Quote:
|
The Poles in particular were aware of how deeply screwed they would be in pretty much any situation. Be it their conventional role of a maritime invasion of Denmark or on the receiving end of nuclear strikes by NATO to cut supply lines by taking out bridges (and therefore cities) all along the Wisla (Vistula). I can't recall how bad they thought it was going to be but I seem to recall they thought they would suffer 40% civilian casualties and Poland would be effectively cut in half.
|
I've heard this story too! And its still funny!
Here's one about a visiting Russian general at one of their military academies, and to test the young cadets, the general set up a simple problem:
"You are the commander of a Motor Rifle Divison and it is the third day of fighting following the NATO invasion of the DDR. You are the leading division of our counter-attack."
"On your left flank, a German Panzer Division is moving up and they will be in position to launch their own attack within the next 24 hours."
"To your front, an American mechanized division is sitting up hasty defense positions, they have suffered heavy losses and they will not be rady for offensive operations for at least 3 days."
"What do you do?"
The general listened as cadet after cadet laid out all kinds of plans to stop the Germans from launching their attack. Finally, the general had enough.
"Do you idiots have any idea of what is being taught in this academy he roared. You are supposed to be professional soldiers. There is only one correct answer! You attack the Americans first! Only after they are defeated do you attack the Germans! Only then!"
In the stunned silence, it was some minutes before a cadet gathered the courage to ask the question..
"Comrade General! Why are we to attack the Americans first? Are they a more capable foe?"
The general leaned on the podium and sipped from his glass of water. He then looked over the class and then answered.
"The answer cadet is very simple. Yes the Americans are dangerous foe, so are the Germans. But as professional military officers, the only correct answer is to attack the Americans first, after all, as professionals, it is always business before pleasure!"
Did I mention that the Russians really love the Germans?
