DD t,1120-129-76
DEFENSEINTELLIGENCE AGENCY
DIR Defense Intelligenee Report
i,t
SOVIET TANK COMPANYTACTICS MAY 1976
SOVIET TANK COMPANYTACTICS
DDr-l120-129-'t 6
This docubmt waspreparedby Major A. Hemesley eLR of the CroundForces/MBFRBranch, Sovi€t/Vrrsar, Pact Division, DirectorateIfor Intelligeaie (R"*-"h a;t6;^""d publication by authodty of the Di.ector, Orfense fiteffd;nc.-,lge"cn.-'-" * is rcleasedfor
PREFACE This study of Soviet tank company tactics is written as a "how they fight" nranual.Many of the conccptsand methods used by the Sovietsappearto ihe US or NATO military rcader so alien that there is a temptation to say "This is unworkable."The readershould apprcciate that the Soviet tank company commanderhas a vastly different task than his US or NATO equivalcnt.His task is to train and lead his company as dirccted by well establishedpdnciples set out in field sewiceregulations,and as interprctedby his superiors.The companyfigllts either as pafi of a battalion size unit, or with the closesupport of other tank, motorized rifle, and artillery units. Th€ battalion is the basic unit of maneuverin the Soviet Ground Forcesand a company is b€st rcgardedas a fire team. Thc information used in the study has becn drawn from a wide variety of sourccs.In order to ensurcwide diss€minationsomedetailsof equipme[tshavebcea describedin a gcneralmanner. In this way the study can be issuedas an UNCLASSIFIEDdocument.Tlre rcadcr needingto study equipmentdetailshds been providcd with basicdata in the enclosurcs.It stroulclbe noted that equipment differs from on€ Sovict ullit to another and there are also minor differenccs in personnelmanninglevels. The study is written using a type organizationand manninglevgl which is defined in the text.
lu
CONTENTS Executive Summary CHAPTER I Introduction 2 Oqanizatlon, Command and Control ---------3 Weapons,Equipment and Services -------4 SovietTank Crew Training-----------------------5 Talrk Gumery and Firc Cont ol -----6 SovietConceptsand Missions--------------7 Taotical Formations -----------8 CBR Defense ---------9 Reconnaissanc€ -----------l0 March Security Operations ----------ll The Offensive ------------------12 River ClossingOperations --------------13 Defense ---------14 The Withdrawal -----15 Dudng Halts S€curity --------------16 Combat in Built-up Areas l? Conclusionsalld an Assessmentof the Combat Potential of a ----------SovietMediumTank Company -----------------------I Tank! and Associated Equipmedt ENCLOSURE ENCIOSURE 2 Soviet Iffd Navigationand Night Vision Deyices ---------ENCIOSURE 3 Arms and Equipment- Soviel Tank Company --------------------------ENCLOSURE4 T62 and T72 Tanks
Page vii I 3 7 ll 33 15 I7 2I 23 27 31 43 47 53 55 57 59 6l 65 67 69
EXNCUTIVE SUMMARY The Sovict tank company is equipped with either 10 or l3 trnks. according to its subordination,and is organizedinto three platoons.Its personnelconsistsprimarily of conscript soldiersgenerallywell trained in the individualskills of drivhg, loading,and gunncry.Four tank commandersin eachcompanyare officersor wa-nantoffice$ who completeextetsiveprofessional training. The remaining tank commande$ are conscriptswho have six months training before arriving in the company and tain in their units during the next l8 months until theh tcrm of serviceexpies, Tank companiesare equippedat presentwith tanks which are simple to operate,havelow silhouettes.good mobility, and an accurategun limited by its optics to a rangeof fifteen hundred mete$. Limitationsin target acquisitionand sightingequipmentmeanthat night firing is restricted to a mnge of about roughly half the daytime range. The Sovietsconsider that the rank company is a single fire unit. It can reinforce other combat arms or be reinforced. It normally operatesas