As recently as last month the communist rulers in Moscow let it be clearly known that they are determined to strive further for mastery over the entire world...
[Declaration and Communiqué from the North Atlantic Council, 1957]
The Cold War (1949-1989)
During the Cold war the army was organised as part of the contribution to the work of NATO. The emphasis lay on great mobility, independent units and an advanced front line. The latter meant, in practical terms, that many soldiers were stationed in West Germany. Technology grew in importance; the army was almost completely mechanised.
Infantrymen moved around in armoured vehicles to protect them from possible nuclear or chemical attack. Artillery was placed far behind the front lines. The army was equipped with modern anti-aircraft guns. Tanks formed the backbone of the army.
The army consisted of a small core of professional soldiers, large numbers of conscripts and an even larger group of reserves. The latter could be mobilised swiftly in the event of a threat of war. The armys position was subjected to regular criticism since the notion of the Cold War was increasingly a point of debate.
