Angola 1975-90

by Jim Robinson

Orders of Battle for
Cold War Commander
Forces in Angola:

SWAPO (South West African Peoples Organization)

The South West African Peoples Organization (SWAPO) formed in 1960 in Angola. Together with a
similar organization within SWA, the Peoples Liberation Army of Namibia (formed in 1962), SWAPO
conducted a campaign of raids across the border from Angola into SWA. Most of the raids were patrol-
sized units though occasionally a larger night time raids were carried out on SADF border posts. The vast
majority of larger scale actions were carried out inside Angola when the SADF carried out External
operations of varying sizes.

SWAPO and the PLAN created a number of Brigades to screen the border and protect their camps from
SADF incursions. They were based on the FAPLAs own brigade organization, which in turn was a
stripped down version of the Soviet Motor Rifle Regiment. On paper these were organized as follows;

SWAPO INFANTRY BRIGADE:
BHQ: CO, FAO

Support Units:
Recce Coy: 2 Recce Scout units
Tank Coy: 3 T-34/85
Eng Coy 1 Engineer unit, 1 Truck
AT Coy: 2 4x4 with 107mm RcR
` AAA Coy: 2 ZU-23-2, 2 SA-7 units, 2 Trucks
Trans Coy: 8 Trucks

3 Infantry Battalions, each with:
BHQ: HQ, SA-7 unit
3 Inf Coys: 3 Infantry units
Mortar Btty 1 82mm Mortar unit
AT Plt: 1 82mm RcR unit

Brig Arty Bttn: 3 120mm Mortar units, 3 Trucks

NOTES:
SWAPO attempted to form three of these brigades. None were fully formed by the end of the war. Those elements that were formed
were often assigned to FAPLA formations.

Support units were to be issued to Battalions as required.

MAW is RPG-7.

As the infantry brigades were not available for the planned tasks, additional units were created to cover
many SWAPO/PLAN camps. These were called Specialist Units.

SPECIALIST UNIT:
BHQ: HQ, 2 Trucks
2 Inf Coys: 2 Infantry units
Mortar Btty: 1 82mm Mortar unit
AAA Plt: 1 ZU-23-2, 1 SA-7 unit

NOTES:
These formation were a combination of Administrative and defensive sub-units, assigned to a specific area.

MAW is RPG-7.
To carry the war into SWA, the forward elements of SWAPO/PLAN were organized into fronts. These
were the Northeast, North, and Northwest. The Central front operated north of the other three against
UNITA. Each Front was broken down into Detachments. The usual forces assigned to a front were as
follows;

SWAPO/PLAN FRONT
BHQ: CO, FAO

Support Units:
Recce Coy: 3 Recce Scout units
Tank Coy: 2 T-34/85
Eng Coy 1 Engineer unit, 1 Truck
Arty Bttn: 2 82mm Mortar units, 1 82mm RcR unit, 2 122mm Rocket Launchers
` AAA Coy: 1 ZU-23-2, 2 SA-7 units, 1 Trucks

5 Detachments, each with: HQ, 5 Infantry units

NOTES:
Support units were to be issued to Battalions as required.

The 122mm rocket launchers are the single tube model. A 5cm radius template is used and deviation as per MRL applies.

Front Tank companies (when they existed) were retained at Front Headquarters for its defence.

MAW is RPG-7.


FAPLA (Peoples Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola)

The FAPLA was created from the military forces of the MPLA after that organization gained control of
Angola. The FAPLA was trained and equipped by the Soviet Union and Cuba and ended up a micro
version of the Soviet Army. During the 1980s, the FAPLA was made up of the following units;

10 Military Districts
5 Mechanized Infantry Brigades
17 Infantry Brigades
11 ODP Infantry Brigades
4 Anti-aircraft Brigades
10 Independent Tank Battalions
5 Artillery Battalions

The term brigade is misleading. In reality these formation were cut-down versions of the Soviet Motor Rifle
Regiment. The Mechanized and Motorised Infantry Brigades were the field forces whilst the ODP Infantry
Brigades were security forces stationed in the countryside. Where UNITA was active these brigades were
multi-battalion formations backed up by heavy weapons, but where UNITA was inactive the brigades were
often only battalion strength.

