DDt-11&1GTl

DEFENSEINTELLIGENCEREPORT

SOVIET TANK BAT'TALION

TACTICS

AUGUST1977
 SOVIETTANK BATTALIONTACTICS

DDr-1120-10-??

IDfotmation Cutoff Dat€: 30 NoveEber 1976

Ihis is a Deparhent ol DefenseIntellige[ce Document

py@aBd by the Soviet/WaEawPact Division,
Direc'tonte fo! Intelligence &esearch,
Delen6eIntelligence Agency

Autho!: Major A. E. Hemedey, Clound FotcesBranch,

Tlctics 8!d Otganization Section
 PREFACE

This study i6 produced pimadly as an inshuctional aid fot usein seFice schoolsand hoop
units. It is int€nded a! a "how they fight" Eranualand descliber the tactics of a Soviet tank
battslion when it iNdeployed in combined asn6 operationsin the Europeantheate! o! a sihilar
environment. Details of t nk equipment in service at the ple8ent time are included as an
Appendix. lte dbcus6ion of tactic6 i! at tank company and attached unit level. Tho6e
requiling the detrils of bethods of opetrtion of taDk or motolized rifle coEpanies should
con6ult Souiet Tank Compan! Ta.tica (U, DDI-1120-129-76 dat€d May ?6, ot The Sovict
Moto.bed. Rifle Companf (U) DDI-1100-??-?6 dat€d May ?6. Tank tactics usd in btrilt-up
aressare descdbedin Sovict Militarr Opetution| in Built-up Atuos (Ul DDI-1100-155-?7 (to be
published).
Addresseesare leque6ted to lorward infonation which will 6upplemmt o! co[ect thjs
leport. Questions and comments 6hould be lefened in w ting to the Defense Intelligenc€
Agency(A'ITN: DB-1B4),Washineton, D.C, 20301.

!u
 TABLEOF CONTENTS

Page

SUMMARY

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1
Purpose 1
Scope 1

CHAPTER2 ORGANIZATIONFOR COMBAT 3

Subordination 3
Structure 3
Equipment 3
Command 3
Battalion CommandPost 4
Battalion Support Group 4
Conhol 4
Radio 4
Radio Security 4
OrdeIs 6

CHAPTER3 TACTICAL MOVEMENT ,l

Genelal 7
MarchFormalion 7
Advanceto Contact and Combat Fomation 7
MarchSecuriEy I

CHAPTER4 THE MEETINGENGAGEMENT 11

Concept 11
Tank Battalion Reinforcement 11
Reconnaissance 13
Deployment 13
Execution

CHAPTER5 THE OFFENSIVE 7',t

Section A Concepts t7
Ceneml 71
Tank Battalion Support t7
Echelons 18
Attack Frcntagesand Depths 18
Relative Strengths 18
Ffte Support 18
Smoke 18
SectionB Attack on a PreparedPosition 18
Deployment 18
Reconnaissance 2l
Estimat€ 2l
Attack Coodination 27
ObstacleCrcssing 22
Assault Action 22
 Pag€

Section c Second Echelon Tank Battalion in a Resiment's Attack On a PleDared

Position
Concept
SecondEchelonPlanning 22
SectionD Attack on an EnemyHastyDefense 23
Concept 23
Deployment 23
Section E Pusuit
Concept
Deployment

CHAPTER6 WATEROBSTACLECROSSING
Concepts 27
Reconnaissanceand Initial ftoEsing 27
Fora€d Crossings 2a
Orgsnization 28
Deployment Unopposed 30
Deployment Opposed 32
U6eof Smoke 34
CHAPTER? NIGHT OPERATIONS 36
Coneepts 36
Night Observation

Deployment
Frontagesand Rate ol Advance

CHAPTER 8 DESTRUCTIONOF NUCLEAR DELIVERY MEANS 37

Concept 31
Combat Reinforcement 37
Mission 39
Combat Organization 39
Communications 39
Planning 39
Order8 39
Execution 39
Significance 40
CHAPTER9 DEFENSE 41
Concept 4l
Reinforcement 4L
Deployment 4l
Delen6ivePositions 41
Defen6eOrganization 43
Reconnaissance and O!de!8 43
Administrative Planning 43
Conduct of tlle Defense 43
Infanby Suppo ing Fire 43
Countet Penetration 43
Count€rAttack 44
Withd!awal 44
 Page

Service Support in Combat 44

SecondEchelon Defense 44
Defenseat Night 44
CHAPTER1O DISENGAGEMENTAND WITHDRAWAI 45
Concept 45
Type of Withdrawal 45
Mtusion6 45
Rear and Flank Guard Actions 45
Main Body Movement
Disengagement 47
Organizationf or Withdrawa-] 47
Orden and Coordination 47
Conductof Witldrawal 4A
Conduet of Battalion RearcuardAction 4a
WithdrawalTactics 4a
CHAPTER11 SECURITYDURING HALTS 49
Concepts 49
Location of Rest Areas 49
Camouflageand Concealment 49
Reconnaissance of a Rest Arca 49
Orden for Occupation 50
SecurityAft€r Occupation 50
RegimentalRest Arcas

CHAPTER12 CONCLUSIONS
General
CombatOrganization
Commandand Control
TacticalEmployment 54
Assessmentof CombatPotential 54
APPENDIXES

APPBNDIXA SOVIETTANKS
APPENDIXB SOVIETTANK T.?2
APPENDIXC TANK ASSOCIATEDEQUIPMENT 61
APPENDIXD SOVIETCONVENTIONALSYMBOLS

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Figure 1. Oryanizationol a SovietLankbatralion(L , 2

2. Representativecommandnet of a reinforcedtank batta.lion(U,)
3. Tacticalfomations of a Soviettank battalionfU.) 8
4. A companyof T-62sin combatline 9
5. Deploymentof a reinforcedtank battalionfor the meetingengagement (U.) 7 2
6. A combatreconnaissance patrol is bdefed(U.)
1. Stages in committing a reinforced tank battalion in a meeting engage-
ment(U.) t4

vn
 Page

Figure 8. Tank unit"sare usually reinforced lor a mission (U.)

9. Tank battalion deploybent during an assaulton a plepaled position (tt.) 20
10. The unit commandero entateshis tank commandehbeforean attack(U.) 27
11. The stagesof an attack on an enemyhastydefenseposition(U.)
!2. Dtect ard pamllel pursuit opention (U.) 26
13. Tank batttlions in the filst echelon cross wat€r obstacles by snorkel-
l i n g( U . ) . ..... 27
t4. Diaglamatic layout of a tar* battalion's control system for a water
crossing(U,)
Unopposedcrossingof a wat€robstacle(U.) 31
Opposedcrossingof a waterob6tacleby a tank battalion(U,) 33
t1. Assault crossings are made by tanks using snorkels and a.recoveled by
int€nse artillery fire 34
18. Illustration of the concept of a reinforced tank battalion's attact against
enemynucleardeliverymeans(U,) 38
19. Tank battaliondefensivedeployment(Nuclearconditions) 42
20. Tank battalion as a reat and flank guard during a legimental \nithdrawal , 46
21. BMPSol attacbed rifle units may be used in reconnaissance 49
22. T-?2 in firing position 50
the bottom line--T-5ss in the Att.ck-a "quick concentmtion of tank fire':
24. T-54/55
25. T42
26. T.72 The new Soviettank
27. T-72 Designteaturesin contrast to'l-62 60
24. BTU dozermountedon T-55 61
29. KMT mine plows 61
30. Mineplow on T-55 62
31. T-62 with minerolteE 63
32. T-72 showingtlre snorkeltube lashedto the rearof the tun€t 63
33. Soviettanks with the combatsnorkelcontrastlpith the wider traininetube
in this photoglaph 64
34. T-62 in the water fitted with combat snorkel 64
T.34-TARV
36. T.54.T ARV 65
 SUMMARY

A Souiet tanh battalion, whethet assiEnedto a rifle or tcnk d.ivision,i.snomally organizeil

into o headquorters,three tanh companies,a support analmaintenoncephtoon, and a medical
Bectipn. Ind.ependent tdnh battaLionsma! be allocated more. than three tanh companies to
accomplish specific mi$ions. Bdttalions usually take part in combinealarms operations unaLer
the command of a regimental headquorters.
The battalion operotes under the closesuperuisionof the regimental commander etcept in
the meeting engagement,withdruwal, and.on an operation to destroy enemy nucleor deliuery
mean$. The battdlion commander has more opportunity to u6e h's init[atiue in these l'tter
opemtians. Fire support for the tanh bdttalion is hormslly aftsnEed b' the rcgimental
commanaLeLThe strict control and lach of opportunii! to display initiqtiue by compan! and
pla,toon commdnders mdy aLegradethe performance of a tahh bdttalion if tactical plans are
seuerelyupset during 4n operdtion.
In combat a tank battalion is reinforced by motorized rifle elements, artillery, combat
entlinee6, and chemrcal defen$e specialists. The extent of rcinforcement depenils on the
mbsion. The reinforced battalion operatesuhen possible as a single maneuverelement in order
to concenffate its firepouer. Howeuer, in the meeting engagement, pursuit and in the
withdrawal the battalion may use an aduance or rear gudrd to pin the enemy alaun by fire
uhile the rcst of the battolion maneuDers.
goui.et tactic1l concepts for iLeployment of tank battalions arc sound. Tactical drills are
uell rchearsed.and effectiue. Operctions arc designed to exploit the concentrated fiepower,
mobilitf, and armor aniL CBR protection of tanhs. Deployment b normally from the line of
march, companies use a combct formatinn suitable to the tetain aniL phase of operations.
Combat security ia emphaaizedby I elementscf the battalian during operations.
Control of the tank battalion in combat normolly is by rodio supplemented by uisual
means.Attached. subunih ore on the battalion command net ouer uhich strict railio iLiscipline
i$ maintained, The degree of radia security may inhibit the rapid. disseminatian of taryet

Ouemll. we judge the Souiet tank battalion, reinforced to execute a particular mission, to
be uell-oryanized and troined in sounal tactical concepts; and drills; it has high combat power
and.potential

lx
 CHAPTEB
1

INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE and deJined only when US terms {ail to

describe Soviet concepts, organization and
1. This study presents infomation on the tactics adequately. Unless otherwise stated,
organization,command techniquesand tactics military terms in common use have the
oJ the Soviet medium tank battalion. Details meaning given them in JCS Publication l
of vehicle pedonnance are limited to those dated 3 Sep ?4. Soviet telms which have no
that are relelant to tactical employment. The US equivalent are defined when first used
study is primarily intended to provide instruc- c. In tactical diagams, the reader should
tors at schools and in field units with reJer- recognize that a radio command net links
ence material. each company and detachment commander
with lhe balLalioncommander.The adminis-
SCOPE hative and logistic elements of the tank
battalion are a.lso able to list€n to the com-
2.a. The battalion is the badc unit of mand net, although they are not shown in the
maneuver in the Soviet tank arm. Battalions majority of diagrams because of space limi-
are reinforced with detachments ftom other tations. Company tanks a-re on Lislening
arms to enable them to complete a padicular watch.
mission. The descdption of tactics is at d. The tactical diagrams are not templates
company and, in the case of attached arms, and should not be used as such. Although
detachmert level. Details ol company tactics scaleshave been included when possible, the
may be found in DD-l120-129-?6 Souiet deployment of a Soviet tank battalion in
Tanh Company ?acfics, and DDI-1100-??-?6, combat depends as much on the t€nain as
The Souiet Motorized.Rifle Company. upon tactical concepts. Frontagesused in the
b. The study concentmtes on tactics in a diagrams are for nonnuclear operations. In
European setting in both nonnuclear a.nd nucleai operations these frontages would be
nuclear environments. These tactics are de- doubled. The diagr:ams are illustrative ol the
signed prima-rily for use in {ast moving com- text and of general principl€s, and are not
bal be{wpenmpchanizedforces. intended to portray the way in which each
Soviet tactical t€rminology has been used and every Soviet operation wil be conducted.
 CHAPTER2

ORGANIZATIONFOB COMBAT

SUBORDINATION

1. tn both tank ard motorized rifle divi. lnformation conceming the equipment snd
sions, the tank battalion is subodinat€ to a performance of these tanl6 is included in
regiment. In some motorized dfle divisions Appendix A. Battalions are also equipped
there is ,lso an independentt3nk battalion with an armoredrecovery vehicle, an almoled
subordinateto the division commander.The command vehicle, an armored scout car, and
number o[ Larks in each ba(taiion varies an ambulance.Each battalion also has nrne
accordingto subordination.Detdiisolperson- mheclearingplow6. Officers and soldiersare
nel strcngthsand equipmentcan be found in equippedwith pei€onalweapons.Hard-held
DIA Soviet Ground Force Organizational sudace to air missiles and tank mounted
Guide,DDI-1100-2-75datedJune 1975. anliafcrafi machinegunsare found in va.rying
numbersin eachtype of battalion.
STRUCTURE EQUIPMEIYT
2. The Soviettank battalionis organizedas
shownin Figure1. 3. The main battle tank ol the mecuum
tank battalion is still eith€r the T-62 or th€
In the tank batt€lion o4anic to a tank T-54/55, but growing numbers of the new
regimentthere are 31 tanks (10 per company T-72 are being intrcduced into Soviet units in
plus a battalion comma.rdtank), and in the the USSRand EastemEurope.
tank battalion of a motorized rifle r€giment COMMAND
there ale 40 tanks (13 per company plus a
batta.lioncommand tank). The independent 4, Usualy, a major or a captaincomm.urcls
tank battalionof a motorizedrine division a Soviet tank battalion. Companiesar€ com-
probably is organizedlike the tank battrlion mandedby captainsor seniorlieutenants,and
of a motonzedrifle reglment. platoons by lieut€nanb or pmporchchihi (a

