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Subject: Russia Reaches For A Better Future
SYSOP    10/27/2014 5:38:04 AM
 
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JFKY    Viktor Suvarov Note   10/27/2014 1:00:00 PM
The Soviets didn't have 150 combat divisions, they had 300 combat divisions.  According to Suvarov, the Soviets planned to fill out the 100 B & C Category Divisions with reservists, & then turn around & create another 150 combat divisions on the remains of the first 150....
 
Was it true?  Not sure, but it's what he claimed, I do know that the Wehrmacht believed the Red Army had 300 divisions in 1941, & by December 1941 had identified 600 Soviet Divisions!
 
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voland    you can trust Suvorov   10/27/2014 3:04:30 PM

 
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Big Mo       11/28/2014 6:03:30 AM
That's true that another 150 divisions were created. These were comprised of the oldest reservists, who had been without  refresher training,  for the longest period, and had the oldest equipment. The rationale was, while of dubious quality, along with non divisional support troops, there were at least 3 million of them. It was hoped that quantity would make up for low quality. These troops weren't expected to bear the brunt of the fighting. Due to the destruction of so many of the better divisions, these low quality units were thrown into the meat grinder, a lot earlier than planned for, often with disasterous results.
 
Most western countries, unfairly downplay their reserve units. Before recently changing over to the volunteer system Sweden utilized the Citizen Army concept, of most of their potential fighting force being in the reserves. Most of their active duty troops, were those being trained, training cadre, and cadre for reserve units. The Swedish system differed from the Swiss system, with a longer active duty period which varied from 10 months for Privates, 15 months for NCO's and either 18 months or two years for officers, I forget. 
 
The Germans at the onset of World War I proved the value of the reserve system. That's another story, altogether. 
 
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