The best equipped FAPLA Brigades were the 5 Mechanised Infantry, which were organised as follows;

FAPLA MECHANIZED INFANTRY BRIGADE:
BHQ: CO, FAO, FAC

Support Units:
Recce Coy: 1 recce PT-76, 2 recce BRDM-2
AT Coy: 1 BRDM-2 equipped with AT-3 (Sagger)
Eng Coy 1 Engineer unit, 1 TMM Bridge, 1 Truck
AAA Coy: 1 ZU-23-2 units, 2 SA-14 units, 2 Trucks

1 Infantry Battalion, with:
BHQ: HQ, FAO, 1 Truck
3 Inf. Coys: 3 Infantry units, 3 BTR-60
Supt Coy: 1 82mm Mortar unit, 2 SA-7 units, 1 HMG unit, 1 AGS-17 unit, 1 AT-3
unit, 3 Trucks, 2 BTR-60

2 Infantry Battalions, each with:
BHQ: HQ, FAO
3 Inf. Coys: 3 Infantry units, 3 BTR-152
Supt Coy: 1 82mm Mortar unit, 2 SA-7 units, 1 HMG unit, 1 AGS-17 unit, 1 AT-3
unit, 3 Trucks, 2 BTR-152

Brigade Tank Battalion, with:
BHQ: HQ, FAO
3 Tank Coys: 2 T-54/55 MBT.

Brigade Artillery Battalion, with:
BHQ: HQ, FAO, 2 Trucks
2 Arty Btty: 1 122mm D-30 Howitzer, 1 Truck
2 Arty Btty: 1 76mm ZIS-2 Howitzer, 1 Truck
MLR Btty: 2 BM-21 MLR.
Mortar Btty: 1 120mm Mortar unit, 1 Truck

NOTES:
MAW is RPG-7.

The FAPLAs 17 Infantry Brigades were organized as follows;

FAPLA INFANTRY BRIGADE:
BHQ: CO, FAO, FAC

Support Units:
Recce Coy: 1 recce PT-76, 2 recce BRDM-2
AT Coy: 1 BRDM-2 equipped with AT-3 (Sagger)
Eng Coy 1 Engineer unit, 1 TMM Bridge, 1 Truck
AAA Coy: 1 ZU-23-2 units, 2 SA-14 units, 2 Trucks

1 Infantry Battalion, with:
BHQ: HQ, FAO
3 Inf. Coys: 3 Infantry units, 3 BTR-152
Supt Coy: 1 82mm Mortar unit, 2 SA-7 units, 1 HMG unit, 1 AGS-17 unit, 1 AT-3
unit, 3 Trucks, 2 BTR-152

2 Infantry Battalions, each with:
BHQ: HQ, FAO
3 Inf. Coys: 3 Infantry units, 3 Trucks
Supt Coy: 1 82mm Mortar unit, 2 SA-7 units, 1 HMG unit, 1 AGS-17 unit, 1 AT-3
unit, 5 Trucks

Brigade Tank Battalion, with:
BHQ: HQ, FAO
3 Tank Coys: 2 T-54/55 MBT


Brigade Artillery Battalion, with:
BHQ: HQ, FAO, 2 Trucks
1-2 Arty Btty: 1 122mm D-30 Howitzer, 1 Truck
1-2 Arty Btty: 1 76mm ZIS-2 Howitzer, 1 Truck
MLR Btty: 2 BM-21 MLR
Mortar Btty: 1 120mm Mortar unit, 1 Truck


NOTES:
Most Artillery Battalions for the Infantry Brigades only had 4 artillery batteries.

Most Infantry Brigade did not have an Infantry Battalion in BTR-152s, with all battalions were mounted in trucks.

Some Infantry Brigades Tank Battalions were equipped with SU-100 or T-34/85 instead of T-54/44.

Not all brigades Reconnaissance Companies were equipped with PT-76.

MAW is RPG-7.

FAPLA ODP INFANTRY BRIGADE:
BHQ: CO, FAO

Support Units:
Recce Coy: 2 recce 4x4
AT Coy: 1 82mm RcR unit, 1 Truck
Eng Coy 1 Engineer unit, 1 Truck
Tank Coy: 2 T-34/85
Tran Coy: 4 Trucks
`
1-3 Infantry Battalion, each with:
BHQ: HQ, FAO
3 Inf. Coys: 3 Infantry units,

Brigade Artillery Battalion, with:
BHQ HQ
1-3 Mortar Plts: 1 82mm Mortar units, 1 Truck
1 RcR Plt: 1 82mm RcR, 1 Truck

NOTES:
MAW is RPG-7.



