ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the experiences of Soviet and US forces in attracting, retaining and training soldiers and airmen. It explores leadership problems and the effects of the foregoing factors on morale, discipline and unit cohesion. The chapter examines qualities of allies in both alliances and attempt to assess both sides' combat readiness. Sophisticated weapons should be evaluated not only against combat utility but also against cost in out-of-action time and loss of effective ness due to unattainable or costly crew quality and maintenance requirements. Not only recruiting but retention of qualified personnel determines average ability of a service's personnel at any one time. The quality of leadership has a strong bearing on a force's ability to fight as well as upon how effectively the force is employed. The army's state of training is poorer than the air force's. Basic reasons for inadequate training include the poor quality of personnel, poor junior leaders, and lack of funds.