an independcntunit in reconnaissance, as a secudty detachment,or when used as the basisfor a motorized rifle battalion'saDtitank defense.ln other tactical operationsthe tank company is subordinatedto a larger unit. Tactical training consistsprimaiily of rchearsingchangesin column and line formationsat platoon and company levcls. Fhe conftol is exercisedby the company commanderexcept in emergcncies.Antitank guided missilesand enemy tanks are regardedas pdority targets.Tanks fhe on the move or at short halts, and fire is concentratedagainsta singletarget if the company commanderconsidersits a pmticular thr€at. The cornpanyassaultsan enemyformationor position after artillery has providedhre support,wheneverpossible.Control and commlmicationssecurity is strict, and platoon and company commandersare expectedto lead and show initiative. but within the limits set by field regulations. Soviet tank tactics, which we believeare sound, emphasizeconcentratingagainsta poorly pfeparedenemy, attacking without lengthy preparation,and lapidly exploiting success. Training of tank crewsin such skills as driving,gunnery,and maneuvedng in combatformationsis cffcctive. However,junior officers and tank commanden do not have sufficient opportunity to develop the initiatiye neededto respond effectively to mpidly changingcombat situations.Overall,we judge that the Soviet tank company is capableol completingoperationalmissionsand that, iu combat, its successwould be determinedby forcc ratios,enemyeffectiveness, and other cxtcmal facto$.
I
I
I
Anist
Rendition of T 72
vltl
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
I
l. PURDOSE.This study prcsentsinfonnation on the tlctics of the Soviet m€dium tsnk compmy. Tactical information is prcc.d€d by data on equipment,tatrk crew trini[g, and orEani?ation.The study is primrrily lntcnd€d to providc instruclors at schools d itr ficld units witi referencematerial, Key facti are r€p€ated to make each s€ction self supporting. 2. SCOPE. a. the medium tank compary is lhe basic buildiag block of rhc Soviet trtrt arm. Nonaily, a trat comFanyvil opcrrrc es prlt of a battalior{ized un atrd be supportedby, or ln supportof, other arms. Alftough this study r€fers to combined arms op€.ations,oDly tfie techniquesand tacticsof the tanl compon€trt are analyzcd.
b. Thc study exanin.s compeny and platoon tacdcs ir a Europ€ans.tring in both nomuclerr and nucle& €nvironment!. Soviet tacticrl terminolog and symbolos/ haie beenusedwhen US. teminoloF/ fails to ad€quatelydescribeSoviet conceptr, organization, and tsctcs. Uniessotherwise3tatedmilitary lermsin common us€have the meaninggiv€n to then in JCS Publlcation I dated 3 Sep74. Sovietterns which haie oo US equivalent are defined when lust used. c, In thc tactical diagrams the rcader should esum! thet radio commrmicationsexilt betwe€neach rEhiclc d€pictcd. Frontagesused in the diagramsare for nonnuclearoperations.ln nwl€at op€rationsthe!€ frontag€s can generaly be doubl€d.
Figure1a. Organization of a Tank Company{TankDivisionl.
Figurc1b. Organization of a Tank Company{MotorizedRifleDivision)
CHAPTER2 ORGANIZATION,COMMANDAND CONTROL Section A Organization l. THE TANK COMPANYAND PLATOON.Thetank company consistsol thre€ tank platoons and a cornpanyheadqulrt€rs. In a tankbattalionsubordinate of threetanks. to a lank regiment, the platoonconsists In a tank battalionsubordinate to a motorizedrifle regimentthe platoon consistsof four tanks.In an independenttank baltalionsubordinate to a division the platoon consistsof four tanks.
c. Th€ driver.mechanic's duties include and rcparrof the lanl, oblaininSspre maintenance pans, and inspectionof the vehicle.In combat th€ driver-mechanicis rcsponsiblefor s€lecting a route which presentsthe gunn€rwiih goodfirin8 positions.
