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Originally Posted by bash
Just throwing an idea out there: the PFC's influence can come from organizational ability rather than just military power. If the PFC can better organize distribution of supplies, food generation, and just generally be a more responsive government than the Soviet-aligned Polish government it would give people a reason to throw in with it.
In Europe 1998 is going to be a harrowing year. Some governments will do better than others organizing and administering amidst the chaos. If the PFC can do a better job feeding and housing people they'll attract support. That support will just snowball if they keep delivering on promises.
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That's a great point. To do so, however, the PFC would need adequate military power to protect infrastructure, supply stockpiles, distribution points, etc. As you pointed out, being well-organized and focused on helping the civilian population could very well win the hearts and minds of more humane Polish Army commanders, and that would get the military backing to protect the PFC's rebuilding efforts.
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Originally Posted by Tegyrius
This makes me wonder how much ex-American military equipment the Polish Free Congress will inherit after TF34 sets sail.
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Good question. I doubt that many motorized vehicles* (AFVs, trucks, Humvees, etc.) would be intentionally left behind by US forces leaving Poland- they'd most likely end up in Germany. US troops would need their vehicles to get to Bremerhaven before the convoy sails. From there, I think it would depend on what the Germans decide to do with all of those "donated" US vehicles. Would the Germans disburse some of those "donated" US vehicles to the PFC? Quite possibly. It would depend a lot on relations between the two Governments (Unified Germany and the PFC).
Assuming Germany wants to maintain a buffer against renewed Soviet aggression, then giving relinquished US vehicles to the PFC makes a lot of sense. However, Germany might be more focused on ejecting French forces from its soil. That being the case, I think the Germans would keep the bulk of "donated" US vehicles for themselves.
*Non-SP artillery, on the other hand, probably would be left in situ, consequently ending up in the hands of the PFC.
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