The Thunderbolt is the shoulder patch of Allied Command Europe Mobile Force [Land] - the western alliance's mobile immediate reaction force. It is NATO's multi-national military "fire brigade", ready to deploy anywhere in Europe. The ACE Mobile Force [Land] is composed of crack units such as: US, British, German and Belgian paratroopers and Netherlands marines; German and Italian alpine troops; Canadian, Spanish and Norwegian infantry; Recce, artillery, helicopter and support units from a total of 14 NATO countries. Carl Schulze, a military photo-journalist, provides this illustrated study of its organization and composition, missions, weapons, equipment and uniforms, supported by a text containing specific factual information.