Soviet Army 1989, Category C

[wulfir]

Originally Posted by Pats

In the 80's Panzer 68 was then spine of the armed Forces.

There were over 200 tanks in about 14 Pz Bats.

Tell us more!

I got the impression that the Swiss in the 1980s planned to take up the fight with a Soviet invasion already at the borders? Is that correct?

How would a place like Altstätten have been defended?

[Pats]

Don't know many details, it's a while I was activ (91-06)and by that time a lot of former bunkers, fortifications and obsticals were already out off service. Everything was also "Top Secret" and we were not allowed to speak about Military installations at all
A newer, more modern warfare took place around those years too.
But as far I know before that(in the 80s)the main doctrine was, not to let any enemy into the Country at all. All borders were haevilly fortified with every bridge ready to blow up. Every road had Support spots for antitank obsticals and so on. A lot only left as reamians now.
And I think that time there were also about 150 Panzer 61 and about 100 Pz 51 in service too...
A "Place" like Altstätten would have been defended in a Guerilla tactic. Strike quckly and pull out. Stay mobile, the HQ never stayed longer as a day or two in the same Position.
The main Problem was most of the time we didn't had enough (relaiable)trucks - so lots off walking was daily exercice, sometimes in full abc gear ... - good luck I could mostly ride my motorbike

[wulfir]

Originally Posted by Pats

A "Place" like Altstätten would have been defended in a Guerilla tactic. Strike quckly and pull out. Stay mobile, the HQ never stayed longer as a day or two in the same Position.

Grenz Brigaden?

I assume an armour force was meant to deliver a counterattack should the Soviets have managed to penetrate the border zone?