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Aristus

(72,152 posts)

3. The Afghans are not big on maintenance.

Reply to msongs (Original post)

Mon Aug 30, 2021, 06:04 PM

Aug 2021

I guess they figure prayer is enough to keep a tank running. Although the evidence for that is spotty, at best.

Afghanistan has a large fleet of old T-55 and T-62 tanks obtain from the Soviet Union back in the 80's. Obsolete by almost any standard, they're still effective against poorly-armed guerillas, which is what the Taliban are.

Only about 1/3 to 1/2 of their tanks are in running condition at any one time. The Taliban are basically inheriting a lot of big, heavy lawn ornaments.

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nice to hear equipment left behind has been demilitarized. do we owe them a refund? [View all] msongs Aug 2021 OP

It depends... WarGamer Aug 2021 #1

why wouldn't you take the M4s with you? LuvLoogie Aug 2021 #5

I'd be curious what they brought with them and what they left... WarGamer Aug 2021 #6

I doubt there is much useful beyond some small arms and armored vehicles LuvLoogie Aug 2021 #8

I think they'll recruit former Afghan Army soldiers to help... WarGamer Aug 2021 #10

My guess is probably electronic stuff.... obviously big items are left behind. secondwind Aug 2021 #11

Perhaps you were arming the Afghan forces with them to use in your absence? Hugh_Lebowski Aug 2021 #7

Yeah, but the Taliban can get small arms anywhere. LuvLoogie Aug 2021 #9

Fair enough, but I was just answering the question as posed :) nt Hugh_Lebowski Aug 2021 #12

Seems they lost much of their aircraft too.... paleotn Aug 2021 #2

The Afghans are not big on maintenance. Aristus Aug 2021 #3

Related Story ProfessorGAC Aug 2021 #4

I read that they poured concrete Mr.Bill Aug 2021 #14

Could Be ProfessorGAC Aug 2021 #15

The equipment left behind has be decommissioned. riversedge Aug 2021 #13