USAREUR The United States Army in Europe (Concord 2011)

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Copyright © 1992 by CONCORD PUBLICATIONS CO . 603-609 Castle Peak Road Kong Nam Industrial Building 10/F, Bl, Tsuen Wan New Territories, Hong Kong All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced , stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Concord Publications Co. We welcome authors who can help expand our range of books. If you would like to submit material, please feel free to contact us. We are always on the look-out for new, unpublished photos for this series. If you have photos or slides or information you feel may be useful to future volumes, please send them to us for possible future publication. Full photo credits will be given upon publication.

ISBN 962-361-911-1 Printed in Hong Kong

FRONT COVER A M1A1 "Abrams" of 3-66 AR, 2d AD (FWD), passes a M901 on a road near Hannover while on exercise "Free Lion" in September 1988.

BACK COVER A M1A1 of a 4-32 AR, 3rd Armored Division, du ri ng "Caravan Guard" in September 1989. This unit participated in the CAT 89 competition held six months earlier.

Dedication Th is book is dedicated to all "Keepers of the Peace".

Acknowledgements Spec ia l thanks are due to Sabine Rotter for her inva luab le help, to Volkmar Roesner, Stephen "Cookie " Sewell a nd Thomas Laber for helping me with additional photos and informations . A "million thanks" are owed to many friends for their support, especially to Miss Milly Waters a nd SSG Elayne Venema of the Public Affairs Office of USAREUR, Maj Shively and SSG Edgar Stitt of PAO 3rd ID , for their inva luable help in putting this book together.

Preface

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The United States Army, Europe (USAREUR) is a c ornerstone of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) land defenses in Europe - a powerful armored/ mechanized and nuclear supported force . USAREUR 's overall command mission is to maintain a combat ready force to deter and to defeat hostile aggression . The political situation in Europe has changed c onsiderably since November 1989. The Inner German Border (1GB) and the Berlin Wall fell , followed by the p o litical change in the then German Democratic Republic (which then was a member of the Warsaw Pact), and finally led to the reunification of Germany in

Introduction

1990. Along with the political changes in Poland, CSFR, Rumania and Hungary and the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact in April 1991 considerably lowers the thre at to the free world . Additionally and somehow as a partially reflection of the new political situation, the Conference of Disarmament in Europe (CDE) will bring the reduction of conventional forces, including the military strength of the USAREUR. However, the intension of this book is to present a review of the current organization and equipment of the USAREUR.

---------------~-------------------In case of war USAREUR combat forces would come Europe (SACEUR), a position currently held by US General under NATO command. Most of USAREUR's fighting John R. Galvin who is also the commander-in-chief of elements , until August 1991 organized in Vth and Vllth EUCOM. Corps , are in southern Germany and would therefore USAREUR is the Army component of US European Command (EUCOM). The other two service components c ome under NATO command Central Army Group (CENTAG) . The only US element within NATO's Northern of EUCOM are US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) with Army Group (NORTHAG) is the 3rd (Heavy) Brigade, 2nd headquarters in Ramstein , and US Naval Forces, Europe (USNAVEUR) with headquarters in London. Armored Division (Forward) of IIlrd Corps. Both, CENTAG and NORTHAG, form Allied Forces Central Europe USAREUR ( " Keepers of the Peace"), with (AFCENT), with headquarters in Brunssum (The headquarters located at Heidelberg , deals with the Netherlands) , which comes directly under the Allied Department of the Army on matters related only to the -:ommand Europe (ACE) , the highest NATO military Army, but matters concerning joint US activities are c ommand in Europe . The ACE headquarters is known as handled 'rhrough HQ EUCOM. Currently,the commander­ the Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers, Europe in-chiefofthe United States Army, Europe (CINC USAREUR) (SHAPE), and is located near Mons (Belgium). The is General Crosbie E. Saint. c ommander of ACE is the Supreme Allied Commander

