In recent days we've been treated to a glimpse of the disarray within the US National Security State with regard to its war on Russia. One aspect of that disarray was reflected in a report emanating from the Pentagon supported Rand Corporation urgently calling for a negotiated climb down from the US war on Russia--couched in opaque think tank happy talk. Of course we're winning militarily and economically, but we're tired of all that winning so why not try negotiating an end to all the military and economic winning?
When are all these war mongers beating the drums for www 3 going to start writing their predictions for civilian casualties both here and across Europe? Thousands? Millions? Half the population? That’ll get somebody’s attention. Maybe wake some of these fools up. Woke in the real sense.
Oliver North on 12/21/22 said countries in 1980s Reagan era were willing "as the Ukrainian people are to use their blood and our bullets" @:48. North also said most of the $100 billion hasn't been sent to Ukraine, it stays here in US and goes to weapons makers. Then he said "we" better hurry and send weapons to Taiwan because US is going to attack Communist China. Fox News interview... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ1vyzeUY8g...Everything set up by Harry Truman after WWII must be canceled. Either than or formally declare that US taxpayers are global slaves.
To believe a few companies of Abrams tanks can change the direction of a war is a good indicator of how deluded these warmongers and those that still trust them are, particularly in a combined arms conflict where one side is missing an arm (air power).
Break, break.
While I haven't seen any US military recruiting reporting in the past few weeks, there must be some serious behind the scenes discussion on how to fill the ranks of an all-volunteer-military force if recruiting fails to meet demands, even with the rescinding of the vax mandate as we observe DoD continue to try and penalize current active-duty members who rejected the vax.
I think it was Steghorn21 who noted 'tactics are spoken of by amateurs, Logistics by Professionals'. Even the latest M1's, with 'reduced maintenance/breakdown issues' are logistically intense. Jet Fuel requirements -not simply Diesel fuel- in large quantities is NOT logistically an Ukraine ability. The note (by some 'war-writer') that M1's could serve as gun-emplacement weapons says a lot about information molding for the US Masses/payees. It's a phenomenal weapon* but w/o significant air support (it's fielded in US scenarios presuming air-superiority) it's strength of mobility during engagement is severely diminished by its heat signature.
(*90% hit-rate at 1,000 Meters while moving across typical battlefield terrain is truly amazing). My best to you! (WRH)
It wasn't me who said that about tactics/logistics, Wayne, but it's damn right. I'm reading about the German invasion of Russia in 1941. That was a classic case of brilliant tactics but lousy logistics. I think you mentioned that you are a former tanker, so I respect your knowledge about the Abrams. It will make no difference to anything.
Logistics wins wars. As you astutely noted, see: Hitler and Russia invasion. Germany's amazing tanks were slow to produce while superior in Tactics, failed to be supportable logistically. I read recently here on Meaning in History stuff Russia moved manufacturing east, produced something like 6X the tanks to put into battles against the Nazis. And, thanks for the compliment: when the soon to be Abrahams was introduced I was in awe. M60's would do 35 in decent conditions. The XM1 (now M-1) was 'rated' 35 but I saw 45 MPH done across terrain, not hard surfaced roads. Targeting and munitions have improved from beyond our imagination back then. I was thrilled at the CLEP in that it could hit moving targets and fired from conventional or SP 155MM howitzers. (So old fashioned now!) Laser targeting was also fairly new (I never ran a fire mission employing one, albeit in training status and were less likely to get the latest stuff). Today's hit-rate of an M-1 Fire-Control system of 90% while maneuvering/on the move (computers are so helpful!) couples with a 3 round per minute firing rate w/that accuracy... (I think up to 6/min possible, targeting accurately takes a little more time) in properly trained hands (as long as they're alive on the battlefield) the M-1 is amazing - by any measure. However, aircraft launched, stand-off capable munitions and those pesky Anti-Tank man-carried weapons have changed Tank warfare. I'd rate it, generally speaking, as supplemental rather than primary in planning. Technology that uses satellites for targeting is just out of my brain's capacity to comprehend... but it exists. Shoot, a FO within a Klick or 2 with a laser designator was spectacular! No RF emissions required for range adjustment meant greater survivability and, well, living to rain-down fire on an enemy makes that 'eye' golden. Goes for whether human on the ground or some stick-jockey in Denver on the other side of the earth. I'd bet on survival of the dude in jeans at a computer monitor to be longer in any event. Modern warfare... great until you wind up in Ukraine trying to use it... :^) Best to ya! (WRH)
Excepting, as I've read the past couple days, this option isn't available for this promised batch. Also, the latest M1 version is 'supposedly' less maintenance intense which seems absolutely necessary. Best to you sir!