Figure1.Organization loa TankReSiment

ol a Tanl ErtialionSubordinalc
lank roughly equivalent to a US wanant or evacuatesa damagedt€nk. Medical teams
officer). A commarder below battalionlevel recove!the wounded,administerfirst aid, and
has little latitude in the way he executeshis evacuate them to regimental aid posts for
missionexceptwhenhjs unit is employedasa treatment or movement to the rcar. The
leconnaissancegroup or a march security battalion'ssupport resourcesare augmented
detachm€nt. The battalion headquarterc is ftom regihent as required.
divided into a battalion commandpost (CP)
groupand a battalionsupportgtoup.
CONTROL
BATTALION COMMAND POST 8. The battalion commandercontrols th€
battslion by radio, visual, and audio signalsin
5. The battalion CP is mounted in an the employment of well-rehearsed tactical
armoredpeFonnel carrier (APC). It is con- formatiols and dlills. Tenain is identified by
trolled by the battalion chief of staJf, nor' leferencepoints. Soviet producedrnaps ate
mally a captain or seniorlieutenant. The CP is extremely detailed and heated as classified
mannd by the opemtionsofficer, communl- documents.They arc carriedonly by office$.
cations chief, political officer, a chemical- Except in the assault, tank units are usually
biological-radiotogical (CBR) specia.list,radio led by commanders, The Soviets demand a
operato$ and clerks. The battalion com_ high standard of personal leadershipand
mander is mounted in a tank for combat examplebe set by unit leaders.
opentions. Communicationsare maintained
by the CP with the battalion and regimental
commanders.The CBR warning net is a.lso RADIO
maintsined in the CP. A second APC is
sometimesheld in the battalion with radios 9. R,adio nets are, when possible, con-
on listeningwatch on th€ samenetsasthe CP troled at battalion level. Comma.nderstrom
but rrithout a radio on the CBR waming net. the motorizedriflc, artillery, and air defense
6. The battalion CP collatesand dissemi- units attachedto a tank battalion join the
nates tactical intelligence and preparesopera- battalion command net. Companiestransmit
tion ordeE under the battalioncommander's fLe support requ€sts to the battalion com-
guidance.The chieJof staff organizestraining mander-andnot directly to the supportunit.
irnd is responsiblefor keeping both the Thrs reducesthe time availablefor artillery to
battalion and regimental commander rn- engaget€igets of opportunity. The types of
formed as to the combat strendh of the radio setsvary accordingto division,but tank
battalion. Out of combat, the chief of staff battalion'sintemal radio communicationsare
oiganizesthe daily routine of administration. effective.An exampleof a representative net
is at Figure2.
BAIAALION SUPPOBTGBOIJP

7. This groupconsistsof the deputybattal- BADIO SECURITY

ion commander for technical affais, the
medicalsection,and the supply and mainte- 10. Radio transmissionsecurity in the
nanceplatoon. When the battalion is on the SovietFound forcesis stdct. Normallyorderi
march, the supportgroup suppliesthe neces- are given by battalion and company com-
sary ammunition, fuel, and lubricanf,sby mandels of tank and attached units and arc
dlect delivery in halt areas.Whenin action, acknowledgedby subordinatecommandeis,
the tanks are resupplied in their lorward Codewotds or numbels are usedlor reference
positions. The support $oup establishesa points. Though they have common frequen-
technicalobservationpoint in order to main- ci€s,it doesnot appea!to be the customfor
tain visual surveillanceover the battlefield to tanks to transmit info@ation on ta.rgetsof
locate damagedtank6. A lepair and evacua' opportunity dilectly to eithe! the infantry or
tion groupthen carriesouLon lle spot repairs ihe artillery.
 RIFTE ARTITTERY
COMPANY BAITERY
co^ MANDTRCOAA{ANDtt

€NGINEER

IFAII
R€CONNAISSANCE

BAIIATION COMMAI.IDERSTANX

REGIMENTCO'IIAAANOER

netduring
on receivngmodeonlhe battalion
NOTE:ll shouldbe.otedthatthet.nks in thecompaniesoperate
mosroperarons.
Fisure2.Represenlalive NetotaReinlorced
Command TankBaltalion

5
 '[e eI at+rsod 'las aFpaqcs aIlIIa
Faq;rq eq11€Io4uot e g1€ pelB oIIE Foddns arlJ
'.ropuEE@oc pluau[8er eql ^q
Faxa ol lueqcued p$os ern Jo e^rFrlpu pun Jo sFepp q$a
fqfuel ar€ eserd,$BllIrE arn q suoqrn4sur pougop l{llensn $ uorsslu soIIB!@q aqJ lero
uslLrrra p! os Jo saldEBxg uoflBmproot fl porBaitr pe'reJard aql 'olper i(q ro .suoll
r{.ressareuaql lno Sqrifrlec lnorBla saleu -rn4sul u"$I!d ,{q ..{[ero Bpro uouBrado
--rproqnsnoql o1 uo $epro 4aw ssEdfJere6 srq sans$ repusurEor uoIIF4eq eq.l .II
oqr|. ruepuBr[Eo3 uo-rIB?+Bq Jo ssord .ftelmln
la,r os aw ur r1lsrcgucarFrep$ooc $ e{ar[I, susouo
j
 CHAPTEB
3

TACTICAL
IVlOVEMENT

GENERAL MARCH FORMATION

1. Soviet tank bathlions train to move 2. Duing movement to coiltsct, a tank

into combat in well-reheaEedformations. battalion moves in column, on roads with
Eachvehiclehas its predesignated position m commandelsleading their respectivesubunits.
t}le battalion formation. Tank battalions are Tank battalions move at 15-20 kilometers per
ableto changefomation rapidly upon either hour at night and 20 to 30 kilometersper
radio, flag, or hand signals. They plactice hour in the da].time. If suitable loads exist,
formations appropdatefor movementin or companiesmay move on parallel roads to
out of contact with the enemy, Variation6 are avoidhaffic congestion.
designedto take into accountboth the enemy
threat and the tenain. Att€ched units are ADVANCETO CONIACT AND COMBAT
deployeda5 the situationdemands.The pur- FORMATIONS
pose of dgid aalherenceto set batde drill is 3. Whenrontact with lhe enemyis immi-
two-fold: nent, tank batta.lions will move fLst into a
Iine of company columns, then a line of
a. To move as rapidly as possible in all platoon columns, and finaly in an assault
phasesof operations. line. Attached Eotorized ifle units ca.neither
b. To movein sucha way asto employthe precedeor follow tank companies, depending
maximum direct and iDdirect fire when on the situation. The company and platoon
contacts,ith the etremyis made, columns and lines are echeloned to left or
right to use t€nain cover or guard a flank as
requir€d. Attached artilery, air defense and
Such deploymentdrill proficiencyalsomini- engin€er units are given loca.l protection
mizesthe effect of t}Ie lack of skill of newly within battalion formations.Figure 3 shows
conscripted Soviet 6oldiers in maintaining som€ Wpical battalion formation8 (attached
Iinesof the advance. armsnot shownfor sakeof clarity).
 -+€ <b- -<{r€ -<-r}++- <+
TAN|( COMPANY rANx COMPANY lAflK COM?ANY SUp?ryANDTATNTINANCa
T
]SI IANX BATTALION
NC OQUAITEiS
NOTEi 30 matarsbatw6anvahicles.nd sub units
A. a.fl.lton.olnn (out ol contet th 6.6y o, t6.l6erch) .i 30 kihnctr.s pcr hour.

<"9r
-.*f.- -6' l,

aoo MACiS
*J*
a. C'npohy colun^ (uttd lm 1k6t to 6 kn. hffi q. y tb.ut$)

Fr+o-.o- 400 MFTtis lo

I
r.ooo
{ElErs b l,0ooMfllf,S
_+rO_ D
I |
-ff J <IG
D
-+rO-
T I I
8ooMErcisto
_<+* J t,oooMElEis
I
<rg*

.CX'LONCDIICHT .IH'LONEDIEFI WIDG' OI ONE IJP

C. C6l!6^.l c66pant t

-<rO*
-.1? -4€
-<t€
+loo- NorE
<rOCD drd.rbtur oi.E rm FEE
€ -<too-<r+ ..{.o+.<6 -.."o-o- LY,lll*"Ti :.:'-llHfl:'
-<to-- Phlm cotuni r.5 - a xibr|.B
-<{o<>-
fd
Cdrbrr LiE .5 r5{ibNr6
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<€ ^n dirr.6.E did.t- t td.in raluc
-<too-
COMlAi LIN' PLAIOON COLUMN COMIANY COIUMN IATIATION COI.UMN

D. D.Dlovh6, ol a tohk bttolt.a l.o @lu6i ,o.tt.vh lffi.ttq

Fi8ur.3.TacticrlForm.tions
ofe M.diunT.nhBrttalion
MARCH SECURMY c. An edgineersquad.
d. An air defensebattery.
4. When contact iS expected,matrchsecu-
e. A chemicaland radiologicalleconnais-
rity procedules are put into eff€ct by each
sanceteam.
cornponentdetachEentof the battslion. The
entire battalion may also be employed a6 lne 5. Eachdet€chmenri6 deployed,as terrain
advanceguard for a regiment. In either care dictates, in order lapidly to be cohmitted
tlte battalion will be reinforced--,typically by into action. Battalion formation6 ate changed
the following units: to meet variousmarchsecurityrequireme;b.
a. A motodzed dfl€ company. Primary consideratioDsare rapid movemmf
b. An artillery batt€]ion. and all lound prot€ction.

h.,,M"u,.

Filun 4. A onrnny or T6- la tut n |iE

 CHAPTER
4

ENGAGEMENT
THEMEETING

@NCEPT b. Deplo''mmt and a.6sa'l1tby security

elemenb (if faced by a weak en€my).
1. Ihe Soviets define the meeting engage- c. Assault by the mair body (when rc-
ment as combat between opposing columns quted by strength).
npidly advancing towsrds each other. A The Soviets coEsiderthe meetrngengagement
rcinforced tank battalion, is most likely t,o be to be the most impofiant batta.lion operation
committed to a meeting engagemmt: and it fteque[tly is the focu6 of trainnrg
a. During an advanceto contact.
b. Against enemy resewesalter a success-
tuI brcakthrough opelation.
c. In the course of either an enemy or TANK BAITAIION REINTORCEMEI{I
Soviet counterattack.
d. During pusuit opemtiom. 2. A tank batt€lion may take part in a
The Soviets consider that successin meet- meeting engagementeither as ttre advance
ing engagementsis gained by the force that guad of s regidmt or ss part of the mam
first deploys into combat lornation and body after contact has aheady been made
assaults the enemy by fire. They regad the with the enemy. A typical reinforcement of a
meeting engagementas being carried out rn tank battalion has beeB de6cribed in Chap-
tlEee phases: t€r 3. Figure 5 shows tlle type of fornation
a. Advance of leconnarssanceand secudtv which a battalion employs during the meeting
elements. engagementapproachmarch.

11
 lr
0
0
tlo2x[
l-

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q_
5 ro r0 xtloMrTEr5

I TO 2 XllOMarEtS 1 9 2 xtolreTEts

toss[LatattE^! crou'|No
Sob-un(
Combit R.clonrissanc Prirol Racocnaissnca
ol axis
t,'
Laad[.i.n S.curily octaahiEnt

OE tbto.i{d riflc oLloo|l

olr !rlilLry brtilry
3 Comb.t Rlaonnai..ancc Palrol
O|.LDt pLtooo

M.in thdy

Battrlio. t|.a&urn rs Groso

Entin .r pLt@||
Anli.ncr.tt b.nlry
Ciamicalspacaalisls
6 Or|. tleto.ir.d RnbCo.np.ny 25 TO 30 MEIETS

ArtilLr, Baltrlion

a
9 RaconnaissancaPetrol
orlr plaloon l,
t
Fi ur. 5. Dcglo'tFnl ol . R.inlorccdTantB.ttalim lor th. ift.tan8 EmaSEn.nt

t2
RECONNAISSANCE tue while the Eain body of t}le battalion
assaulus,If the Soviet tank battalion is part of
3. The combat leconnarssance patrol of the regimental main body, then the battalion
the tank battalion, usually a tsnk platoon, is commander rill be eiven an axis of advance

Fisurs6. A @nbar r&omrisnce latrol i. bri€l.d {U.l

tasked with identjfying enemy locations, by the regimental commander. Ordersfor the
strengths,movements,and axes,and rcporting executionof a meehngengagemenL are given
them to battalion and regimental staffs. by Edio. Fire support from artillery attached
to the battalion is augmented,astime allows,
DEPLOI'},IENT by aftilery attached to the regiment. Smoke
€ither delivered by artiuery or generatedby
4. When the battalion is employed a.6an the tanks themselves may be usedto conceal
advance guard, the commander of the lead movement or obscure the freld of view of
marchsecurity detachment(normally a rein- enemy Antitsnk Guided Missile (ATGM)
forced tank company) has the authority to opemtors.Tf Lhe main body i6 to attack, it
make the decision as to whetier to assaultthe will do so approx[nately 20 minutes alter
enemycolumn.If the enemyis in strength,he initial contact is made.
may deploy and engagethe enemy with tank .

