Bavarianbrit's experience compared to mine illustrates the advantages the American Forces enjoyed under the Status of Forces agreement. The British Forces (as well as French Forces) had different, but similar, agreements with the States (Lander) in their particular zone of responsibility. The compressed schedule of the hunting course was a great advantage as the local military training schedules were considered by the Rod and Gun Clubs, holding the courses, to avoid conflicts with the timing. A normal three-year tour meant a serviceman wouldn't have much hunting time if he (or she) missed a couple hunting courses due to scheduling. The fact that the "Forces" were allowed to hold their own courses was also a great advantage, not only for the language difference but for the cost also. The Rod and Gun Clubs allowed use of their facilities (room for classes, rifle range, skeet range, trap range, etc.) free of charge. The instructors taught free of charge, just as they had been taught free of charge when they took the course. The "Forces" could buy guns, ammo, and other equipment, free of "value added tax" and any required registrations were provided by the local Military Police and unmarried service members living in the barracks were allowed to store their guns/ammo in the military unit's arms rooms. With these advantages, even lower ranked service members had a reasonable chance to enjoy European hunting and take animals that they would otherwise not have. BTW, similar provisions were made for service members that were fishermen.
Mike
