NCOs in Russian AF

Elp
I knew there was a reason why a good cadre of NCOs would make no difference to the RuAF.

I have just re-read an old book about Russian Fighters and ground attack aircraft and the writer says this about the Russian Airbases he visited:
“Most residents are, unlike those of American or British bases, officers; there are very few enlisted soldiers on the base, and the few present are engaged in the least skilled occupations. I didn’t know that at first, with embarrassing results: I assumed that the young mechanic/crew chief I met was (like his USAF counterparts) a sergeant. Instead he turned out to be a lieutenant, intent on making his career in the Russian Air Force. It seems to be a good system; the professionalism of these critical personnel is assured. They have status, continuity, and extensive training – unlike the conscript soldiers who assist with the heavy lifting.”

The author is “Hans Halberstadt”.
In his own words:
“After many years of working with the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force – and a fair amount of study and preparation for the trip – I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect; but nearly everything I had heard was wrong.”

Now this visit was in 1991, so many of the things he heard are not relevant now. I suggest elp that you try to track down a book by Carey Schofield called “Inside the Soviet Army” ISBN 0-7472-0418-7.