Capitalist War Fighting

Ukraine pays cash for Russian soldiers who surrender. They have nice payouts if you surrender with equipment like a helicopter or a tank. It’s probably the best deal these Russians are ever going to get. They are also offered Ukrainian citizenship. 

It’s a really smart move for the Ukrainians. They get enemy combatants off the battlefield and they acquire equipment at good discounts. This is one of the few wars were both sides use so much of the same equipment. Not only do the Ukrainians get equipment, they know how to use it. 

I don’t know how often this sort of equipment transfer takes places. It probably pales in comparison to the vast amount of weapons acquired from fleeing Russians. They say the amount of Russian equipment captured far exceeds the amount of equipment supplied by the west. 

Imagine the frustrations of Russian logistics. Equipment is shipped from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. It finally makes it to the front lines. Then the Ukrainians acquire the vehicles. They paint fresh ID information over the Russian “Z.” Before long the vehicle is back in combat -against the Russian side. 

-Sixbears

Not all reservists are equal

People hear that Russia is mobilizing 300,000 reservists and it sounds impressive. It’s a lot of people, but how good are Russian reservists? In short, not very. They were probably not very well trained when they were active duty. After their active duty time they’ve done no further training. The Russian logistics have been terrible. How they are going to outfit another 300,000 is anyone’s guess. 

Contrast that with the United States National Guard. They actually train and keep their skills sharp. In 2020  The Guard had 58 field artillery battalions. That’s 57% if the Army’s field artillery. They could be activated and be effective from day one. The Army counts on them to be ready so makes sure they are.

Now contrast those Russian reservists with the Ukrainian military. The Ukrainians are battle hardened, highly motivated, well led and well equipped. 

My advice to Russian reservists is make sure you have a nice clean white T-shirt. Your best bet of battlefield survival is to make that T-shirt into a white flag and surrender. 

-Sixbears