The 8th ID takes a wrong turn at Albuquerque...

[Abbott Shaull]

Just maybe the entire Spring/Summer NATO offensive was to inject NATO troops into areas that were it was felt that Moscow was quickly losing control. The IX Corps with the 2nd Marine Division were sent in to give units who were on the verge of switch of doing so.

[Legbreaker]

It's certainly a possibility, but we don't actually know they were on the verge of switching in early 2000. The only information we have relates mainly to post offensive when everyone was battered, bruised and exhausted. At that time I'm sure even some western units were ready to switch sides if it meant a better quality of life for a while (or even continued life).

[pmulcahy11b]

Maybe the 8th came to the decision that they were never going to get back to the States, and were looking for some sort of safe harbor -- trade their firepower and use as a defense force for a home with the locals. Like many units in Europe did.

[Abbott Shaull]

Originally Posted by pmulcahy11b

Maybe the 8th came to the decision that they were never going to get back to the States, and were looking for some sort of safe harbor -- trade their firepower and use as a defense force for a home with the locals. Like many units in Europe did.

It could be possibility after they found themselves so far in advance of the rest of IX US Corps.

[Legbreaker]

"Never" is probably a bit strong. "The forseeable future" is probably more apt.

[Abbott Shaull]

Originally Posted by Legbreaker

"Never" is probably a bit strong. "The forseeable future" is probably more apt.

I would think who would be asking whether there was much difference in "Never" and "The near future" would claim they were almost the same thing to the troops of the 8th US Mechanized Division and possibly the IX Corps.

[Legbreaker]

That's quite possible, however I can't see every last member of the 8th (or any other unit that chose to stay) thinking that way.

Re the XI Corps, although I believe it's impossible for them to leave in 2000, it's a possibility for later in 2001 or 2002. The more time that passes, the less likely there will be effective Pact units blocking them, and the more resources they will have created for themselves (thinking about fuel and bridging materials).

Unfortunately they're faced with similar problems as the Pact in the form of desertions and deteriorating vehicles and equipment. The longer they wait, the more thay may have to leave behind.

Same for the 8th really but I see them leaving by sea, if at all, possibly as part of the XI withdrawal (8th gets picked up first then the XI jumps onboard as the "fleet" sails past Bremerhaven).