[mojaveman]

I don't think that the soldiers are too soft, rather, I think that the philosophy of their society has a lot to do with it. Germany has struggled with an image problem ever since the end of WWII. There are many people of influence in their government who don't want their country to be viewed as an aggressive military power by the rest of the World. That is probably one of the reasons why they haven't participated in the "sharp end" of operations in Afghanistan.

Go to a soccer match in Germany sometime and watch the fans, it would leave an impression on you. The Teutons are still plenty belligerent and in my opinion capable of kicking some serious butt anywhere they choose to. It's in their blood.