Podcast Summary
Soviet Afghan War small arms: The Soviet Afghan War (1979-1989) is discussed with expert Marco, focusing on the small arms used during the conflict, which can be explored further in articles on Firearms News website. Listeners can enter a giveaway for the Pioneer Arms US Hell Puppy by answering trivia questions related to past episodes and guests.
This episode of the Talking Land AK corner, presented by Pioneer Arms Corps USA, is dedicated to discussing the Soviet Afghan war that took place between 1979 and 1989, with expert Marco, who was there during the conflict. The discussion will cover the small arms used during the war, with articles available on Firearms News website. Listeners can also enter a giveaway for the Pioneer Arms US Hell Puppy by answering three trivia questions related to past episodes and guests. The first question is about CJ Johnson's regiment, rank, and historical event. The second question is about the type and color of the vehicle CJ is using on his trip from Florida to Alaska. The third question is to list all the topics and guests for this season's AK corner up until this episode. The deadline for submitting answers is one month from the recording date.
Draco pistol accessories: The Draco pistol can be customized with various accessories like extra muzzle devices, rail covers, and picatinny rails from manufacturers Midwest Industries and RS Regulate. It's also durable and submergible in water without rusting, with additional stocks and braces available for purchase.
The Draco pistol discussed comes with various accessories including extra muzzle devices, rail covers, and possibly a picatinny rail for added customization. The pistol is durable, as demonstrated by being submerged in water without rusting, and there are additional stocks and braces available for purchase to enhance its functionality. Midwest Industries and RS Regulate are notable manufacturers for these accessories. Additionally, the discussion touched upon the availability of resources like "Guns of Afghan Opposition" magazine for learning about different types of firearms and their uses. Overall, the Draco pistol offers versatility and durability with the potential for further customization.
Soviet-Afghan War reasons: The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979 to prevent the spread of fundamental Islam and protect its interests in Central Asia, despite the US refusal to provide military assistance
The Soviet-Afghan War, which lasted from 1979 to 1989, is often referred to as Russia's Vietnam due to the long duration and high number of casualties. However, the reasons for the start and end of the two conflicts are fundamentally different. Afghanistan, created as a monarchy by the British, was a country with limited resources and many ethnic groups. The Soviet Union had historical ties to Afghanistan due to its proximity to Central Asian republics. The Soviets built infrastructure in Afghanistan, but their involvement escalated when the socialist government came to power and faced threats from Islamic fundamentalists. Despite the Soviet Union's repeated requests for military assistance, they were refused by the US. To prevent the spread of fundamental Islam and protect its interests in Central Asia, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in December 1979. The invasion involved various military units, including Alpha Group and Operation Grom, and resulted in a long and costly war.
Grom operation turning point: The Grom operation, led by Alpha operators, captured the palace and replaced the head of state, disrupting enemy morale and supply lines, marking a significant turning point in the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
The Grom operation was a pivotal moment in the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. This operation involved Alpha operators, who were initially poisoned at a diplomatic party but managed to recover and later captured the palace, effectively removing the head of state and disrupting the enemy's morale. The Soviet Union replaced him with a low-level communist party operative named Bob Rock Carmel, who had their full support. The invasion was already underway, with the Soviet contingent consisting of several divisions and regiments, including the 40th Army. The troops were spread out across various regions, such as Kandahar, Jalalabad, and Faizabad. The Alpha operators' mission was to intercept and disrupt enemy supply lines, and they were successful in doing so. The operation marked a significant turning point in the war, making it harder for the enemy to rally around a leader and continue their resistance.
Soviet-Afghan War adaptations: Soldiers underwent extensive training in Chirchik, Uzbekistan, to adapt to mountainous terrain and learned to use various explosives and grenades, but faced challenges due to lack of alpine-style training and older grenades.