INDEPENDENT TANK BATTALION:
BHQ: CO, FAO
3 Tank Coys: 2 T-55/62 MBTs

NOTES:
These were held at Army level.

Independent Tank Battalions were often pair with Infantry Battalions from the Mechanized Infantry Brigades to form Battlegroups
CUBAN FORCES SERVING IN ANGOLA

By the 1980s there were some 40,000 Cubans presenting Angola. Of these 20,000+ were actual military
personnel serving in some 8 to 12 Motor Rifle Regiments and as advisors in the combat units of the
FAPLA. In addition the vast majority of the engineers, technicians and pilots of the Angolan Air Force were
Cuban.

The role of the Cuban Motor Rifle Regiments was not as the cutting edge of the FAPLA. Instead the were
used mainly as a security force for the Cuban bases within Angola. Cuba, whilst willing to send troops to
aid Angola did not want its equivalent of the Vietnam War, with its associated high body count. This often
caused problems between the Cubans and the FAPLA, especially when dealing with SADF externals.
The Cubans would move to engage the invading troops but if they were gone by the time the Cubans
arrived, hot pursuit was not an option. If attacked thought, the Cubans would stand their ground. As a
result many SADF externals were planned to avoid Cuban positions and therefore the chances of the
Cubans being engaged lessened.

The Cuban Motor Rifle Regiments were based on the Soviet model, although the equipment was of an
older type as used by the FAPLA.

CUBAN MOTOR RIFLE REGIMENT:
BHQ: CO, FAO, FAC

Support Units:
Recce Coy: 1 recce PT-76, 2 recce BRDM-2
AT Coy: 1 BRDM-2 equipped with AT-3 (Sagger)
Eng Coy 1 Engineer unit, 1 TMM Bridge, 1 MTU Bridge, 1 Truck
AAA Coy: 1 ZU-23-4, SA-9

3 Infantry Battalion, with:
BHQ: HQ, FAO, 1 SA-7 unit, 1 AGS-17 unit, 2 BTR-60
3 Inf. Coys: 3 Infantry units, 3 BTR-60
Recce Plt: 1 recce BRDM-2
AT Plt: 1 AT-3 unit, 1 BTR-60
Mortar Coy: 1 120mm Mortar unit, 1 Truck

Brigade Tank Battalion, with:
BHQ: HQ, FAO
3 Tank Coys: 2 T-55/62 MBT.

Brigade Artillery Battalion, with:
BHQ: HQ, FAO, 2 Trucks
3 Arty Bttys: 1 122mm D-30 Howitzer, 1 Truck
MLR Btty: 2 BM-21 MLR.

NOTES:
Up to 1 company in Infantry Battalion per Brigade may replace its BTR-60 with BMP-1

MAW is RPG-7.
SADF (South African Defence Forces).

The South African Defence Force constantly operated under severe manpower restrictions with a total
number of active in all three services of 103,000. This number can be broken down into 39,000 Permanent
Force (PF) members, fleshed out by a mandatory call up of 32,000 white males for National Military
Service. As NMS lasted for two years this meant there were 64,000 conscripts serving in the SADF at any
one time.

Those who had finished NMS and did not want to enlist in the PF were placed in the Citizens Force (CF),
the equivalent of the US National Guard, for a period of 12 years, attending a mandatory 30 days training
per year., as well as a maximum 90 days active service every 2 years. In all CF numbers totalled 380,000
with an additional 150,000 in the CF Reserves which were those who had finished there service in the CF
but transferred to a local Commando for home defence.

South African Defence Forces in South West Africa (SWA) 1980 to 1989

FULL TIME FORCE: Permanent Force (PF) plus National Military Service (NMS)
44
th
Airborne Brigade (PF)
1
st
Parachute Battalion (PF)
State President Guard Battalion (NMS)
32
nd
Light Infantry Battalion (PF)
4 Recce Companies (PF)
Training / Combat Units: (NMS)
9 Infantry Battalions (8 White, 1 Black)
2 Armoured Regiments
2 Artillery Regiments
1 Engineer Regiment
1 Air Defence Artillery Regiment

