General Alexander Haig this week made his first official visit to the British Army of the Rhine since he was appointed Supreme Allied Commander Europe on 15 December 1974.

During the visit General Haig saw a demonstration of German and British equipment. The equipment included Leopard tanks, Harrier jump-jots, bridge and track laying equipment as well as helicopters and other armoured vehicles. The General also saw a demonstration of the new "Simfire" tank and armoured-vehicle direct-fire weapon-simulator.

The system uses a laser light projector to provide highly realistic practice techniques against live targets as opposed to range firing. It also enables realistic tactical exercises because units taking part must react at all times as though they are under the threat of live attack.