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Raptor341
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Posts posted by Raptor341
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"Combat Mission Blitzkrieg 1939-1940" for roadmap 2024. I can dream, right?
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Always wanted *CM Desert Storm* or Battlepack DLC that includes it.
Looking forward to trying it out!
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Are the other variants still being worked on (CMRT, LRDG)? Just found this, looks very interesting
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2 hours ago, acrashb said:
And now Hunka is, or will be, the subject of an extradition request.
"Extradition sought of Waffen SS Nazi Veteran who was honoured by Trudeau and Freeland in Canada's Parliament. A Polish government minister has launched a bid to extradite Yaroslav Hunka, the 98-year-old Ukrainian-Canadian man who fought in a German-Nazi division during..."
The optics just keep getting worse; it is a gift to Russian propaganda; the extradition efforts will keep this in the news cycle for much, much longer than it naturally would.
Well, this is rapidly becoming much more complicated than I anticipated on Sunday when I first read about it. Also, I have to admit, that unsettling feeling when both Steve and The Capt both acknowledge the complexity and historical context of the situation and then proceed to argue that holding the view that this isn’t a big deal politically is, in fact, a big deal politically makes me question my own shoot from the hip response to said issue.
An interesting discussion regardless.
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Very informative posts from @Haiduk and @Beleg85 regarding the 14th SS Division (UKR).
As soon as a I read the headline in the CBC yesterday I knew nothing useful was going to come of this drama. Should he have been given a standing ovation in Parliament, no, but as a country we have already been over this regarding the legal status of former members of the unit (provided there was no evidence of war crimes against civilians).
History is complicated, I don’t need to tell that to anyone in this forum. Does his affiliation with the SS mean that as a Canadian I would have fought him during the war? Yes. Do I blame them to trying to fight against the USSR for the possibility of an eventual independent Ukraine? No. After the war, do I regret the Canadian government giving former members a place here? No. As @Beleg85 pointed out the devil is in the details. So find them out and be clear about it. Presuming he is innocent, then we should all just move on from this, lesson learned.
I get a little upset about a lack of historical context from wider society at times, but as pointed out, a lot of us are learning more about the complex history of CEE since this war started. At least whoever wrote the CBC news article tried to give it some context, it could have been worse.
Edit: Steve also adds extra context to the various reasons why people (non-German) may have voluntarily joined the SS, or later found themselves in it.
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1 hour ago, FancyCat said:
They selected a U.S sanctioned apparently empty cargo ship if the recording is true, seemingly very high standards of target selection.
can't even have environmentalists decrying spilled fuel over a potential sinking.
Helped track that ship last year, makes me happy to see it hopefully out of service.
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- In response to the current back and forth on the forum here -
With regards to certain enemy capabilities which we spend oh so much time discussing, I do not worry about it, though I respect it. It can be managed. Personally, I (and many of my colleagues) are readier than ever to finally get into the fight and help win this. Everyday I wake up waiting for them to do something stupid and finally give NATO a clear, unambiguous, reason to intervene directly in this war. That’s the solider in me - - it hard to see all of our (combined) power not being used when everyday Ukrainians have to bear the burden alone (at least physically). That doesn’t sit right with me, never did.
All of this to say I get it, it’s hard to watch this from the sidelines, whatever the reasons for that up to now. Still I read, learn about, and appreciate the challenges of leading the combined West through this crisis, with all of the diverse perspectives that it comes with.
I trust the Alliance, and I trust the Ukrainian General Staff. I have my own opinions on what I would risk, which is more than current, but that isn't up to me. In the end, we are all on the same side here, let’s remember how important that is, even when it gets testy.
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One more for Battlefront to model.
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52 minutes ago, sburke said:
I think their point is THIS is normal. The only way to change the behavior is to make sure they know they lost, and the days of imperial grandeur are over for good.
