Why Is Putin’s Army Inept?

[FindersKeepers]

I would say 'corruption' is the #1 issue with the Russian military's ineptness.

I have to wonder if any first-world nation's army today would be able to take part in an aggressive action without some hesitation.

Suppose Biden sent American troops into Canada--would we see those troops be successful at boots-on-the-ground killing of Canadians? I kind of don't think so. I think we'd see some resistance that would come across as ineptness.

I think 21st century humanity has psychologically moved past the idea that killing--especially up close and personal--is something easy to do.

I think we have to have a really good reason. For example, I think our troops would be more successful fighting Iranian soldiers in the defense of the women they're killing over there.

[hanger4]

I have to wonder if any first-world nation's army today would be able to take part in an aggressive action without some hesitation.

Suppose Biden sent American troops into Canada--would we see those troops be successful at boots-on-the-ground killing of Canadians? I kind of don't think so. I think we'd see some resistance that would come across as ineptness.

I think 21st century humanity has psychologically moved past the idea that killing--especially up close and personal--is something easy to do.

I think we have to have a really good reason. For example, I think our troops would be more successful fighting Iranian soldiers in the defense of the women they're killing over there.

I look mostly at their older and outdated military equipment and their low tech in high tech weapons. I'd imagine Russian high ranking officers and suppliers are skimming billions if not trillions of defense funds.

[FindersKeepers]

I look mostly at their older and outdated military equipment and their low tech in high tech weapons. I'd imagine Russian high ranking officers and suppliers are skimming billions if not trillions of defense funds.

That could be true as well. That whole area is as corrupt as hell.

I wish we would just butt out.

[DGUtley]

“The simple fact is that the free-market system, working in a free society, is more innovative and productive than the statism of Russia. My spies again tell me that it is the military that understands once again Moscow’s predicament.”

[Peter1469]

“The simple fact is that the free-market system, working in a free society, is more innovative and productive than the statism of Russia. My spies again tell me that it is the military that understands once again Moscow’s predicament.”

And a military has to have an industrial base to equip and arm it. The free market system is vastly superior in that regard than the various command control economies.

[Tahuyaman]

I would say 'corruption' is the #1 issue with the Russian military's ineptness.

Incompetent leadership. Inferior training and poor morale.

[Mister D]

I have to wonder if any first-world nation's army today would be able to take part in an aggressive action without some hesitation.

Suppose Biden sent American troops into Canada--would we see those troops be successful at boots-on-the-ground killing of Canadians? I kind of don't think so. I think we'd see some resistance that would come across as ineptness.

I think 21st century humanity has psychologically moved past the idea that killing--especially up close and personal--is something easy to do.

I think we have to have a really good reason. For example, I think our troops would be more successful fighting Iranian soldiers in the defense of the women they're killing over there.

For a moral relativist, I find it interesting that you keep returning to this illusion of moral progress.

Anyway, 21st Century society is comfortable and soft. We've been able to keep violence at arm's length for a half a century. Instead of considering ourselves incredibly fortunate, we think this is normal.

[MisterVeritis]

It seems the invasion violated a core concept, unity of command.

One general, a three star (combined arms army level commander) was placed in charge yesterday (or today).

War by committee is a very hard task.

[Peter1469]

It seems the invasion violated a core concept, unity of command.

One general, a three star (combined arms army level commander) was placed in charge yesterday (or today).

War by committee is a very hard task.

The Russians have not yet mastered combined arms operations.

[FindersKeepers]

For a moral relativist, I find it interesting that you keep returning to this illusion of moral progress.

Anyway, 21st Century society is comfortable and soft. We've been able to keep violence at arm's length for a half a century. Instead of considering ourselves incredibly fortunate, we think this is normal.

If morality is relative--I didn't actually say I was a moral relativist--it's going to progress and shift with society, correct?

Many western nations have been taking part in things such as "diversity training." Wars are successfully fought only when we can dehumanize the opponent. Ukraine is trying to dehumanize Russia, Putin, and Russian soldiers, but thanks to the internet and near-instant information, it hasn't worked all that well. Ukraine says Russian soldiers buried citizens in mass graves, then we find video that shows the dead were Ukrainian soldiers. The US claims Russia blew up its own pipeline. Then we find a US ship was in the region just prior and a former German official publicly states, "Thanks, USA."

Unless we can successfully shutdown the Information Super Highway, we probably won't be too successful in dehumanizing. Unless and until the war escalates to catastrophic proportions. Reality keeps sneaking in.

So, I don't think Russian soldiers are "inept" as much as they simply don't buy into Russia's attempt to dehumanize Ukraine.