I3
 €nemytorcearivls in ihisposilionin
marchcolumnappror.lO minulesallcr
being sight€d by combat recon. \s

NO. UNIT
1,
I Corhb.t Rec.nn6issance \
Reporlsto b3llalioncdmander 6
ttloveslo obse.vationpostand

2 L.ad March S.curity

updalesinlormalaon onen€my
Y
3 Uoves lro|n l€.d narch securily \
.l€tachmentlo lire position
Rec€ivescontrci reporl
Ballalionconmander giv€sord6rs

Mill.ry Battalion Deployes

lo tjre lositionlron column
0_0
MainAody Deploys
intoconDany
columns

7 MainBody inloplatoon
Deploys columns
a MainBody Ass3ullswith fire supportlron
march s.curity detachmenland
iill€ry

FEur.7.Slatesin Conmitting
a R€intorc.dT.nk
Battalion
ina Meeting
Enga$ment

t4
 9I
'sseccnsroJ ssaulrE:ecmosar ro euo Jo odasar IFrrrs B rruoJ .uolsacro uo
pue 'e^qer.llur 'peeds Sq4nbar uoq€rado '.{eul rapuBEEor oqJ '(l em8ld aas) .uoleqro
arrnBur{p B rllt?lluasse q +I sB luouraSeSue ouo m uEnloc Inreua oql qFesse r(IleErou
Suqaaltr uoIIe$Bq aq1 roJ sqldap ro sa8eluo+ uollsrl€q {uel E Jo ^poq qBu aqJ I
aqFcsop ol epBE sr ldua$B oN .rf4uBJr4
pezFoloE pue srluPl lo s{uBt Jo suoolqd olll NOlLncgxa
 CHAPTER
5
THEOFFENSIVE

Section A--Concepts TANK BATTAIION STJPPORT

GENERAL
2. A tank battalionis usuallysupportedby
1. The Soviet offensiveconceptis to neu- the fLe of artillery and aircraJt and has the
tralize enemydefensivepositionswith nuclear following attachmentsfrom other arms in
o! nonnuclear fte and attack on a naITow offensive operations.
ftont, if possibleto the llank and rear of the
enemymain position.Rapidlymountedoper- a. Onemotorizedrifle company.
ations from the line of march are caEied out b. An engineerplatoon.
against hasiily prepared enemy defenses, c. A CBRreconnajssance platoon.
whjle delibemte opentions are conducted d. Armoredrecoveryvehicles,supplyvehi
againstwell-preparedpositions. clessnd ambulances.

Figur.a, T.nk unil3aret{6lly Einforc6dfor a hasion {u.l

17
ECHELONS twice or thrce timesasstrongasthe attacking
force may be engaged if preparationffueshave
3. A battalion may attack in either one or effectively neutralizedthe enemy defpnsive
two echelons.The secondechelon,usually position. This inve$ion of usual attack de-
one tank company,follows the first echelon fense ratios shows the effectiv€ness the
at a distance of three kilometels. lf the filst Soviets expect from the destructiv€ force of
echelon fails to reachits objective.Lhe mi6- nuclea.rweaponsandheaw a.rtilleryfire.
sion is teken ove! as a plioity task of the
second echelon. When the fi$t echelon takes FIRE SUPPORT
iLs objective, the second echelon is used to
exploit the success.The second echelon is 6. Ffue support for the t€nk battalion is
lrequently-bul inaccurarely-refeEedto in nomally aranged by the regimentalcom-
Soviet military writing as a "resewe". The mander. Artillery is allocated bom division
tlue reserve (usually one tank platoon) is resoruces. Firc supportmay be augmented by
lormed by the battalion codrmander. The dilect or indirect fte of tank units not taking
reselveis not given a miBsionat the outset of part in the attack. Preparatory firc js usually
an operation. It is used to contend with on a fimed basisand canbe up to 40 minutes
untoreseencontingencies a.ndto mate a shift in length. Artiuery attachedto an attacking
in the thrust of the operation. tank battalion coversthe movementof the
battalion's fi$t echelon.-During the final
ATTACK FRONIAGES AND DEPTHS assaulL,artillery engagesenemy reserveposi-
tions. Soviet tanlG close to 150-200m of
4. Terrain,the degl€eto which the enemy artillery fire du ng the advance. Artillely
folce has beenneuhalized,and whetherthere targelsin supportof secondechelonmissions
is to be use of nuclear weapons dictat€ the are selectedby the tank battalioncommander
frontage of a battalion during an attack. The after consolidationof firct echelonobjectives.
following distance6may be taken as typical:
SMOKE
Nuclee Non'Nucieu
Uuit Conditioru Conditioc 7. Smokemay be usedbefore or after the
start ol an offensive. Before lhe offensive
starts the control of smoke is likely to be
formulation) 2 kilometeF 1-1.6LilometeB letained at legimental level or higher. When
800 meteE 600 meteB the battalion penetratesthe enemy d€fenses
the battalion commanderrDaycall for smok€
200 meters 160 meteB either to conceala flank or to confusethe
100 meleB ?6 meieB enemy as to the direction of the attack. The
Soviets recognize lle value of smoke in
obscuring the field of vision of ATGM oper-
A batt€lion attack in two echelons is
Etors. Since Soviet tank unit commandeE
normally carried out to a depth of 3 to 4
regad ATGMSasthe enemyrsmost dangerous
kilometers. After preparation fires, the fi$t
antitank weapon,we believethat smokewill
echeloncaniesout an attsck to overcomethe
frequentlybe used.
enemy forward poEitions. When the first
echelon has consolidat€d its position the
SectionB
secondechelon attack is deliveted againstthe
enemy'6positionsin depth.
Attack on a PreparedPosition

RELATIVE STRENGTHS DEPLOYMENT

5. The Soviets judge t}lat the usual pre- 8. A tank battalion requLes an initial
ponderanceof attackersto defenseshouldbe deploymentareaof 8 to 10 squarekilometets
betwe€n3 and 5 to 1 in tanks.But an enemy to prepale for an attack on a prepa.red

18
position. The arca should be out of enemy a.nd a hal-f hours march along ihe route.
obseFation, allow for camouflag€, and have Routes arc Bom€times posted with c'olored
good access roads: In this arca, tanks are ma.rkers. An area i6 selected some 4 to 6
resupplied with arnmunition and POL and are kilomete$ ftom the eD€my position for com-
prepa.red for combat. Preliminary orders are panjes to deploy into column. Companies
given and units from motolized dfle and move into a column of platoons 1 to 3
other attached units join th€ tarik companies. kilomete$ ftom the enemy position depend-
A poinL aL l}lc Eronl ol Lhedeploymenr area is ing on the tenain, and into 3n assault tine
designated th€ departwe point from which 1000 meters to 500 met€B in ftont of the
subsequent movement is timed. Once the enemy position. (See Figue 9). Second
battalion starts its advance no stops are made, ech€lon companies remedfl approximately
although movement contol points may be three kilomete$ behind the fust echelon in
established approximately every one to one the advancemovement.

19
 A

{*

No. ACITON
departur.lincin b:ttalio. column
I Brtlrlioncross€s
2 Battalionmov€siniocompany
column4 to 5 tildnctcrs

3 8.tt.lion rnovesinloass.ultlorm.tionol comp.ni.s

(tuo companies in lst ech€lon)I kilom€terlron tho
obj€ctive
4 Th. third conp.nr (znd .ch.lon) mov€s3 tibnGt rs
bahindthe lst edlelooin column
5 A 3.condbattaliooprovid$ dir.ct fir. suppondunnt
thea3sault
5 Artillorybrtralbnprovid6lar. supponpriorto and
durin8ttuassault
DEPARII'RE I.INE

Figure9. Trnt B.ttrlion Deglolm€ntOurirysnAss.uhona PcparudPosition

20
RECONNAISSANCE transmit to the regimental commander up-
dated tactical intelligence and to personally
influence the battle.
9. When a battalion attacks from a posi- ESTIMATE
tion which is behind the Soviet FEBA, the
battalion commander makes a reconnaissanc€ 10. An estimat€ is made of the amount of
on the ground with the commander6 of his neutalization possible, and the objectives of
tank companies and attached units. The the bnk battalion's ffust and second echelons
battalion commander and the reconnaissance and suppolting units aie tien decided. Special
group follow the planned route of advance, attention is given to identifying the enemy
and familia.rize themselves with the departure tank and ATGM threat. The location of the
and conhol poink and those deployment battalion CP, the fire positrons o{ attached
areasbehind their own FEBA. Detailed recon- armored pe$onnel cardels (APCS), and dis-
naissance i-6 made of fords and other cdtical mounting areas for motorized infantry ,.re
points. Areas to be used as second echelon planned in thi6 phase. Not€ t}Iat if the
deployment areas and by the batta.lion medi- offensive is to be mounted by the battalion
cal ald station and the battalion support from a defensive position in contact with the
goup arc confirmd. The reconnaissance enemy, orden for the advance and attack ar€
group js aided in its task by the command€$ given at this stage.
ol units along the FEBA. Radio Commuhica-
tions are established with units which are to ATTACK COORDINATION
support the Lanl{ batl,alion with 6Je dudng
the offensive. Soviet military rvdte$ stress the 11. The tank baltalion commander is re-
importance of effective coordination by the sponsible for coordinating passageof lin$,
attacking and supporting units during recon- and supporting fires of attached units and
naissance.In the assault, the battalion com- those units along the FEBA which are within
mander maintains peBonal surveillance over range. He is assisted by the battalion chief of
the battlefield ftom his command po6t. The staff. This coordination is worl(ed out r rithiE
battalion command is abl€ therefore both to

,l"t;'

Fig. 10. The unii commrnderorientateshis hrk commande$beforean atiack

2l
the fi-re plan laid down by the regimental t}Ie regimentalcommander.Damagedtanks
commander. Movement timings are planned are repailed in the battalion position if and
so that the battalion attacks as soon as when possible,Each deputy companycom-
possible aJter nuclear, air or artilery strikes. manderfor t€chnicalaffair€is responsible for
The last stagein coordinationis descdb€das the vehiclesof his own unit. Technicalas6ist-
"political agitation" in {hich the Soviet ance is provided where necessaryby regiment.
soldier is exhorted by the political officers to A sepaEt€ technical radio net is established
be brave and complete the unit ta6k with and suppl€ment€dby audio and visual signals
"uplifted sptiLs." as needed. Human casualties arc evacuated
once the tank is moved into a covered
OBSTACLE CROSSING position.

12. A tank battalion crossesminefields SectionC

after clealance of platoon lanes by enginee$
units or by battalion tanks filled vrith mule SecondEchelonTank Battalion
ploughs.Eachtank companyholds three sets in a Regiment'sAttack on a
of mine ploughswhich may be fitted when PreparedPosition
requted, Such clerring operationsmay be
covered by use of smoke, Areascontaminated CONCEPT
by nuclear fa.llout are crossed at high sp€ed,
partial decontaminationbeing completedas 14. The tank battalion in the second
soon ar placticable after the assault.Engineer echelonof a regiment'sattack on a prepared
units create passagesin obstacles(including position can haveone or more of the follow-
minefields)by demolition,usuallyduring the ing missions:
prepantory artillery barra8e, Once made, a. Completionof the missionof fi$t eche-
these pas6agesare marked and guarded by Ion units.
engineer units. NaEow defiles, canals or b. Destructionof enemy deep or resewe
sfuealrs which could impede the attack are positions.
bddgedby engineerunit6. c. Neutralizationol enemycounterattacks.
d. Pursuitof a withdrawingenemy.
e. Attack of enemyhastyor mobiledefen-
ASSAULT ACTION
sivepositions.
f. Destructionof enemy nucleardelivery
13. Following prepa-ratoryfires, the first
echelon oi the battalion assaultsin company
Iine formation. An assault speedof fouteen Since achieving such objectives can rcsult in
to twenty-two km/hr is usual. Tanks engage many changesin the routine descibed for a
targetsaccordingto the priority set by, and filst echelon unit. each slageof planningis
upon the orde$ Of, company commandeE. abbreviated.Successusuallydependson the
This strict ffue control ensurcsthe concentra- initiative of the regimental commander and
tion of fire against the most dangerous his closely monitoring the status of filst
ta.rgels.Infanl,ry may djsmount or remain echelonLrnits.
mounted depending on the situation. Djs-
mounted infantry follow the tanks as closely SECONDECHELON PI,ANMNG
as possibleto gaincoverfrom file. Infontry in
A.P.CSfollow 150-200m behind the tanks. 15. The battalion commarder in the sec-
Second echelons a.$saultthrough gaps in the ond echelonmust be thoroughlyfamiliarwiti
fiIst echelon. The battalion consolidates the the missions of first echelon units. This
defense of the objective once it is taken and includes a knovledge of file planning and
enemycounterattscksareneutralizedby artil- support. He alsoreceivesthe following infor-
Iery or nuclear fire support. The battalion mation from the regimentalcommander:
commander then calls the battalion support a. Details of attached and detached unils.
group forwad l,o replenishPOL and ammuni- b. Intelligenceinfomation on known en-
tion or continuesthe advancear orderedbv emy positionsin depth and reserves.