d. The load€ris responsibl€ for the conditionand of the sto(ageof ammmilion and for maintenance nachine guns. He assiststhe gunner in preparingthe in 2. THE TANK CREW.The crewof a Sovietmedium main gun for combat, aids the driver-mechanic the dutiesof the tank is normally four. Thc duti€sof t}te tanl crew routine maintenarceand assumes Surmer if necessary.He also nans the antiaircraft machhegun if thereis one mountedon the lank.In is in imrnediate rmderstrergthunits theremay be no loaderin tahks a. The commander comn nd of a tank. Thc companycornmander and platoonleaders oth€r than thos€ of the company and platoon cornmsnd iheir own tanks. T.nk commanders' responsibilities include maintenaflccof the vehicle, e. Thereis iittle evidence of formalcrosstraining t Jget acquisition.fire control,ihe slection oI firing positions.and rcsupply.The commander witlin lhe tanl crew. Soviet tank crewmenare likely is the only crew membertraned and authorizcd10 us€the tan-k to be familisrwith someof the operatingprocedures radio exceptin emergencies. of fellow crewmenand could probably perform the hsks required in an cmerSency.In some tank units of the iank. the commanderencourages efforts at crosstraining. b. The gunneris secondin command He is responsiblc for tuing, servicinS, andrepaningthe tanks maingun andmaintaining the tank sopticaland gunneryinstruments. He assists in the driv€.mechanic the technicalinspectionof the vehicle.and repiaces the ammunition.In combrt fte gunnerassists in target acquisilionandselects thc correctammunitionfor each tdgct. He firesthe maingunand the couial machine gun.
me Tank Crcw. The wirc ftun d1e helm.a arc for atbchment tu the intercommunication systam.Note ,he apparcnt youth of all four
Section B Command 3- COMPANY COMMANDER.The lank company cornmmder,normrl]y a captainor seniorlieutenant, is responsible to the battalioncommand€ribr the commandand efficiency of his company-He is responsible for the accomplidmentof the assigned mission and fire contlol of his companyduring operations. Beforeand afler conbat he is .esponsible for the maintenanceand sericinS of thc v€hiclesdnd the combatreadiness of the companyandthe standard of crcw and tacrical training. In combat the responsibilities of the compny command€r include: a. Deployment;camouflageimaintenance; and replacenenlof ammunition, fuel,lubrican ts,andfood.
4. COWANY IIEADQUARTERS. headquarters consistsof:
Company
a. Deputy commander - a s€nior lieuterart or lieutenant, who is dle politicai officer. b. Tecnnical officer . a senior li€utenant or lieutenant who has ihree or four years tsainingat a higher t nt techricrl school. c. A prcporshchik - (a ranl rougl y equiyalent to a US warrant officer) who attends to routine administf ative matters.
d. A tank cr€w mnsisting of a ddver-mechanic, b. Issuing tactical, political, ,nd preparatory a gunnerand a ioader. c. Estimatingthe situalion ,nd carrying out Mth subordinaleand attachedunit reconnaissance
The headquartersofficers and p/apolsr.rr* do not accompany|he ranls on their combat missions.There is also a truck driver and a derk.
5. PI-ATOON LEADERS. Platoon leaders ar€ normally lieutenants, but may sometirn€sbe praporshchiki or, rarely! sergeants.The aulhority of the platoon leader in company operationsis Imited. His 1nskis to lead his platoon in the executionof th€ cornFny mission,not to trandatehissuperiois'orders e. l-eading or dtecting the company during opeiations, controllingthe fire of companytanks,and into a platoon mission.Whenatiachedto a motorized attached units during execulion of the mission, .ifle bataalion, especially in defensii€ operations, platoon leadersrnay be alowed more flenb ity in the maintaining conlacl with flank units, and .eporting executionof lheir mission. iacticatinfor.nationto the battalioncommander. asuing d. Formulatisgcoordinatinsinstructions, orders, and supeNising inspections prior to
Section C ControL 6. CONTROL MEANS. The company cornmander controls rhe tank company by radio, visual and audio signall, and pyrotechnics,in rhe employment of well rehearsed laclical drills. Only office.s cafry maps. Rcfercncc points are used for identificalion of teffain lbaiurcs. Personal example is regardedas a control tcchniqu€,and conpany and platoon comrnandefsare cxpect€d to personally lead lheir subunitswhen lhe situalion demmds it.
