2 replies to this topic

[W. Clark]

Tank and Motor Rifle captains promotable to major had an advanced officer course just like the US Army's Armor Officer Advanced Course. The LTC teaching the course gave the Soviet officers in the class a problem. They were faced by two Nato Forces; one American and the other was German. They were to decide in which order they would deal with each of the opposing forces and give a detailed dissertation on who they would deal with first and why. The sharpest student (in class standing) went first and said that he would deal with the Germans first and gave several reasons for doing so that he thought were compelling. The LTC's response was a violent no. The LTC went on to say that they must always deal with the Americans first. The student was somewhat upset by this apparent fixation on the Americans and passionately asked why they must always deal with the Americans first. The LTC responded with humor that the reason was very simple; You must deal with business before pleasure. It's a joke but 25 to 30 million Russian dead in WWII means that it is not funny,

 

I personally find it funny because the Army taught me to feel that same way about the Russians and I can find just a touch of empathy for the Russian captain's frustration.

 

WMC

[healey36]

I'm rereading this a year after your posting, Bill, and I'm feeling even less empathy for the Russians. 

[W. Clark]

I enlisted in the Army in 1969 (I was in Basic when Armstrong walked on the Moon) and no one referred to the Russians as "The Soviets". They were the "Russians", the enemy and for killing. Now I acknowledge that POV was propaganda (although it took me years to accept that). However, I spent a year (73-74) looking across the border at North Korea and three years (77-80) at the juncture of the East-West German and Chek borders (my battalion's GDP near Hof) and I vividly remember the wire, guard towers and mine fields on their side. I don't believe that those border adornments were aimed at keeping us out so much as they were aimed at keeping their people in. That coupled with my experience during my time as a police officer where it seemed to me that everyone who grew up under that system (and then immigrated at some point) was a thief or conman has led me to see Socialism very negatively regardless of how I see its concepts on individual rights and liberties. So, I understand and agree with a lack of empathy for Russia or any place of that ilk.

 

WMC