Greetings, hope you and all readers of Mark's posting are having a great Sunday!
Oft mentioned is how totalitarian regimes need control of the information flow - Pravda back in the day and Twitter back only a few days and ongoing control (Oversight?) of 'Social Media', search & related internet Info sources, MSMedia & etc.. I attempt to read broad-based sources finding when viewed in the 'rear-view mirror' of time, those supporting US/European/NATO activities are not just often wrong, but obviously intentionally so.
I'll try to be short (not my norm, sorry 'bout that) but will say the US Cultural assorted humanist disgraces are similarly represented as the MSM/(etc.) reporting of 'how well it's working out in Ukraine' propaganda. Western Civilization is truly under attack - London being a decent example of how that battle is going - but as is oft quoted "We've seen the enemy and the enemy is us". Granted, the US Constitution (back when it was honored as intended, at least) has provision for dealing with what's happening, sadly the forces engaged seem to hold very important places of power and common-citizen influence is pretty successfully regulated/controlled. Best wishes to all! (WRH)
Zhou can't be trusted. Nor his administration. Notice the ole "bait and switch" relative to committing Abrams (manufactures & taxpayers to produce and fund). Now McCarthy will meet with Zhou to negotiate an increase in the debt ceiling. Plan for McCarthy and the Republicans to "get pantsed" then cry foul.
Our Presidential Administration can't be trusted, absolutely AC!
The Professional Ruling Elite Class of DC may be on different team titles, but the outcomes are pretty much to their benefit in reality. Plus, M1's will be forever getting built, shipped to Poland and (maybe) moved to the front in Ukraine. 'Bout the time they arrive in Poland the Ukraine conflict will be a memory and Poland will be proud owners of pretty good stuff. And it'll be new 'cause current fielded M-1's have 'secret' armor (depleted uranium) so new ones, @ $10mil each, are promised. Best to you! (WRH)
I'm pretty sure Zhou will masquerade a Ford Expedition as an alternative to the Abrams and pass that off to "Z". Pacify the Germans and the rest of the EU by leading the way with a bait and switch. The Euro's are so stupid.
The problem is our 'President' will BELIEVE that FE IS a MBT; they'll put a M60 machine gun on the roof and let ol' Joe stand up in the sunroof for a photo-op. Can't you just hear him now (above the Cackles of the VP) "All this for only 10 Million bucks! Why, barely one-deal's profit for Hunter'll buy it!" I tried to be funny, but I did laugh at your comment, AC! (WRH)
Good catch, sharing that link 0311, thanks. I'd seen other writings, pretty much agreeing. Not looking real close at your link'd article, what I saw was the inability to remove/replace the 'secret' armor stuff. I dunno, I never got to work with M1's: only got to view XM1s as I am way too old now... our MBT was the M60A2 which did a pretty good job. From what I hear, the T90 is possibly a match for M1's, but do not reliably know that. Best regards! (WRH) 1972-1979 Mech Inf [FWIW]
I've heard that the T-90s are pretty good tanks, Wayne. The bigger point though is that there will be far more of them than the Abrams we (maybe) get onto the battlefield. And that's without factoring in the Russians' highly developed anti-tank missiles.
Hey S'21 hope you're doing well. Well made point; the Nazi tanks were superior to, well really all alliance stuff but also Russia's stuff. Russia, well the Soviet Union (more accurately) simply moved plants East, out of range, and built a ton more tanks. Weather and other factors screwed Nazi logistics (as other invaders would attest to) but numbers mean a lot. A LOT (as your point demonstrates). The US tanks had to gang up on Nazi stuff; but there again, the 2nd WW USA was a manufacturing power house and simply increased numbers in the conflict. (While eventually, finally getting a gun that could actually damage said German tanks). All that to agree with you! [I apparently have a lot of words stored up from those millions of miles alone in those trucks...]
Modern battlefield stuff is so different, too. Our kind of "look down our nose" attitude assumes air superiority, for instance, and without that M1's become expensive rubble way too fast. At least there's only 31 'scheduled' for Ukraine to see their substitute Ceramic Armor piled up. (I think Poland will be the eventual benefactor of those M1's- opinions being easy to have, of course, since no score on accuracy is being kept!).