Until August 1991, the USAREUR consisted of: IIlrd (US) Corps (Headquarters at Ft. Hood, Texas) 2nd Armored Division (Forward) Vth (US) Corps (Headquarters at Frankfurt) 11 th Armored Cavalry Regiment 3rd Armored Division 8th Infantry Division (Mechanized) 3rd Support Command 22nd Signal Brigade 41 st and 42nd Field Artillery Brigades 130th Engineer Brigade 205th Military Intelligence Group 12th Combat Aviation Brigade 18th Military Police Brigade Vllth (US) Corps (Headquarters at Stuttgart) 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment 1st Armored Division 1st Infantry Division (Forward) 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) 2nd Support Command 93rd Signal Brigade Vllth Corps Artillery 7th Engineer Brigade 207th Military Intelligence Brigade 11th Aviation Brigade 14th Militarv Police Brigade Other key USAREUR organizations include 7th Army Training Command, 32nd Army Air Defense Command (32nd AADCOM), 5th Signal Command , 7th Medical Command, 4th Transportation Command, 59th Ordnance Brigade and 18th Engineer Brigade. If necessary, such as in the case of war, US forces in Europe will be reinforced by troops from continental USA (CONUS). Until recently, reinforcing units deploy by air regulary from CONUS to Europe to take part in a NATO exercise, and then return to CONUS. This operation is known as return of forces to Germany (REFORGER). Some equipmentforthese units is prepositioned in Europe in special warehouses in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, officially known as prepositioned material configured to unit sets (POMCUS), and maintained combat ready by 21st Theater Army Area Command. Due to a new training concept of USAREUR, the aid of computer simulation makes large scale deployment of forces unnecessary, as happened at REFORGER 1990 exercise "Centurion Shield", when speCially marked HMMWVs (with Nerf-balls) simulated tanks. The last large scale exercise was at REFORGER 1988 field training exercise CFTX) "Certain Challenge", when Vth and VII

Corps were, together with NATO-allies, facing each other on oppOSing sides. Constant training is a cornerstone to maintain combat readiness. Significant among USAREUR' straining facilities are Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels and Wildflecken training areas, operated by the 7th Army Training Command. Units also train at more than 200 local training areas near their home stations. When not in the field, units use the latest training aids, including computerized electronic training devices and simulators. An extensive exercise and maneuver schedule emphasizes interoperabilitywith the US Air Force and forces of other NATO countries. However, in August 1991 a structural change lead to a series of redeSignating and reassigning of units. The VII'I-h Corps, that fought at "Desert Storm", will not return to Europe, the only remaining US Corps will be Vth Corps and Ilird Corps. 3rd Infantry Division becomes the largest Division with 6 Brigades, a combat aviation BDE, Division Artillery, 3rd Engineer Brigade, DISCOM and a number of divisional troops. 3rd ID takes over several battalions of former 1st Armored Division, which in return takes over battalions from 3rd Armored Division and from 8th Infantry Division_ Therefore the new organization of USAREUR is as follows: Vth Corps with Headquarters in Frankfurt now consists of 1st Armored Division 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) 41 st Field Artillery Brigade 130th Engineer Brigade 22nd Signal Brigade 3rd COSCOM IIlrd Corps consists of 3rd BDE/2nd Division (the rest of the Division, formerly stationed at Ft. Hood/Texas, has been disbanded and the former "2nd AD (forward)" becomes 2nd AD) However, USAREUR is committed to an overall mission to deter war. Maintaining strength and preparedness through rigorous training, force modernization and equipment readiness has contributed to deterring war in Europe for more than 45 years. Michael Jerchel. Hannover/ Germany

An OH-58C "Kiowa" scout helicopter : _-ing "Caravan Guard 89", with the yellow _ _ gle marking of the controller force. Both _ doors have been removed.

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This OH-58D is hovering low over ground during REFORGER 90 FTX "Centurion Shield". This version of the aeroscout has the mast mounted observation/designation sight, improved communication equipment and a four blade rotor. First "Deltas", as they are commonly known, were delivered in November 1985.