9- RADIO SECURITY. The tank company, in common with other Soviet units, is forbidden to make radio transmjssions immediatclybefor€ contactis made with the enenry. Radio sets c opcratcd on listening silence until contact has been made.During combat, ody the company commander is authorized to Idn\nr Jn rl e .umplnJ irpqupnc) lrar'n,L.io1. "r€ shorl and kepi to a minimum. Plaloon leadeis are allowed to lrdnsnrit only in emergencies. In combat, o.den and tactical reports are rransmittedin the clear s h i l e ' e f e ' e 1 c p rt o l e f f r i n f e - r u r e sa n d o t h e rL , n i t rd r e
7. RAIIO NETS. The tank company commmder has rwo radios in his tank: r very high liequency (VHF) set for conr.nunicalionswith the company and a high frcquency (HF) set for communications with the battalion conmander and orher trnk conpanies.ln ihe tank cornpanyrhe company and platoon commanders n€t with each orher and the commandersof atlached motorized rifle dnd arlillcry units. Normally, radios in tanks other than command ianks dre operated only in ihe receiving mode Supporting arrillery comnanders can communicaledirectly to all company
10. \{SUAL AND ALIDIBLE SIGNALS. Prior ro conrbat, normally during dre comnranders reconndssancc,codcwordsare asigned to promnenr terrdn Ldlur€s wilhin compmy boundaies. Pyrotechnicsor tracersare usedin conbal to idcnlify tdgets. boundaries, and units Prearrangedaudible signrls arc uscd for warnin8swhen the conpany is in a static position. Ijid lines are usedto communicate between tanks and between supporlcd and supporting arms while in static defensivepositions.
8. CONTROL LE\TL. It h important 1o note that co.nol of lhe comnrnd radio ncl is rctrined at battalion level, an.l when the conpany operatesasp r of a battalion there will probably be no companynet, b u r a l l . n k , $ r l l ' n u l i t o r l h e b d a l i o nn e La n df e . e i v e orders liom the batlalion commuder.
AA
YY
5 (Revetr.3r.nkl
CHA?TER 3 WEAPONS,EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES Section A Weaponsand Equipment L WEAPONS. Equipment drd weaponsin the Soviel t nk company are durablemd beinginproved through continuing research and dcvelopment. Th€ Soviels expect tank units to {ight by day and night, in exlremes of climaie, and in a nucl€a nd chernrcal environment.Technical details of tanks, md dala on equipm€ntmd individual weaponscunenuy in service with the Soviet tank company, arc in enclosuresI and 2. D€tails of navigalionand night viewingdevicesus€d in tanks are in enclosure 3. 2. SPECIAL PURPOSE TANK EQUIPMENT. Soviei medium tanks can all be providedwith auxiliary pdrts for aitaching the mine plough, the plough and ro er combination,and th€ tank buldoz€I blade.The w€ight of thele items reduc€s tne tant's obstacle crossing ability and maneur€rability and makes the vehicle more difficult to handlc. The engine life of tanks having this specidlequipnenl attachedis alsoreducedThe detrimental effects of the usc of such special equipment a.e judged sufficientty sevele to inhibil frequent Eaining.