22
 c. Deployment a.reas and routes of ad- expioit such wealalessesby rapid declsive
actionftom the lin€ of march.
d. The pfiority of likely missions and
objectives.
Once his mission is defined, and aJter DEPLOYMENT
making his estimate of the situation, the
second echelon tank battalion commander 18. The breakthroughof an enemyhastily
issueshis orders by radio. prppareddcfensivpposilionis aLrempted from
Section D the line of march usually after a successful
attack on a preparedposition. Soviet tank
Attack on an Enemy Hasty Defense battalions which carry out the operations are
task organizedand supportedin the sameway
CONCEPT as for the meeting engagement.Advance
guard units assault enemy shong points and
17. The Soviets consider that an enemy attempt to djsrupt the defense before it can
will move into a haslily prppared defensive stabilize. The operation is dynamic and fire
position: supportjs utilized asit becomesavailable.The
a. At the outset of opemtions. main body deploys into combat fomation
b, When mB-lcingcontact $rith a Soviet directly from the march and assaultsto the
advanceguard. flanks and rear of tbe enemy position to
c. Dudng mobile defensiveoperalions. preventenemy reinforcement.Initial success
d. When t}le Soviets have the initiative is exploit€dto force the enemyto withdraw.
duing withdrawal or pu$uit operation. Should the initial breakthrough of such a
The Soviets count on the fact that a hasty hasty defense fail, a further attempt is made
defenselack6 the stability and fte support of from a different flank or axis. In this casethe
a fully coordinat€d defensive position. Com- battaiion rvhich made t,tleinitial assaultcon-
munications may not have been checked and solidatpson the most advantageous terrain
positions will not be dug in and may not be and givesdircct firc support to the attack oI a
on advantageous tenain. The Soviets seek to secondechelonbattalion,(SeeFigure11.)

23
5ro9. I f n.Dy witrdrowt dtr.roSovr.t Srds., Sovr€, ..rntorc.d ronk lEtrdhoh 6tso^i,at
b.dkthrousl' op.rotr.n hor su...d.d Io. o h..thg engdg.h.nt ond odvonc.s

ma.chsecuily delachment
a defenseand giv€s
establishes
mainbodylire supporl

NOTE:

ARTILTERY
BATTALIONIN FIREPOSITION
stosr3 ted doftt ttutity deto.hne^, onockt
belo.. .telente .o^ s,obili.4 st s6 1 Mdin bodr ot,t.*s l.on o dnk

FiSure l1 . TheStatesol anAttackonan EnemyHastyDefens€

24
 SectiouE DEPLOYMENI

20. During ttre pusuit, a tank batt4lion

usestlle tsctical fomation appropdat€ t tlle
Pursuit
situation. The battaliotr remaiDs in combat
fom?rtion until the edemy is forced to reaeat
but will form into march columns as 6oon as
CONCEPT practicable, rn order to make a rapid advance.
If the battalion penetrat€s th€ rcm deploy-
19. Orce a brcaHbrough of either a pre- ment area of a routed enemy, it caD be
pared or hafty defen$ive position has been expected to folm into tactical colurnts
accomplished, a tank battalion will refomr headed by a reconnaissanceelement aBd an
iDto columnE aDd attempt to di$upt the advance guard. t]le battalion commande! is
enemy's withalrawal. Such an operation may cbarged with making every eftori, t-o keep in
be carded out by pusuing the eneBy contact with the reheating enemy by means
diEctly, oD a parallel rout€, or both (See of reconnaissancepahols and flank seculity
Figure 12.) detachments.
 -olcr't}-
ott>-
.' €>-
in direct pursuit. _*>_

ca>
:e!or)-
Reinlorcedtant battarion

_€T}-
FiSure 12. Directand ParallelPursuitOp€rationsof a Tank Resiment

26
 CHAPTER6

WATEROBSTACLECROSSING

CONCEPTS noImally c!o6swaterobstacles overbridgesor

by ferly and are not further discussedin this
1. Tank battalions may cross water ob- study. Battalionsleadingrcgimentalcolumns
stacles by fording, snorkeling, or using as forward elementsor advanceSuardsantici-
bridges,or feEiesdependingon the situation. patecrossingobstacles independentlyby ford-
Balta.lionsin first echelon unil,s may be ing or snorkeling.Main body battalionscross
requiredto make opposedcrossingsby ford- obstaclesa6 a controlledoperation,probably
ing o! snorkeling.Battalionsin secondeche- as part ol a regimentaloperation!usuallyover
lons, or in support of forward echelons b dsesor feries.

r
Fisur€13. tank baflalioB in lhelirsl echelonc.oswaler oblra.|4 bv rnorkgllinq{U,J
RECONNAISSANCE AND INITIAL ORGANIZATION
CROSSING
4. The tank battalion headquarte$ section,
2. Initial selection of crossingareasis made in an APC and controled by the chief of
after reconnaissance by units from division or staff, collates tactical intelligence from divi-
regiment. These unils arc accompanied by sional, regimental, and battalion patrols. This
engineer officers who are responsiblefor the section continuously updat€s intelligence on
technical as6e6smentof the proposed sites. enemy shengths and dispositions and the
Leading units ivitl attempt io cross u.rde- characteristics of the water obstacl€. An
fended obstacles immediately and establish a organization is established to control the
bddgehead 3 to 4 kms deep on the enemy passage of the battalion ftom its deployment
bank. Helibome troops may be used in area ovel the crossing. Control points are
securingsuch b dge heads. established both on the ioute to the site(s)
and at the crossing. The route from the
TORCED CROSSINGS deployment area to the crossingsite is some-
times marked with colour€d flags. In air
3. If the obstacle is held by the enemy, or underwater crossing the deputy commander
is under enemy observaLion. Lheoperationis for technical affairs establishes a command
considercd a "forced crossing." In this case,a post at the site. Crcssing control points are
regimental operation is mounted to make a supported by engineer units who improve
bridgehead and the battalion cross€s the entry and exit points if requtued. Figure 14
obstacle as ordered, depicts the control system for a crossingsite.

2a
 /---r-\

sNorKELCnOSSrr{G

9>
(2NOBAtrAlrON) q,

@
llit roEliq coirrEnd Fo.l

@
@
@
A EiciBflico6s.EtbRiir

Elt n**cao

Jrni...l'R.@tv.|'il.

(SiAIi) TINE FONCROSSINCOi FORDING

DEPLOYMENT

FiSur+4.Diagramatic
Layoutolafank
Aattalion's fora WrterGossing
ControlSystem
 0e
'rapuBEEor -oorm us pancas e €q quaEala arue^pe
lquaErFar JI
eql ,fq paqsqqqsa ale .ttqeqord qmod Io4 '(9I emErJ aas) SuproJ ,{q lo ,f,IIoJ ro a8pFq
-uoC olpe.I fq 63ru€duor sIq o? EaW sfepr Iq SuFsort r(q alr4sqo aW seEraeq dIIBErou
puB $apro snl s€ Fcar rapu€uuo3 uoJFt+Eq uolte31eq aql 'Swssorr pasoddoun uE uI .g
aqJ qcrBEr Jo aql eq] uo.g alcqrqo arB
seltolc uollBueq {u4 e 'al$ Sqrsso.Ic pesod (ssorldoNn J,Nf,w]rolirso
 p**'$
Y/

Stog., Cro$rag tit t dt. inttldlll s.l..t.d bf dtvttto ol

r.grh..r r&onnoi$on6 patrols oc.onPdniad br
.ngire.r lpecrdllth otld oP.rcthg 50 to loo
kilom.t B in lrcnt tI tdv.n ins .otomnt

advan@ g{i{d lords river

_\L-

stogc2 f,.sih.ntu odvono suotd (t.hlq...t toik b.ttoion)

cstobfrth.s o h.rdg. h.od 3 ,o 1kil6n.,eB.le6P on
th. .nemf bonk-

M.in bodf ot rcgtm.at totscs d.r.,gi"..r bridgts

ot a WaterObstacle
CrossinS
Fisurc15.An Unopposed
 -rolour poqce4? fq apqsqo
.po.{oldap sr qde.6el?d Jo epF frEaus
7 aql uo pEer{J8puq V .pdfinbJr
u! paqFcsep uopBarrE8ro IInJ aqt pue 8qlo{ _prqsrlqEso $
-rous roJ pdr?d$d eq uorlBrado [BEroJ arorrr B Srflssorc pesoddo rrB
lsnE s{uB1 sluoqsuEq a{Bw 01 pembar fl uo{e]!eq {uel e .9
aqJ '(9 L amBlJ aas) loddns &aElJe f^Baq JI
Iapun scdv snorqrqdEe Sursn slrun alJu pozl
ot$odilo JN€NIOIdSC
 o
/ft\
Reconnaiss.ncepatrols in .mphib6us tanks cross obstacb \ U )
under coverol d6rknessorin lowvi.ibilily

'o:
-pr
V

./-\ t
t\
Sfog. I cj6.he trt r.r.,ttnoll, t t..rod br.ltuIttd ond
\0\
I l\ \
r.t a.nt ,!@[email protected].. Flrclt o.tsF,r.d by \ \ ) I
.nat@t 'p.ctoh.r' 6n l oPettns 50 to ,00
\"_/
ktlor.t6 tn lM,.t..rwn tngcdu6B

to crossobstacre
maincolumns
Advancins bvsnorl(elling
-<>-<>{{'-

Stq.2 ,,'o,*,tu t . la lnth It daPl bl@t APCI do$ r,6.

old o o.r. dd| lDd.r tonk ond d.rtq..y tvPPdr

R.maind.rd r.Siripntadvanc!
to ctossnveronc. lerriesandbridt€s
+-.G:!*>- tr6 Putin Pocition

Sto9.3 !.dgeh.od,! 6tobft.h.d on l tt tutnlot .<t b! o tonk

&ttolt n whLh tu..d rtr.r lry tno'l[.llns. Furttor
@.tngt bf brtdgB q @.'
Figuret6. Opposs€d
Crossing bvaT
ol aWaterObstacle
 USE OF SMOKX buildup of the smoke screen the weathet
should be cool and humid witb a wind speed
?. The Soviets project the extensiveuse of or b meters per second parallel l,o tbe respec_
smoke during fiver crossing operations lo tive fronts. Smoke is also u_sedas part of a
obscule6'iendly troop movementwben sulr_ deception plan to confuse the enemy as Lo tbe
able conditions exist. To allow a favorable area in ]vhich the sossing is to t€ke place.

I .-:-.

Fisure17. Asuh crcsi;q! ar€ mde hy r,nks uridqeo,k€t3.nd.E [email protected]

rry i.teN. anitbry firu

34
 CHAPTER7

NIGHTOPERATIONS

CONCEPTS NIGHT TRAINING

1. lbe Sovietsconsidernight opentionsto 3. The Soviet tank battalion tiains for

be nomal combat activity. Tank battalions night movementas a unit. The most common
have th€ sameformationsand tactical drills tlaining ex€rciseis a l€ngthy march rather
for day and night operations.Darknessis used than maneuveror practiceof assaultforma-
to gain the initiative, achieve su$rise, and tion6. Night firing is caried out by platoons
minimize the threat posedby enemyground in strictly conholled range exelcises.The
obsewationreconnaNsance units. Smokemai target is normally illuminat€d and gunners
be used to obstruct the view of the enemy's prefer to use the day sight if there is sufficient
optical suweillanceequipment.Night observa- light to do so. Night taining, for the most
tion equipment, both passiveand active. is part, is stereotypedand lacksrealism.
concentrated primaJily at platoon and com-
pany level. Night viewing equipmentallows
DEPLO}'I\,TENT
the tank to operate and useits gun to a aange
of approximately800 meters.This mngemay
4. Coordination between the tank batal-
be increasedwith the new$t Soviettank, the
lion and supportingmotorizedrifle and artil-
T'72. During night operationstank battalions
lery units is stressedas the key to ruccessful
ate norrDallyreinforcedwith a company or night operations. Movement is organized
more of infantly. during daylight when possible,and, whenthe
tactical situation permits, personnel are
NIGIIT OBSERVATION allowed to familiafize themselveswith the
terrain to be crossed.Referencepoints arc
2. The night observationdevicesusedby designatedand malked by cololed flar€s.
Sovi€t t nk batt4lions and moto zed rifle D ection is kept by use of the tank'6 dftec-
supporting elements are designed to allow tional g'yro and by marking objectives with
drivers and command€rslimited visibility in colored flarcs. Routes are marked by lumi-
the dark. They are therefore particularly nous posts. Machine gunnels fire trace! to
'suited to allow the battalionto move,recoD-
mark targets. Motorized rifle units geneHlly
noiter, and obs€w€at night. As most of the follow tanks during night operations.Deploy-
€quipdent is active Infta Red (IR), it is ment drills arethoseusedby day.
detecta6le and therefore is less usefui as a
tsrget acquisitionmeans.Once surprisehas
been Iost at night, the Soviet tank battalion FRONTAGESAND RATE OF {)VANCE
can be expectedimmediatelyto us€ artificial
illumination. Considenbleuse is made both 5. Fire support and ftontagesremain the
of white ligh0 to illuminat€ the battlefield, same as during daytime operations but the
and of colored lights to mark objectivesand mte of advanceis cut to between5 and 15
seweasdirectionalaids. kilometersp€r hour.
 8
CHAPTER

