steppewolfRO

Nah. Steppen. This is part of a comedy act by Ylvis (the guys who did What Does the Fox Say?). 

 

 

Steppe, not Steppen. I like Hesse's novel very much, one of the books of my youth but my username is on purpose different. 

On topic, I have no idea about that comedy but if it was sold as some Romanian stuff it has nothing to do with and the guy who created that stuff is an obscure singer who features on manele channels (which for some reason are banned in most of mainstream media and public places).  

First time when I see/hear this guy, I've no idea what he is doing there  Those costumes aren't Romanian, nor the music. From what I gathered from google he is an performer of a recent TV channel (very niche stuff) related with manele genre and that has almost nothing to do with folklore. 

First I added a link to the full album on youtube and English translation from name of the songs. 

Here you can find a very good article in English about Pop/Folk/Rock in Communist Romania. Generally pop music and folk was encouraged but rock music to a lesser extent. Probably rock music was perceived as more rebel than the other genres and what regime encouraged sounded atrocious, here is a sample of Savoy band, a so called rock group which was the official band of Communist Youth. 

Pop music from 80s:

https://youtu.be/4MNr_N5k0_M?list=PL1E96FCED8A0AD913

https://youtu.be/Zzsbqy4I1To

https://youtu.be/2VHoMXmqRP4

https://youtu.be/0pojyOAnMK0

https://youtu.be/mb9DQMznxJI?list=PL1E96FCED8A0AD913

A very interesting phenomenon was Flacara (Flame) Circle which was an itinerant folk and pop show started around Flacara magazine (Communist Youth weekly publication) led by poet Adrian Paunescu. Here is how it was at these shows:

https://youtu.be/pdB12KvGpbU

https://youtu.be/QHsgYBL-6Rw

I start this thread about music of Romania. Not sure if belongs here as will be more about older music than recent one but if it is more appropriate in the history section please move it there.

Without further ado, I'll start with a classic folk-rock album of Romanian rock band Phoenix - Muguri de fluier (Flute buds) - 1974. After they run away from Romania they named themselves Transylvania Phoenix despite the fact that the band originated in Banat region. Obviously they were banned by Communist censorship but after 1989 their music exploded, especially in university environment. 

Muguri de fluier album was perhaps the most played of all their creations due to its peculiar sound inspired from folklore ranging from Southern Balkans to gypsy music or Central European music. It is considered to be the best of their albums. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lhzNEPHTAk&list=PLYUvzRPuJpOlj2lwCMp_7T5qEeN1oMqFE

LE: about full album, only managed to link it this way: "Phoenix - Mugur De Fluier (1974) [HQ]"

Few words about each song.

Lasa, Lasa! (Leave it, Leave it!) it is just an interlude between songs that appeared on The Immortals soundtrack (1974)

Pavel Chinezu, leat 1479   - about a local hero, guitar solo a bit a la Rory Gallagher 

Strunga (The Gorge) - also for the soundtrack of Immortals movie. 

Andrii Popa (name of a famous Hajduk) - song about an Hajduk known to free people enslaved by Ottomans. 

Mica Tiganiada (Small Gypsiliad)  - dulcimer, bongos, violins, a very complex music inspired from gypsy folklore well sustained by rock instruments

Ochii negri, Ochi de tigan (Black eyes, gypsy eyes)- an archaic sound which was initially considered to develop a rock opera based on it. 

Muzica si muzichia  (Music and diminutive for music which is a slang word that I have no idea how to translate it, sing-song maybe or musicy as spending an Y is often taken as a diminutive)  - this song conserve the best the character of the music from Banat, the home region of this band with alternative measures and broken rhythm that reminds peasants' fairs music with oriental and Balkanic influences

Mugur de fluier (Flute buds) - with Romanian  shepherd flute integrated between rock instruments, gives the name of the album; some say it's inspired from Christmas Song of Jethro Tull from Living in the past 

Anule, hanule (Oh year, oh inn) - last two songs anticipate more their future songs, closer to hard-rock 

Dansul Codrilor (Dance of woods)

Songs from this album featured on the soundtrack of Nemuritorii (Immortals) movie. You can watch it here if you like with English subs. 

Big damn thanks to steppewolfRO for his donation!

