But this used to be one of the main streets of Communist East Berlin, where the East German regime showcased its arsenal during military parades ... the inside of a bus. On another occasion ...

East Germany's National People's Army was completely disbanded after German reunification, except for a small unit of experts who have survived because of their skills at camouflage and deception.

BERLIN — The old East German army, long considered among the best in the Warsaw Pact, was beset by problems ranging from poor living conditions in barracks to top-heavy staff structures.

Unity will mean hard times for some Germans, including many former East German career military officers and noncommissioned officers, said Cmdr. Wolfgang Moebus, spokesman for the German liaison ...