DESTRUCTION DELIVERY
OF NUCLEAR MEANS

CONCEPT locat€d enemy nuclea! delivery syst€m is

typically reinforced by:
1. The Sovietssbte in their tactical wdting a. A reconnaissance platoon.
that they wiU use a heavily teinforced tank b. A motorized ri-flecompany.
battalion in coniunction with nuclear and c. A howitzer battery or multiple rocket
nonnuclear artillery to desftoy enemy nucl4r launcher battery.
delivery rdeans following a breakthrough d. An aitiaircraft battery.
opelatron. Thi! type of opgration allows the e. An engiDeer platoon.
t€nk bath.lion commander 6o!e tlutt normal f. Bridge laying vehicles,
latitude and opportunity for initiative in both g. A minelaying parw.
the planning and execution stages.The opera- h. A repair and recovery section.
tion is a.lsounique as the battalioD cornman- In addifion, the battalion commander has
der is responsible for an extensivecommand nucleat and nonnuctrear fire suppori from
radio net including communications with
artillely and suppolt ftom strike aviation.
artillery, aviation, and even aAbome forces.
Airbome o! helibome a6saultscan be used
The Soviets stat€ they will employ nuclear
eith€! in conjunction wiih the main attsck or
weaponr in a.ll stages ol the operation to
to prevent the movement of enemy leaelves.
neutralize eneEy defensivepositions. (SeeFigwe 18 for illustration).
@MBAT REINFORCEMENT
2. A taDk battalion tasked to deshoy a

37
 l 3 rNcHHOW(N(rC)
I
En€sy felerves n.utralized
bysovi.t airborn.assautt

Frontalassiultby lcad

Fr.my posilionsIn detenseot nL,ct.irdchverymeans

are attrcted by Sovietnucte.rstntes

battalion ahacls .nemy nuctear

deliv.ry fleans ,ft.r successful
br.atthrougn oparalion

InitiaI brlal$rough ot enemyd.tenses

Figur€18. lllustration
ol theConceDt
ota R.i AtlackAtaanst
En€nyNuclerrDctive.y
lleans

g8
MISSION (3) Position and shehgth of mobile

3. WhiI€ a singular mission is usua.l in b. Own Forces

Soviet tank tactics, Sovi€t military wyitings (1) Plannedlocation, time and type of
underline the importance of avoiding any nuclearst kesin support.
combat which may detract ftom the destruc- (2) Planned dtection and timings of
tion of nuclear delivery means.Stealthand fi endly fl ankingoperations.
surprisear€heavilyemphasized. (3) Drop zones lor planned airbome
supportingoperation.
COMBATOBGANIZATION c. Terrain
(1) Location of areasgivingprctection
4. For an attack against an erleriy nuclesr ftom nuclear strikes on axis of advance.
deliverymeans,a reinforcedtank battalionis (2) Concealed rcutest obiective,
organizedinto a reconnaissance detachment,a d. CBR
lead march securirydetachmen!,and a main (1) Location of area6of chemiea.land
body. The strcngth of each componentd€- radiologicolconlaminationon or nearlhe axis
pends on the Iocation and strength of the ol advance.
enemy position, the tactical situation and (2) Planned strikes in support of the
t€rrain. In general, t}Ie lead Earch security opeEtion and their effect on the time sched-
detachment is shong enough to create a fire ule.
base to support subsequent action by the e. Commrmications
main body. The main body is split into a (1) Method of communicating with
number of covering goups and a tactical supporting file units and aviation,
reserve,Raconnaissance enrou[eto the objec, (2) Codewords,referencepoints, and
tive is detailed and continuous, aid caried ftequenci€s.
out both to the front snd llanks. (3) Cbannelfor updatingtacticalint€l-
ligencetom higher headquartels.
COMMUNICATIONS (4) Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)
for strike aircraft.
5. Considemble communicationsreinfolce-
ment is probably required to coordinatethe ORDER,S
various ground groups, file support units, and
aviation. Details of communications me not 7. Oral ordeis for the operation are given
availablebut the complexity of the operation by t}le battalion command€! to his subodi
probably leads to coNiderably more signals nate commanders. A modelis sometimes used
traffic than is nomal in Soviet t€nk opera- to explain terrain and enemy positions. In
addition to assigningmissions,the batta.lion
commanderprojectshow the enemywill leact
PLANNING and the countemeasureshe intends to u6e.
Orders encompasssubunit mGsionsfor the
6. The battalion commander,afl,erreceiv- approach march, assault, consolidation, and
ing his mission,givesa warning oder to his exploitation phases of the battalion opera-
troops outlining the natule of the operation. tion. The batta-lioncommandertries to organ-
He follo!r's this order by making an estimate ize the execution of the milsion to follow up
of the situation, consideringin detail the nuclear strikes as quickly as possible.
followingfactors.
a. Enemy f'orce! EXECUTION
(1) Location and strength of €nemy
gtound unik on or near axis. 8. the operation takes place aJter a suc-
(2) Nuclear delivery capability and cessfuI Soviet breakthrough of enemy de-
meansthroughout the arca to be taversed, fenses. In these circumst€nces the tactical
includingthe time expectedbetweenstrikes. situation is fluid.

39
 0t
'rapuBrfiuloc uolJBl]eq erB JO uopAe+ arB E-rq s0.ollE prrB rapuBururo,
Jo acualadruoJ uo{oreq aq} uo {lmqEuodser lBuo-rllppeaIqB
aq+ |sol f,lelaras $nE uopBado uoJ[4l€q -tap$uoc sacBldsuBar[^ra
.luapuadapu rlap .Ie]apnu^ltraua
Jo oddl slo luaurdar e Jo ue Ao4sap 01uollgllBq r[uB]e ;o luourl(oldurg
lrBd s3 s.{oldap pus su.rErl ^JIeErou uollql€q 'sc-rlcB+
.Uoddns r(ra[$re roJ tahos tensn crl ar[EgB^ rlerB m
{usl E acu€ Ssr.JIecJo aq luaEdoldop pua .sope4ruEEro{ssl .qdoc
spoqFur laErou Eo{l amFadap puB lou olpBr -uoc paqucsop arB
pe1Bqlsqdos e armbor slueErlcEll€ snoraumu Jo acuBrgruSlsaql .6
eqJ 'uorFsrtrI srq a arqca 01 jlrBss3CAUUOllrS
ucNvculNcrs
 CHAPTER9

DEFENSE

CONCEPTS exposed flanks. Two or three defensive em-

placements are dug for each tank either by
1. The Sovietsregarddefensiveoperations engiaeersor by a combat tank fitted with a
as a transitional phase designedto rcpel the dozer blade. A tank with the dozer blade
attackor supedorenemyforceswhile creating attachment can dig between two and four
favorable conditions for a retun to the emplac€ments an hour. Minefields, wirc a.nd
offensive.Reconnaissance troops may be 50 demolitions are used to dfuectthe enemy into
to 100 kilometers in fronr oI lhe main killing zones. Mines are laid in cluste$ of fifty
defensivepositions,Combat security detach-
to a hundred. The Soviets have the capability
ments, usually taken ftom second echeion
to lay mines by helicopter.
batta.lions,may be deployedasmuch as 15 to
16 kilometers forwa.rd oJ the fir6t echelon
DEFENSIVE POSITIONS
units to break up enemy probing attacks.
Lastly, batta.lionssendout combatreconnais-
4. The baris for a lank battallon defensive
sancepatlols up to 500 meten in front of the position is the antitank fire plai. A com-
FEBA. On defense,a lank balralion'smission
mander lays out his defenseso that tanks have
is either to hold $ound; to act as a mobile
overlapping areas oi obsewation at 1000
Iesewe, oI serveas a counter attack forc€. In
metels without tuming the turret. By math-
each case a tank battalion conducts the ematical analysis the Soviets ardve at the
defensivebattle as part of a regimental op€ra- following frontages, depths and intervals, as
being the ideal:
Platoon. 150 meters b€tw€en tanks; ftont-
REINFORCEMENT age 300 meters.
2. Dudng deJensiveoperatiom a tank bat- Company. 300 meters between platoons;
talion normally b reinforcedby the following frontage 1000 meters; deptfi 500 meters.
units: Battalion. 1000 to 1500 meters between
a. A moto zedrifle company. companies; ftontage up to 5 kilometers;
b. An engineerplatoon. depth 3 kilometers.
c. An artiilery batta-lionand morta.runit to Tanks ar€ positioned on reverce slopes
support the battalion by fire. l,vhen possible, and have one or two altemate
positions. The intervals between subunits are
d. Chemicalspecialiskto monitor the CBR
hazard. covered by indir€ct firc means. Local protec-
tion for tanks is given by motodzed infantry
dug in up to 200m in front of tank positions.
DEPLOYMENT The BMPS and APCS of the moto zed rifle
3, During deJensiveoperations a tank bat- units a.lso are positioned on reverse slopes.
talion usually deploys in one echelon.Nor- Each platoon and company position is de-
maily. a resewethe size of one platoon is signed a6 a "sbong point" $rith all-round
constituted. Regimentsdeploy combat secu- defense. The battalion position is 6etup 60
dty detachmentsup to 15 to 16 kilometers that "shong points" are in mutual support.
forward of the main defensive postion t,o Figure 19 shows a typical layout for a tank
breakup probingattacks,Platoon-sized recon- battalion in defense. Tanks have p mary and
naissance patrols are dispatched up to 500m seconda.ry fields of firc in each of their
in ftont of the battalions position and to positions.

41
 osr !

\q,/",,

HOWtl2Et

'("'.'i
,,+^
I '1 c.ap.ir.id Pr.b
I I 9s-r eom,

El ^.ao'cdantnrdr.ik Fin

lE ^dii,nr flh.lr.]d

60 6f 62' 63'

