The Happier Warriors

By George Russell

New weapons, nicer digs and a bigger buck boost U.S. morale

For the 4,000 soldiers of the U.S. 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, stationed in the strategic Fulda Gap near the border between East and West Germany, life in uniform has never been easy. Most towns in the area are small, provincial and often dull. East German and Soviet border patrols are a constant presence. Above all, the American servicemen at Fulda are aware that the 30-mile gap is a likely invasion route in the event of a conflict between NATO and the Warsaw Pact.

Despite all those impediments to good cheer, 11th Cavalry morale is higher than the watchtowers that dot the border. Reenlistment, a key index of soldier satisfaction, is better than in recent memory: so far this year, some 400 men and women have signed on for another tour. Says Colonel Joe G. Driskill, the 11th Cavalry's commander: "For the first time, we're in a position to turn soldiers away."

That change of attitude is evident at all of the 36 U.S. military communities scattered across West Germany, where 252,530 men and women in uniform make up the largest concentration of U.S. armed forces overseas. Like U.S. military personnel everywhere, they show the beneficial effects of four years of sharply increased spending by the Reagan Administration on military pay, equipment and facilities, as well as a post-Viet Nam restoration of pride in the armed forces. The troops are also benefiting from the climb of the U.S. dollar and a decline in the sporadic leftist terrorism that plagued West Germany from the late 1960s until 1982. The result is a big increase in the eagerness and capability of the soldiers who man a key section of NATO's defense in Western Europe. Says Specialist 4 James Thurman, 21, of the 8th Infantry Division, which is based at Baumholder: "We're better trained, we look better, we're prouder, and I think we can do a better job."

The change is especially dramatic because conditions in West Germany were long acknowledged to be abysmal. As recently as 1981, U.S. troops were living and working in facilities that predated World War II. Some were World War I cavalry stables; nearly 3,000 soldiers lived in a former Wehrmacht military prison. Tanks, trucks and other equipment were often older than the soldiers who used them. Drug and alcohol abuse were rife, racial conflict inside units and with local citizens was frequent, and hostility from the vociferous West German peace movement was palpable. Overall, the sad condition of U.S. forces raised serious questions about NATO's ability to defend the Western allies. Says John Kominicki, a reporter with the U.S. military newspaper Stars and Stripes: "A few years ago, a lot of soldiers had some strong doubts about being able to hold the enemy. Now they're damned sure that any Red who steps across that border is going to get kicked back."

One reason for that confidence is a basic change in the U.S. soldier. Because of energetic recruiting and the soft civilian job market of past years, the proportion of high school graduates in the Army worldwide has increased from 55% to 93% since the late 1970s. Officers report that the new enlistee is also better motivated, especially when it comes to assignments like West Germany with the potential, however faint, for combat. Says General Robert L. Wetzel, commander of the V Corps, U.S. Army Europe: "We can now afford to take the cream of enlistees."

Although Pentagon officials concede a need for additional ammunition and supplies to increase the Army's staying power in a conflict, the flow of modern

U.S. weaponry to West Germany--especially the M1 Abrams tank, the Black Hawk helicopter and the computerized Multiple Launch Rocket System--has cheered the troops. After the 3rd Infantry Division at Wurzburg received its new tanks in 1982, the re-enlistment rate for those eligible to re-up after their first tour of duty shot up from 20% to 70%. On a more mundane level, members of the 8th Infantry at Baumholder are grateful for a new motor-pool building, which has ended the practice of repairing tanks in the icy outdoors during winter.

Congress last year appropriated $64.8 million for new military family housing in West Germany, the first such allocation since World War II. The housing-maintenance budget available for military families has also risen, from $300 million in 1980 to $550 million this year. As a result, the number of military families living in substandard dwellings has been cut by more than half, to about 4,500.

Newer weapons and nicer digs are fine, but the soldier's best friend these days is probably the almighty buck. A dollar bought 1.8 deutsche marks in 1980; late last week the exchange rate was 2.85. Coming atop Reagan Administration-inspired military pay increases, the better exchange rate means that a newly minted U.S. first lieutenant now has about twice as much local currency to spend as four years ago. In 1980 a monthly base pay of $1,163.10 would translate to DM 2,093; today's base pay of $1,437.60 will get DM 4,098. The soldiers have been quick to respond to the hike in local purchasing power: they spent nearly $60 million last year on video equipment, and new BMWs and Porsches have replaced secondhand cars in many mili tary parking lots. Says Specialist 4 Steven Frank of the 8th Infantry Division: "Guys are coming in on Friday and saying 'Get showered, we're going to Paris for the weekend.' We can afford it now."

Even with those changes, U.S. military life in West Germany still has its strains. As American morale has improved, West German authorities have indeed noted a decline in clashes between U.S. servicemen and their civilian neighbors over such issues as race and the affections of local girls. But other tensions are creeping in, sparked by the U.S. military's new assertiveness and prosperity. West German newspapers have begun to comment with envy on American spending sprees. One prominent editor complains that he has received arrogant letters from U.S. military officers that "sounded as if they were coming from occupation leaders." Of course, West Germany will probably never be entirely comfortable with U.S. forces on its soil. Despite the drawbacks, however, many West Germans would admit that the gains in morale and readiness should make that presence easier to bear for both sides. -- By George Russell.

Reported by Gary Lee /Fulda

With reporting by Gary Lee