During the Soviet-Afghan War, soldiers had to adapt to various insertion methods to evade enemy observation and prepare for dangerous terrain. Helicopter insertions required soldiers to make multiple drops to conceal their location, while ground units had to oversee areas with manned checkpoints. Soldiers underwent extensive training in Chirchik, Uzbekistan, to prepare for the mountainous terrain and learned to use various explosives and grenades. Despite the adequate training, soldiers faced challenges, including the lack of alpine-style training and the use of older grenades. Overall, the soldiers' experiences required them to be adaptable and resourceful in the face of challenging conditions.
Military equipment in Afghanistan: Soldiers were issued various weapons like NR-40 knife, cherry war knife, AKM and AKS 74 rifles, body armor, and Makarov pistol. AK-74 was preferred due to its lighter weight and increased ammo capacity, while AKM was used with PBS silencers. Equipment was heavy and often not carried due to weight of ammo. Personal defense weapons included Stitchkin pistol and Makarov pistol.
During military service in Afghanistan, Mark and his unit were issued various weapons and equipment, including the NR-40 knife, a cherry war knife, AKM and AKS 74 rifles, body armor, and a Makarov pistol. Mark was particularly skilled in sewing and used this skill to create and repair gear. The unit carried fighting knives, but the infantry used bayonets more frequently. The AK-74 was a preferred rifle due to its lighter weight and increased ammunition capacity, while the AKM was used with PBS silencers. Equipment such as body armor and helmets were heavy and often not carried due to the weight of additional ammunition. Mark was issued a Stitchkin pistol as his personal defense weapon, while others were issued Makarov pistols. Military weapons were serialized and could not be easily replaced, making it essential to keep and care for them.
Military equipment: Soldiers carry both personal and unit equipment for various missions, requiring specific attachments and ammunition for different types of weapons.
In military operations, each soldier carries not only their personal weapons and equipment but also unit equipment such as extra ammunition, belts, and explosives. The importance of this becomes clear when considering the use of various types of weapons, like suppressed pistols and automatic pistol suppressors, which require specific attachments and ammunition. The soldiers were trained to use a variety of weapons and were issued unit weapons for specific missions. For instance, during an operation to capture a translator, a small unit would conceal themselves near a former dwelling, using irrigation ditches for cover, while the majority of the unit remained behind as backup and fire support. The soldiers were selected based on their shooting skills and issued the appropriate weapons for their roles. The use of various weapons and equipment highlights the importance of carrying both personal and unit equipment in military operations.
Military ambush tactics: Using a pipe connection to blend in with the environment and suppressed weapons allowed a military team to carry out a successful ambush, but unexpected resistance required them to improvise and use a leather holster for stealth escape.
During a military operation, the team planned an ambush by hiding in a irrigation ditch using a pipe connection to blend in with the local environment. They used suppressed weapons and an Airborne Load Bearing System for stealth. The team encountered unexpected resistance, resulting in a firefight that involved dragging a dead body into the pipe to maintain their cover. The Mission First Tactical Leather Hybrid Booster holster was introduced, combining the durability of Kydex and the comfort of leather. The team successfully completed the mission, but it required them to wait for the enemy to pass before escaping. The operation involved the use of several APBs and various types of weapons, including Chinese and Pakistani rifles.
Soviet-Afghan War weapons: During the Soviet-Afghan War, Mujahideen forces used a mix of AK-style weapons, Russian, Chinese, and WWII-era firearms, obtained through ambushes and Afghan National Army. They decorated weapons with tassels, tape, and used RPGs with rudimentary aiming methods.
During the Soviet-Afghan War, the opposition forces, including the Mujahideen, used a variety of firearms, primarily AK-style weapons, but also including Russian, Chinese, and even World War II-era weapons. These weapons were obtained through a combination of sources, including ambushes of Soviet convoys and resupplying themselves with weapons from the Afghan National Army. The Mujahideen decorated their weapons with tassels, tape, and other decorative elements. They also used rocket-propelled grenades, which they aimed using rudimentary methods. The speaker shared personal experiences and articles detailing these encounters. If you're interested in learning more, you might be able to find the annuals of Shotgun News, specifically the ones labeled "Treasury," on eBay or other online marketplaces. These publications contain stories and information about the weapons used during the war.