Fi$Jre19.R.inlorced
TankErtt.lionDelensiv. ( Nucle.rConditions
o.ploymeol )
DET'ENSEORGANIZATION c. AEangesevacuation of secondline ta.nk
casualtiesto workshopsin the rear.
5. The drill for organizing a defensive d. Locat$ the supply platoon and plans
position is affected by both the tactical the resupplyof ammunition.
situation and t}le availability of time. A The deputy fo! technical affain al6o alranges
defensetaken up in contacl,with the enemyis the combat administration of the battalion
inil,ially linear-tanks remainingin the pos! for the move forward into l,he defensive
tions they were in when the offensive lost itg position.
impetus.Such a defenseis developedas time
and enemy action allows. Reinforc€mentis CONDUCTOF TI{E DEFENSE
made as soon as possibleand positionsad-
justed until the situation is stabilized.This 8. The Sovietsexpectto faceboth nucleaj
may take up to 10 or 12 hours. and conventional artillery fLe prior to glound
attack. After such preparatory fire the tank
RXCONNAISSANCE
AN'DORDERS batallioncommanderrestoresthe integlity of
the position by rclocating his tanks and
6. After being given his mission,the bat- communicationsequipment as necessary.In
talion comrnandermoves quickly Lo his aE- order to presewe the secudty of tank fLing
signeda.reawith the commandersof attached positions, combat seculity detachmentsre-
units. Ta6korganizationand fire coorduation pulse enemy probing,attacks.Smokemay be
are decided upon. Reconnaissance is ca-rried used to obserse strong points and to silhou-
out. If time is short, the battq.lionchief of ette an assaultingenemy. Combat secuity
st€ff positions the secondechelon and the detachmentsact as artillery forward obseners
resewe. Du ng the reconnaissance, the fol- for as long as possiblebefore breakingcon-
Iowing questionsare resolvedand ordersgiven tact, As the enemy closesto 1500 meter6,
for: tanks concentlate fire on taryets in previously
a. Attachment of motorizedrifle units to d€signated ateas. Artillery and machine gun
tank companies. fites are used to try to separatethe enemy
b. Location of company and platoon infantry from their amor. The tank battalion
strongpoints. commandermaintains obsefiation over the
c. Zonesof concentrated tank fire. battle field from his comrnand tank thrcueh-
d. Positionsof combat reconnaissance pa- out the enemyattack.
trols and flank secudtyunits.
e. Fieldsof fLe, INFANTRY SUPPORTINGFIRE
f. Indirect fire supportmissions.
g. Orders initiating diect and indirect 9, Infanhy fire support, especially against
fires. enemy APCS,is given by the BMP6 of at-
h, Action to be taken again6tah attack tached moto zed rifle units. Each infantry
i. Priodtiesfor enginee$ compa.ny is also equipped with hand-held
j. Protectionfrom nuclearstrikes antitank weapons which, together with their
k. Designationof counter attack routes ATGMS, add significantly to the combat
and linesof deployment power of companyand platoonshongpoints.
l. Defensepoints to the front and flanks
COUNTERPENETRATION
ADMINISTRATIVEPLANNING
10, The tank battalion commandermust
7. After the commander'sreconnaissance use his own tesourcesto mount counter
and isslranceof orders,the deputy for techni- penehation operations against enemy ele-
cal affai$: ments that succeedirr breaking into the
a. Positions the Technical Obsewation battalion's defensiveperimeter. The enemy
Post. penetEtion is reducedby artillery fire, and
b. Organizesthe recovery and lepai! of the fire of tanks and attached APCs. The
damagedequipment. battalion reservemaneuve$ along pteviously
reconnoiteredroutes to b ng maximum di- b. To provide a counter-penehation folce
rect firc to bear, for use inside the regiment'sdelensive
perimet€r,
COUNTER ATTACK c. To provide a counterattack force for use
in the fust echelonbattalions'delensive
11. Counter attacksare operationsorgan- penmeterc.
ized by a higher commanderto dislodgean d. To pmvide an exploitation force to
enemy from within the pe metersof a tank purcuean enemy{thoseattack fails.
battalion defensiv€position. Count€tattacks The latter three taska requle considerable
may be supportedby the tank battalioneither time to be spent in reconnaissance.The
by fire or by assigningsubunitsto accompany defensiveposition of a secondechelonbattal-
assaulting forces. The regimenta.lcommander ion is laid out in the santemanner as that of a
orders the delivery of counterattacksby filst echelonunit. As a secondechelonbattal-
subunitsof the secondechelonbattalion on ion assumesthe defense out of contact with
routesreconnoiteredbelorehand. the enemy, the position is cdpableof being
developedext€nsivelyby engineerc.Second
WITIIDRAWAL echelon battalion6establishcommunications
with the regimental headquarters and filst
12. The tan} battalioncommanderorders echelon unib. Duling combat, th€ battslion
a withdrawa.lftom the defensiveposition only commande!monitors the battle and collects
on the authority of a highet commander. and collatestactical intelligence.The second
Chapter10 dealswith this topic in detail. echglon commanderis ftee to maneuverhis
tank within his battalio! defensiveperimeter
SERVICESI'PPORTIN COMBAT to face a threat to a particular flank. If the
battalion is required to counterattack, the
13. During combat, ammunition forward comhandersendsout a combaureconnais-
resupplyis caried out when requiredunde! sancepatlol befole moving into the assaulton
cover of smoke or artillery fire, POL is prearTangedroutes.
rcsuppliedduring lulls in the battle.Damaged
equipment is remov€d by a recovery and DEFENSEAT NIGHT
evacuationgroupto a positionwhereit can be
prep-aredto move back for repair under its 15a. The tank battalionmay be involvedin
own power. According to doctrine, the combatat night either as th€ continuationof
wounded in damagedtanks are rcmovedfor normal daytine defen6iveoperationsor to
evacuation once the vehicle has been rclo- repulsean enemynight attack.
cated to a coveredposition. During combat, b. If the battalionis requiredto take up a
the deputy commander for technical affairs defensivepositionat night, initial deployment
makesa daily assessment of equipmentcondi- usually is basedon a map reconnaissance. At
tion, tepai!, and recoverystatus,and issues dawn, a terrain reconnarssanceis made and
the necessary orderslor l,herouline servicing. missions and tasks ale adjusted as necessary.
c. In planning for night operations,ref-
SECONDECHELONDEFENSE erence poinLs are assigned;these are marked
by colored flares during the course of an
14. A tank battalionwhich is usedin a enemyattack.OPsarelocatedso asto be able
regiment'ssecondechelonof defensehas the to obselve dead space and artillery fte sup-
followingmissions: port is plannedto coversuchareas.Illumina-
a. To provide depth to the regiment's tion meansare usedto light up the battlefield
defense. duringenemyattacks,

44
 CHAPTER1O

DISENGAGEI\4ENT
AND WITHDRAWAL

CONCEPT a. To prevent an en€my bleakthrough

1. Befole a successful withdra{r61 can be (when the battalion i6 part of the main
made, disengagementftom contact vrith the body of the regiment).
enemyis requLed,The Sovietswithdmw only b. To insure t,lle unhindered withdrawal oi
on orders of a seniorcommande!.The pur- the main body ol the r€giment(when
posesof a withdnwa.l by a tank batta.lionare: fjre battalion acts as a rear or flank
a. To occupy more advantageous terrain. euad).
b, To avoidenemynuclearor conventional
fires.
c. To adjust a position to secure an ex- BEAR AND FLANK GUARD ACTIONS
posedflank duringa defensivebattle.
d. To regroup after an unsuccessfulconclu- 4. In order to tuUiU its tasks without
sion of a meeting engagementor alter relying on suppolt AeE the main body, a
stubbomenemyresistance. tlnk battalion employed a! a tegiment's rea!-
e. To avoidencirclement. guard during a withdrawal may be rcinforced
f. To shortenlinesof communication with:
g. To free men and €quipmentfor other A motodzedrifle company.
operairons. b . An ortillery battery.
The tenor of Soviet military writing on the An engineerplatoon,
withdmwal operation is that it is a useful d . Chemicalspecialists.
tactic to free a force for a new missionbut is The reatguard hoves on the same axis as
not to be dictat€dby enemypressure. the main body of the regiment to protect it
ftom enemy gound action. A flankguard
TYPE OF WITHDRAWAI moves parallel to th€ main body on Che
thrcatened flank betwe€n the enemy and the
2, ff the tank battalion is not in contact
with the enemya withdrawalwithout useof main body. (See Figue 20) A tank battalion
intermediate bounds may be made. With. with a flankguard mission is expected to be
reinforced in the samemanneras a rearguard.
drawals using int€m€diate bounds are made
under enemy observation,fire, or the threat The Soviets realize that such task oiented
of attack.Of the two withdrawalby boundsis organizationsmust be sufliciently shong to
preventan enemybreakthloughwhich might
sloFer and requles geat€I training and skill;
it is this tactic which is addre$sedin this compromise the withdrawal of the main body
cnaprer. of either the Egiment or division. Thercfore,
if the situation warrants, the tank battalion
MISSIONS may be assignedconsiderably more artillery
support thaD a battery. Du.ringrear and flank
3, A tlnk battalion has the following guard actions wide use of tank ambushesis
missionsduringthe witldnwal: madeon enemyputsuit routes.

45
 { *,",* .orr.
tr "o,.

NOTE:
Subunils.iithin th. r..r lnd fl.n* turid3 nrov. P.7t ot rithdr.$nA nlin
m rorrn r|onsap9ro9ri.t! to tha t r.i. r,iici a ot, body ol
.apid ch.nar into conb.t ionn tid

A.lill.ry ,tt.ctrcd to r..r ts.rd

cov.rin8 ornalv.r babaln
"hrb.ct" Do.itirns

S,
tftr

Fature20' R.iniorr.dT.nk &tt tion.s Rc.r;nd Flroi cu.rd Duriry,

MAIN BODY MOVEMENT Having made his estimate, the battalion
coErmarder and his chief of staff aEangefo!
5. Should the tank battalion be moving reconnaissance and placetank ambushes along
\vith the main body of the regimentduring the battalion's withdrawal foute. Necessary
t}le withdlawal, one tank company is em- adjustEents in the batt3lion position are
ployed as a rear march security detachment. made to lelocate resewesand allow the early
Additionally each behavior in t}le main body withdawal of adminisftative elements. Ar-
provides its own tark prot€ction, usually a Izmgemmts are made for the evacuation of
platoon.The tank battalionis responsible for wounded throughout the opention. An as-
its own combat security no matt€r where it sembly area for attached motorized infantry
movesin the regimentalcolumn. is designateda kilometerto a kilometerand a
half from the FEBA. The battalion is then
DISENGAGDMEIII resupplid q,ith ammunjtionand POL il this j6
necessaryand iJ tlle tactica.l situation allows.
6. The critical phaseof a withdrawal is the
breal ftom contact with the enemy. Soviet
doct ne calls for a tank battalion to break ORDERSAND COORDINATION
contacteither under conditionsof low vi6ibil-
ity (fog, snow, rain, dusk o! dawn) or unde! 8. Oral ordersfor fie withdrawala-regiven
cover of neuhalizing file or smoke. Good to the assembledtank company and attached
planning and stealth are shessed.The battal- commanders when time pelmits. Cooldina-
ion thins otrt either by companiesor by tion detailsfollow. A typical format is:
leavingone platoon from each companyin a. An evaluation of enemy intentions and
contact with the enemy. During disengage- task organization,
ment, the battalion commandermay use the b. Artillery and nuclear file suppoft plan6
fire power of his resewe to conceal general covelingthe withdnwal.
movementsto the rear. Shouid the enemy be c. Mision of t}le batblion and concept of
active during the disengagement period, operatrons.
counterattackmay be required imm€diately d. Missions of neighboling units and
before withdmwal. lt is important that the boundaliesbetweenthem and the bat-
enemy be deceivedfor as long as possibleas tslion.
to the exacttime of the withdrawa.l. e. Missions and task organization of the
battalion's 6ubunit6to include:
ORGANIZATION FOR WITTIDRAWAI (1) Time up to which the present
position is to be denied to the
?. The tank battalion cornmandermakes enemy.
an estimateof the situationimmediatelyupon (2) Time and method of disengage-
receiving the withdrawa-l mission ftom the ment fo! each subunit in the bat.
regimental commande!. His estimate include6 tslion.
suchtacticalconsiderations a5: (3) Control points on withdrawal
a. Axes of advance,strength and locaiions routes, and times subunits are to
of enemyforces. passthrough thetn.
b. Reconnaissance of the enemy by regi. (4) Point! at which battalionelements
ment and battalion. a.reto passthrough the rcgimental
c. Artillery targeta requi&d to aid disen- rearguard,
gagement. (5) Order of match to the battalion's
d. Task olganization of the battalion and new position.
attached subunits fo! the witldrawal, (6) Location of the battalion CP
e. Deploymen!linesfor the battalionmain throughoutthe operation.
body and resewestog€therwith timirg6 (?) Reportlines.
fo! the with&awal. (8) Action to be taken in the event
f. The CBR situation and its effect on atcraft o! alrborne troops ale at-
enemyand ftiendly forces. hched.

41
 (9) Deployment to be used if the ing subunits. Attached artiuery then moves
batta.lioD is in action against a irto the regimental column to withdraw.
pursuingenemy.
(10) Method of crossing alees with
chemicalo! Ediological contaml- CONDUCTOF A BATTALION
nation. RXAR,GUARDACTION
( 11) Antiaircraft defensive posil,ions
along withdrawal route. 10. A ta-nk battalion employpdas a regi-
(12) Dispositionof the battalionin the mental rear luard tak$ up iLs assignedde-
new defensivearea. fense line before any rehogtade movement.
The rear guard masksthe enemy'sexpected
CONDUC'TOF WIT'IIDRAWAL rout€s of advance. Ik task is to force the
pursuing enemy to deploy his main forces.
9. The tank battalion commanderpe$on- The reer guald battslion holds its position
ally commandsthe disengagement fiom an until the regiment's main body has achieveda
OP. If the battalion providesits own rear clean brea-kwith the enemy. After receiving
guard, a commarder (usually the batta-lion ordersto witidraw, it breakscontactwith the
chief of staff or a deputy battalion com- enemy by thinning out to successiveint€r-
mander) is appointed for this force. He mediate positions until disengagementis com-
maintains communication erith, and is di plete. During its yrithdrawal the rear guard
rectly subordinate to, the batblion com- uses ambushes and obstacle lines to slow
mander.The battalion movesby bounds of enemyadvance.Opelationsby the rearguard
eithercompaniesor platoons.As eachsubunit battalion ale Eupported by artilery tue and
of the battalion successfullydisengagesfror! aviation strik$ planned by the regimental
the enemy and passesthrough the rca.rguardit commsnder.If the enemyfails to carry out a
fofms into first platoon and then corrpany clo6e pu$uit, the lear gua.rd moves into
column and takes its aasignedplace in the column as soon as possible and follows the
battalion majn body. The main body is main body covering its move with a reai
organizedinto battalioncolumnby eitherthe march security detschment and flank security
chiefof staff or a deputy commander. detachments.
As the main body oI the regiment'sr€ar
guard, the battelion commander sends the MTHDRAWAL TACTICS
signal for the company or platoons still in
contactwith the enemyto breakcontactand 11. The tactics employed by th€ tank
withdraw. These subunits then passthrough batt€lior in withdrawal opeEtions show that
the regimenialrearguardand link up with the the Soviets,though nomally prefer ng to
main body of the battalion. The regiment's maneuve!as one unit, are trainedto moveby
attached artilely ftes concentrations to pre- bounds of companiesor evenplatoonswhen
vent the enemyftom followingthe withdraw- the tacticalsituationrequires,

48
 CHAPTER11

Y U R I N GH A L T S
S E C U R I TD

CONCEPIS located out of contact with the enemy, the

areamust allow for quick concentration of the
1. When not in contact with the enemy, battalion into combat fomation.
Lank bart€lions tempoHrlly deploy in posi-
tions of all-round gecudty in rest areas.De- CAMOUFLAGE AND CONCEALMENT
ployment in a rest areawill take place:
a, For rest and maintenance of vehicles. 3. The tank battalion is positioned within
b, Before or after a road march or rail the halt area so that it is concealedfrom both
air a,11dground obsewation, Tanks and other
c. To concenhate before or after an opera- vehicles arc camouflaged i{ith natural mate-
tton. dal, Locations for command posts and rear
d. For rcsupplyof combatsupplies. subunits a.Ie chosen hldden so as io give
e. Prior to dver or obstacleclossing. protection from nuclear attack.
f. while the battalion is acting as a tactical
RECONNAISSANCE OF A REST AREA
The battalion may occupy en area separate
hom its parent regiment or withjn a regj- 4. Prior to a$ival in a rest area the battal-
menta-l halt area, depending on the tsctical ion commander organizes a reconnaissance
situation. group led by an officer. Each of the tank
companies and attached units in this recon-
LOCATIONOF RESTAREAS naissance group is represented by an officer o!
sergeant. Engineer ar1d chemical specialists
2. The location of a battulion halt areais accompany the group to insure that the area is
assignedby the regimental comhander based not mined or contaminated. The $oup locates
on his map reconnaissanc€,It is usua.lly8 to subunits and marks any hazards within th€
10 squarekilometersin Bize.Th€ areashould ar€a. A reconnaissancerepod is made by the
hsvegood accessroads,water sources,and be senior officer to the battalion commander
situated away ftom inhabited areasin order to either in person or by mdio pdor to th€
presene secu ty. Although halt areas ar€ battalion's arrival.