CITIZEN FORCE: Permanent Force Cadre plus Citizen Force (CF) members
1 Recce Company
44
th
Airborne Brigade:
2
nd
Parachute Battalion
3
rd
Parachute Battalion
1
st
Parachute AT Battalion
1
st
Parachute Artillery Battalion (120mm mortars)
1 Corps Headquarters
1 Armoured Division, each:
1 Armoured Brigade:
3 Armoured Regiments (Olifant)
2 Mechanized Infantry Battalions (Ratel)
1 Mechanized Infantry Brigade:
4 Mechanized Infantry Battalions (Ratel)
1 Artillery Regiment (G-6)
1 Engineer Regiment
1 Air Defence Artillery Regiment
1 Infantry Division, with:
3 Mechanized Infantry Brigades
3 Mechanized Infantry Regiments (Ratel or Buffel)
1 Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (Eland-60/90)
1 Artillery Regiment (G-5)
1 Engineer Regiment
1 Air Defence Artillery Regiment

Corps Troops:
1 Motorised Infantry Brigade
3 Infantry Battalions (Buffel or Truck)
3 Artillery Regiments G-4 or G-5)
Unassigned:
16 Infantry Battalions
2 Armoured Reconnaissance Regiments (Eland-60/90)
2 Artillery Regiments (G-2 or G-4)
3 Engineer Regiments
2 Air Defence Artillery Regiments

MECHANIZED INFANTRY BATTALION, 1980s
BHQ: HQ, SA-7 unit, Engineer unit, FAO, FAC, 2 Buffel APCs
3 Inf. Coys: 3 Infantry units, 3 Ratel-20
1 Supt Coy: 2 81mm Mortar units, 2 Ratel-90 Fire Support Vehicles, 2 Trucks
1 AT Coy 2 Ratel-90 Fire Support Vehicles
2 4x4 with ENTAC

NOTES:
In 1987/88 two Ratel-SP81mm Mortar vehicles were used in the Support Company and replaced the 81mm mortars and associated
Trucks.

The 4
th
Infantry battalion using this organization took part in Operation Modular in late 1987. It was replaced in early 1988 by a CF
battalion or the 82
nd
Mechanized Brigade using the same organization.

Some CF Mechanized Battalions still were equipped with the Buffel APC. Eland-90 Armoured Cars were used instead of Ratel-90s in
these cases and Ratel-SP81mm Mortars and Ratel ZT-3 Swift vehicles cannot be used.

In 1988/89 two Ratel ZT-3 AT Vehicles were used in the AT Coy replacing the Ratel-90 FSVs and Jeeps with ENTAC.

The Battalion was to be reinforced by the following:

Tank Sqn: 4 Olifant MBTs
Artillery Btty: 2 G-6 SP 155mm Guns.

ARMOURED REGIMENT, 1980s
BHQ: HQ, SA-7 unit, Engineer unit, 2 Buffel APCs
3 Arm Sqn: 4 Olifant MBTs

NOTES:
By 1980 the Olifant 1A was the standard MBT in South African service. It is basically the same vehicle as the Israeli Centurion Shot
Kal with improved engine, Fire Control System. I was a classic example of how Israel and South Africa co-operated during this time

SADF Armoured Regiments rarely operated a complete units. Given the limited number of vehicles available and the nature of the
combat, they were more often attached to Mechanized and Motorized battalions.

ARMOURED CAR REGIMENT, 1980s
BHQ: HQ, SA-7 unit, Engineer unit, 2 Buffel APCs
3 Arm Car Sqn: 2 Eland-90 recce
1 Eland-60 recce
AT Sqn: 2 4x4 with ENTAC

NOTES:
As with the Armoured Regiments, SADF Armoured Car Regiments rarely operated a complete units. Squadrons were usually attached
to other formations as required. There primary role was of reconnaissance with fire support secondary.

MODULAR INFANTRY BATTALION
BHQ HQ, FAO, FAC
Arm Car Sqn 2 Eland-90 recce
1 Eland-60 recce
3 Inf Coy: 6 Infantry units
Assigned equipment:
0-4 HMG units
0-4 81mm Mortar units
0-4 Buffel APCs
0-2 Cavalry recce units
0-2 Motorcycle recce units
2-4 Tracker units

NOTES:
When the SADF took up position along the Angola-SWA border it created five Modular Infantry Battalions. These Battalions
numbered 50 to 51 were made up of a Cadre of PF members. They were known as modular as their elements were assigned as
needed from active service units in South Africa and from units of the SWATF. Each Battalion had a section of the boarder to hold and
were issues extra equipment to help them carry out this task.

The 81mm Mortars and HMGs were placed in fixed positions around the Battalions Headquarters in fixed works.

