Quote:
Originally Posted by Raellus
Woud Soviet commerce raiders (subs, primarily) begin attacking convoys carrying supplies to Europe before U.S. and other NATO forces began military operations against PACT forces in East Germany? How might the loss of a few heavily laden supply ships impact the speed of the NATO drive across Germany and into Poland?
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IMHO, no. At least not at first. Reforger is going to take time to organize. As was stated earlier, the first Nato attack is December. There is a time frame during which the West German Army is the only offensive threat to the Soviet Army.
Also, given Desert Storm as a measuring stick, a few ships will hurt, but not stop Reforger. At the height of the logistical effort into Saudi, the Navy has 220 ships moving 24/7. Of course Desert Storm was operating in 100% Western controlled seas.
Would the Soviets like to shake THAT particular stick? Hard to tell. The Russian navy came out to play ONLY when USN moved into northern seas. Subs, different again, but are the Russians willing to poke that stick into USA's eye.
IMHO, as Reforger gathers, you would see unprecidented ASW efforts to let Soviet subs KNOW that "I see you" in that eternal game of blind mans bluff that is sub warfare.
My $0.02
Mike