Quote:
Originally Posted by Legbreaker
Something else to keep in mind when relating Iraqi vs Soviet performance is that the Iraqi's did not hold the initiative and did not have the massive fire support behind it the Soviet would have been expected to use (air, artillery, etc).
Western tanks are certainly better than the Soviet models one on one, but proper application of the Soviet style doctrine calls for a much more combine arms approach to "suppress" the western forces while their tanks and infantry advance.
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I would'nt say the they did hold the initiative, I would say they lost the initiative do to the speed of the American Attack.
The Iraqi were trained and equiped by the Soviets and had Soviet Advisors in coutnry up to the invasion of Kuwait. The Republic Guard was well trainied in Soviet Doctrine.
H.R. McMaster the commmader of Ghost Troop, 2 ACR talk about the battle in the series great tank battles on the history channel. he meations that Iraqi had a alot going for them in equipement and training, he rated their static defences as tough. He gives credit to his men's tranining, the equipment and most important AIR POWER