German contingent of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.

In addition, artillery observers will have portable observer equipment for dismounted operations.

* Radars -- the artillery battlefield radar (ABRA) acquires moving targets; individuals out to a range of 14 kilometers; small vehicles out to 24 kilometers; larger vehicles, such as medium battle tanks (MBTs), out to 30 kilometers; and moving columns out to 38 kilometers. The radar sections over-watch the battlefield under all weather conditions 24/7, contributing information to the situational picture, thus protecting against any enemy surprises.

The developmental ground surveillance bodenuberwachungsradar (BUR) eventually will replace ABRA.

* Sound-Ranging System -- As a passive target-locating asset, the Schallmes-sanlage 64 (SMA 64) can locate cannons and mortars firing out to 15 kilometers. We are improving its accuracy with an automatic data evaluation system that will be integrated into ADLER.

* COBRA -- This radar has a range of up to 40 kilometers and an angle of aperture of 90 degrees. It can locate cannons and mortars firing and, for the first time, rocket artillery firing with a high degree of accuracy and classify the detected targets. The COBRA can locate up to 40 firing positions in two minutes.

* Target-Locating UAV -- The KZO, our reconnaissance capability, is significantly improved. We use KZO for situation reconnaissance, TA and post-strike reconnaissance out to a range of about 100 kilometers, day or night. Its endurance is about three and one-half hours. Its height above ground varies from between 300 and 2,500 meters, and it has a flight speed of about 150 kilometers per hour. The KZO's imagery transmission is in real-time. The KZO operator can modify the flight program entered at launch, allowing the UAV to track a target until the target is engaged.

* Artillery Met Platoon -- This platoon is fully mobile and equipped with the atmospheric measuring and analysis system (ATMAS) as well as an upper wind radar system. ATMAS supplies the IAS and other users Met data. The global positioning system- (GPS)-supported radio probe system (RPS) will replace ATMAS, ensuring a timely supply of exact Met data covering larger areas. RPS will have passive ranging, thereby, making the upper wind radar unnecessary.

This new system calls for a new meteorological model. RPS will calculate refined Met data for a larger predetermined area, including the target area, and then send accurate Met messages throughout entire area of operations (AO). This will improve FA accuracy in the AO, reducing ammunition expenditures. Moreover, such Met messages also will be used to plan airborne reconnaissance systems' flights and improve the performance of SMA and COBRA.

With current and future artillery STAR assets, the German Army FA finally will have a jam-resistant, complementary sensor mix, ensuring TA and post-strike reconnaissance out to ranges of about 65 kilometers. To ensure precision standoff capabilities at great depths, TA organic to the IAS is indispensable for indirect, controlled and graduated target effects out to about 150 kilometers. Until we field modern and suitable STAR assets, we will maintain one reconnaissance drone battery with the older but proven CL289 reconnaissance drone.

Target Effects. In all types of operations and terrain, the Neues Heer needs precise standoff indirect artillery fires immediately available that are scalable to the situation and avoid collateral damage. This requires mobile, air-transportable weapons platforms that can fire long ranges.

[FIGURE 6 OMITTED]

Weapons with multi-roles will provide these required capabilities and reduce peripheral equipment. Precision munitions to support these weapons platforms must be able to identify a target and be aborted in flight. The Neues Heer must be able to selectively destroy all target categories and employ graduating effects, including nonlethal effects. To meet those requirements, the Neues Heer FA will have the following weapons systems.

* PzH 2000 Self-Propelled Howitzer -- This howitzer is the most modern cannon in the world. Its maximum firing range of up to 36 kilometers together with its variety of ammunition and high rate-of-fire ensure effective support for the German maneuver forces. Its modular armor, high-mobility, and nuclear, biological and chemical ventilation system protect the crew and enhance the overall survivability of the system.

The PzH2000 can engage soft and semi-soft area targets with its current ammunition. With the procurement of the 155-mm smart artillery (SMArt) seeker-head ammunition, for the first time the howitzer will be able to attack semi-hard and hard individual targets precisely while minimizing collateral damage.

* MARS -- This system can fire bomblets and rocket-delivered mines out to a range of 38.5 kilometers. After the MARS product improvement and the procurement of guided-MLRS (GMLRS), we will be able to fire rockets precisely from about 70 kilometers away with a significant reduction in collateral damage. To achieve effects that we can adjust to both the situation and targets, we will employ GMLRS initially in two types: one with an intelligent SMArt warhead and one with a penetrating fragment/high-explosive unitary warhead.

* Air-Transportable Weapons -- In the future, the Neues Heer FA needs a combat UAV (CUAV) with a range of a minimum of 150 kilometers. This CUAV will have precision standoff target location and attack capabilities.

If forces in conflict prevention and conflict management operations are to be supported in theater with appropriate artillery elements, we need air-transportable weapons platforms. Currently, the German FA has no weapons that are deployable via national air transport. The procurement of the medium lift A-400M transport aircraft will change this situation.