I also wanted to thank you for your having taking time to have read my comments. Seeing that I'd posted so many is a bit embarrassing but your responses to them are appreciated. My experience is very limited; I was fortunate to avoid a lot of the tragedy of war. I also experienced close family and friends' death in war. What I can honestly conclude is I believe (d) in our Constitutional United States, it having provided me, my family and close friends (some who did give the ultimate sacrifice) with the opportunities our Constitution lists as Inalienable Rights afford. I would do it again, or better put, wouldn't change a thing I was fortunate enough to do. It'd be a lot harder today, I confess. Ugh, excuse the maudlin stuff of mine! I still love this country. I suppose if I didn't, I wouldn't care and wouldn't ache so when seeing her demise. Peace, my "Substack" friend. (WRH)
Good to hear from you, Wayne, as ever! Yep, the US really was the "Arsenal of Democracy" in WW2. We couldn't have survived without their industrial might, and even the Russians, were given crucial mobility by the millions of trucks and jeeps the US sent them. And I agree, the US is a great country - even if it's being brought low by some of the worst psychopaths on the planet. I'm not sure if it will hold together as a nation. Maybe it's better if it doesn't. However, I really hope that the remaining sane parts can break away and keep themselves strong for better times. Hang in there, my friend!
So, in short, we all seem to be drifting towards armageddon because those horrible Russkies treated Nuland's family badly a few hundred years ago. Nothing will change in the West until every, repeat every, current government and politician pushing this insanity is kicked out and replaced by sane leaders.
S'21, hey and great point. History is made of one tribe conquering another. If, in the 21st century it is going to be 'reparations for all past oppressions', it's gonna be a long one. Altho', 5 million $'s in SF restitution, at the rate of today's US Gov't economic decline, will equate to a Burger, shake and fries soon... *Humor is needed, I'll keep lookin' for some worth sharing. Meantime, that's what I got for now... -- :^) -- (WRH)
Humour is really needed, Wayne - Weapons of Mass Derision! Seriously, though, it's always scary how certain individuals can have a great and negative effect on world events. Nuland is one of those. She's Hillary Clinton without the likeability.
Oh my goodness that is a frightening thought, Tamsin!
I, for one, still wonder who or actual 'in all but name' president is... Cackles is too dumb; Mr. Biden is to not-enough-of-anything (except aged); Chief of Staff is swapping out; the Deep State, Security State, Alphabet agency cabal and the Mystery Cabal are all competing for relevance. Perhaps a dart-board with issue-scores "yea/nay" is leadin'? Might as well be.
What is clear, truth has been the #1 casualty. Sad that lying about stuff that doesn't even matter is the rule of the day... Take care T! (WRH)
Even Ukrainian estimates citing "100,000" note 'dead, injured or deserted'. When you're seeking billions upon billions of bucks of support, your reporting gets embellished. I, too, heard 16K likely dead Russian forces (including Wagner, etc.). Injured often equal about 3 times dead; so likely worst case numbers aren't close to 100K. If anything, the toll Robert suggests is far worse in that the civilian populace is most severely impacted. Many dead, many missing, majority displaced and the country infrastructure/homes/ businesses (etc.) is worse than a shambles.
Remember President Ike warned us of the Military/Industrial complex: if you've never read that speech it is shockingly clear about the dangers. Today's Neocons are proving that warning's prescience way too well. Sadly. Best to you Mistcr & Robert! (WRH)
I've seen it a few places, unfortunately I didn't link the articles to find them again.
MacGregor and Ritter, noted below, are pretty good sources too.
Common sense corroboration: the SMO began with between 150-200k soldiers. If half of them were dead, then they would not have been able to hold their lines against Ukraine's 500k soldiers before the partial mobilization delivered reinforcements in Nov-Dec.
Some anecdotal corroboration: consider how much celebrating occurred after the successful rocket attack around Christmas that killed over 100 Russian soldiers. There wouldn't be so much celebrating if that many Russian casualties were a regular occurrence.
It is one of the rationales offered for the deliberate, attritive nature of Russia's current operations. They have the same political pressure as USA to keep casualties low, at least until a critical mass of their population agrees that this war is existential for their civilization. Plus, their advanced artillery operations allows them to kill wave after wave of Ukrainian soldiers; they are accomplishing their stated goal of demilitarizing Ukraine without a need to press the attack.
The unfortunate reality for us and the citizens of the West is that we live in a state of unreality unless we're lucky to have found reliable sources of information. I consider my good fortune for having stumbled upon Mark's blog during the height of the Russia-gate mania. If not for that happy coincidence I would almost certainly be buying the deep state BS about the Ukraine war, just as most conservatives seemed to forget their distrust of the deep state and MSM the moment Russia got in the news.
Well stated. We readers' of Mark's Stack are fortunate for his writing passion to be expressed here. Providing the info as he does reflects character I 'grew up' believing our public servants all had... naïve yes, I thought I was simply being optimistic. This country benefited greatly from Mark's FBI service as we now are.
