ABSTRACT
Ground forces in Central Europe consist of varying combinations of firepower and maneuver units. Maneuver forces include tanks, infantry, and highly mobile reconnaissance or screening units. Since the 1940s, the speed, armor and large guns of tanks have given them both a material and a psychological advantage over infantry. Armor enthusiasts contend that the most effective present tank destroyers are guns on other tanks. For example, Richard Simpkin writes that tank guns firing long steel rod projectiles, rather than groundmounted or helicopter-borne anti-tank weapons, can best penetrate tank armor. Infantry in armored and mechanized divisions have different purposes, organization, equipment, and fighting styles, reflecting different combat concepts. The Pact's offensive strategy also calls for screening forces to protect flanks of armored columns after they have broken out of North Atlantic Treaty Organization defenses. A basic issue is whether mechanized infantry should only move to battle in its vehicles or be able to fight from them as well.