Tracker units are highly specialised recce units. They are treated as Recce units but are exceptionally good at locating and identifying
hidden enemy units. When rolling to locate a hidden unit reduce the score needed by 1. In addition, units using the Hide rule or
reserves may not deploy in ambush within 20 cm of a Tracker unit.

The MAW issued was the Carl Gustav 84mm RcR. However this was rarely carried in the field.

Mobile operations mechanized support was provided by the 61
st
Mechanized Infantry Battalion.

61
st
MECHANIZED INFANTRY BATTALION
BHQ: HQ, SA-7, Engineer unit, FAO, FAC, 2 Buffel APCs
2 Inf. Coys: 3 Infantry units, 3-Ratel 20
Mortar Coy: 2 Ratel-SP81mm Mortars
Arm Car Sqn 2 Eland-90 recce
1 Eland-60 recce
1 AT Coy 2 Ratel-90 Fire Support Vehicles
2 4x4 with ENTAC
AA Troop: 2 Ystervark SP 20mm
Tank Sqn: 4 Olifant Tanks
Artillery Btty: 2 G-5 155mm Field Guns, 2 Trucks or
2 120mm M-5 Mortars, 2 Trucks

NOTES:
As with the modular battalions, the 61
st
was made up of units from parent formations from South Africa and the SWATF.

The artillery battery was equipped with both the G-5 155mm field gun and the M-5 120mm mortar. Which weapon was used depended
on the task the battery was asked to carry out.

In 1988/89 two Ratel ZT-3 AT Vehicles were used in the AT Coy replacing the Ratel-90 FSVs and Jeeps with ENTAC.

The MAW issued was the Carl Gustav 84mm RcR. However this was rarely carried in the field.

The 61
st
served under the command of the 82
nd
Mechanized Brigade in 1988

32
nd
LIGHT INFANTRY BATTALION:
BHQ: HQ, SA-7, Engineer unit, FAO, FAC 2 Buffel APCs
5 Inf Coys: 4 Infantry units, 2 Tracker units, 4 Buffel APCs
Support Coy: 2 81mm Mortar units, 1 4x4 with 106mm RcR, 1 HMG unit, 3 Trucks
1 AT Coy 3 Ratel-90 Fire Support Vehicles
AA Troop: 2 Ystervark SP 20mm

NOTES:
One of two additional battalion sized units of the SADF to serve in SWA the 32
nd
was a one of a kind unit and was the only
Portuguese speaking unit in the SADF. It was created from elements of the FNLA after they were driven out of Angola by the MPLA.
Some volunteered to support their families whilst other simply saw it as a way to strike back at the MPLA. As a result the 32
nd
started
with a solid cadre of personnel and grew to a respectable size.

Its forte was sending detachments into southern Angola to locate SWAPO (and the occasional unlucky FAPLA) units. Once a target
was located they would guide in the remainder of the 32
nd
and or 61
st
for the kill.

Tracker units are highly specialised recce units. They are treated as Recce units but are exceptionally good at locating and identifying
hidden enemy units. When rolling to locate a hidden unit reduce the score needed by 1. In addition, units using the Hide rule or
reserves may not deploy in ambush within 20 cm of a Tracker unit.

No MAW was carried.

PARACHUTE BATTALION:
BHQ: HQ, SA-7, FAO, FAC
4 Inf Coys: 4 Infantry units
Support Coy: 1 81mm Mortar units, 1 Engineer unit

NOTES:
The second additional battalion sized unit to serve in SWA was the 1
st
Parachute Battalion, the only PF battalion in the 44
th
Parachute
Brigade. This served as an alert force. However both the 2
nd
and 3
rd
, both CF units, were also used on external operations or deployed
to SWA when the 1
st
was operating across the border

In 1989 the 14
th
Parachute Battalion Group was formed by calling up elements of the 44
th
Parachute Brigade and attaching the to the 1
st

Parachute Battalion.

AT Coys: 2 4x4 with ENTAC
Mortar Btty: 2 120mm M-5 Mortars, 2 Trucks

The mortars are integral to the battalion and should therefore be deployed on table

SWATF (South West Africa Territorial Forces).

The SWATF was officially formed in 1980, bring existing units under central control. Seven Infantry
Battalions were formed. SWA was divided up into sectors (numbered 10 to 70) within SWA with sectors 10,
20 and 70 on the SWA/Angola border. In addition CF elements of the SADF that existed in SWA were also
transferred to that of the SWATF.

