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Originally Posted by Koh
For wargaming purposed I'd be interested in knowing which regiments employed which equipment. It would also be interesting to know what artillery systems the Russians eployed, and did they employ any towed artillery. And what's the deal with the independent 135th Motor Rifle Regiment? Is it some sort of special or elite formation, or just a leftover regiment from a disbanded larger entity?
I'd also be interested in knowing how much of the units were manned by conscripts. Some sources claimed that the Russian force was all professional, but I find that somewhat hard to believe. The VDV units as well as the special forces are fully manned by professionals I believe, but from what I've gathered most of the motor rifle regiments and brigades seem to employ a professional officer and NCO cadre with conscripted rank and file. But do correct me if I'm wrong.
If anyone has any of this information, it would be much appreciated.
- Koh
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The 135th Rifle Regiment is part of the 58th Army. I'm sorry, I should've mentioned that earlier. Here's the map of the 58th Army:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:58...y_(Russia).png I'll get back to you on the regimental stuff and artillery.
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Originally Posted by Imp
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The VDV units as well as the special forces are fully manned by professionals I believe, but from what I've gathered most of the motor rifle regiments and brigades seem to employ a professional officer and NCO cadre with conscripted rank and file. But do correct me if I'm wrong
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Do not take this as correct
That was always the way but think I read in recent times far more conscripts are kept on, by no means the complete force but more than just the officer core nowadays enter full military service. This is compensated by a reduction in time served as a conscript which is now about 1.5-2 years, enough time to find out if they are worth keeping. Afganistan may have been the catalyst for the change. |
The VDV units are part of Russia's special forces. Being in combat is a requirement to join Russia's special forces. In this war, conscripts never had any agressive duties. There were rumors of a conscripts protecting supply lines coming under artillery fire, but to my knowledge no conscripts were used.
Also, you are wrong about Russia's conscription:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscription_in_Russia "Conscription in Russia is presently a 12 month draft, mandatory for all male citizens age 18-27, with a number of exceptions. The mandatory term of service was reduced from 18 months at the beginning of 2008." Afghanistan wasn't the catalyst so much, as it was Russia's military. The Army is powerful in politics of Russia, and can have lobbying power. After the disastrous First Chechen War, there has been a strong movement for a professional army.