Quote:
Originally Posted by Raellus
I think desertion is key to supporting the various local Polish ORMO "militias" described in canon.
The only explanation for the number and strength of local militias, in my mind, is that thousands of Polish soldiers deserted- likely after the nuclear exchanges were well under way- with their weapons, returned home, and formed the cadres for the various local militias described in canon.
Polish troops- especially wartime conscripts- would have ample cause and opportunity to desert.
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I could not agree more. I also think that this would be a similar problem for every other military engaged in hostilities close to or within their national borders. The Poles, the Czechs, the Hungarians, the Germans, the Dutch, the Danes, the Norwegians, the Austrians, Italians, etc... all these armies must have had huge problems with desertion following the nuclear exchange.
Only the UK would have a lower rate of desertion for no other reason than there's that inconvenient moat around the country that prevents the average Tommy from just walking home to look after his family. Besides, with the BAOR making an organized (albeit slow) withdrawal back to Blighty, why paddle across in a rowboat only to face charges of desertion?
Most community militias west of the Rhine would be bolstered by deserters, quite often veterans, who have simply decided to look after their own until things get back on track. They're not necessarily going to be separatists or even disloyal to the remnants of the pre-war government, but they have adopted a different set of "mission priorities."
I'm particularly thinking of the Germans and Austrians here. I think the main thing keeping the German army together is the presence of Soviet and Czech troops in their territory. The moment the Soviets withdraw, those German units are going to start hemorrhaging personnel.
A. Scott Glancy, President TCCorp, dba Pagan Publishing