Six of the battalions formed were deployed along the border amongst local tribal groups living there and
carried out a Hearts and Minds operation, with the amount of money paid to these tribal groups on a
monthly basis having a major effect on the local economy.

These were permanent units and no two had the same organisation.

101
st
INFANTRY BATTALION
BHQ: HQ, FAO, 1 Buffel APC
Tracker Coy: 6 Tracker units
4 Recce Coy 3 Infantry Romeo Mike units, 3 Casspir APCs
2 Inf Coys: 3 Infantry units, 1 HMG unit
Support Coy: 2 81mm Mortar units, 1 4x4 with 106mm RcR, Engineer unit 3 Trucks

NOTES:
The 101
st
was formed in Owambo in order to block SWAPO infiltration into that area.

Tracker units are highly specialised recce units. They are treated as Recce units but are exceptionally good at locating and identifying
hidden enemy units. When rolling to locate a hidden unit reduce the score needed by 1. In addition, units using the Hide rule or
reserves may not deploy in ambush within 20 cm of a Tracker unit.

Romeo Mike (Afrikaans for Reaksiemag or Reaction Force) units operated with the tracker teams, with the Trackers locating the enemy
and calling in the Romeo Mike unit to attack and destroy the target. The tactic was copied from Operation Koevoet.

No MAW was carried

The first two Romeo Mike Companies 901 and 903 were formed in 1984, whilst 902 and 904 were formed in 1985

101
st
INFANTRY BATTALION
BHQ: HQ, FAO, 1 Tracker unit, 1 Buffel APC
4 Inf Coys: 3 Infantry units, 1 HMG unit
Support Coy: 1 81mm Mortar unit, 1 4x4 with 106mm RcR, Engineer unit 2 Trucks

` NOTES:
The 102
nd
was also formed in Owambo but mainly served as a garrison force

Tracker units are highly specialised recce units. They are treated as Recce units but are exceptionally good at locating and identifying
hidden enemy units. When rolling to locate a hidden unit reduce the score needed by 1. In addition, units using the Hide rule or
reserves may not deploy in ambush within 20 cm of a Tracker unit.

Buffel APCs were issues as required, but no more than 2 companies can be motorised.

No MAW was carried

201
st
INFANTRY BATTALION
BHQ: HQ, FAO, 1 Tracker unit, 1 Buffel APC
Tracker Coy: 6 Tracker units
5 Inf Coys: 1 Infantry units, 2 recce Infantry units
Support Coy: 2 81mm Mortar units, 1 4x4 with 106mm RcR, Engineer unit 3 Trucks

` NOTES:
the 201
st
was formed from Bushmen refugees from Angola and the Caprivi Strip

Tracker units are highly specialised recce units. They are treated as Recce units but are exceptionally good at locating and identifying
hidden enemy units. When rolling to locate a hidden unit reduce the score needed by 1. In addition, units using the Hide rule or
reserves may not deploy in ambush within 20 cm of a Tracker unit.

Recce Infantry units are infantry units that also have the Recce ability as per the rules.

Buffel APCs were issues as required.

No MAW was carried.

202
nd
INFANTRY BATTALION
BHQ: HQ, FAO, 1 SA-7 unit, 1 Tracker unit, 1 Buffel APC
4 Inf Coys: 3 Infantry units, 1 HMG unit
Support Coy: 2 81mm Mortar units, 1 4x4 with 106mm RcR, Engineer unit 3 Trucks
Arm Car Sqn 2 Eland-90 recce
1 Eland-60 recce

` NOTES:
The 202
nd
was formed in Kavango and served mainly as a garrison force

Tracker units are highly specialised recce units. They are treated as Recce units but are exceptionally good at locating and identifying
hidden enemy units. When rolling to locate a hidden unit reduce the score needed by 1. In addition, units using the Hide rule or
reserves may not deploy in ambush within 20 cm of a Tracker unit.

Buffel APCs were issues as required.

No MAW was carried.

203
rd
INFANTRY BATTALION
BHQ: HQ, FAO, 1 Buffel APC
3 Inf Coys: 3 recce Infantry units
Support Coy: 1 81mm Mortar unit, 1 Truck


` NOTES:
The 203
rd
was formed from Bushmen along the Botswana border. It provided trackers for the 54
th
, 55
th
and 102
nd
Infantry Battalions on
rotation.

Buffel APCs were issues as required.

No MAW was carried.