Things are becoming topsy-turvy (have already?) The USA used to be the World Standard of Liberty and Freedom yet it seems we've become the opposite, not trustworthy is an outcome of undesirable behavior and I submit, our own citizenry can't trust our Gov't (let alone the international stage - Nordstream anyone?). *Yet our open borders are over-flowing... I guess the new 'World Standard Bearer' shall be for a kinder, gentler totalitarianism...
G'evening Robert, thanks for your original comment (an others throughout Mark's postings) and this one, too.
A couple of sources quoted the 16-24K Killed-Russians number [that I low-balled]. Col. MacGregor comes to mind, particularly since most of his interviews and comments have proven fairly accurate. I will also note, the Ukrainian forces losses, that is in conflict/combat may run well over 157K. Another reference that mentioned that number is Scott Ritter. He, too, has been fairly consistent with numbers our US Media is not agreeing with. (I'm being nice to US MSM there).
I will say, facts are difficult to know relating to the Ukraine situation (and all things related therein). One reason I've come to appreciate Mark's postings is the diversity of resources he accesses for info he shares. I doubt anyone will speak with certainty about numbers about KIA/WIA/MIA due to the intense propaganda from what used to be the good-guys side (Western / NATO side).
What ever the accurate number, our country 'supporting' Ukraine is spending at record levels (who wants that record?!). Viet Nam cost about 144billion (& 58K lives-important to note). Even if adjusted for inflation, we were involved there a very long time. If you've noticed, the history regarding the 'country' of Ukraine is indeed sketchy. Toss in the US' interventions, such as the 2014 coups, add in the outright lying by Western/NATO in Minsk and in other 'agreements' and the mess of Ukraine becomes hard to support. A great comment yesterday for one of Mark's postings recounted the Polish history as related to what's happening. I believe it was said today we are being represented by Neocon Nuland who's offended by what happened 400 years ago, I guess to her ancestors.
Forgive me for such a long response when I really wanted to thank you and answer your question. Well, I hope you got your money's worth! :^) I'll add my fee of zero is a bit too much as well... Best wishes Robert! (WRH)
It is sad to think of US citizens -financing so much death- often speak of the Ukraine war flippantly. You're right on point: the numbers represent huge tragedy, not scores. But the US is conditioned to see this stuff from afar and are disconnected. We lost around 3K lives at 9/11; it really got us all quite roused up, didn't it? Yet, dispassionately we hear of "x killed in x Oblast-Russia is losing" and folks are somehow happy. Death is ignored and propaganda tickles the ears. As a people, US Citizens have some splainin' to do some day.
I'll add to your point on the importance of Ukraine war: I think it's just one 'front' of a much larger war (I don't mean just the sanctions part additionally). I'm not good at conspiracy theories so best I can submit is I can't find coincidence in the WEF/Davos crowd, US Presidential Administration, the US 'Deep State' unknowns, the alphabet US agencies, NATO and I'll toss in an undefined 'Cabal' all being so engaged on so many fronts at once. Our country has significant and understandable doubt about our elections; our economy; Biden got elected (I'll leave it at that); Nordstream; Vett-Gate; resignations/disposal of significant leadership [aka UK, Germany, Ukraine etc.], Taiwan; Iran/Middle east variations, and more than my simple mind can recall... Point I would make is while a lot seems in opposition, chaos is consistent. And, I'll submit, the 'one world order' ideology would be the logical benefactor. Hmmm, I think I did pretty good at Conspiracy Theory makin' after all! How about, call it just my theory and I won't promote it calling for sending me money and a violent reaction? My best to ya Robert! (WRH)
When you recruit by forced measures, you get a 'less than trustworthy' soldier. Let alone physical issues of requiring older troops, etc. Hope you're having a great weekend TD! (WRH)
There has also been quite a bit of reporting that they're targeting the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia for forced recruitment--a type of ethnic cleansing.
But there will be many more $millions spread amongst the M/I complex operators. Guess once life loses value, cashing in is the logical next step. For instance, how much $ did Planned Parenthood get from our Fed budget? Plus fees for abortions. They give away other 'health care' because their profit is in the 850,000 babies killed. Hundreds of millions. Kind of lame, really, when compared to the Billions the M/I is getting. I wonder what the profit/death works out to be? Actually, I don't. Take care Ms. Athena (and Mark). (WRH)
When are all these war mongers beating the drums for www 3 going to start writing their predictions for civilian casualties both here and across Europe? Thousands? Millions? Half the population? That’ll get somebody’s attention. Maybe wake some of these fools up. Woke in the real sense.
