However:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Soviet Vehicle Guide
124TH MOTORIZED RIFLE DIVISION
A Mobilization Only division from the western Ukraine, the 124th was activated in late 1997 or early 1998. Only a small part of the division's men and equipment have ever assembled, and the unit has seen little action.
Subordination: 4th Guards Tank Army
Current Location: Central Poland
Manpower: 3000
Tanks: 6
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Given they were a Category 3 unit, it's very likely they were only equipped with older T-62's and the like, with much of their AT capability in the form of towed guns and man portable missiles. Wouldn't take many M1's to deal with the 40 year old Ukrainian tanks which were fielded.
The lack of fuel for the M1's also explains how infantry could sneak up and take them out with RPGs, etc.
Now as to the strength of the 256th, I doubt very much they were anything close to complete. The 5th ID had been fighting since December 1996 and involved in most of the major actions in Europe. Their immediate opposition (the 124th) had barely seen any action, so their troops were fresh and their equipment, while old, wasn't carrying any battle damage.
Also, commanders don't like their soldiers sitting around with nothing to do, and given the 124th had been activated in 97-98, that gives them a solid 2 years or more of training. Chances are they wouldn't have had a lot of fuel or large calibre ammo to practice with, but I bet their infantry would have been pretty damn good!