This is coolbert: Now, with regard to the timeless verities as listed by De Puy, and the use of Fortifications Troops by the Soviets along the border with China; which of the thirteen verities apply for the Soviets? Well, #'s 2, 3, 6, and 11 all apply. "Defense is the stronger form of combat" certainly applies here. It would be relatively easy for older, out-of-shape reservists to man these tank fortifications and give a good account of themselves [#2]. The Soviets found it more or less impossible to conventionally defend their border with China, and these tank fortifications were the answer [#3]. Adding additional "armor" to the turrets of the tank fortifications by welding cut up sections of railroad track to the turrets and having concrete emplacements below ground for the crew only makes the individual emplacements that much more sturdy [#6]. A direct hit by some sort of plunging round of AT would probably be required to defeat such an emplacement. And the 122mm gun of the tank turret, and coaxially mounted MG's would certainly cause significant casualties among attacking Chinese troops. Cause casualties, dispersal, and disruption [#11].

coolbert.