3. COMPANYTRUCK. OneLighttruck js heldin the tank company.This vehicleis usedby the deputy companycommander,the technicalofficer, md t]rc pruparshchik. Th€ v€hicle is equipped with a radio link from the which canbe usedasa communications conpany commander\ lrnk to the battalton herdquart€rs when the tank co'npanyis out of direct rangecommunications 4. CBR EQUI?MENT. A[ personnelhave individual protectivenasks,andmostmoderntank iJe probably Decontamination equippedwith alr Iiltralion systems. of vehiclesis carriedout undersupe$isionand with CBR defense the aid of chernicaldefensespeciatish. is deall witn in detailin Chapt€r8. Sovie!tankshave a smoke generatingsystemfor providing a defensive smokescreenwhen required.
762 tited wi$ nine plows-
Section B Services 5. SUPPLY AND MAINTENANCE PLATOON. The suppiyandmaintenance platoonto evacuaae casualties commander of the supplyandmaintennceplatoonof and carry amnuition. Fuel trucks resupplythe the tank battalion coordinatesthe r€supply of tanl companyas requued. companies.There is, howeirr, no eviden€eof an administranvenet for his usewithin llle battalion-Thij could causeconsiderabledifficulty i.r resupply when the companiesare widely separated from battalion b. Tank comparies areresuppLi€d in the baltrlion assemblyar€a with POL and ammunition prior to combat. Main and auxiliary fuel lanks are filled to 6. TRANSPORTAND SL'PPLYcapacityfor approach rnarches. the 200liter auxiliary fuel lanksaredroppedprior to combat,pickedup by a. The organrc lrucls of Ihe lank baltaLion are th€ supplyand maintenance platoon,andrelurnedto supplenentedfor op€rationsby the tank regiment. tants on the objective. The basicload, known to the Specializedunarmored tracked tnnspo(ers are Sovietsas "ammmitionunit of fire,rrfortanksis listed availablein som€units for the medicalsectionandthe
WEAPON
TANK
RDS PER UNIT OF FIRE PER TANK 5000 rds 3500 rds 2500 rds 2100 rds 1500 rds
7.62mmMG
(2 (2 (l (3 (l
ea) ea) ea) ea) ea)
T-54 T-55 T-62 JS-2 JS-3
12.5mmMG
(l (l (2 (l (l
ea) ea) ea) ea) ea)
T-54
l4.5mm MG
(2 ea)
T-10 JS-2 JS-3 T.IOM
250 rds 250 rds (optional wpn) 744 rds 250 rds 744 rds
l00mm Main Gun
T-54 T-55
3 7 rds 44 rds (avg)*
I l5mm Main Gun
T-62
40 rds
l22mm Main dun
T-10/T-10M JS-2/JS-3
30 rds 28 rds
*The T-55 can carry from 38 to 47 rcunds of l00mm ammunition for the main gun. About half would be antitank (HVAP-T) and the other half HE ard fragmentationrounds (FRAG-HE). The averagenumber of on-boardrounds is 44.
c. Resupplyin combaris norma.lly at night;each tank companyis resuppli€d in tum. li a tsnl runsout of ammunitionduringcombatit movesto a position outsidc enemy observalionand is resupplied.In positionsammlmilionmaybe placedneartne defcnsive tank posilion to providea readyreserve.
ard monitors the comrnand net to ,dcnlify damaged and inoperative knks- Communicalions are aho mainrrined wirh rhe chief of servicesat regimenral headquarters.Thcrc is onc lrmored recovery vehicle (ARVI in each medium tank battrlion. c. Tanks damagedin combal are repairedon the s?ot or unde! the neareslcover by lhe baltalion repair and evacualiongroup (RFjG). The REG is fomed by the baltalion mrinlenancc s€ction with augmcnlrtion from regimentas required.lt follows the tank battalion and is tasked by the TOP.