Your welcome! Also a cut of booze here, I am struggling to resume regular sport and work out. 

The other SPG designed in Romania was Maresal:

http://www.worldwar2.ro/arme/?language=en&article=244

The US Presidential debate isn't really about reasoning, or logically convincing the audience that this candidate or that candidate understands things better or is more qualified, or anything that makes much sense like that.  It is a theatrical event.  Historically, candidates who seem more charismatic and benevolent have done better.  The canonical example is the Nixon v. Kennedy debate.  Everyone who has looked into their biographies objectively knows that Nixon was smarter than Kennedy, surrounded himself with smarter people still, and was a far better statesman.  Kennedy nearly started WWIII (some have tried to pass off the Cuban Missile Crisis as expert brinksmanship.  Horseshit; it was pure luck), Nixon achieved reprochement with China.  But Kennedy was handsome, knew how to perform on camera, and seemed to glow with optimism and candor.  Nixon seemed sinister, old and inarticulate.

 

I fully expect Trump to steamroll Clinton in this event.  The news has typically portrayed Trump as an impulsive bully who says whatever nonsense springs to mind, and there is an element of truth to this; Trump is much less filtered than a typical candidate.  A typical candidate would sooner plunge a dagger into their own intestines than say anything remotely controversial, and Trump clearly actively courts controversy.  But what they're forgetting is that Trump has spent the last fifteen years or so in entertainment.  The random, insane nonsense he spouts on Twitter?  I'm pretty sure he can turn his filter right back on.  If what Trump needs to do is pretend to act the way people expect a president to act, then he absolutely can convey gravitas and the appearance of leadership.  This isn't a thesis defense where people will be critically dissecting what the candidates' opinions and stances on matters, it's more like an acting competition.  Trump has far more experience as an actor.  Trump has far more range.

 

In his book, Trump portrays himself as an expert deal-maker with a keen sense for what makes a good business deal.  On his reality TV show, Trump portrayed himself as a tough-to-please executive who would only tolerate flawless performance.  During his brief stint in professional wrestling, Trump portrayed himself as a lovable, slightly bumbling billionaire with a strong sense of right and wrong and a knack for showmanship.

 

Yes, I am well aware is more of a show than a debate, however one can expect that some sort of debate should take place regarding the job description and some direction of government, at least. That is a good example with Kennedy vs Nixon (and reminds me to watch All The Way). 

Now I watched partly that TV show with Trump some years ago, being an executive, my gf from back than like it, never understood why and since than I am convinced Trump is a weak leader. I am not impressed by his deal maker reputation, he's uni dimensional and lacks perspective. Being a leader means much more than be a good deal maker.

Besides, when you make deals you have to have a partner willing to have an agreement which is not happening often in politics. Thing that comes first to my mind about this debate is that it was one person who showed dignity, calmness, sensibility and leadership while there was another who acted like a toddler who wants cookies and is a compulsive liar. The set back for Clinton is that with Trump you sense genuinely who he is ( a mediocre individual to put it in a diplomatic manner) while she might be perceived as not trustworthy enough but hey, she's a politician, this is no news. But what I think sums up all the ups and downs of each candidate is thinking who you'd want to be near those nukes' buttons and I know I don't want Trump. 

LE: 

The debate could be terrifying. It's a shame a candidate like Trump can survive this process and still be a challenger. He may even spend the evening not answering the questions, making shit up (even be downright lying ) and it seems he'd stil be a factor or he may even gain support. 

I might wake up to watch (starts 4 AM Romanian timezone) but I hugely dislike both candidates. In fact, I don't see looking around a potential statesman / stateswoman that I like in entire Western world. I kind of sympathized a bit Trudeau but he's too leftist for my taste. I rate myself as a conservative liberal and constantly voted this way since I obtained the right to vote with a small hiatus in 2000 when it was between an ex-Commie and a nationalist-Stalinist despicable candidate.