100%
Defeat, Discredit, Disarm
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4 hours ago, Battlefront.com said:
Oh for sure there were no easy answers for anybody other than Russia. The point is that there were options open at the time that were short of a significant military investment that weren't explored because they needed to be backed up. The widespread Western lack of will to do anything significant required good leadership to get something achieved more intelligently. But nobody in the West wanted to touch Syria and so that signaled to Assad, Iran, and Russia that they were free and clear to do whatever they wanted.
Again, this is about leadership. Good leadership understands a situation for what it is and takes steps to address it, polls and support be damned. Nobody in the West was willing to do that, even for countries (i.e. Europe) that should have foreseen the refugee situation (like Libya before it).
Steve
This is a strong point for me personally - the collective West let the opportunity go in Syria and now everyone continues to pay for it. Leadership isn’t easy, and often I think these kind of things require action because someone else who you like even less (Russia) might take action in your absence. By giving up the initiative to act Russia gained control of much of the theatre.
Perhaps it would have been a case of damned if you do, damned if you don’t, but if you don’t take action and then the problem lands on your doorstep (Europe) you are affected regardless. The thought of what would have happened if the West didn’t act in 2022 is almost certainly a darker future that I really don’t even want to contemplate, yet must to help understand why acting is important in the first place.
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1 hour ago, Harmon Rabb said:
Now I have a HARM...Ho Ho Ho.
Out of likes - - Keep em flying!
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1 hour ago, Battlefront.com said:
To summarize, it appears that Kraken attacked with inferior numbers and succeeded in routing the defenders. In part because they prepped the area with fire beforehand (mortars and Grads) and drone recon. One of the platoon sized units they captured was seen on video going into a basement and Kraken was able to neutralize them because hiding in a basement isn't smart if the enemy knows you're there.
Steve
“You don’t got to be Stonewall Jackson to know you don’t want to fight in a basement”
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14 minutes ago, dan/california said:
Does anyone have book recommendations on missile guidance, radar, and electronic warfare? This war has convinced me I don't know enough about it. Those commenters who wish to inform me I don't know enough about anything, well I am open to other book recommendations as well.
I may be able to help you here, send me a PM.
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6 hours ago, pavel.k said:
I hope it will implement soon, because seeing that terror and genocide almost over the fence and not being able to prevent it, is killing me inside. Donating money to arm Ukraine is not helping me anymore.
I’m glad you said this. In truth I've felt this way since the first week of the war. Honestly I’ve felt strongly drawn to releasing from my current service just to help more directly - - I joined to defend Canada, her Allies, and hopefully punch a nazi or, in my case, two. Sitting on the side lines and waiting for the call to action is far harder than I thought - my experience this summer definitely increased my respect for the Cold War warriors who had to stand this watch for a long time.
Again, thank you to all the extremely thoughtful posting and discussion on this thread. Back to it.
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51 minutes ago, Battlefront.com said:
Our best hope on the nuke front is that Putin isn't using the same calculator that he used going into this war. That one obviously needs new batteries.
The second best hope we have is that if Putin issues the order to detonate a nuke that it triggers a coup right there and then.
Third best hope is the nuke doesn't detonate.
I don't think there's much else in the mix right now.
From the little I know about nuclear deployment, it would take Russia longer and more hoops to get a tactical nuke sent on its way vs. ICBMs. I'm thinking this because ICBMs are, theoretically, ready for launch at any time. A tac nuke requires a system to get into position and the shell/missile to be transfered from a secured facility out to the launcher. That takes time and more people.
Man it sucks to think about this stuff, however the fact that we keep coming back to it indicates that the general feeling here is that the end of the Putin regime is near. Days or weeks, maybe a couple of months. And so we're inevitably drawn to thinking about how things end.
Back to The_Capt's concern about Russia breaking up and 6000 nukes being handled by a lot of new people... that's a very serious long term scary thought. But it is less scary than Putin, the guy who has controll of them right now, ordering one or more to be used. I'd rather us not have to think about either scenario, but since we do I'm not sure which one is worse.
Steve
I don’t have much to add here on the nuclear weapon discussion overall other than A, If used, the West must respond for the many reasons discussed over the last few days and B, UKR will keep up the fight regardless.
