Battleangel

Link of the day:
Iraq Country Handbook

“Dissemination and use of this publication is restricted to official military and government personnel from the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, NATO member countries, and other countries as required and designated for support of coalition operations”.

About Talking Distance:

“Americans prefer to maintain space between themselves and others, generally 48 to 72 inches or, at a minimum, the distance of about one arm’s length. Arabs, however, prefer less space between themselves and others; they maintain 12 inches or even less in private conversation. An American will tend to back away when an Arab crowds him, but the Arab will merely step forward. If the American continues to back away, the Arab will continue to step closer or wonder if he offended the American. This exchange has been dubbed the ”diplomatic shuffle.”

….

About Iraqi armed forces:

»» Approximately 2,200 to 2,300 assorted tanks, including unknown numbers of T-72/72M, T-62, T-54/55, Chinese Type 59/69II, UK Chieftain Mk 3/5 (MEK only).

»» Approximately 2,000-2,500 assorted APC/AIFV, including unknown numbers of BTR 152/50/60, OT-62/OT-64, MTLB, M113A1/A2, Chinese YW-531, FR Panhard M-3, and BMP1/2.

»» Approximately 1,500 assorted reconnaissance vehicles, including unknown numbers of BRDM-2, and French AML-60/AML-90.

»» Approximately 1,750 towed artillery pieces, 230 self propelled (SP) artillery pieces, and 250 MRLs of varied types including US 155-mm M109A1/A2 SP, 152-mm 2S3 SP, 122-mm 2S1 SP, 127-mm ASTROS II, 122-mm BM-21, 122-mm D-30 towed, 152-mm D-20 towed, 155-mm G-5 twd, 130-mm type 46/59-1 (not all inclusive).

»» Approximately 5,500 assorted air defense guns, including 57-mm ZSU-57-2 SP and 23-mm ZSU-23-4, as well as towed 57-mm S-60, 37-mm M1939, and 100-mm AAA guns (not all inclusive).

»» Unknown numbers of antitank (AT) missiles and AT guns remain in the inventory, possibly including Milan, AT3/4 and HOT, as well as unknown numbers of recoilless rifles including B-11, 106-mm M40A1 recoilless rifle, and 73-mm SPG-9 recoilless rifle.

»» Reports suggest that Iraq may have from 100 to 200 hidden SCUD missiles and an unknown number of mobile launchers.

»» Iraq’s army aviation helicopter assets total some 300 helicopters, including 72 attack helicopters.

It’s a good read actually. I have no idea if it is serious and if this actually was handed out to coalition troops. This reminds me vaguely of a manual that would have come with a war game back in the good old Atari days.