d: An ernergency reserveconsists olbetween20 percentand 30 pcrcentof the norrnalload of POL, rationsand ammunition,andaI sparepartscarriedin conpanytanks.This reserve may not be us€dwithout ord€rsfrom t}Ic companycommlnder, 7. MATNTENANCE AND RECOVERY. a. Basicmaintenance of tanLsis cdried out by tankcrewssupervised by the companytechnicalofnccr and tant commanden.Identifiedfaults are recti{ied on tle lpot if possible-The low standardof training of the driver-mechanic and lack of equipnentrn lhe comprny precludeextensiverepans. b. In combat,a recoveryandrepairo.ganization is established at battaiionlevel,Atechnicalobservation point (TOP) is formed by battalionand company techrlicalofficersandis normallymountedin an A?C. with Thc TOPrnovesin rearof battalionheadquarters the task of maintainingvisualsurveillance over the batdefieldto locate damagedtanks.The TOP is in radio communication with the battalionconmander
d. TanlG damaged beyond dre repair capabilily of thc REG are recovereddnd evacurtedby rcgimenral or division mainlensnceunils. Crewsremainwith these tanks rnd alsist in mrkjng rcpairs snd are ihus losr to lhe compdny commrnder unlil repairs arc made. It should be noted thal the Sovicts normdUy replace entire units rathcr than makeindividualvehicleor crew
8. MEDICAL. First atd is adninistercd to baltle casudlies by olher members of dle crew. using thc first aid pack in $e tank. fie battalion medicalteam which accompaniesthc RBG removesseriouscasualtes from tanks once they have bccn lowed 1o covcr. Serious casuahics are collected and evacurled by reginental transpon, as thcre is no inedicalofficer at
Poutine mainenanceis car ed out by the d vermechanicand crew unclerthe srpeNisionof the Company (n.86.
9
Bra*)
CHAPTER 4
SOVIETTANK CREW TRAINING l CREWEFFECTMNESS.The effecriveness of ihe tank companydependson the quality of individual and crew training.This chapterdescribes tle type of trainingwhich membersof a tank cr€w receive.
5. TANK CREWTR-AINING.Soviet tarft crewsare trainedon controlleddrivingrnd firing rrng€s.The emphrsisin driv€rtlainins is on safelyovercomrng a timed s€riesof driving hazardsand providrngthe gunnerwith a goodsightpicture.Obstacles on a rypical 2. CONSCRTPT TRAININC. The majorily of mer m driving course include l lls, bridges,sreep dop€s, a Soviettanl companyareconscdpts. The percentage cufles,ramps.anda deepfordingobstacleGeeFigure of professionalsoldiersa1 this Ievel variesbut will 3). The gunneris requled to accufatelylue the main seldom exceed l0 percent. Conscript tank 8un and the machinegun both from staticpositions gunnersand driver-mechanics commanders, compl€te and on ihe move. a periodof four to six monthsinstruciionin training unrq beforejonng rheir companies. Loade-!receive 6. EQUPMENT CONSERVATION.To conserve no specialhttrainingand join their companies after equipmentfor combat,tank cornpanies nomally use one month of instruction. Most conscript tank only one or two tanksfor iraining.Renainingtrnks crewmen will have received pr€-induction training are kepr in storageand periodicallyrotated with beforeentering the Soviel Army. This training is given lraining tlnLs and are normallyusedonly for large by military instructorsat schools,facrories, collective scaleexercises. Storage maintenance standards arehigh, and state farms, and instiiuaesin the USSR.The but excessive andinexpertmairtenance of storedianks standard of pre-inductiontraining vades widely probablydoesmoreharn rhangood.The equipment ttuoughoutthe ussR. conseNationsystemdoesnol consisiently insurethe reliabilityof lhe company's mechanical lank inventory. 3. TRAINING OF JTNIOR LEADERS.At leastone The fiaining of crews whose lanks ltre storag€is tank conmand€rin each platoon is a junior officer probably less effectiveihan that of crewshaving ot pruporshchik.The officer har receivedup to four lraining tanks. years' training in ofiicer schools,and a ptaporshchik has receivedbet\r,eensix months and a years 7. SUBIJNITTRAINING.Trainingby companies and professional trainingfollowingtwo yearsexperience as plaioonsconcenrrates on fuing, driving,and rapidly shiftingcombatformalions.About 30 percenrof this tiainingis at night.In recentyealstherehasbeensome 4. ROTATION OF CONSCRIPTS. Conscriptsare combined trainlng ol talk and motorized rifle inductedinto the SovietArmy at six monthintervals elenents.Trainingis mairLlya rep€iilionof srandard andservefor two years.Thismeansthat appronma&ly drills with little opportunitylor junior comnanders 22 percentof a combatunil changes €verysixmonlhs. join tank comprniesat th€ sametime Non-specialists as specjalisrr. Man) regimenralcommanders reassign exp€riencedcrewmenevery six monahsto spread
11
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6. OownHill "Slalofr" B6rw6sn V€dcarly P|.c6d Matk€r Los3 3. simul.r.d Mine Fi€ld 7, Sh8llow tlke/DeD Fod 8. B.idse
Figure3, TankDriverTraining Course.
