I wonder what the Russian ACUs will look like?

The BBC had a good piece on the future of the Russian military as it moves from a Military District/Division based force to one that has an army that is a Brigade Centric organization that depends less on conscription, mobiliation of reservists and.... LESS OFFICERS! (always a good thing). Another good aspect is the professionalization of the NCO Corps with tighter selection standards and a education system to instill more knowledge. Yeah, kind of like us, as in US Army. BTW, check out the clip when they drop the reporter out of the 60 foot parchute tower and he literally breaks his ass, literally.

But I think the real indicator of military modernization is the introduction of, wait for it, socks. Huh, what?! Yeah, that's what I said too when I watched that clip, but I guess it's been a time honored tradition in the Russian Army to wrap your feet in hankies. Maybe that's what gave the Red Army the edge over the Wehrmacht in Stalingrad. You never know.

So what does it really all mean for those of us sitting west of the Urals? I think it means that first, we have to start working with Russia to get them back in compliance with the CFE obligations that they've been blowing off for the past couple of years. The last thing Europe needs is tanking economies and extra anxiety over keeping up with the Jonesviches in a potential new arms in Central Europe. I think it also means we've got a real good chance to practice some military to military diplomacy with the Russian Army. If they want to be like us, why not help them to be like us, help them along with developing their professional education system, to include inculcating their new Officer and NCO Corps with a healthy respect and desire for supporting democratic ideals. Maybe it'll bleed over to their civilian leaders, who knows.

Anywhoo, you've got to respect the 76th Airborne Division of the Russian Army, when the decide to take the old gear to Georgia so they can break it there and get the new stuff when they come home. ATW! Sphere: Related Content

Dasvidania Rodina!

I wonder if Sean Connery is free these days? Russia has always seen it's strategic nuclear forces as the bulwark against the encroaching west no matter what party line the regime in power is pushing. News of their latest class of submarine preparing for sea trials is probably evident of their efforts to retool their military, especially their strategic nuclear forces as part of Medvedev's arms spending spree coming up here shortly. The still have to get a working missile for the sub though. Sphere: Related Content

At least the vodka keeps you warm...

Well, the old bear is at it again. Russia as part of their pursuit of hydrocarbon security is now making noise about claiming more and more of the arctic as their own. Not too surprising as their latest National Security Strategy (which is still AWOL, the official version that is) specifies constant and secure access to hydrocarbons and believes in completely unfettered access to the Arctic. And they have no qualms with using military force to get to it. Rwaar! (h/t to Danger Room!) Sphere: Related Content