Quote:
Originally Posted by TiggerCCW UK
Makes me wonder - if things had gone wrong would units have realised in time that actual orders were being given, rather than just commands in the exercise?
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Exactly the issue. Especially as western systems were only faking it while soviet ones were ready to launch. Apparently, until very recently the West completely ignored that fact.
From what I have seen. The soviets had deployed their SS-20, they had readied to launch around 350 long range missiles (silos) and their subs had been deployed in firing position with none of the NATO subs to monitor them.
IMO, it could have been a disaster. They had eight minuted to react only after the first missile launch. I don't expect NATO command to miss the attack entirely but I wouldn't be surprised to have them reacting late. As a result, what could have been the strategic consequences. One important point at that time was the much lower efficiency of the surveillance systems.