Question about Russian soldiers

[choie]

Hi,

This might have already been discussed, but I was hoping somebody could provide a theory as to why Russian soldiers would be wearing uniforms that do not have insignias identifying them. My first thought was that perhaps they are mercenaries (Blackwater XL or whatever current incarnation?)

Thanks!
Choie

[pampango]

1. That's one possibility. Also the lack of insignia provides plausible deniability.

Putin and others can say that those troops all over Crimea are not Russian soldiers. Those who want to believe him are not confronted with the visible proof that insignia would provide.

[choie]

3. Good point

so, if there are atrocities, nobody can point a finger at a specific nationality.

[pampango]

5. That is true. And if the Russian side eventually shoots first - well they're not really Russians.

If the Ukrainians shoot first we may find that the peaceful folks they shot were Russian troops after all and all hell will break loose.

Let's hope no one ends up shooting.

[jsr]

2. Russia's Use Of Unmarked Troops In Simferopol, Crimea: Shady, But Not Illegal:

http://www.ibtimes.com/russias-use-unmarked-troops-simferopol-crimea-shady-not-illegal-1559425

[choie]

4. It may be shady, but not illegal

but Russia is certainly using unmarked soldiers for a reason.

[nadinbrzezinski]

6. 1.- Deniable assets

2.- Likely Spetnatz, aka special forces.

2.- Our own Rangers and SEALS have done that in the past.

[Bandit]

8. We did that in Vietnam quite often

In fact SF troops always wore civilian style fatigues called tigerstripes and when they went on a "special" mission they were not allowed to carry any US military IDs. In fact we had to sign papers acknowleging that if captured we were on our own. The US would not officially recognize us. The US would move heaven and earth to get any captured troops back, just wouldn't acknowlege they were doing so.

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. Exactly

[warrprayer]

7. During the Vietnam war

our troops did not wear insignia when operating in areas where we were legally not supposed to be, such as Laos and Cambodia. These troops were also not allowed to carry identification. They were thus deniable. It is also possible that the soldiers are Russians living in Ukraine who organized defense forces prior to the "revolution". (Neocon sponsored coup, IMO.)

[choie]

10. I did not know

That we did that in Vietnam, although I'm not surprised.

[warrprayer]

11. ...

"On occasion, our pilots and crewmen were asked to "volunteer" for missions into Laos for undetermined lengths of time. These missions were controlled and directed by the Studies and Operations Group (SOG)*, headquartered in Saigon.

When our "volunteer" aircrew's were preparing for mis-shins into Laos, they were required to "sanitize" them-selves. That is, no identification, no dog tags, no personal effects that would identify them as American military, and no insignia. Aircraft, weapons and accouterments likewise were "cleansed."

http://www.angelfire.com/fl5/jackserig/281st/07_Covert_Actions.html

These were the blackest of "Black Ops." read one pilot said at first it made him feel like James Bond, said when he realized the intent was deniability for Nixon it felt degrading and dehumanizing.

Taken to it's extreme, there were A-12 recon aircraft operated by CIA that had no serial numbers on engines or any other parts of the planes. They required special cleared maintenance crews to be worked on.

[choie]

12. Thank you so much

for this information. It's quite interesting..

[warrprayer]

13. it's interesting history

I enjoy sharing the little I know.