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

[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).

[Abbott Shaull]

Would never say that everyone in the unit felt like that, bu it would be hard press to keep the spirits up for enough people before it started to affect the unit as they try to continue on the mission provided by the Division as they try to survive.

[Legbreaker]

Agreed. Once the realistion sunk in that the 8th was waaaaay behind lines with little hope of extracting itself, the best hope of keeping the unit together would be the strength in numbers angle.