D Er training concenn'aE on efelY overcominga e $ of hazeds stch as hat Clown on an obsbcle coureA ttict tima limit is impoed for completion of the coure.
t2
CHAPTER5 TANK GIJNNERYAND FIRE CONTROL Section A Cunnery I. GIJNNERY]TIETHODS.
Supedor:
a. Emphasisis placed on fast. accura|e,and during intens€fire from the maingunandnachinegurs combatoperations. Tank gunnersfire from "in place" postions,at short haltsof 15 to 45 seconds, on the A greatdeal marcb,andwhilefordingwaterobstaclesof tsainingtimc in tank companiesis spent using simulatorsandsub.caliber devices1oimprovegunnery techniques. Firingon the rangeis frequentby dayand nidt usingthe 23mmsub-caliber deviceand the iank
Threehils wilh 23mmandat least one hir on one mactnn€guntar8e1,or two 23nrn hits and all machinegun tarS€tshii.
Excellenr:
Two 23mm targelshia and threemachinegun targetshit, or one 23mm targethit and all machinegun targetshit.
Good:
Two 23mm targetshit and onemachinegun targethit, or firee 23mm hits and no machinegun t3rgetshit.
Pass:
One 23mm larget hit and several hits machinegun targel-
Fail:
One 23mm tarSethit andno machineSunlarSelshit, no 23nrn and ,11 hits macbm€gun targetshit, or no hits wirh either-
b. Tank companyofficersand tank commanders arerequtcd1obe proficientwith the tanks armament, and ofiicers are used extensively as gunnery instructors.Tank comnandersqualili as gunnelsas pan of $€ir lraining,and conscnplcommanders can eam inc€ntivepay throughtheir skill as gunners. 2. INITIAL GUNNERYTRAININC. Basicgunnery trainingfor rh€ conscriptis dividedinto theoretical andpracticalwork, with emphasis beingplacedon lhe larrer.Upon lhe completiooof trainingthe gunneris givenan oral exaninationon the theoreticalsideof his training. He also fires three munds of 23mm sub&liber trainingammunitionand 70 roundsfrom the tank machiregun"for the record" to obtain a proficiencyfating.Trainees do not fire for tlle r€cord before their instructors e satisfiedthat they can performeverydetailof the gunneryroutinewithout difficdty.
norrnallyfire ttueeroundsof amor Tank commanders piercingeachyear for familiarization.
