The World: The Military: A Mission Impossible

Man for man, the Rhodesian army ranks among the world's finest fighting units. But it is hamstrung by a lack of supplies and spare parts, and, above all, by the hostility or indifference of black villagers, whose hearts and minds are the key to military success in a guerrilla war. Unless the political climate changes, the best the army can do is keep up the present level of containment. Eliminating terrorism—the basic goal of Smith's regime—will be beyond it.

Exact figures are secret, but estimates are that Rhodesia has about 5,000 regular troops, more...

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