What we learned in Crimea
From the photographs we’ve seen of the Russian special operations, or Spetsnaz, troops that intervened in Crimea, several things are obvious: They are secretive, moving without insignia and often covering their faces; they’re disciplined and they’re decisive. The diplomatic response to the Russian intervention is continuing. But Pentagon officials are beginning to assess the military “lessons learned. ” The bottom line is that Russia’s move into Crimea was a study in the speedy deployment of special operations forces to achieve a limited objective. “What has been most striking to me so far has been the apparent levels of discipline, training and cooperation among the Russian forces, ” noted Paul Saunders, executive director of the Center for the National Interest, in an interview this week with the military blog War on the Rocks . The Russians deployed quickly in the hours surrounding reports of their initial movement on Feb. 26. Two days later, when President Obama warned