Figlre21. BMPsof rtt*h.d rifle!.itshay beu*d in rocornaasnce

49
OBDERS FOB OCCUPATION nications security. An obselvation post js
established some 1500 met€ls from the !$t
5. Prior to occupation of the rest alea the area on each possible €nemy axis. Sentdes ale
battalion commander gives olal orders cove!- posted on acce$ roads. Personal protection
ing: foxholes are dug for all men. Emblasures are
a. Tactical intelligence on the enemy. dug fo! bnks and APCSif time allow6. Soviet
h E.hdinaar nri^rifia. doctrine ca.llsfor small enemy parties moving
c. Location of tank companiesand at- towards the rest area to be killed or captured.
tach€dsubunits. If the enemy advancesin force, the obselva-
d. Compositionand missionsof secu ty tion posts ar€ to engage it and maintain their
unlts, positions until ordered to withdraw.
Antiatcraft fie and CBR defenseplans.
f. Altematerest areaand routesto it.
Action on contact with enemy $ound
or airbome forces,
h . Communications plan.
i. Locations of the CP and deputy com-
mande$.
The edtirc position is s€lected to give ma.x!
Illum plotection from nuclear attack.

SECURITY AFIER OCCL'PATION

6. If the alea is to be occupied for more

than a few hours, field telephone links are
$tablished between the battalion commander
and subunit comtranders to preservecommu- Fi!!r.22. T-72 in lirinq po!ition

50
 IS
1tro.4 suDI q 01 dn dlnp ?sodlno uo pefoldtue
'duedEot $ ,{uedIIIo, {tlel V lno paFrec oq lsnE etuEs
Fodlno oql loddns
ol pa{sB} sI .{IaIIIl-rv palqr}suor sI ua+o ssau -$euuorar qclqia o1 aql sql salsuElsap rapireE
(ea{e
-Jpeer luelsuoc lP uoolBld {usl auo Jo 8q$!s -uloc FluaEl8ar aql lsar lelueuflSar
-uoc aruosal v acuB]tpe Jo salnor fr€puotad e Jo rolces E saldncro uolP}leq aq? J1 I
](Eoue e re3qo uec faq+ araqia srelaul 009I
01lno pelBcol ale sdo uorlell€g 'eele lsar arB svauv rssu TyJNgI trCflU
 CHAPTER
12

coNcLUsroNs
GENERAI maximumof routine operationaland adminis-
trativ€ planning is delegat€dto the Chief of
1. Significant findings of this study, a.6 StaJf and the depu8 battalion commander
they relate to the combat potential of a for technical affairs; this allows the bsttalion
Soviet medium tank batblion, are sum- commander to concentrate on persona.lcon-
marizedbelow: trcl of combat.Indtect fue supportusuallyis
a. Combatorganization. provided by the regimental commander,
b. Commandand contlol. allowing th€ battalion commander further to
c. Tacticalemployment. concentrateon the maneuverof hh tanks.At
the sa.metime this, along with a t€ndency to
adhereto a timed fue plan, givesthe potpntial
COMBAT ORGANIZATION for a significant time lag jn engagingtargetsof
oppodunity. Thus when immediateffuesup-
2.a. The combatorganizationof the Sovief port is requested,srtillery is attacheddtu€ctly
tank battalion is d€signed to allow it to to the batta.lion.
exploit ffuepower and mobiity in a war of b, Most battalion opentions take place
rapid movement. Exc€pt for carrying out v/itbin the framework of a regimental plan.
secudty tasks and setting out obsenation However, in the me€ting engagement,with-
posts, Soviet comrDanders seldom employ
&awal, and in operations to destloy enemy
tanks in less t}tan compaby stiength. Tank
nuclear delivery means, the battalion com-
units are thercfore able to echieve high
hander has considerable opportunity to use
concentrations of fire again$tpriodty taryets.
his initiative. In combat, the battalion com-
whele platoonsare employed,the Sovietsare
mande! takes up a position for enough for-
ca.reful to maintain a capability to counte!
ward to be able to 6ee the result of his
any potential threat vrith at least a company-
companies'actions. He is therefole able to
6izedunit.
react quickly to successor a suddenthleat by
b. Tank units normally operat€ in com-
reinforcing o! by enploying hi6 leserve. Out
bined arms task forces. Motorized rifle units
provide close-in protection to tanks in rreas of combat, the batblion and company com-
manders personally lead their hoops in tacti-
wher€ they are especiallyvuln€rableto attack
cal movement,This allows rapid movement
by ATGME. Tank a6saults ale usua.lly p!e- betweenengagements.
ceededby afiillery preparation6 of objective6.
c, Tank units us€ well-rehearsed tacticaj
Enginee$and chemicr.lspecialists accompany
formations both in and out of contact with
tdnk unit"s when the mi$ion $quires theit
the enelny, The6e fomations are varied in
skills.
keeping with the t€Ilain, the enemy threat,
c. The combat r€infolcement of the Soviet and the phale of operations. lndividual com-
tank battalion tu tailored to a particular panies in the batt€lion may employ diflerent
mission and this, together with the operation
formation6 at any one time to suit the tactical
ol tanks in company sizd units, makes an
situation. The tactical fomations allow lapid
effective combEt organization.
maneuve!to face a changein situation with a
minimum of l8dio taffic. In the assault,the
COMMAND AND CONTROL concentration of t€nk units in nanow zone of
action allow6 for concentration of fte against
3.a. Soviet tank battalion commande$ priority target6. Once the assaultis launched,
closely supewise tl|e tactical employment of the attack is to be pressedby every ardored
their comDanies and attached unit5, The vehicle capableof moving.
 d. W}lenpo$sible,all tanksin the battalion Accordingly,they consideremployingdefen-
opemte on the same net. The Sovietshave sive i€cl,ics a Lemporaryneccssityduring
strict standardsof communicationssecuity. pausesin offensiveactivity. In the defense,
Commandsare passedby use of codewords, tank battalions establjshplatoon and com-
and numbers.Radio is supplementedby use pany shongpointswith close-inprotectionby
of visualand audio signalsin combat. Flags infantry and fire supportfrom artillery. Posi-
and arm signalsare usedwhen units are on the tions arc dug in when time allows,and tanks
march. Attached unit commande$join the prcparealtelnatepositions.A cove ng force
battalion net. There ale strict limitationson attempts to break up probing attacks and ihe
initiating radio traffic; line tanks arc to main attack is met by concentratedtank fire.
operatein the receivingmode.In fact, Soviet d. The Soviet tank battalion is trainedto
radio disciplinecan be so rigid as to inhibit fight suchoperationsasmeetingengagements,
the lapid flow of taqet intelligence.How well withdrawals,and obstaclecrossingsin forma-
a battalion commandercan adjust deploy- tions which enhance combat securily and
ment of his force during an assaultis not concentmtionof fire. In lhese operalions.
known. advanceand rearguaJdsareusuallybasedon a
e. The commandand control systemof the tank company.Maneuveris by company-sized
Soviet tank battalion is highly centralized. units.
The system facilitatesBpid movementand e. TanL fLe at night in T-54/55 and T-62
effective communicationssecurity. Success tanks has been Iimited by target acquisition
lagely dependson the tactical skill of the meansto a mnge of 800 mete$. This range,
battalioncommander. however,may be increased with the n€w T-72
tank-in serial production, and being de-
ployed in increasingnumbers.
TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT f. We assess the tacticalddus ofthe Soviet
tar* battalion to be effective,exploiting a
4.a. The Soviets,in thet military jouinals, soundcombatorganization.
place a $eat deal of emphasison combined
arms tactics. The tank battalion may, for a ASSESSMENT
OF COMBATPOTENTIAL
particular mission,be leinforcedwith attach-
ment6from regimentor divisionas the situa- 5. The Soviettank batta-lionis a basicunit
tion warlants. The emphasis in tactical of maneuver.The battalionis reinforcedand
deploymentis on rapid follow-up of prepara- given firp suppofl to fulfill a paJ|cular mis-
tion fir€6 by a task organizedforce of tanks sion by exploiting itr mobitity, ftepower,
and motorizedrifle units. shock action, ard nuciear protection. The
b. The Soviet tank battalion'stactical as- maneuverof tank companiesin a narrowzone
sault dri11srely on shock action and concen- of action, in echelon,allowsheaq,'casualties
tuation of tank fire to the rea.!or flanks of a to be talen without endangeringsuccessful
neutralizedobjective.Planningfor suchopera- execution of the rnission.In a nuclear en-
tions is detailedflom the line of marchwhen vuonment, tank units operate on increased
possible-battalionschangingformation from frontages(generallydouble).
column to line as tenain dictates.The battal- On the one hand,Sovietmethodsof both
ion maneuven as one unit; firc suppot is communications seculityand of passingtaryet
provided either by artillery or tank unit6 information to the artillely tend to lestrict
operating on the flarks. Smoke is used to the immediateengagement of targetsof op-
conceal dovement and block the field of portunity. On the other hand,highly cential-
visionof ATGM operations. ized conhol of tacticalmaneuverby the tank
c. The Sovietsstronglyhold to the concept battalion commandermakes for the quick
that the best defense is a good offense. concentrationof tank fLe.

54
Figure23, Th€ bottom ti.e-T-sstin rh€ attacki "quick con@nlrationoftankfire"
 A P P E N D IA
X

SOVIETTANKS

SCOPE radicaly different in design to its prede-

cessors.A description of this tank is included
1. Appendixes A, B and C provide unclassi a.sAppendix B. A tank pedormance compara-
fied pictorial details of some of the a.rmored tive table is below.
equip.nent used in combat with a Soviet

reinforced medium tank battalion. Further

equipmentdetailsof armoredequipmentand
tanks can be found in FOMCAT Vol 3 TB
381-5-03(undated)

MEDII'M TANKS

2. T-54 tanks are used for haining pur-

poses. T-55 is still the most numerous
medium tanks in sewicewith Soviet $ound
forcesat the presenttime. T.62 is an improve-
ment on the T-55 and is in se$icethroughout
the Soviet Union and the Groupsof Forc€s.
T-?2, the most recent tank introducedinto
s€mice,is now beingdeployedinto the Group
of Soviet Forces Germany. The T-?2 is
 T-51 T,56 T-62 I-72
Weight cobbat loaded 36 36 3'l Estihated 36

I€Dsth (viftout gre) !M 6200 6200 6630

width (mn) 3270 4270 3300 Apploi 3600
Height (without AAMG) 2400 2350 2400 EBtimlted 2200
Ms Boad speed kbh 50 50 60 Up to 80
600 716 650 Ptobably 600+

4 4
Main gu! (lu) 100 100 115 116 (e€timstad)
Maxime effective mlge 1600 1500 1600
w/A"c-T w/AI}c-T I{VFSAPDS
34 13 40
-4 to +17 -5lo +18 -5 to +18
S€condaly Anneent hE 7.62bov

ADtiairdaft Mlchi[e 12.7

Gun (AIMG) 6T-62A)

58
 B
APPENDIX

SOVIETTANK T.72

PRODUCTION AND DEPLOYMENT Tte weight of l,henew l,anki6 estimated6t 35

metric tons and mobility ha6 been imptoved
1. The late$ Soviet tank to be developed, over earlier Soyiet tanks botlt by ttte new
the T.?2, has been in prcduction lor the last suspensionsyst€m and a new type ot track.
trro yesrs. Ove! treo thousand of tlle T-?2 the chamct€ristic low silhouette of previous

Fiour.26. 1.72 Tha n.w Sovieltlnk

have now be€n produced and the new tank SovietLankshasbem maintained.The T.?2 is
has been deployed into the Group of Soviet slightly sEaller than its predecesso!.
Forces Germany. It is expect€d that the T.54 b. Armament- T-72's main annament ap-
and T-55 tsnks will be replaced as mole pcais similar to T-62's and is estimat€d as
T -?2's come ofi the production line. being 115 mm in calibre. Its accuncy has
probably been improved by a new control
DESICN syst€m with a laser range finder, though it is
2,a. Hull and Suspension.the T'72 sho$'s signiiicant to note that laser beams cannot
6ome mdical changesin design[o previous penetnte smoke or fog. There i6 therefore
Soviet tanks. The chassisand hull h easily plobably an alt€mative systelr of tanging to
recognizedas being dilferent to the previous the laser system. It has also been reported
Soviet tanks. The T-?2's glacisplate is esti' ihat the main gun $ystetn featule3 an auto-
mated at ?0' and is markedly mole slop€d matic loader 'erhichpermitJ a reduction of the
than that of the T-62. The suspension syst€m tank cJew ftom four to lhree men. A coaxial
is bssedon six road wheelswith return lollers machine gun is supplemented by a cupola