I’ve quietly been considering @The_Capt’s concerns regarding the possible break up of the Russian Federation and it is one of the only points that I disagree with him on. The ability of the wider world (including the PRC) to deal with fractured states (by diplomacy or force) is far greater than a united Russia and might actually allow for a chance to de-arm at least some of the areas in question. Of many the possible outcomes this one worries little given the amount of attention that would be given to securing the same.
This being said, I respect your concern @The_Captand take your outlook seriously. Time will tell, but this is just my feeling on it as it currently stands.
Hell, at least I can help find the underwater ones.
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Those are heavily upgraded T-55s with modern FCS, ERA, and the great L7 gun. If anyone can put them to good use the Ukrainians can. They might as well be on the field with the M113s giving it to em!
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3 hours ago, FancyCat said:
One, Germany got itself in this position due to bad PR. Sucks but if Macron who still sticks his foot in the mouth regarding Putin skates pass you somehow, you know you screwed up.
Two, again, Scholz's coalition partners are actively stabbing him in the back (or more the front at this point). His opposition is as well.
Three, as the largest European economy and mainstay of the EU alongside France, it must lead the EU, and lead Europe. Up until now, Europe has been in crisis and stagnation, and still is, but this crisis may be a valuable turning point for Europe. Certainly this represents a point where Russian influence can be cast out for a decade.
I mentioned this earlier, a ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian forces monitored with what? UN mission? (Not NATO lol)(OSCE?) I highly doubt any monitoring mission is gonna occur, but if there isn't, Ukraine will have to regain control over customs and border control and station forces inside separatist areas to monitor the withdrawal. Once LPR and DPR lose the ability to defend their territory, even if Ukraine holds to the ceasefire (which it certainly might not), there isn't a lot for the LPR and DPR leadership to feel safe anymore from a visit by SBU.
Also...what constitutes LPR and DPR forces? Russia flooded the Donbas with personnel. Russian MoD has control over large sections of the forces of the LPR and DPR. Ukraine itself declares that all separatist forces are Russian.
I could see a ceasefire where Russian forces must leave, but Ukraine declares all armed personnel in the LPR and DPR are Russian and kicks them out.
Imo, if the LPR and DPR leadership have any sense, they will attempt to one, retain armed forces, two, establish legitimacy of separatist government, three, and most importantly, keep the borders with Russia open for resupply and personnel reinforcement.
Also, a situation where Russia can still flood in arms, supplies, personnel into the Donbas without being at war with Ukraine is absolutely a win. (Why Ukraine must regain customs and border control and alongside it, armed forces inside the Donbas)
I could totally see a situation where what I've laid out above occurs, a ceasefire with Russia is declared, Russia withdraws but the LPR and DPR can regroup, rearm and defend the remaining Donbas with Russia retaining the unique ability of having its borders and territorial control to be completely undiminished (nukes, etc) and Ukraine forced to deal with international sentiment being "ehhh". No, this is not viable. And again, any conditions where Ukrainian demands are met, are going to likely result in the LPR and DPR leadership fleeing or doubling down and holding out anyway.
Steve, I'm not sure you understand that the 2022 invasion changes everything. Pre-invasion, I would think everything you suggested is viable. Having Donbas be carved out from influencing Ukraine, (imo, carving the Donbas from influencing Ukraine is separatism btw, as the Donbas will influence Ukraine naturally as a response to Ukraine administrating the region, what your suggesting is legitimating their separatism) sure, entirely possible, something Zelensky promised to find a resolution towards.
Post-invasion, things have changed. I don't think it can be understated that Russia sought to conquer the entire country and wipe out all pro-Ukrainian sentiment with genocide. Every report we have indicates civilians in the occupied territories being "filtrated" for pro-Ukrainian sentiment and those identified being either killed, deported, or tortured or if lucky, just monitored. I'm exceedingly surprised the Ukrainians don't line up every Russian soldier and collaborator and shoot them. Everything we have in terms of evidence indicates Russia fully intended (and is carrying out in occupied regions) on lining up and executing their opposition, peaceful and violent. They fully intended on cleaning Ukraine of opposition, civilian and military in a manner that is clearly targeted towards the Ukrainian nationality.
