These cases illustrate common lessons, even though they span almost a quarter of a century, cover a broad geographic area, and concern arms ranging from bayonets to modern tanks. Foremost among these lessons is that troops fighting in severe winter weather must have appropriate clothing, weapons, and transport for that harsh environment. Acclimatization and pertinent training are also essential.

Two of the three campaigns clearly demonstrated the superiority of the defense over the offense in such weather conditions. The exception, the destruction of the 44th Division, does not invalidate that generalization: the attacking Finns enjoyed concealment and warm shelter in the woods, where-as the Russians were defending a hopeless position, an exposed roadway without sheltering villages. Most of the weather-related casualties of 1941-42 need not have occurred had the commanders fully appreciated the experiences of 1918-19. Most of those lessons will probably be valid as long as Russian winters remain frigid. Surely "General Winter" will always be a formidable foe to an unwary army fighting in Russia.