[Skybird]

They have had mortars in the past already, but were not allowed to use them for real. They were used for sending flares at night only. not before the current German offensive, first of it's kind, the German were using their heavier weapons: mortars and Marder-IFVs.

On the relation with civilians, I have heared different reports. The once trustworthy Afghans do not trust the germans that much anymore, and the germans no longer have heydays when leaving the camp. Since longer time now every leaving of the camp is a combat patrol, ready to fight and expecting the worst. Civilians meet them with reluctance now. In the early years you could have seen Germans walking on foot, without helmets. that is over since long. Since years it is full combat gear and helmet, wepaons ready, huge groups, hoping not to have to leave vehicles.

This description is from a guy coming home from Mazar-e-Sharif last autumn. The media also paint a different picture since longer time. and already in 2004, I think, the German commander of that time was complaining that the German camp "Warehouse" is almost defenseless against artillery strikes from the surrounding mountains overwatching the valley, leaving the camp completely depending on the good will of the other side. The Germans have no artillery of their own. Back then they had 5 helicopters of which 2-3 used to be undergo constant repairs. They have no tanks as well. The German tanks in Afghanistan, Leopard-2A6ers - are run by the Canadians, who absolutely love them.