Anyway, I use to follow US elections with moderate interest but obviously I am not aware of the intricacies and stratagems so here's one question, how much the other candidates matter? I mean, Green party, Libertarian party etc. Are they likely to be able to tip the balance to one side or another?

http://www.wsj.com/articles/putins-next-target-1473807668

These articles appeared after US ambassador in Moldova made a very controversial declaration:

http://www.romaniajournal.ro/the-statements-of-us-ambassador-to-chisinau-stir-controversy-in-moldova-and-in-romania-petition-for-the-envoys-expulsion/

Thank you very much for the extensive explanation, it was very educative. I suppose Romanian Army does not use heavier bullets since there were rarely any reports about breaking of the receiver plate and I didn't heard ex-users that I know complaining too much about it. Also is wasn't used as a sniper rifle but as a designated marksman rifle so probably light ammo was sufficient. As far as I know PSL will be probably upgraded at some point. 

Back to history, I'll post some maps with WP exercises for Cold War going hot in Balkans along with a translation of an article of a Romanian recent historian (original article here, in Romanian). Excuse my English, sometimes is hard to translate from Romanian while keeping the same meaning. 

Military exercises Balkan-89 from Bulgaria (4-9 June 1989)

Between 4 to 9 June 1989 in Bulgaria was held a joint military application of the Warsaw Treaty Organization, coded named 'BALKAN-89 ". The planned maneuvers of Joint Armed Forces Command (CFAU) participated in big units from Bulgaria, Soviet Union and Romania. in his memoirs ("Sentenced to discretion") Rear Admiral Stephen Dinu said that in 1989 "in southern Romania, two military applications quite important, in June -" Balkan 89 "and in August" Maritsa 89 ", both oriented towards the south to Greece, missions that they were assigned to Bulgaria by the Treaty of Warsaw". A series of information from former archive of CC (Central Committee) of PCR (Romanian Communist Party) completes general picture about military application "BALKAN-89", said the former head of the Intelligence Directorate of the general Staff. Thus, on 3 April 1989 Colonel-General Vasile Milea Nicolae sought approval to Ceausescu for sending Bulgaria a task force of the 3rd Army. This was in order participate in an application on the map in the first decade of June 1989 - in maneuvers organized by CFAU (Command of Unified Armed Forced of WP) of under the name "BALKAN-89". We note that, since September 1968, the Romanian army was involved very little in applications CFAU performed in other states. Typically, Romania was represented at such maneuvers by generals and officers who acted within Command and General Staff, distinct from the national staffs. Strategic and operational-tactical problems created by leaders of exercise were solved by the Romanian participants only on maps. Also, on 3rd April 1989, the Minister of National Defence proposed and Nicolae Ceausescu agreed that Lt. Gen. Constantin Călinoiu, deputy of Command for Infantry and Tanks to explore Bulgaria a for exercise "BALKAN-89", together with six Romanian officers between 25-28 April 1989. They were working all documents necessary for the Romanian side, in agreement with the Bulgarian General Staff.

As deputy manager of the exercise from Romanian Army side, Lieutenant General Constantin Călinoiu received as subordinates 18 officers and NCOs and was instructed to allow the participation of Romanian soldiers "in some activities politico-cultural that will take place during application". Simultaneously, Nicolae Ceausescu approved that Major General Dumitru Rosu, 3rd Army commander, to lead a task force, his headquarters to the application "BALKAN-89". This group was composed of Chief of Staff of the Army 3rd Major General Niculae Matei, 85 officers and non-commissioned officers, 24 conscript servicemen and 34 special vehicles for staff and transport machines. Moving to Bulgaria of military combat equipment used by them in the application "BALKAN-89" was carried by train and transportation costs were paid by the Romanian Ministry of National Defense.

Fictional Balkan War

Since 1966, common military exercises in which Romanian military forces were supposed to deployed were in South West Military Theather - usually the "Greek Operative Direction" These were aimed at "training of practical skills needed to organize , planning and conduct battle (operation) in echelon division-army ". Usually CFAU stated that the Romanian army should carry out joint exercises at the beginning of spring on operative-strategic map. To understand the general concept of military applications like "BALKAN-89", we appeal to the documents of the former archive of the PCR. For example, in the meeting of the Defence Council of 13 October 1972 it was approved an exercise in Romania during 12 to 21 February 1973 as an war game on the map, on "Conducting groups allied troops in the theater of military action, with simultaneous rejection of enemy aggression. Taking the offensive operation Front and warfare and maritime forces air defense troops of the states participating in the Warsaw Treaty ". In the application were employed "frontline operational command groups, air defense of territory and Romanian, Soviet and Bulgarian Navy", in total about 400 generals and officers, of which only 100 were Romanian. For the first time since the creation of the alliance, provided that CFAU Romanian Front should have to act on the direction of Turkey, forcing the Dardanelles Straits. Until that time, the Romanian army had been engaged only in military games on operative directions North-Italian (until 1966) and Greek (1966).

