"Questions for the Cold War era MI types" Topic

What ratio of long term enlisted were in Soviet Combat Arms?

What was the average time in service of an Infantry squad or tank crew?

How long were officers at particular levels like Platoon leader, Company commander etc?

Trying to get some data to review troop ratings

Very few long term enlisted in the Soviet Army. Most Soviet conscripts served 2 years before being promoted back to being a civilian.

Most Soviet conscripts were pretty poorly trained when compared to regular western soldiers and the Soviet Army suffered by not having a long service regular NCO cadre.

Chapter 2 of this US Army manual on the Soviet army of the 1980s should answer your questions:

PDF link

Hope this helps

Barrie

Thanks, I have that, will need to review

One thing which is neglected in such discussions is post-draft service. The linked document mentions, that you might – and in Soviet times you would- be called for several months of service for your skill upgrades twice a year.
I've seen some of the guys 4 times during my service. These grown-ups, who had been doing live ammo howitzer shooting twice a year and 5+ years were actually better than average battery, comprised from conscripts. Transporter and tank drivers were normally from the locations nearby, so they can be assenbled fast and used to relocate equipment and ammo if needed. Naturally these guys were also pretty good in what they have been doing – better than some of our officers.
In post-Soviet times this system was destroyed, I was never drafted again (not that I've missed it ;)) and only last 5 years they've restored post-service trainings to similar extent as before.

Good stuff.

Barin1, interesting observations and information.

Thanks for that!

Yes, very interesting !