Modern Warfare FORUM
An re-examination of the military history of the Cold War
Enormous Stilton
With the recent 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, I was wondering whether it would be worth considering looking at the military aspect of the Cold War and the plans, hardware (and their actual capabilties rather than the propaganda thrown around at the time) and armies of the period and what might have happened had the cold war turned hot.
I understand that this wouldn't fit into any of the main series but would be better as one of the standalone publications. Also, due to the sheer scope of the subject one would be looking at a very large book and may have to focus on a particular decade.
Having read much of the available literature of the time, such as Zaloga's 'Red Thrust', I could see that a reappreciation of the military history could be valuable at a time when it's common to see such books published about the first or second world wars.
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RESPONSES
| chrisw |
1
This is an intriguing idea -- sort of a "what if" campaign series. An examination of the evolution of warplanning -- both nuclear and conventional -- could be interesting, from a 1950s-style "Dropshot" global thermonuclear war, to a 1970s/1980s "Warsaw Pact armor coming through the Fulda Gap" scenario.
Posted: 14-Nov-2009 00:29
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| Enormous Stilton |
2
Hi Chris,
I think what you're thinking is what i'd like to see! Whilst there is plenty of literature (alot of it on my bookshelves) written during the Cold War, it would be good to see a publication produced in Osprey's usual style, that helps to summarise the 'what could have been' scenarios of the evolving strategies of the decades between 1945 and 1991.
So as you say, from the MAD strategy through to flexible response to AirLand battle of the 80's, showcasing the equipment and armies as well as doctrine of the time.
Posted: 14-Nov-2009 11:04
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| DeathDealer6 |
3
I served in the US Army from 78-93 and got to spend some time on the Inter-German Border. I think that this could be a very good time to look at the Cold War issues, but it would probably take a handful of books rather than just one. The Tank War-Central Front was a good broad scope look at a small portion of the equipment and many of the newer Vanguard listings [T-72, T-62, M60(though it has gaps) and so on] have also given a look in. Perhaps a book on the opposing tactics would be fun.
just my $.02.
Posted: 17-Nov-2009 02:47
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| Enormous Stilton |
4
Yes, I agree about this needing a number of books to work.
I personally, would really like to know about the experiences of those that served in the various armed forces of east and west, what you were told to expect from the enemy, what you thought about your equipment and theirs, the training and life at the 'front line'.
We see alot of books on the experiences of those in the second world war for example, so how about putting something together that describes the situation for those that served during the Cold War (an undeniably important period of military history) before we lose the chance to do so?
What do you think Osprey?
Posted: 18-Nov-2009 09:47
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