59
 mounted machine gun on th€ commander's OTITSIDEFUEL STORAGE
side of the turet. The IR equipment found
on earlier t€nks has possibly been improved 3. The charact€ristic auxiliary luel drums
lot'l-72. caried on earlier Soviet tarks (see Fig.) are
c. Dngine. The appearance of the engine absenton T-?2. Flat auxiliary fuel contsinels
compartment indicates an improved engineto appear on either side of the n€w vehicle.
that used in T-62. The drive$ position has Dieselfuel ha! a low flashpoint and thoughit
also been moved from the left of the vehicle will burn it is difficult to ignite. The Sovieta
to the center significantly reducing the havelong acceptedthis fire haza.!d.
chances of multiple casualties caused by one
shot.

ffi*
HmEErB mffiffi
ffi
@

[m!EEt!t

SrFEEnF|f.m

flffi
Effi[EIIEt
EffE!!]TE
W
ffi**

Fisut.27, f .72 D6ish t€atur€.In contart to J-62

d, Outside Stovage. There are a number of COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS

equipment it€ms stowed on the outside of
T'?2, On either side and at the rear of th€ 4. It js not possibleto fully assessrne
turet there are storage panni€ls, a new combat potentia.l of the T-?2 until mote
feature in Soviet tarks. Tanks in combat units infomation is availableabout the tanks arma-
have t}leA turret numbers painted on ttrese ment. The introduction of the T-72 in place
padnie$. A new type of snorkel is usually of T-55 does mean howeverthat the standard
attachedto the rearpannier.An "unditching" of tank gunnery may be expect€dto improve.
log is caried at the rear of the tank. Tow The older tanks have been hampercd in
chainsare lashedto the top ol the T.?2'6hull bringing fire to bear by th€ necessityof the
gunnerestimatingthe range.This prcblemno
as is nolrnal Soviet plactice.
longer exists with the introduction of the
laserraDgefinder.

60
 C
APPENDIX

TANKASSOCIATED
EOUIPMENT

GENERAL KMT 4 MINE PLOW

1. SoDe of the tank associated equipment 3. The KMT 4 mine plow is usedto clear
used in the reinforcedtank battalion during Einefield lanes in conjuncrjon with mine
tacLical operal,ionsi! held in the engineer rollels, We assess
nine setsol equiprnentare
company of the regiment. Pictules of such held in the battalion, three sets in each
equipment are included for reference and company.
Iecognitionpurposes.It shouldbe notedthat
the use of tank associatedequipment creates
excess wear on tle engine and haining is
therelore strictly limit€d.

BTU DOZER BLADES

2. the BTU dozer blade can be fitt€d in 90

minutes and requies 60 minutes to be re-
moved, this equipment is held in the enginee$
companyof a t3nk regiment.

Flslro 2S. KMI mine prows

Fig!@ 28, BTU do:.r mounld o. T55

 Fisu..30, Mimplowo. T.55

MINE ROLLERS PT.54M medium tank by a pusher alm and cable

assembly. The equipment clean a lane
?.62mm wide. The ar€a between eacb track
4. The Mine Roller P'f-54-M is standard lemains uncleared. Difficulty in contrclling
equipment in the Soviet Cround Forces for the roller leavesthe pusher vehicle wlnelable
breaching minefields. The roller is designedin to da.rnagewhen operating in an antitank
two individual sections which ale fitted to a minefield,

62
 i. .; -
- - - i +f :-. -: & €

Fiqur€31. T.62 whh mine rolleis

SNORKELLINCEQUIPMENT
., - -'-jl
1.
: --
5. A high proportion of Soviettanks have
the capabilityto deepford waterobstacles to
a depth of 5.5 meters using snorkelling
€quipment.T-55 and T-62 weredesignedwith
a snorkellingcapabilitybuiit in, somemodels
of T-54 were modified in order to do so. A
snorkellingtube canbe seenon the rearof the F i g u . s 3 2 ,T . 7 2s h o w i n g t h s s n o t k e l r ulbaEs h e rdo t h €
turret of the T-72 in Fig. 32. The snorkeltube r6arof the rur€r

63
is mounted on the tank turret and supplies air
to both the tank crew aid the engine. A
narow snorkel tube is used in combat, while
in haining a wide "chimney" snorkel is fitted

Fislrd 33. Sovid r..ks with thoconbrr 3no.l.r contasr with tns*idsrtnining
robe in thb photogrsph

over the right ha.ndhatch.Amored recovery

vehiclesare fitted with the "chimney" snor-
kels as standardequipment.To fit the iank
with the snorkeltube duringtxainingcantake
as Iittle as 15 minutes though to fuUy prcpar€
a tank for a river crossingoperation will tak€
up to one and a ha.lfhours.Upon leavingthe
water the tank requiresabouttwenty minutes
work before it can opente nomally. In
combat the snorkel tlrbe is jettisoned if the
tactical situation demandsit. Each tank in the
battalion carries a snorkel tube during opera-
tions.

ARMOREDRECOVEBYVEHICLES

6, The most lecent medium armored re-

covery vehicle used by the Soviets is the
T-54-T,The earlierversionis the T-34-T.Both
vehicles are the basic tank chassisfitted with Fiqur€34. T62 inthewar.rlinsd wiih comhai.no&.|
recovery equipment es shown in t}le chart
below.

(Model B)1 x x x
"-34'T
T-54-'l X x x x
EachtaDl battalion hasone armoredrecove.yvehicleod it! invenrory.

64
 Fiqure35, T34-TARV

Fisur.36. T-5zlTAFV
l
SOVIET
CONVENTIONAL
SYMBOLS
T3nk.G.neralsymbol!$dlo shd a
0 t r/iovina
coLnnsorv.hit3 lhorins.

a at
9r
I
q
0 Il
a
Cofi,n.nd t nk Th. horimlll baB
d.nol6 conm.nd level.nd n.y be
0 u3€donanybasicsymbol,

+ Or b.r isfor Plaloonhvel I

* Tm !.6 are to. Cohprny lcvel.
I
+ Th..e barsare lor 8.ttllion revet
0
f
XdiE colnn ottanr! $owirt
{ Foi*bd dirlion otddmnt

APC,
$n.r.l rymbolslwlnr.n Arc

-l-o T.nk nding in mb.t lomrtbn.

I
n
,-+r{-t
0
T..k!! mding in db.i lom.tioir ehdin!
pni|.ry.rcolfE Th..ror.d ri6 6n b. $d I tuiriilix. APc,neirr, o,rri.s
\,/
to shoq th. ren.nd riani [mns ot prnn.ry.rc oi
tiB byulingonslins.l 6!d extremity, 0

V L.k rhorins prim!ry.rc oltie

--L-.
+

I
Iu*n...'*",o.0*"..
.--l-
U ,.*.n*'**.*o...ro- **.,.0.*oo*,,"*.*o.
I
]

67
 SO/IETCONVETT'IONAL
SYMBOLS

FdlaS€ dGcEr.d td Gup.rlm

€

'R!da el op.r.tnEm HanRlqrad.

@
.R.db 3.i o9.Eli'rsor \r.rt HEr
4.6@Upid byt@pi Synborinskte
ciEL de@t6lype .nd mmnd l6v€l
@
t
V\-(
a
L.nd liE ondingi. t bphdro h.nd*t

P
o W.ierc|cin€mmn<|.r
--=ra

P Batrrlion DapuiyCohfian&r in -€ia

A @omnd.b$Mtirh post

,/'+
--.t- @ .*o**
D'dlih ol tuin drort

24_ _r DaGrbno!min .tt .t ph.md

- {- -- €'A@sol@[email protected]

e
.Notetnd..! iot sait rynboEhn
B.sa symbolindi6t6 6dio dmu.k tiB
/ d dErbn ol 6dio mnun€rbnr

68
 DISTRIBUTION
BY DIA/RD93C
TITLE: SOVIET
TANKBATTALION
TACTICS
{U} DDI-1120.1G77

DOD AND JOINT AGENCIES B5?9 DIA/DN-2B2

B58O DIA/DB-186 OPO
8581 DIA/DB.IB
AOO9 OASDATOM ENERGY
8583 DIA/DB-1D
AO1O AFSCOL
8584 DIA/DB-184(25)
AO24 DEF NUCLEARAGCY
8586 DIA/DB-4D1
AO85 NAT DEF UNIVER,SITY
8593 DIA/DB-IG2
A'104 OASD (CCC&I)
8594 DIA/DB-1F (2)
A115 OASDISA
859? DIA/DB-1G1
A117 OSD(OPD&E)
8615 DIA/DN-2C
A310 JCS/J-3(SPOP DrV)
B?31 DIA/DB.5F
A315 JCS/SAGA
B?37 DIA/RDS-3B3(LIB) (5)
A325 JCS/J-3
B?87 DIA/DB.IF3
A335 JCS/J.4 DIA/DB-181
8362
A340 JCS/J-sMrL SEC 8364 DIA/DB-1B3
A353 JSTPS B563 DIA/DB.1B5PENT
AO34 DDPSECDEF B5?5 DrA/DB-1
AO9? DIA CRP ANMCC 8576 DIA/DB.1A
4'102 OSD/DTACCS 8582 DIA/DB.IC
4124 OSDNET ASSESSMENT B?7? DIA/DN.2B1
A137 OSDISA/MBFR.PP 8855 USDAOAUSTRIA
4'361 USLOSACLANT 8856 USDAOBELGIUM
A'362 USDOCOLANDSOEAST 8859 USDAOBULGARIA
A363 USNMRSHAPE 8862 USDAOCANADA
4'368 USRMC/NATO 8871 USDAOCZECHOSLOVAKIA
A835 US MIL LN MSN GDR B8?2 USDAODENMARK
A916 MAAG IRAN
88?6 USDAOENGLAND
8878 USDAOFINLAND
DIA B8?9 USDAOFRANCE
B88O USDAOGERMANY
8040 DrA/DIO 8882 USDAOGREECE
B055 DTA/DT4B 8886 USDAOHUNGARY
8080 DIA/SWS 8892 USDAOISRAEL
8132 DrA/DE-1 8893 USDAOITALY
B134 DrA/DE-2 B9O8 USDAONETHERLANDS
8159 DrA/DT-1A1 8912 USDAONORWAY
8169 DIA/DT.2D B91? USDAOPOLAND
8363 DIA/DB.1B2 8918 USDAOPORTUCAL
8364 DIA/DB-1B3(2) 8919 USDAOROMANIA
8485 DrA/IS 8925 USDAOSPAIN
8545 DIA/VP B92? USDAOSWEDEN
8565 DIA/DB.IF1 8928 USDAOSWITZEBLAND
8566 DIA/DB-1F2 8933 USDAOTURKEY
85?1 DIA/DB-4G1 8934 USDAOUSSR
B573 DIA/DB-4E1 8939 USDAOYUGOSLAVIA

69
NAVY KOzO COMUSTDC
K115 5TH AF
DOO8 NISC K300 rPAC (CODErC-L)
D150 CMC0Nr) (12) K5O5 FICPAC
D217 NAVWPNCEN K658 COMUSNAVPHIL
D218 NRL WASHDC L005 CINCSAC
D246 NAVSURFWPNCENDAHL LO4O SAC 544TH AR,TW
D496 DIR SSPO
DgOO NFOIO NOOS USREDCOM
D971 0P-009F
D9?2 OP-OOgBIP OTIIER

AIR FORCE P055 CrA/CRS/ADD/SD(14)

P085 STATE (5)
E016 AFIS/rNC P090 NSA (5)
EOl? AF/RDQA.W
EO18 AF/RDQA-C SOSO FRD LIB OF CONG
E046 ?602ArNTELG/INOA1
EO53 AF/INAKA TOTAL DtA DISTRIBUTION 268 COPIES
EO54 AF/INAKB
E100 TAC (9Tr{TrS/LDD) ARMY DISTRIBUTION
D3O3 AF/INAP
E4O8 AFWL Active Army, ARNG, USAR:
E41O ADTC To be distributed in accord-
8413 ESD ance with DA Form 12-9A
E437 AFIS/rNr requirements for Milita-ry In-
E451 AUL/LSE t€lligence- B (Qty rgr block
E500 3420 TCHTG/TTMNL \ o . 3 3 7 ). . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . .1. .2, ,. 0. .0. .0.o, p i e s

U & S COMMANDS MARINE CORPSDISTRIBUTION

fiOOs USCINCDUR Distribution

code:TBA .......... 2.300copies
HOO6 USEUCOMDEFANALCTR
H010 soTFE (J-3) DISTRIBUTIONSUMMABY:
H101 USAFE49?RTC(rRC)
H3O6 DCSIUS COM BERLIN DTADISTRIBUTION.............. 268 copins
H301 COMBINEDARMSTNGCEN D I A S T O C K . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i.5. .2. . o . pies
D T A T O T A L . . . . . . , . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . .| . .0...o. p i e s
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