tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435801155672910289.post5656591961749131254..comments2024-03-25T07:30:03.082+00:00Comments on Cold War Gamer: Review - Book, Rats Tales & Royal Scots in The GulfAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16070932079659731369noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435801155672910289.post-28234886897761172002014-03-20T05:39:02.257+00:002014-03-20T05:39:02.257+00:00My read was most objectives were cleared, but that...My read was most objectives were cleared, but that by the time the infantry arrived there was not a lot left. Not dissimilar to the Soviet Nuclear bomb theory, best way to clear an objective is to knock most things out before you put boots on the ground. <br /><br />Interesting view on the technological disparity, which without checking in detail I assume would not be their to the same extent with the Soviets in Europe. The Defensive exploitation of it would be more difficult without giving ground and going backward is always harder. The main area of interest for me was the task organisations in both books but more so in Rats Tails, where the concept of the 3:0 armour battle Group reinforcing Recce is discussed. Which defensively translates to the covering force role. I keep meaning to go back to check what was in reserve, but have yet to do so. <br /><br />Thanks for the comments and observations always good to get some discussion and a range of views. Makes you think :)Andyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16070932079659731369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435801155672910289.post-49005914978918951872014-03-19T18:50:05.087+00:002014-03-19T18:50:05.087+00:00Hi Andy, I have both of these books which I enjoy...Hi Andy, I have both of these books which I enjoyed reading when first published (though not since). Although I agree that these armoured infantry units initially deployed and fought according to doctrine, I think it is very interesting that commanders soon acknowledged the enemy they were actually fighting, avoiding unnecessary risks and making much use of the technological dominance of the TOGS equipped MBTs. You are, as usual, spot on with regards to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait co-inciding with BAOR/BFG and US VII Corps being the best equipped and trained peacetime army ever put into the field. Contrast that with the current geo-political situation when we have drawn down beyond the point of having any credible conventional deterent. Aye, RustyPapa Spongehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05954562562416688818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435801155672910289.post-148909991903501962014-03-15T08:44:04.641+00:002014-03-15T08:44:04.641+00:00I would second any endorsement of Tim Collins book...I would second any endorsement of Tim Collins book. Great stuff. Conrad Kinchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15683395740934527502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435801155672910289.post-34427786969105811252014-03-14T22:36:50.627+00:002014-03-14T22:36:50.627+00:00I agree I think the Iraqi force would have been fa...I agree I think the Iraqi force would have been far less capable both in scale and equipment than the Soviets. Equally we were in a position where we could stack the odds. My intent was to highlight that despite these facts the British units largely fought the war they had been trained to fight. I suppose the main disparity is the fact that this was an offensive operation from the Allied perspective.<br /><br />On the second point I think your point is well made. My observation is primarily that prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union it would have been extremely difficult for us to respond with the Force levels we did and indeed the positioning of the Soviet Union might have been different, so I suppose regardless of whether he was expecting us to respond or not our ability to do so would have been far more limited. <br /><br />I have not read the Tim Collins book but will dig it out, It sounds like an excellent read and one that must span the period quite well I assume.Andyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16070932079659731369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435801155672910289.post-39676577956728125802014-03-14T21:20:18.352+00:002014-03-14T21:20:18.352+00:00I can see that as species of tactical and operatio...I can see that as species of tactical and operational manuals, these books would be of considerable value to a war gamer. However, it has to be more than a one-sided deal as even in the 1st Gulf War, Iraqi resistance (after having shortly before endured 10 years of war with Iran, mark you) must have been pretty piecemeal.<br /><br />As for Saddam Hussein's decision to invade Kuwait, he had reason to suppose that he had the the tacit approval of the United States, having made tentative inquiries, and got no clear response in the negative. I believe that Saddam Hussein possibly mistimed his decision that he was not after all an employee of the CIA ('He's a son-of-a-bitch; but he's our son-of-a-bitch'), but his own man.<br /><br />Having got that off my chest, I suggest as glimpse into the kind of military problems the British Army has had to deal with over the last decade or so, Col Tim Collins's autobiography, "Rules Of Engagement: A Life in Conflict." A very interesting read.Archduke Piccolohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15533325665451889661noreply@blogger.com