Time has not been kind to Nuland, no wonder she’s so angry. Sexist I know, but facts!
Oliver North on 12/21/22 said countries in 1980s Reagan era were willing "as the Ukrainian people are to use their blood and our bullets" @:48. North also said most of the $100 billion hasn't been sent to Ukraine, it stays here in US and goes to weapons makers. Then he said "we" better hurry and send weapons to Taiwan because US is going to attack Communist China. Fox News interview... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ1vyzeUY8g...Everything set up by Harry Truman after WWII must be canceled. Either than or formally declare that US taxpayers are global slaves.
this is excellent
To believe a few companies of Abrams tanks can change the direction of a war is a good indicator of how deluded these warmongers and those that still trust them are, particularly in a combined arms conflict where one side is missing an arm (air power).
Break, break.
While I haven't seen any US military recruiting reporting in the past few weeks, there must be some serious behind the scenes discussion on how to fill the ranks of an all-volunteer-military force if recruiting fails to meet demands, even with the rescinding of the vax mandate as we observe DoD continue to try and penalize current active-duty members who rejected the vax.
Good points, DJL.
I think it was Steghorn21 who noted 'tactics are spoken of by amateurs, Logistics by Professionals'. Even the latest M1's, with 'reduced maintenance/breakdown issues' are logistically intense. Jet Fuel requirements -not simply Diesel fuel- in large quantities is NOT logistically an Ukraine ability. The note (by some 'war-writer') that M1's could serve as gun-emplacement weapons says a lot about information molding for the US Masses/payees. It's a phenomenal weapon* but w/o significant air support (it's fielded in US scenarios presuming air-superiority) it's strength of mobility during engagement is severely diminished by its heat signature.
(*90% hit-rate at 1,000 Meters while moving across typical battlefield terrain is truly amazing). My best to you! (WRH)
It wasn't me who said that about tactics/logistics, Wayne, but it's damn right. I'm reading about the German invasion of Russia in 1941. That was a classic case of brilliant tactics but lousy logistics. I think you mentioned that you are a former tanker, so I respect your knowledge about the Abrams. It will make no difference to anything.
Logistics wins wars. As you astutely noted, see: Hitler and Russia invasion. Germany's amazing tanks were slow to produce while superior in Tactics, failed to be supportable logistically. I read recently here on Meaning in History stuff Russia moved manufacturing east, produced something like 6X the tanks to put into battles against the Nazis. And, thanks for the compliment: when the soon to be Abrahams was introduced I was in awe. M60's would do 35 in decent conditions. The XM1 (now M-1) was 'rated' 35 but I saw 45 MPH done across terrain, not hard surfaced roads. Targeting and munitions have improved from beyond our imagination back then. I was thrilled at the CLEP in that it could hit moving targets and fired from conventional or SP 155MM howitzers. (So old fashioned now!) Laser targeting was also fairly new (I never ran a fire mission employing one, albeit in training status and were less likely to get the latest stuff). Today's hit-rate of an M-1 Fire-Control system of 90% while maneuvering/on the move (computers are so helpful!) couples with a 3 round per minute firing rate w/that accuracy... (I think up to 6/min possible, targeting accurately takes a little more time) in properly trained hands (as long as they're alive on the battlefield) the M-1 is amazing - by any measure. However, aircraft launched, stand-off capable munitions and those pesky Anti-Tank man-carried weapons have changed Tank warfare. I'd rate it, generally speaking, as supplemental rather than primary in planning. Technology that uses satellites for targeting is just out of my brain's capacity to comprehend... but it exists. Shoot, a FO within a Klick or 2 with a laser designator was spectacular! No RF emissions required for range adjustment meant greater survivability and, well, living to rain-down fire on an enemy makes that 'eye' golden. Goes for whether human on the ground or some stick-jockey in Denver on the other side of the earth. I'd bet on survival of the dude in jeans at a computer monitor to be longer in any event. Modern warfare... great until you wind up in Ukraine trying to use it... :^) Best to ya! (WRH)
Hey 0311,
Excepting, as I've read the past couple days, this option isn't available for this promised batch. Also, the latest M1 version is 'supposedly' less maintenance intense which seems absolutely necessary. Best to you sir!
Greetings, hope you and all readers of Mark's posting are having a great Sunday!