The "Deadly Duo", an OH-58D "Kiowa" and an AH-64A "Apache", during "Centurion Shield" in January 1990. Hardly any other army makes such intensive use of helicopters.

An OH-58 "Delta" of 3rd Infantry Division's Army Aviation during a capability exercise recently held at Grafenwoehr training area.

Standard Transportation helicopter is the UH-60A "Blackhawk", highly praised by the crews due to it's reliability. This one here is seen at Dolar Barracks during "Centurion Shield" in January 1990.

Only very few UH-1H "Hueys" are kept in service as command ships. This one here is approaching to land at Schwaebisch Hall airfield during "Centurion Shield" in January 1990.

The space inside the UH-60A "Blackhawk" is acceptable even for soldiers in full combat gear. These soldiers of 11th Cavalry Regiment will soon take­ off for an air assault during REFORGER 90.

For MEDEVAC operations, the "Blackhawk" can be fitted with an ambulance/stretcher kit and winch. This one here is of 159th Medical Company, a specialized unit providing medical support for USAREUR.

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An UH-60A "Blackhawk" MEDEVAC helicopter of 159th Medical Company approaching to land at Dolan-Barracks during "Certain Challenge".

----------UH-60A "Bl ack hawks" of 1 - : ­ Cavalry , part of blue forces du( - ; "Cen turion Shield", take off to def: ~ soldiers in an air assau lt.

This UH -6 0A "Blackhawk" with ESSS (External Store Support System) was used by the Commander-in-Chief, USAREUR (CINCUSAREUR) , General Crosbie E. Saint, during the CAT 89 competition in Bergen . Th.e ESSS would allow even th e fitting of AGM­ 114A "Hellfire" anti-tank missiles to the "Blackhawk". In this case, external fuel tanks are fitted. UH-60A fitt ed with ESSS are still a rare sight.

The CH-47D "Chinook" is the standard medium helicopter of the US Army. Seen in background are a UH­ 1H. a OH-58C and a UH-60A during REFORGER 90.

With their engines still running . these CH-47 "Chinooks" of 159th Aviation Battalion refill at Schwaebisch Hall airfield during REFORGER 90 FTX "Centurion Shield " in January 1990.

A CH-47D "Chinook" of 159th Aviation Battalion undergoing maintenance . This unit was part of gold forces during REFORGER 90.

One of 2d Armored Division's (Forward) AH-1 S (MC) during 1 (NL) Corps FTX "Free Lion" in September 1988. After serving with the US Army for more than 20 years , the "Huey Cobra" is to be replaced by the AH-64A "Apache". "Cobra" was to supply rapid tank killing capability to assist ground armor.

This photo of an AH-64A "Ap ac he" of 2/ 6th CAV was taken infl ight from an UH-60A "Blackhawk" during "Certain Challenge".

This AH-64A "Apache " of gold forces was seen carrying out a simulated attack on blue fo rces during REFORGER 90 FTX/CPX "Centurion Shield".

This AH-64A "Apache" is going to land at the edge of a forest to refuel during "Centurion Shield". This "bird" surely looks like an angry insect!

Hovering low over ground , this ·Apache " waits to carry out a simulation of firing one of it's eight anti­ armor missiles during REFORGER 90 FTX "Centurion Shield". Normally the AH-64A cooperates with a number of OH -58C / D scout helicopters, which provide the target designation for the AGM-114A "Hellfire" - missiles of the "Apache".

Four AH-64A "Apaches" of gold forces take off from a refuelling point located at the edge of a forest during "Centurion Shield". The M230 30mm chain gun fitted to the underside of the AH-64A "Apache" provides additional fire power. External stores include up to 16 AGM-114A "Hellfire" anti-armor missiles or a mix of 8 "Hellfires" and two pods with unguided , fin folding aerial rockets (FFAR).

An AH-64A "Apache" attack helicopters take off from an improvised airfield (field location) after refuelling during "Centurion Shield" in January 1990.

