User blog comment:3shady/Viet Cong VS Afghan Mujahideen/@comment-379205-20141011020751

119's "In Soviet-Invaded Afghanistan, Insurgent Shoot You!" Edges


 * Bolt-Action Rifles: The Lee Enfield has a larger ten-round magazine, giving it an advantage in terms of capacity. Apart from that, the two rifles are both bolt-action battle rifles that proved themselves in both World Wars, and proved effective in a sniper role when paired with a scoped. Edge: Mujahadeen.


 * Assault Rifles: The AKM and the Type 56 are very similar. I'm assuming the Viet Cong would be using an earlier model Type 56, meaning more similar to the AK-47 than the AKM. While the two weapons have some minor design differences, such as the different sights, none of these are going to give either side a major advantage- the longer range sight adjustments for the AKM are not an issue as assault rifles are most effective, and most often used at ranges of less than 300m or so, which both rifles have adjustments for. Edge: Even.


 * Melee: The spike bayonet is attached to the rifle, meaning its easier to access. However, the fact that its attached to an AKM means it will not have much more reach than the Pulwar saber used by the Afghans. The pulwar is also more versatile, giving it the edge. Edge: Mujahadin.


 * Launchers: The RPG-7 is the newer design, and has a longer effective range than the RPG-2. Edge: Mujahadin


 * X-Factors: The Mujahadin and Viet Cong were both skilled combatants and masters of guerilla warfare, however, I agree with your assessment that the Afghans were more fanatically devoted to their cause, which could be positive- less likely to retreat, or negative- no sense of self-preservation, will take suicidal actions- depending on the situation. In terms of discipline, I'm not sure either group takes a definite edge- neither were one level of true professional soldiers. In terms of endurance, both fought in harsh environments, however, given the terrain of the battle, the Afghans, who are more used to high altitudes will have a major advantage- if you've ever been at very high altitudes, i.e. over 10,000 feet or so, you will know that a person used to living at lower elevations will become out of breath much more quickly, and physical activity requires more effort. For this reason, I give the Afghans a major edge in terrain familiarity.


 * Winner: Afghan Mujahadin. The Afghans take the victory for their superior weaponry, and perhaps more importantly, their being more used to the terrain at of the battle.