Oft mentioned is how totalitarian regimes need control of the information flow - Pravda back in the day and Twitter back only a few days and ongoing control (Oversight?) of 'Social Media', search & related internet Info sources, MSMedia & etc.. I attempt to read broad-based sources finding when viewed in the 'rear-view mirror' of time, those supporting US/European/NATO activities are not just often wrong, but obviously intentionally so.
I'll try to be short (not my norm, sorry 'bout that) but will say the US Cultural assorted humanist disgraces are similarly represented as the MSM/(etc.) reporting of 'how well it's working out in Ukraine' propaganda. Western Civilization is truly under attack - London being a decent example of how that battle is going - but as is oft quoted "We've seen the enemy and the enemy is us". Granted, the US Constitution (back when it was honored as intended, at least) has provision for dealing with what's happening, sadly the forces engaged seem to hold very important places of power and common-citizen influence is pretty successfully regulated/controlled. Best wishes to all! (WRH)
Zhou can't be trusted. Nor his administration. Notice the ole "bait and switch" relative to committing Abrams (manufactures & taxpayers to produce and fund). Now McCarthy will meet with Zhou to negotiate an increase in the debt ceiling. Plan for McCarthy and the Republicans to "get pantsed" then cry foul.
Our Presidential Administration can't be trusted, absolutely AC!
The Professional Ruling Elite Class of DC may be on different team titles, but the outcomes are pretty much to their benefit in reality. Plus, M1's will be forever getting built, shipped to Poland and (maybe) moved to the front in Ukraine. 'Bout the time they arrive in Poland the Ukraine conflict will be a memory and Poland will be proud owners of pretty good stuff. And it'll be new 'cause current fielded M-1's have 'secret' armor (depleted uranium) so new ones, @ $10mil each, are promised. Best to you! (WRH)
I'm pretty sure Zhou will masquerade a Ford Expedition as an alternative to the Abrams and pass that off to "Z". Pacify the Germans and the rest of the EU by leading the way with a bait and switch. The Euro's are so stupid.
The problem is our 'President' will BELIEVE that FE IS a MBT; they'll put a M60 machine gun on the roof and let ol' Joe stand up in the sunroof for a photo-op. Can't you just hear him now (above the Cackles of the VP) "All this for only 10 Million bucks! Why, barely one-deal's profit for Hunter'll buy it!" I tried to be funny, but I did laugh at your comment, AC! (WRH)
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/m1-abrams-tanks-in-u-s-inventory-have-armor-too-secret-to-send-to-ukraine
Good catch, sharing that link 0311, thanks. I'd seen other writings, pretty much agreeing. Not looking real close at your link'd article, what I saw was the inability to remove/replace the 'secret' armor stuff. I dunno, I never got to work with M1's: only got to view XM1s as I am way too old now... our MBT was the M60A2 which did a pretty good job. From what I hear, the T90 is possibly a match for M1's, but do not reliably know that. Best regards! (WRH) 1972-1979 Mech Inf [FWIW]
I've heard that the T-90s are pretty good tanks, Wayne. The bigger point though is that there will be far more of them than the Abrams we (maybe) get onto the battlefield. And that's without factoring in the Russians' highly developed anti-tank missiles.
Hey S'21 hope you're doing well. Well made point; the Nazi tanks were superior to, well really all alliance stuff but also Russia's stuff. Russia, well the Soviet Union (more accurately) simply moved plants East, out of range, and built a ton more tanks. Weather and other factors screwed Nazi logistics (as other invaders would attest to) but numbers mean a lot. A LOT (as your point demonstrates). The US tanks had to gang up on Nazi stuff; but there again, the 2nd WW USA was a manufacturing power house and simply increased numbers in the conflict. (While eventually, finally getting a gun that could actually damage said German tanks). All that to agree with you! [I apparently have a lot of words stored up from those millions of miles alone in those trucks...]
Modern battlefield stuff is so different, too. Our kind of "look down our nose" attitude assumes air superiority, for instance, and without that M1's become expensive rubble way too fast. At least there's only 31 'scheduled' for Ukraine to see their substitute Ceramic Armor piled up. (I think Poland will be the eventual benefactor of those M1's- opinions being easy to have, of course, since no score on accuracy is being kept!).
