I would have placed anti air and anti tank systems in place after the Soviets took Crimea. I would rotate American battalions thru 6 month rotations. I would have taken them fm the American contingent of NATO troops already in place.
I also would have placed a Marine MEF (Marine Expeditionary Force) on permanent rotation, separate fm the the NATO force.
By rotating battalions of American, NATO earmarked troops, NATO would have to back at least with words...and money, plenty of fucking money. Putin, which ironically means 'Turkey' in German, would see that I had forced NATO into a reluctant military move. Putin would understand that this Pres was not going to play his, Putin's, game or a game of appeasement. (I'm saying Putin would understand, the reality is that it is the professional Soviet Generals would see and understand. They would also understand that one American casualty and it would be on like Donkey Kong.)
The Soviets never mixed it up with the US army. But they remember the gunfights between their forces and Marine forces in the Pacific region back in 1917-22. Marines were tasked with keeping the rails open fm russia proper to Vladivostock. And you know those fucking trains ran on time.
Russians have long memories. Remember this for later.
But I digress.
A 3rd WW.
Soviet doctrine and battle plan circa 1980 - 1989 required that all their objectives be achieved in 7 to 10 days in order to force a total capitulation of the West or dictate a peace. Why 7 -10 days?
Their understanding of the battle space understood that this absolutely had to happen before the Air train and sea lift capabilities of the West bore fruit. Meaning that fresh American forces and materials could make it to the FEBA, Forward Edge of the Battle Area.
Remember earlier when I told you to remember? Here's it is. While some American forces, think 82 Airborne, could make it to Europe in under 7 days, it would have been the arrival of the Marine Brigade tasked with reenforcing the Northern Flank of NATO which had them shitting kitties.
The arrival of the Marines into the European theater would have had the effect of boosting the morale of Euro citizens and militaries alike.
If the Marines, Soviet thinking went, entered into the fray, it would have the above noted effects and stiffened the resolve of all military elements opposing them. In other words, it would be a whole new war. What is really dangerous here, is that the Soviets only military option was to release tactical nukes and immediately offer terms to the West. The belief was that the West would be so stunned that they would have to agree to a cease fire.
Added to my previous post.
If this had been done when Shootin' Putin took Crimea, none of what is going on today would be happening. But, appease a dictator and you will reap a harvest of shit. Thanks to all those national leaders who let Putin get away with Crimea. Hell, even Turk Edrogan is saying that publicly.
But what the fuck do I know.
