The litany of disrepair continues through fighter planes, tanks, helicopters and ships lamed by bad planning and a lack of spare parts. Air force pilots are unable to train as their aircraft are grounded for maintenance for much of the year, the report notes. Allies of Europe's most populous nation and largest economy, from Washington to Warsaw, complain that Germany is not doing enough to get its army fighting fit. This week alone, German media reported that as well as tanks, Germany's troops supposed to join a NATO "rapid reaction force" lacked protective vests, winter clothing and tents. SEE ALSO: Germany not very ready to take over NATO's very ready task force

Source: The Local February 20, 2018 13:18 UTC