Books & more: German weapons

The history of the Bundeswehr is also the history of its weapons. If you want to know more, in the future you will probably reach for the "Weisswange". Standard works are often referred to by the author's last name. It's also more practical, because "Handwaffen und Panzerabwehrhandwaffen der Bundeswehr: Geschichte, Taktik, Technik" is a bit cumbersome in the long run. Even though the title accurately describes what this book is about.

There's already a lot of history inside: when it comes to the first weapons of the Bundeswehr, like machine guns from American stocks, or the Sturmgewehr 44 and its influence on the AK47 and later the G3. Jan-Philipp Weisswange starts at the beginning and tells the whole story.

This also includes a trip into modernity: the G36 is not just a rifle, but now a system with attachments, rails, optics, and lasers. The weapon is also what changes on the weapon. Weisswange shows the development, documents it, and also hints at the future of Bundeswehr armament.

Special features are not neglected either: firearms with suppressors, for example, or the Steyr AUG as a solution in the German-speaking Austria, globally recognized.

The little man is as powerful as the boom he can produce. Anti-tank weapons are a crucial topic in the book. It starts with the bazooka and moves on to the modern systems of Dynamit Nobel Defence, which are much more than just a classic "Panzerfaust".

If you want to join the discussion, you need relevant knowledge. In his book, Weisswange frequently addresses topics that provide a good overview (e.g. perspectives on equipment) or are suitable for debate: here the question of caliber and effectiveness. 5.56? 7.62 rulez! Or?

To expand knowledge on modern weapons, it's also important to be familiar with optics. Weisswange also has a separate chapter on this.

Every weapon is only as good as the army that uses it. And so, this book doesn't just stick to a pure technical history, but broadens the perspective towards the current situation of the Bundeswehr. Weisswange knows what he's talking about. He's not just an editor at "Europäische Sicherheit & Technik", but also a Reserve Lieutenant Colonel.

Overall, an excellent book that is well illustrated and exciting to read. It provides solid expertise, without getting lost in indigestible jargon. Weapon history is also army history, and here it is being written. Anyone interested in the topic of weapons or German army history cannot ignore this book. It belongs in every solid library of military literature. (And of course, under the Christmas tree.) Strong SPARTANAT recommendation!

"Handwaffen und Panzerabwehrhandwaffen der Bundeswehr: Geschichte, Taktik, Technik" by Jan-Phillipp Weisswange, E.S. Mittler & Sohn Verlag, 2014, 240 pages, 24.95 Euros.