Soviet-Afghan War weapons and clothing: Both sides in the Soviet-Afghan War used a diverse range of weapons with no particular precision, and adaptive clothing was necessary due to the harsh climate and weather conditions.
During the Soviet-Afghan War, both sides used a variety of weapons, with no particular precision in aiming. The climate and weather conditions required adaptive clothing, from garrison uniforms to combat uniforms and warm jackets. Weapons ranged from RPKs and AKs to single-shot guns, and included Chinese, Soviet, and even Western-made weapons. Soldiers wore different types of hats, including Panama hats and garrison caps, and utilized various types of boots. The effectiveness of camouflage uniforms, such as the KZS pixel design, was notable, but wore off after a month due to soil bleach. Weapons like the Mosin Gun Sniper rifle and the Chinese Santa folder were also used, with some confusion regarding the function of the Chinese Santa folder. Overall, the war was marked by the use of a diverse range of weapons and adaptive clothing to suit the climate and conditions.
Military operations in Afghanistan: Military operations in Afghanistan required adaptability and resourcefulness due to varying enemy sizes, terrain, and weather conditions. Soldiers used various uniforms, weapons, and transportation methods based on these factors.
During military operations in Afghanistan, the size and resources of the enemy unit determined how they transported captured weapons and ammunition. Larger units might use vehicles like trucks or APCs, while smaller units might destroy everything and start fresh. Soldiers wore various uniforms, including the Gorka uniform made of coarse wool, which kept them dry in rainy conditions. Chinese rockets and ammunition, such as the SP-9, were common. Air support from jets or helicopters was limited, with only a few instances of air-to-air combat. Soldiers carried various weapons, including the AKM with night vision scopes and silencers, and the Lee-Enfield jungle carbine. Uniforms varied, with some wearing infantry uniforms and others using lighter, more flexible materials like KLMK. Toyota trucks were commonly captured, and weapons were often filed side by side in one place. Soldiers wore a combination of infantry boots and sneakers, depending on the terrain. Overall, military operations in Afghanistan required adaptability and resourcefulness in the face of varying enemy sizes, terrain, and weather conditions.
Soviet-Afghan War snipers challenges: During the Soviet-Afghan War, snipers faced challenges such as accurate distance estimation and wider engagement areas, requiring them to adapt from traditional one-shot, one-kill roles to providing fire support.
During the Soviet-Afghan War, the Spetsnaz unit that captured the first Stinger missile system received a significant reward, including a hero award. The challenge for snipers during this war was accurate distance estimation due to the deceptive nature of mountain terrain and the requirement for providing fire support rather than the traditional one-shot, one-kill role. Additionally, snipers had to engage targets at greater distances and across wider areas. When going through historical pictures, it's common for soldiers to find images of themselves. In the provided image, it appears to be officers from an airborne unit, as indicated by their uniforms and equipment. The commander seems to be holding a weapon with a grenade launcher attachment, but it's unclear which specific AK variant this might be.
Afghan war weapons: The Afghan war introduced various weapons attachments for AK rifles, including the GP 25 and GP 30 grenade launchers, and the Stetchkin APS machine pistol, which were used by different military personnel before being replaced with other weapons due to different reasons.
The discussion revolved around various weapons used during the Afghan war, specifically the GP 25 and GP 30 grenade launchers for AK rifles, and the Stetchkin APS machine pistol. The GP 25 and GP 30 were attachments for AK rifles, with the GP 25 having a frame that goes around the handguard and the GP 30 having a pistol grip with a molded part interacting with the user's hand. The Stetchkin APS was a 20-round fire spitter, effective within 200 meters, and was used by tank crews and artillery crews before being replaced with AKSU-74 shorties due to commonality of ammo magazines and accessories. The Afghan war was not directly related to the collapse of the USSR, which was primarily due to political and economic factors, including Gorbi's introduction of Perestroika and Glasnost, and the United States' long-term goal of destroying Russia for its resources.