In accordance with the request made by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Marshal Ivan Iakubovski would have lead the game of war as "supreme commander of the group of fronts in the theater of military action Southwest". It was also envisaged that the management of exercise to have only one deputy Romanian and Bulgarian unaccompanied by their working groups and operative activities of these officers should have been carrier out by Soviet officers. According to the concept of the war game "SOYUZ-73" forces of Army Group South (NATO) would have attacked Bulgaria and arrived on the line: South Sofia - North Gabcovo - North Burgas. Simultaneously, NATO aircraft forces engaged in a battle around Constanta and about 150 miles east and north of Burgas it would have been launched three amphibious operations in the flank of 3rd Southern Front (Soviet). Army Group South was composed of Greek 1st Army (three corps) and the Greek Army 4th Corps (three divisions), Turkish 1st Army (Corps 3, 5, and 2) and the Turkish Army 4th Corps (three divisions). At the same time, Army Group South have the support of the 6th Aviation Corps. 2nd South Front was formed by the Romanian Army composed of 10 divisions (two tanks divisions). Of these, three divisions were permanent combat capability, three divisions were ready for battle after 1-2 days of starting the war and four divisions were ready for battle after 3-4 days. Large group of Romanian units, framed on two sides by Soviet military would have advanced south of the Danube between Ruse and Nikopol. Operation crossing of the river by the Soviet and Romanian unfolded while NATO was supposed to use weapons of mass destruction to the mandatory pass from Isaccea, Braila, Giurgeni Vadu Oii Olteniţa - Turtucaia, Giurgiu - Ruse, Zimnicea - Belene, Turnu Magurele - Nikopol, Islaz - Somovit, Ship - Lom Palanka and Bechet-Oreahovo.

Conquest of Bosporus and Dardanelles

After passing of Danube would have been completed, the WP forces went on the offensive. Romanian units (Front 2 South) would have act on the territory of Bulgaria in cooperation with the 3 rd Soviet Front South, on the South - South East direction. At some point, the lines of action of the two fronts became divergent. Soviet forces were meant to attack Istanbul, while the Romanian army attempt to reach the Dardanelles and the Marmara Sea. For immediate mission Romanian 2nd South Front were established following elements: advancing depth (200-250 km), the pace of advance on the offensive (40-60 km / 24 hours) and duration to fulfill the mission (4-6 days ). Subsequently, a parachute Romanian regiment would have assault and engaged in battle east of the town Kanok (Turkey), on the 5th or 6th of opening hostilities. Its action constituted a prelude to a new offensive triggered by the Romanian army, for creating a bridgehead south of the Dardanelles. For the next mission of 2nd Romanian South Front were established following objective: deepest advance (200-250 km), the pace of advance (30 km / 24 hours) and duration to fulfill the mission (7-8 days). Simultaneously with the Romanian attack, units of 3rd Soviet South Front were to engage in combat against Turkish forces in southeastern Bulgaria to repulse them to Western Istanbul. Then a Soviet airborne division would have been launched in the 4th or 5th day after the opening of hostilities in northeast of Izmir (east of Istanbul), in close proximity to the Bosphorus Strait. In the Black Sea would engage two air - naval battles: first, 150 miles northeast Istanbul and the second about 50 miles east of Istanbul.

At the same time with the offensive against the Turkish 1st Army at the right flank of Romanian army Bulgarian forces would have conducted a similar military operation. Bulgarian Forces of the 1st Southern Front in cooperation with units of Soviet army would have repelled attacks of the 1st Greek Army liberating the Bulgarian territory occupied by NATO and than conquering Greek towns Komutini, Cavalla, Thessaloniki and Cojani, then pushing to the Aegean coast . The application "SOIUZ-73" reveals that Soviet military leaders were concerned about the quick conquest of Bosporus and Dardanelles in the situations of a war between NATO and the Organization of the Warsaw Pact. Also, it can be seen that Romanian army was put between two Soviet armies during military applications. This is understandable considering the problems that the Romanian authorities have been created to Moscow after 1968 events in Czechoslovakia. Of course, exercise "SOIUZ-73" and "BALKAN-89" were fictional scenarios but Moscow wanted by such actions to prepare better in military terms. Also, it seems that the Soviets were trying to discipline Romania. Coincidentally or not, the application in 1973 was named SOYUZ ( Union). A union of interests that Nicolae Ceausescu and Romanian generals were unable to ignore.

