german army reform

GERMANY
Overview
The past year was significant for Germany�s Armed Forces as Germany continued to
increase in its NATO responsibilities as its global role steadily evolved. Having made the decision
to participate in the Implementation Force (IFOR) in Operation Joint Endeavor, Germany
deliberately, yet carefully, entered into a new era. Their participation in the Stabilization Force
(SFOR) further solidified their role as a full partner in NATO. As a result of the events of this
past year, the German Armed Forces are now planning for deployable forces in the form of the
Crisis Reaction Corps, with the tactics and equipment to support them.
This evolution comes at a challenging time. With German fiscal policy being shaped to
comply with European Monetary Union standards, rising unemployment and the continued high
costs of integrating the former DDR, defense budgets are declining in real terms. At the same
time the operational costs for out-of-country missions and requirements for new equipment are
increasing.