301
st
INFANTRY BATTALION
BHQ: HQ, FAO, 1 SA-7 unit, 1 Buffel APC
3 Inf Coys: 3 Infantry units, 3 Buffel APCs
Support Coy: 2 81mm Mortar unit, 1 Engineer unit, 2 Eland-90, 1 Buffel APC, 2 Trucks
` NOTES:
the 301
st
was formed from units that had served in the 61
st
Mechanized Battalion.

No MAW was carried.

701
st
INFANTRY BATTALION
BHQ: HQ, FAO, 1 SA-7 unit, 1 Buffel APC
3 Inf Coys: 3 Infantry units, 1 HMG unit
Support Coy: 2 81mm Mortar unit, 1 Engineer unit, 1 Buffel APC, 2 Trucks
Attached units:
SWATF Arty Btty: 2 25pdr, 2 Trucks
SWATF AC Sqn: 2 Eland-90 recce
1 Eland-60 recce
Marine Coy: 3 Infantry Units

` NOTES:
the 701
st
was formed in what is known as the Caprivi Strip. Its reputation was so high that together with the Marine Company were the
only SADF units assigned to this sector

Buffel APCs were issues as required.

No MAW was carried.

901
st
INFANTRY BATTALION
BHQ: HQ, FAO, 1 SA-7 unit, 1 Buffel APC
4 Inf Coys: 3 Infantry units, 1 HMG unit, 4 Buffel APCs
Support Coy: 2 81mm Mortar unit, 1 Engineer unit, 1 4x4 with 106mm RcR, 1 Buffel APC, 2
Trucks
` NOTES:
the 901
st
was recruited from SWA at large and was used as a reserve force.

The MAW issued was the Carl Gustav 84mm RcR. However this was rarely carried in the field.
.

REACTION FORCE (ex-SADF CF units raised in SWA, and turned over in 1980. Never were fully called
out into active service.

1 Recce Armoured Car Regiment (EL-60 and EL-90)
1 Mechanized Infantry Battalion (Ratel)
1 Mechanized Infantry Battalion (Buffel)
1 Artillery Regiment (G-2 5.5 field Guns)
Amendments and additional Units for SADF, Angolan War (75-90)

Troops Arm Move Attacks Hits Save Cost Limit Notes
Recce Unit (Trackers) Recce 10 2/30* 6 - -/3 [#1]
Recce Unit (Eland -90) Recce 20 4/100 3 6 95 -/1 [<86]
Recce Unit (Ratel-90) Recce 25 4/100 4 6 105? -/1 IR
Recce Unit (Rooikat 76) Recce 25 4/70 4 6 95 -/3 [80+] S1 / IR [#2]
Support Unit (ATGW, Entac, 4x4) Infantry 20 4/100 3 - 125? -/1 [<86]
Support Unit (Mortar, 81mm, Ratel) Infantry 25 3/120* 4 6 70? -/3 [87+]
Tank Unit (Olifant 1A) Armour 20 5/100 6 4 155? -/-[9] [82+] S2 / IR
Tank Unit (Olifant 1B) Armour 25 5/100 6 4 165? -/-[9] [89+] S2 / TI
ATGW Unit (ZT-3, Ratel) Anti-Tank 25 6/160 4 6 210? -/-[4] [88+] IR
Artillery Unit (25pdr) Artillery - 3 4 - 50 -/-[1] [<85]
Artillery Unit (G-2 5.5) Artillery - 4 2 - 60 -/-[3] [<85]

NOTES:

[#1] Tracker units are highly specialised recce units. They are treated as Recce units but are exceptionally good at locating and identifying
hidden enemy units. When rolling to locate a hidden unit reduce the score needed by 1. In addition, units using the Hide rule or reserves may not
deploy in ambush within 20 cm of a Tracker unit.

[#2] The 76mm gun fitted to the Rooikat is a very high velocity weapon, firing discarding sabot ammunition and is matched with a state of
the art FCS. It is substantially larger than the Eland it replaces. Whereas the Eland was deemed capable of engaging T-54/55 class MBTs the
Rooikat was designed to be capable od engaging the heavier T-62.

Remove the following units from list:

Recce Unit (Eland-90/Ratel-90) Recce Replace by entries above
Support Unit (Entac) Infantry Never used in backpack mode
Air Defence Unit (Stinger) Artillery Never used by SADF
Transport Unit (Ratel-20) Transport Vehicle is used as IFV. The Buffel and Casspir APCs fulfil the Armoured Transport role.