The field equipment of the German Army in World War II was closely related to that used throughout World War I and earlier, yet it was of relatively light weight, ruggedly constructed, well designed, functional, and generally of a high quality, though this deteriorated in the later war years. A high degree of design standardisation was maintained in most categories of equipment, though materials and their colours often varied widely. There were also many different specialisations for the various arms of service as well as theatres of combat, such as the Afrikakorps in the Western Desert. This title investigates all manner of German combat equipments throughout World War II, from belt buckles to magazine pouches.

Author Biography

Gordon L Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces and completed training as a weapons specialist. He was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group until reassigned to the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969-70. He entered the Texas Army National Guard in 1974 and was the full-time Operations Sergeant of 2nd Bn., 143rd Inf., 36th Airborne Brigade until 1980, when he assumed a similar position with Co. G (Ranger), 143rd Inf. Reverting to part-time status in 1986, he is now the Opposing Forces Group Operations Sergeant in the Army Reserve's 75th Manoeuvre Area Command in Houston. He is a civilian contract Special Operations Forces Intelligence Specialist at the Army's Joint Readiness Centre, Ft Polk.