Thus, one of the main efforts of the German artillery is to develop the capability to support its rapidly deployable troops. Envisioned are weapons--regardless of whether or not they are cannon, rocket or missile systems--that can be developed and(or) procured on the basis of existing components while minimizing the time and cost of their development.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The air-transportable 155-mm self-propelled howitzer first fired during the Live-Fire Demonstration 2004 at Baumholder Training Area in Germany last September appears to be a promising air-transportable solution with further development.

The MARS launcher in a light wheeled version as a multi-functional platform is envisioned, possibly, with only one pod for launching existing munitions plus GMLRS. Here, too, development would be feasible in the short to medium term.

Although very capable, current weapons platforms and their munitions do not meet all future requirements. On the one hand, artillery must maintain its ability to engage area targets; on the other hand, it needs long-range weapons systems and the ability to engage high-value targets with pinpoint precision while minimizing collateral damage. Based on these requirements, German FA future weapons developments will focus on precision, range and air transportability.

Joint Fires. To accomplish the joint mission, joint fires are especially significant. Joint fires are the coordinated fires of all the armed forces against targets in all dimensions of the battlespace. They are coordinated to ensure the maneuver commander can engage enemy targets throughout his area of responsibility using the most effective joint fires assets available to optimize target effects.

With its command, control, fire support and communications organization reaching across all command levels, the artillery already plans and executes ground force fire support. Therefore, because these IAS elements interface digitally with and are networked by ADLER, including the international Artillery Systems Cooperation Activities (ASCA), the IAS is predestined to be the nucleus of the German Army's planning, coordination and execution of joint fires. The artillery already has considerable experience working with joint fires in multiple exercises with the German Air Force.

The German Army artillery branch has crossed the line of departure (LD) in the transformation process. According to the current schedule, the Neues Heer structure will materialize by 2009.

The reduction in the overall size of German Field Artillery is significant. However, the Neues Heer maintains and, in some aspects, even optimizes the IAS.

The new structure offers the reaction forces an order of battle that to a large extent meets the requirements of this force category, particularly after fielding the emerging TA and reconnaissance assets, implementing the MARS product improvement and fielding new munitions.

To retain IAS in the stabilization forces would require structural and organizational increases to the stabilization force. Due to the limited IAS resources available, IAS support for the stabilization forces will be limited in time and battlespace. We have identified and defined capability gaps in artillery observer equipment and precise standoff and individual target engagement as well as air-transportable weapons platforms. We will work to fill those gaps during the German Army transformation process.

The German Field Artillery will continue to offer constructive innovative solutions for the Neues Heer structure, in accordance with its motto--Always be Prepared and All-Weather Capable!

* There is no foreseeable threat to German territory.
* The German armed forces do not need the capabilities and structure for
  conventional territorial defense.
* The most probable missions for the Bundeswehr are conflict prevention
  and conflict management.
* The armed forces must strengthen their joint capabilities.
* The armed forces must reorganize into the categories of reaction,
  stabilization and support forces.
* The armed forces must synchronize all available financial resources to
  gain the required capabilities and equipment.
* The armed forces must integrate conscripts.

Figure 1: Basis of the Transformation of the German Armed Forces and
Bundeswehr into the Neues Heer (New Army).

* An optimized command and control system for the artillery forces that
  is integrated into national and international command, control and
  information systems.
* Efficient, all-weather, 24-hour target acquisition and reconnaissance
  capabilities that are closely linked to the weapons platforms in
  real-time or near-real-time.
* Precise ground target engagement capabilities provided from a distance
  that are adjustable to the mission and situation.

Figure 7: These are the essential capabilities the maneuver or
contingent commander must have for all types of operations, both
combined arms and joint, throughout his area of responsibility (AOR).

RELATED ARTICLE: Training for OIF IV

Redlegs of the 3d Battalion, 6th Field Artillery (3-6 FA), 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York, conduct air assault operations at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, in January. 3-6 FA was preparing for its rotation to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) IV with the assistance of G Company, 104th Aviation. The battalion also fired thousands of 105-mm rounds during its week of predeployment training.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Photo by Joe Ketterer, Pennsylvania National Guard Public Affairs

By Brigadier General Heinrich Fischer, Chief of the German Field Artillery

Brigadier General Heinrich Fischer is the Chief of German Artillery and Commandant of the German Artillery School at Idar-Oberstein, Germany. Among his other assignments, he was the G3 Operations for the II German-US Bi-National Corps in Ulm; Branch Chief of the Federal Ministry of Defense of the German Army Staff in Bonn; Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the German Army Contingent of the Stabilization Forces (SFOR) in Bosnia-Herzogovina; and the Executive Officer to the Assistant Chief of Staff for Resources in the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Belgium. He commanded Artillery Regiment 7 in Dulmen and Self-Propelled Artillery Battalion 45 at Gottingen. He is a graduate of the German and Canadian Armed Forces Staff Colleges in Hamburg and Toronto, respectively. He began his career as a conscript and then attended Reserve Officer Candidate School.