Further reading about other exercises in the same area:

https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/1975-05-27.pdf

I'll see if I can find good pictures showing the receiver construction, and I can then explain what is so terribly bad about the PSL.  The article linked above rates it as on par in terms of accuracy with the SVD.  The problem isn't accuracy.  The problem is long-term durability.

Hopefully you talk from own experience because I've read tons of critics against Romanian made weapons and many are hugely exaggerated and I also read tons of praises. Designs may have flaws, sure, but this is a war approved weapon in service for decades. Also you stated that it's worse while most sources say it is about the same. However, I am curious to find out why it's basically worse from long term durability. PSL were sold in early 80s in Irak and are still in use after 30 yrs...

Also many don't take into consideration for what these weapons were made. These are not made to be heavily maintained or for special forces but for average Joe from a conscript communist army. Bear in mind that when you consider Romanian made weapons you should also consider that there are differences between those built for army and those sold on private market. Also some weaponry was modified/pimped in Army's technical facilities to suit needs of more specific units/missions/etc. Not all AKs, PSLs series are the same.  

Here is a quote from a US private contractor from Irak:

„Out of all the AK’s here in Iraq the Romanian AK’s are far superior to all others I have used. I tested 6 Romanian AK’s by firing thousands of rounds through them every week and then storing them in a damp conex over a 6 month period without a single cleaning and they still ran like new.

Those Romanian AK’s are still going to this day [coming up on 8 months without cleaning]. Even more impressive some of the Romanian AK’s I use and test were made as far back as 1961.

So if you are working in Iraq and you have a choice, get your hands on Romanian made AK’s”

From here:

http://sweeper.ro/ak-si-derivate/

Sadly old link is not available anymore.

So yes, I am aware some weapons may have some design issues but I do think that those were made with other purpose in mind and I do not take always as better what sounds on paper as a better design. Georgia 2008 reminded to many that old and less sophisticated designs may work better than brand new designs (e.g. old BMP turrets vs brand new Georgian IFV/APC turrets which jammed constantly). 

It is indeed different than the SVD it resembles; mainly in that it is worse.  SVD is a purpose-designed marksman's rifle, PSL is an RPK that's been kludged into a marksman's rifle.  Ammunition should be completely interchangeable with all 7.62x54R used anywhere, with the proviso that ammunition with a longer burning propellant can overgas the bolt carrier and cause it to bottom out against the rear of the receiver, which could loosen the rivets holding on the extension.

 

The Yugoslavian M76 is a much better effort at turning the basic AK action into a longer-ranged weapon.

It is not worse, it's the same quality, performance etc. I stumbled upon this article and it's not the first I've read which rates pretty well Romanian PSL.

http://www.dragunov.net/finn.html

Yugoslavian engineers were also consulted when this DMR was made but they eventually picked another model given the huge quantities of 7.92 mm Mauser ammo. 

Why are you so surprised? Some British units still had Sten in 1991 Gulf War. 

Oritas were in use into the '60s?  Wow.

 

I didn't know that the Romanians uzed Cz. 26s.

I think Orita were in use until 70s but not with Army or Minister of Interior (Securitate, Militia) but with Patriotic Guards which was an entirely different organisation and received whatever was phased out by Army. All kind of WWII vintage was used by them like MG42, ZB30, Maxim, PPsH, Orita and even rifles such as Moisin Nagant or ZB at its inception in 1968. 

Romania has a long history of importing Czech weapons and such imports were normal between Warszaw Pact states. Last time when I saw a Samopal was in 1989, my father told me it was Czechoslovakian weapon. 

Interesting.  Didn't realize that the Romanians used the steel 5.45x39mm magazines.

 

What's the deal with that picture of the Md. 65?  The magazine looks like it's for 7.62x25mm.