A Major of an anti-armor unit (M901) of 1st Armored Division during "Centurion Shield", a winter exercise of the REFORGER series held in southern Germany in January 1990.

Soldier of 4-7 INF/3rd Inf. Div. on guard while on exercise at GTA.

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TOW-gunner of a M966 , US-Berlin BDE , wears a face protection against the grim cold during REFORGER 90 FTX "Centru ion Shield". Jettingen , January 1990.

The tank-commander watches the bridge laying operati on carried out by his M60 AVLB during "Free Lion".

Combat training is carried out at the Combat Maneuver Training Center (CMTC) at Hohenfels under use of the Multi Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES). Seen here is a soldier of 3rd Infantry Division with such equipment.

The "beeper-box" of MILES, which sounds when simulated fire is aimed at the soldier or when hit. Seen here are soldiers of 3rd Infantry Division inside the maneuver-box of the CMTC Hohenfels during a wargame exercise.

Machine-gunner of B-Co./5-15 INF, 3rd Inf. Div. talks to an umpire while on exercise inside the maneuver box of CMTC Hohenfels. Note the attached MILES-gear.

The Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) , General Galvin, during a visit of soldiers involved in Operation "Desert Shield" at the port of Bremerhaven. (Photo: Volkmar Roesner)

The M136 light anti-tank weapon (AT-4 "The Equalizer") replaces the LAW M79A2 among USAREUR. Available for training is a special version (shown here), firing sub-caliber ammunition.

MILES - "Dragon", the training version of this ATGW. in firing position.

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A VOlkswagen Van of Norddeutschland Community during loading operations at the port of Bremerhaven during "Desert Shield" in December 1990. (Photo: Volkmar Roesner)

The mobile field kitchen (MFK) . seen here in traveling order. is towed normally by a 5 ton truck.

Also a great number of Mercedes 210 Ambulances are in operation with USAREUR. This one here. colored forest green . provides support to soldiers of Vllth Corps during loading operations of "Desert Shield" at Bremerhaven.

The USAREUR uses a few 2 ton UNIMO G tr u c~s providing support for the training facilities , seen at CMTC Hohenfels in June 1990.

Eve n a few 5 ton Mercedes 1017 se e service with ...SAREUR , for example at CMTC Hohenfels.

In US service th e Mercedes Benz 230G received the nickname "G-wagen". This one here is operated by Vth (US) Corps and bears neutral (white) markings on the hood and was used for Press work during "Centurion Shield" at Donauwoerth .

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The small emplacement excavator (SEE) sees extensive use as a versatile workhorse among engineer units of the US Army. The SEE shown here is of 10th Engineer Battalion , 3rd Infantry Division during a recent exercise at CMTC Hohenfels.

This light maintenance truck of the older Dodge M880 CUCV-Generation was still in service in January 1990 during "Centurion Shield".

A quite rare example of the M1 008 is this vehicle operated by a MP company , hence the two lights on the roof. This M1008 was deployed at Babenhausen during REFORGER 90.

This M1009 commercial utility cargo vehicle (CUCV) of 3-4 CAV was part of OPFOR during a recent exercise of 3rd Infantry Division at CMTC Hohenfels. Note the spare wheel attached to the vehicle's rear.

Brand new M1 01 0 ambulances seen at Bergen during "Certain Strike " in 1987 , when they were drawn out of

POMCUS and used fo r the first time in a large scale exercise.

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Another version of the commercial utility cargo vehicle - family is the M1028, basically a M1008 with shelter. - is M1028 of the Berlin Brigade is painted in olive drab, a . or somewhat "exclusively" reserved for this Brigade. ~ U CV)

A M998 towing a mobile field kitchen (MFK) goes onboard USNS "Cape Inscription " in Bremerhaven during operation "Desert Shield" in December 1990. (Photo: Volkmar Roesner)

This M998 is part of an ambulance !eam of 10th Mountain Division during -Ce nturion Shield" in January 1990. Such team consists of a M998 for the doctor and some M997 Maxi Ambulances.