External factors in the fall of Soviet Union: External factors such as economic instability, propaganda, and military technology significantly contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union, alongside internal conflicts.
The fall of the Soviet Union was not solely due to internal conflicts but also influenced by external factors such as economic instability, propaganda, and military technology. The economic instability was worsened by the West's actions, including the withdrawal of support and the closure of key industries. Propaganda played a significant role in shaping the perception of life in the West, leading many to believe that changing their regime would bring about a better life. Military technology, particularly night vision and communication equipment, gave the Soviet army an advantage but were not widely used by the Afghan forces. The 545 bullet, referred to as the "poison bullet" by the Afghans, was a Soviet adaptation of the 5.56x45mm NATO round used in the M16 rifle. Despite its potential advantages, the Soviets did not adopt similar bullet designs for their own weapons, instead choosing to develop their own rounds. The fall of the Soviet Union was a complex event with multiple causes, and while internal conflicts played a role, external factors were also instrumental in its collapse.
Unconventional Weapons in Afghanistan: Marco encountered unique weapons like the Bitch bullet and RPO flamethrower during deployment, highlighting the innovative and adaptive nature of warfare
During Marco's deployment in Afghanistan, he encountered various unique and effective weapons. One of the most notable was the Bitch or poison bullet, which was designed to cause minimal external damage but maximum internal harm. Another surprising find was the use of shoulder-held flamethrowers, known as RPOs, which created a vacuum and burned everything inside enclosures, such as caves. Despite some misconceptions, there was no widespread use of bullpups or Kyberpass AKs in Afghanistan. These weapons were mostly myths or one-off creations by American gunsmiths. Overall, Marco's experiences highlighted the innovative and unconventional nature of warfare and the importance of adaptability in the face of unknown circumstances.
Military Medals and Equipment Organization: Military personnel collect medals and pins for distinguished service and anniversary commemorations. Keeping military equipment organized and functional is crucial during war time.
The speaker shared stories about various military medals and pins he had collected throughout his career as a soldier, including ones for distinguished service, anniversary commemorations, and internationalist recognition. He also discussed the importance of keeping military equipment, such as guns and magazines, organized and functional during war time. Additionally, he mentioned attending reunions for soldiers but not regularly, and shared a story about a friend who had lost a foot in a mine explosion. The speaker also discussed using gun care products, such as the Seal One cleaning kit, to maintain the condition of firearms. Lastly, he mentioned a giveaway for a Pioneer Arms hat patch and T-shirt.
Marco VORobiev's experiences: Marco VORobiev, a former Soviet wrestler, shared stories about his participation in the Olympics and being close to the 1996 bombing in Atlanta. Discount codes for Mission First Tactical, Seal One, and Pioneer Arms were mentioned.
The August edition of the Talking Lent AK Corner featured a giveaway for a hat patch and t-shirt, with Nikolai Abplanalp winning. The discussion also covered Marco VORobiev's background as a Soviet wrestler and his participation in the Olympics. Marco shared stories about his experiences, including being close to the 1996 bombing in Atlanta. The show also mentioned various discount codes for supporting companies like Mission First Tactical, Seal One, and Pioneer Arms. Additionally, Sambo, a Russian martial art, was discussed and considered both a wrestling and martial art discipline.
Reintegration into society after incarceration: Rebuilding a life after prison takes time, effort, and support; successful reintegration is possible with patience, determination, and opportunities for employment
Even after serving a prison sentence, it takes significant time and effort to rebuild one's life. The individual in this discussion spent around six to nine months reestablishing himself before finding a stable job as a deputy sheriff with the panda grass sheriff's department. This experience underscores the challenges of reintegration into society after incarceration and highlights the importance of patience, determination, and support during this process. Despite the setbacks and obstacles, the man was able to find employment and maintain it until his death, demonstrating the potential for a successful comeback. This story serves as a reminder that everyone deserves a second chance and that with hard work and perseverance, a better future is possible.