It might be an early modification to use PPsh magazine. It was produced under license in Romania in 50s under the name PM PPȘ Md. 1952. It's very possible that it was designed mostly for training purpose since at the time when PM. md. 63/55 productions started, I imagine the ammo stocks of 7.62 x 25 mm were quite big. 

I don't recall to ever see a Romanian AK with that mag. 

In picture you can see Romanian PPsh along with other weapons that were used by Romanian armed forces in 50s and early 60s. 

I've no idea, as I said I am a mere amateur trying to make a research for a game. I want to improve the section with individual weapons and I can gradually post the info here, hopefully I'll receive feedback from more knowleadgeable posters. 

LE:

Right, I updated individual weapons section:

http://imgur.com/a/h7Mrt

Israel DLC should be available very soon and devs barely posted anything about it; so far, what is sure is that:

- will go solo, no coalition pairing; hopefully it's a hint for next WG 4 (if will ever be) to drop coalition or limit them. 

- Israeli para will have maroon beret

- no IFVs 

next will be Yugoslavia and Finland. 

LE:

Yugoslavia may be paired with Czechoslovakia

Finland may be paired with Poland

That leaves Poland (9 heavy brigades), the Czechs (2 heavy brigades), the Slovaks (2 heavy brigades), Belgium (1 brigade), Hungary (2 brigades), Romania (6 brigades, plus some strong leg units) and Bulgaria (2 brigades) guarding the front door.  Poland is a scary customer and very able.  The Czechs and Slovaks could be good but there are indications that they are having issues.  Romania is surprisingly good.  However all of these countries are in need of modernization.

 

A group of friends and I have been agitated for congress to donate about 2000 M1 Abrams to Poland and Romania.  About 210 A10 and 250 F16 are also boneyard ready for return to service.  

Eh, Romania it is OK but much of its equipment is outdated and not much is usable except what was upgraded in 90s and 2000s. The good news is that pilots fly, infantrymen and tankers are training on regular basis and generally there's a feel of preparing the army. Defense budget was raised and will stay constantly at 2% from GDP and there might be acquisitions over this amount, especially for big programs.

So far, the following acquisition programs are scheduled for next years: 

• Second F-16 squadron (probably MLU) with a perspective to buy the latest variants (24 planned)
• 273 mm MLRS with 300 km range
• upgrade of KUB, OSA-AKM and HAWK 
• new APC: curentely the participants are PATRIA AMV, SUPER IVECO AV, PIRANHA V and BOXER; to be noted that Romanian terrain required an amphibious APC. Initially here we thought that only PATRIA and IVECO are seriously qualify for the requirements, however it is a rumor that Germany made a very good offer in developing a local APC, based on BOXER, with amphibious capability; given the lessons of Ukraine, there is however an interest for a better protected  and customizable APC; All offers except Piranha suppose transfer of technology, development of local designs like wheeled IFV, AA (possible with Crotale for SHORAD) and AT vehicles (probably SPIKE), self propelled mortar etc. Personally I prefered PATRIA and IVECO.
• upgrade of two frigates, allegedly a Kilo submarine refurbish 
• Upgrade of fluvial fleet - better MLRS on the vessels, drones, close AA defense systems.
• Long range AA (probably Patriot, unclear what version)
• new MANPAD ( possible Mistral although I would prefer a shoulder 
• light attack/recon helo (some Kiowas would be nice , Croatia did a good move) but probably will be an Eurocopter product. 
• New Super Puma helos built in Romania 
• SPG howitzer 
• new 120 mm mortar with enhanced and guided ammo
• drones, lots of drones...   we even build some

From old equipment, the following are still decent:

• TR-85M1A - upgraded MBT, but more a medium with 100 mm gun with Israeli APFSDS ; otherwise, basically a Leclerec (stabilizier, FCS etc.) but smaller
• PUMA SOCAT - support helicopter (not a real attack one)
• SPIKEs ATGMs
• upgraded CA-94M manpads (likely, not sure here)
• MLI-84M upgraded IFV
• AA artillery with GEPARD SPAAG and towed 30 mm local design, 35 mm Oerlikon GDF with modern upgrades, FCS  etc.
• LAROM 122/160 mm MLRS with Israeli technology and local built ammo of various sorts (HE, thermobaric, clusters) 
• M85 towed howitzers (performance similar with Msta-B
• TABC-79 recon vehicle 
• BM-33 Zimbru (BTR-80 local enhanced copy)
• Piranha III C was a big flop; did bad in Iraq and Afghanistan were mostly local designs were used (TAB-77, BM-33, TABC-79); still, can do a better work than 70s designs (TAB71) which were phased out. 
• Local built mortars (82 mm, 120 mm)
• Some replacement for PG-7 and SPG-9 although for the first one Romanian builds some nice thermobaric warheads)