This is a M998 of a Forward Air Controller (FAC), and therefore operated by the USAF. The FAC is attached to ground forces and provides support by the air force . Seen here is a M998 of the USAF attached to 2d Armored Division (Forward).

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Simulation rules: M998 of gold forces with orange Neri-ball attached to the antennae, simulating a M1A1 tank during REFORGER 90 FTX / CPX "Centurion Shield" .

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A beautiful looking M998 of 10th

Mountain Division, converted to the

needs of a battalion commander during

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A very rare softskin - HMMWV fitted with winch, making it a M1038, of 10th Mountain Div. , during "Centurion Shield" in January 1990.

One of the rare M 1035 soft top

=..- Ju lances, this one is of 2d BN-64th or, 3rd Inf. Div. and was seen at ::-afenwoehr during a recent exercise.

The shelter carrying variant of the HMMWV is designated M 1037. This M1037 of 2d CAV (Vllth Corp's reconnaissance unit) with generator in tow, awaiting shipment to Saudi-Arabia during operation "Desert Shield" in December 1990. (Photo: Sabine Rotter)

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A plain olive drab HMMWV of the US Berlin Brigade, participating in REFORGER 9.0 and seen at Dolan Barracks in Schwaebisch Hall. This is the armored carrier designated M1025.

I Some M1025 HMMWVs of 2d AD's Military Police. These vehicles were drawn from POMCUS and have their MP markings in yellow and serial number at the sides , seen during "Certain Strike" in September 1987. Standard armament for a MP-HMMWV is the M60 light machinegun. Rarely used alternative armament are the M2 HMG or the Mk.19 automatic grenade launcher.

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A M1025 with M60 machinegun "manned" by a female soldier, belonging to the Military Police unit of 3rd Armored Division, after checking up the identity cards of "suspicious" photojournalists.........Happening during "Caravan Guard 89".

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-The armored carrier with winch is designated M1026. This HMMWV shown is of 1st Infantry Division's MP and was seen at the CMOC at Babenhausen during REFORGER 90.

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The armored carrier with TOW is designated M966. Quite confusingly since any M1025 can be fitted with a TOW, it would then also change the designation to M966. This one shown here is plain olive drab and is of the US Berlin Brigade, seen in Jettingen during a "fight" with gold forces.

A M966 armored TOW carrier of the US Berlin Brigade, painted olive drab, seen in the town of Jettingen during "Centurion Shield" in January 1990.

A soldier of the US Berlin Brigade mans the TOW of a M966 HMMWV during a (simulated) fight with oposing forces during REFORGER 90.

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A maxi ambulance M997 of 3rd Armored Division can be seen here, providing support (CST = CAT Support Team) during the CAT 89 competition in Bergen .

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A M997 maxi ambulance of 3rd Infantry Division operated by an entire female crew, with stuffed animals behind the windshield, during an exercise at Grafenwoehr training area (GTA).

A M997 maxi ambulance of the 10th Mountain Division, with the red cross markings turned over for camouflage purposes, during REFORGER 90.

The M997 can carry up to four wounded soldiers on stretchers.

Good bye to an "old warrior": The 2.5 ton truck M35A2 will soon disappear from the inventory and is replaced by HMMWVs or 5 tonners. This M35A2 with winch of 8th Infantry Division was seen during REFORGER 88 FTX "Certain Challenge".

An operation center supporting AH-64A "Apaches", latter fielded for the first time in Europe during "Certain Strike" in 1987. The antennae in foreground is part of the IFF system.

A "deuce-and-a-half", nickname of the M35A2, of 203rd Support Battalion , 3rd Infantry, entering a motor pool at Grafenwoehr.

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A M35A2 of 69th Chemical Battalion , 1 st Armored Division , during loading operation s at Bremerhaven in conjunction with operation "Desert Shield".

A M35A2 with winch (note bumper fitted upside down in this version) , of 2-15 INF, 3rd 10, towing a 1.5 ton trailer during an exercise at CMTC Hohenfels in June 1990.

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