I also wanted to thank you for your having taking time to have read my comments. Seeing that I'd posted so many is a bit embarrassing but your responses to them are appreciated. My experience is very limited; I was fortunate to avoid a lot of the tragedy of war. I also experienced close family and friends' death in war. What I can honestly conclude is I believe (d) in our Constitutional United States, it having provided me, my family and close friends (some who did give the ultimate sacrifice) with the opportunities our Constitution lists as Inalienable Rights afford. I would do it again, or better put, wouldn't change a thing I was fortunate enough to do. It'd be a lot harder today, I confess. Ugh, excuse the maudlin stuff of mine! I still love this country. I suppose if I didn't, I wouldn't care and wouldn't ache so when seeing her demise. Peace, my "Substack" friend. (WRH)
Good to hear from you, Wayne, as ever! Yep, the US really was the "Arsenal of Democracy" in WW2. We couldn't have survived without their industrial might, and even the Russians, were given crucial mobility by the millions of trucks and jeeps the US sent them. And I agree, the US is a great country - even if it's being brought low by some of the worst psychopaths on the planet. I'm not sure if it will hold together as a nation. Maybe it's better if it doesn't. However, I really hope that the remaining sane parts can break away and keep themselves strong for better times. Hang in there, my friend!
So, in short, we all seem to be drifting towards armageddon because those horrible Russkies treated Nuland's family badly a few hundred years ago. Nothing will change in the West until every, repeat every, current government and politician pushing this insanity is kicked out and replaced by sane leaders.
S'21, hey and great point. History is made of one tribe conquering another. If, in the 21st century it is going to be 'reparations for all past oppressions', it's gonna be a long one. Altho', 5 million $'s in SF restitution, at the rate of today's US Gov't economic decline, will equate to a Burger, shake and fries soon... *Humor is needed, I'll keep lookin' for some worth sharing. Meantime, that's what I got for now... -- :^) -- (WRH)
Humour is really needed, Wayne - Weapons of Mass Derision! Seriously, though, it's always scary how certain individuals can have a great and negative effect on world events. Nuland is one of those. She's Hillary Clinton without the likeability.
Victoria Nuland, our first female president in all but name.
Oh my goodness that is a frightening thought, Tamsin!
I, for one, still wonder who or actual 'in all but name' president is... Cackles is too dumb; Mr. Biden is to not-enough-of-anything (except aged); Chief of Staff is swapping out; the Deep State, Security State, Alphabet agency cabal and the Mystery Cabal are all competing for relevance. Perhaps a dart-board with issue-scores "yea/nay" is leadin'? Might as well be.
What is clear, truth has been the #1 casualty. Sad that lying about stuff that doesn't even matter is the rule of the day... Take care T! (WRH)
Best estimates for Russian dead are about 10-20k
Even Ukrainian estimates citing "100,000" note 'dead, injured or deserted'. When you're seeking billions upon billions of bucks of support, your reporting gets embellished. I, too, heard 16K likely dead Russian forces (including Wagner, etc.). Injured often equal about 3 times dead; so likely worst case numbers aren't close to 100K. If anything, the toll Robert suggests is far worse in that the civilian populace is most severely impacted. Many dead, many missing, majority displaced and the country infrastructure/homes/ businesses (etc.) is worse than a shambles.
Remember President Ike warned us of the Military/Industrial complex: if you've never read that speech it is shockingly clear about the dangers. Today's Neocons are proving that warning's prescience way too well. Sadly. Best to you Mistcr & Robert! (WRH)
I've seen it a few places, unfortunately I didn't link the articles to find them again.
MacGregor and Ritter, noted below, are pretty good sources too.
Common sense corroboration: the SMO began with between 150-200k soldiers. If half of them were dead, then they would not have been able to hold their lines against Ukraine's 500k soldiers before the partial mobilization delivered reinforcements in Nov-Dec.
Some anecdotal corroboration: consider how much celebrating occurred after the successful rocket attack around Christmas that killed over 100 Russian soldiers. There wouldn't be so much celebrating if that many Russian casualties were a regular occurrence.
It is one of the rationales offered for the deliberate, attritive nature of Russia's current operations. They have the same political pressure as USA to keep casualties low, at least until a critical mass of their population agrees that this war is existential for their civilization. Plus, their advanced artillery operations allows them to kill wave after wave of Ukrainian soldiers; they are accomplishing their stated goal of demilitarizing Ukraine without a need to press the attack.
The unfortunate reality for us and the citizens of the West is that we live in a state of unreality unless we're lucky to have found reliable sources of information. I consider my good fortune for having stumbled upon Mark's blog during the height of the Russia-gate mania. If not for that happy coincidence I would almost certainly be buying the deep state BS about the Ukraine war, just as most conservatives seemed to forget their distrust of the deep state and MSM the moment Russia got in the news.
Well stated. We readers' of Mark's Stack are fortunate for his writing passion to be expressed here. Providing the info as he does reflects character I 'grew up' believing our public servants all had... naïve yes, I thought I was simply being optimistic. This country benefited greatly from Mark's FBI service as we now are.