As OOB, Romanian has one Spec Op Brigade (4 battalions, para included), one artillery independent Brigade, one Engineers brigade, one Information brigade and 3 Divisions each with 3 fighting brigades ( 5 Mechanized, 2 Infantry, 2 Mountain Rangers ) along with their respective independent smaller units (recon/SF battalions, arty regiments, CRBN, AA defense, engineers). There is also one Marine battalion trained more like a raiding /recon (with some ISTAR capabilities) for Danube Delta (a resembling unit would be Italian Lagunari). 

Not all these units are first line but there are efforts to keep this OOB and also add a core of reservists with regular training of around 3000 people which will be raised in the next years. 

Some US old equipment handed to Romania would be good albeit not all of it would be very useful. I mentioned earlier Kiowas but from logistical point of view an Eurocopter similar design would make more sense due to the fact that it can be repaired, maintained etc. at local Eurocopter factory.

F-16s would be great if they'd be upgraded.

I am in two minds regarding M1 Abrams; won't work with turbine, needs Diesel engine and at least some river crossing limited capability; 

A really good SPG and generally artillery with modern ammo would be really useful as well. 

There is also old equipment that it could be used such as TR-77 and T-55 chassis which could be well maintained and developed in many ways like SPGs, SPAAGs or even IFV or APCs. There are tons of it still usable, would be a pity to just cut them. 

Well, this is in few words Romania's situation, not great but not as bad as our neighbours and most important thing is that soldiers are constantly in training and shooting range and there is a sizeable contingent of reservists which was in Iraq, Afghanistan or in UN missions (Kosovo, Angola, Albania etc.) 

It looks like the creator of this thread was banned ...dunno if is good or bad.   I just wanted to point some errors in his posts, especially in the pictures he posted, some of them are Yugoslav, Soviet, East-German, nothing to do with Romania. Also some so called scouts are obviously mountain rangers considering their beret.

Anyway, I posted on Wargame forums the info I gathered for an eventual Romanian deck; however, the information might be of interest here as well and my research is still work in progress. It is amazing how little systematized info is available and how paranoid the secrecy still is in some areas. You'll find some different approaches than the rest of Warszaw Pact armies. 

This is not Romanian Army but Patriotic Guards

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriotic_Guards_(Romania)

They used a lot of outdated weapons like:

MG 42

Orita sub machine guns

https://www.forgottenweapons.com/submachine-guns/orita-m1941/

Czech Samopal SA 25

Main mission in case of war was to liaise with Border troops and form light infantry brigades which would have been used for defending cities and urban areas (they were trained for this type of mission) and they were trained to use light weapons, demolition charges, guerilla tactics. 

Kisinev, Moldova

Dimitri Rogozin received a SMS informing him about roaming agreement ...which said "Welcome to Romania" 

Odd stuff really, just about every research institute is in US, leading uni, leading hospital and they still may actually elect Trump. I have issues with Hillary too but nothing compared with Trump. I am also struggling to think of who the last sensible candidate  put up by the Republicans might be... there will be people who are sensible in that party and seemingly can't get a look past the loons. 

A Russian historian speaks about Vlad The Impaler. There are some exaggerated assertion there, not sure if to underline some things or make stuff more exciting

Kaplan's new book is about Romania. Overall good but some amateuristic views there despite the fact he visited Romania since 80s.

http://www.business-review.eu/sidebar-featured/romanians-strike-back-at-bernie-sanders-over-internet-speed-comment-99891

https://mises.org/blog/bernie-sanders-meets-romanian-internet

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/romanians-make-fun-bernie-sanders-internet-tweet-37367452

It was hilarious to read the replies to that tweet

it was poorly phrased and makes him look a bit senile ...