This is not a clean war. War is never clean, and this war has not been clean at all since 2014 but certainly 2022 marks a huge escalation in Russia attempting to seize all of Ukraine, and in attempting the same "separatist republics" filtration in Kherson as in the Donbas.
Maybe Ukraine opts along your lines, it's entirely possible. I think it's much more likely Ukraine cleanses their society, in order to safeguard from this occurring again.
Now, obviously aside from whatever I stated, the Donbas is a important economic part of Ukraine, there are millions of people who probably wish to return to their homes in the Donbas, etc, etc.
But it really comes down to whether Ukraine considers the Donbas theirs, and whether the cost in blood is worth retaking it all. I think certainly after facing their near destruction, the amount of blood Ukraine is willing to shed for regaining their land and people has certainly gone way up. Let Crimea and Lugansk and Donetsk remain free to cleanse the Ukrainians still there and sit back? Doubtful.
(Reminder, they are still there. The massive human intel, partisan action indicates this)
Out of likes but agree with this statement - there is no good long-term reason to leave the DPR/LPR intact in any shape.
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10 minutes ago, asurob said:
Not unexpected at all. Russia has been revealed to be a paper...."bear"...This is the first of many Russian client states to act up. Frankly I wouldn't be surprised to see Georgia poke the bear next.
I’ve been thinking alot about Georgia and wondering if they will make any attempt to seize the opportunity if presented. I believe it would be fairly widely accepted right now, however, I don’t have much visibility on that area right now
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That’s a pitch - “Join us today for sane leadership and access to international markets!”
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34 minutes ago, danfrodo said:
Only a small quibble w this. Folks (me included sometimes) say "what will we do to make new RU govt". Kind of a big assumption that we get to decide, or even have a big impact that doesn't blow up in our face. Reminds me of folks 70 years ago saying "who lost china?" -- meaning who in west allowed Mao to win. West didn't get to decide. Probably won't in RU. But maybe we can have some positive influence.
I am actually hoping for breakup because, as was stated by someone earlier today, we want the empire to end. A bunch of smaller republics, each w little ability to wreck the world, sounds pretty good to me.
Agree 100%. Only by the empire breaking up will the long term threat to Europe be reduced to acceptable levels, at least in my opinion. It’s simply too hard for most smaller nations to generate the required force to seriously threaten anyone beyond their immediate area.
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4 minutes ago, Raptor341 said:
**** yeah - keep em flying! I am constantly impressed with the “get it done” factor of Ukrainian aircrew and ground crew.
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19 minutes ago, Haiduk said:
Before the big war we had a crash of Su-25 with young pilot, who conducted a training flight on low altitude and hooked power lines. Also as I recall the same accident was with some helicopter Mi-2 or Mi-8
By the way, since 2015, when UKR aviation didn't participate in ATO, pilots big part of time had beeen training to fly and use weapon on extreme low altitude. During 2014 UKR aviation was used in "classic" way and suffered sensitive losses, so tactic was changed
**** yeah - keep em flying!
(Out of reactions for the day!)
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2 minutes ago, Battlefront.com said:
Related... when people have asked us to adopt CM to WW1, American Civil War, or other earlier time periods we've been very clear that it will never happen. All the coding in CM is explicitly tailored to modern mechanized warfare. Why? Because you don't get a great modern mechanized simulation by coding in weaponry and tactics that are no longer in use. Clausewitz was doing the same thing in his works.
Steve
So no CM The Great War then?? *sad*
Carry on!
How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?
in Combat Mission Black Sea
Posted · Edited by Raptor341
I feel the frustration expressed today. When you look back the opportunities through mid-2022 until now it is pretty easy to get upset at the seeming lack of urgency to outright defeat the russian invasion on the battlefield, likely out of an overabundance of caution.
This being said, here we are, and it could have gone so much worse. The only thing that matters is what we do next.