Things are becoming topsy-turvy (have already?) The USA used to be the World Standard of Liberty and Freedom yet it seems we've become the opposite, not trustworthy is an outcome of undesirable behavior and I submit, our own citizenry can't trust our Gov't (let alone the international stage - Nordstream anyone?). *Yet our open borders are over-flowing... I guess the new 'World Standard Bearer' shall be for a kinder, gentler totalitarianism...
I Hope you have a great week sir! (WRH)
G'evening Robert, thanks for your original comment (an others throughout Mark's postings) and this one, too.
A couple of sources quoted the 16-24K Killed-Russians number [that I low-balled]. Col. MacGregor comes to mind, particularly since most of his interviews and comments have proven fairly accurate. I will also note, the Ukrainian forces losses, that is in conflict/combat may run well over 157K. Another reference that mentioned that number is Scott Ritter. He, too, has been fairly consistent with numbers our US Media is not agreeing with. (I'm being nice to US MSM there).
I will say, facts are difficult to know relating to the Ukraine situation (and all things related therein). One reason I've come to appreciate Mark's postings is the diversity of resources he accesses for info he shares. I doubt anyone will speak with certainty about numbers about KIA/WIA/MIA due to the intense propaganda from what used to be the good-guys side (Western / NATO side).
What ever the accurate number, our country 'supporting' Ukraine is spending at record levels (who wants that record?!). Viet Nam cost about 144billion (& 58K lives-important to note). Even if adjusted for inflation, we were involved there a very long time. If you've noticed, the history regarding the 'country' of Ukraine is indeed sketchy. Toss in the US' interventions, such as the 2014 coups, add in the outright lying by Western/NATO in Minsk and in other 'agreements' and the mess of Ukraine becomes hard to support. A great comment yesterday for one of Mark's postings recounted the Polish history as related to what's happening. I believe it was said today we are being represented by Neocon Nuland who's offended by what happened 400 years ago, I guess to her ancestors.
Forgive me for such a long response when I really wanted to thank you and answer your question. Well, I hope you got your money's worth! :^) I'll add my fee of zero is a bit too much as well... Best wishes Robert! (WRH)
It is sad to think of US citizens -financing so much death- often speak of the Ukraine war flippantly. You're right on point: the numbers represent huge tragedy, not scores. But the US is conditioned to see this stuff from afar and are disconnected. We lost around 3K lives at 9/11; it really got us all quite roused up, didn't it? Yet, dispassionately we hear of "x killed in x Oblast-Russia is losing" and folks are somehow happy. Death is ignored and propaganda tickles the ears. As a people, US Citizens have some splainin' to do some day.
I'll add to your point on the importance of Ukraine war: I think it's just one 'front' of a much larger war (I don't mean just the sanctions part additionally). I'm not good at conspiracy theories so best I can submit is I can't find coincidence in the WEF/Davos crowd, US Presidential Administration, the US 'Deep State' unknowns, the alphabet US agencies, NATO and I'll toss in an undefined 'Cabal' all being so engaged on so many fronts at once. Our country has significant and understandable doubt about our elections; our economy; Biden got elected (I'll leave it at that); Nordstream; Vett-Gate; resignations/disposal of significant leadership [aka UK, Germany, Ukraine etc.], Taiwan; Iran/Middle east variations, and more than my simple mind can recall... Point I would make is while a lot seems in opposition, chaos is consistent. And, I'll submit, the 'one world order' ideology would be the logical benefactor. Hmmm, I think I did pretty good at Conspiracy Theory makin' after all! How about, call it just my theory and I won't promote it calling for sending me money and a violent reaction? My best to ya Robert! (WRH)
When you recruit by forced measures, you get a 'less than trustworthy' soldier. Let alone physical issues of requiring older troops, etc. Hope you're having a great weekend TD! (WRH)
There has also been quite a bit of reporting that they're targeting the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia for forced recruitment--a type of ethnic cleansing.
They’re despicable and anyone still supporting this war has blood on their hands.
And what makes it even worse is that the Ukraine war has got to be the most unnecessary and the most easily avoided war in all of modern history.
And not just a little blood.
Buckets
But there will be many more $millions spread amongst the M/I complex operators. Guess once life loses value, cashing in is the logical next step. For instance, how much $ did Planned Parenthood get from our Fed budget? Plus fees for abortions. They give away other 'health care' because their profit is in the 850,000 babies killed. Hundreds of millions. Kind of lame, really, when compared to the Billions the M/I is getting. I wonder what the profit/death works out to be? Actually, I don't. Take care Ms. Athena (and Mark). (WRH)