[Raellus]

Good analysis, Web.

I don't think one has to go quite as far as a Summer WTO offensive into Germany, though.

The operation I've described basically involves clearing NW Poland. The scale of this operation is well within the capacity of 4th GTD in terms of fuel and combat power (when working in conjuction with elements of the Soviet Baltic Front). The payoff is significant (the destruction of German 3rd Army) and improves the WTO's ability to hold on to its gains in Poland by seriously disrupting and hindering NATO's ability to conduct future offensive operations.

This operation could also be followed up by other WTO units attacking towards objectives in the west.

Had the Soviets known much about German 3rd Army's offensive, I think it would have dealt with it more decisively. What canon describes seems more like a drunken brawl than a planned operation.

I liken what happened between U.S. 5th ID and the Soviet 4th GTA to two boxers, each throwing a blind left hook. When their fists collide, the boxer with more mass is left standing- in pain but still standing- while the other is left with a broken hand.

As I pointed out, the Soviets have two Guards Armies in Byelorussia that they can use as a strategic reserve to either...

respond to a major NATO offensive,

support a major Soviet offensive (already planned),

or respond to the insurrection in the Ukraine.

This frees up 4th GTD to focus on conducting offensive operations in Poland and/or Germany.