4. CUNNERY RANGES.Tank rangesare usurlly situatedneartank units.They normallyconsistol up to ten iargetlanesanda singlereturn{lne,downwhich tank mov€ in column after fuin8. Ordersfor firing from a cental are relayedto the platooncommander 3. GUNNERY STANDARDS.The standardsfor gunnery proficiency arc common ihroudoul the control tower by radio.Targetsrangefrom.l00m to 1200m and ale old r€hicles,popups,or moving Soviettank arm. A grad€dtest is tslen oncea year. of 13nts,APCS,or infantry.Ta*s engage of 40On to 1200mfor silhouettes Targ€tsa.e providedat ranges main armamentand machineguns. Threeroundsfrom targets on order of the platoon commander. the main armament,usualy of 23mm sub-caliber Approximately25 percentof ranS€Iiring is at night. . amrlunition, have to b€ fired within 100 seconds. Ta-rgelsare iliuminatedeithe! by s€archlights or by fiashingbulbsattachedto the targets.Usingthe night Machinegun brgetsappcartwicebeforeandtwiceafler th€ rnain larg€t.Ratjngsarc as folows: sightand the infraredsearchlighl, firing is conducied up to a rangeof 800m.
Section B Fiie Control s. FIRECONTROLON OPERATIONS. In a compiny operation,the companycommandcrcontrolsthe fire of eachtank by radio.TanI fire is concentrated upon targets accordingio the priority assignedby the (ATGM)arcfirst colnJnander. Antilankguidedmissiies priority targets.ln the arsault,tank cngage the targ€r which is closestandmost dangerous 1o them.Targets are indicatedby us€ oI encodedrerrain relerence points,by trace!fire, by the comna,:1dcr pointinghh gun at tlte target,or by useof the targerazimuthscale. The company or platoon commander gives a lire missioncontaininglhe followingelements: a. Call sign of unit or tank to tue. b. Targetlocationby us€ of referencepoint. c. Fire mission:destructionor neutralization.
7. ACCURACY.The accuracyof Soviet tank gun systemsappcarsto be limited by fien sighting mc,hdr5m'.rangcfL.]ders. and gunner)recnnrques. ralher than by capabilitiesof the guns and anmunition.W€assess the accuracy of fie l00mmgun of the T54/T55as beinghigh 10 1000n after which ir fall' oif rJpiJl).fhe l b2srh rfe l l5mmgJnusin8 high velocityfin slabilizedarmorpiercingdiscardin8 sabot(HVFSAPDS)ammuition is accuratemd h$ a good penetrationcapabiiiryat ranges up io 1500m. Reductionin tube life in the mainarmament and the high cosI of ful borc ammunitionexplains the fr€quent use of lhe 23rnm sub{aliber dcuce in gunnery raining. In nighl gunneryth€ IR system presentlyin useprcsentssightingproblems. The nost effective method of engaginglargets at night is illuminationby white lighl lnd engagement usingthe daylight sigit.
d- Firing procedure: fire from march,shorthalt. e. Type of roundi AP, HE, fra8mentation. f. Numberof roundsto be firedor whento ceas€ fire. 6. GllN STABILIZATION.Soviet tanis have had sornernethodof gun stabilization since1958.Tanks producedsubsequently have bolh vcltical plan€and azimuthstabilizalion.While the Sovierconceprcalls for t.nk to fire on tlle move,the stabilization system is spaceorientedrathertlt,n targelori€nled.Therough ride resulrinSfrom $e relativelycrude suspension sysi€mmqns that taJgerstabilizarion is probablynor yet possrble. ln thc T54-'Ib2 series.Therelore,thc chanceof a fint round hit still dependson thc skill of the gurlnerratherthan on the efficiencyof the stabiliza tion system.
The sunnet in 755 with he b.eech block of he qun in the foregrcund- The gunne$' left hand 6 on the ftngefindet to be left of which is the
l4
CHAPTER 6 SOVIET CONCEPTSAN'D MISSIONS
l. coNcEPTs.
3, MISSIONS.
a. The basictactical conceptof the Soviet Arrny is offensiveaction.This cals for Sovietforcesto break throughgapsin enemydefenses and to rapidlycxploit in strengthand depth. Sovietmilibry writingsstate "nobility andhigh tenposofcombatoperations bring success in a battl€or operations." Defenseis re$rded as a temporary expedient until a favorablesituation for a retum to the offensivecan be created.
a. As a rule, aankcompanies operateas parl of a tank balldion; howeve r, whenreinforcedby tactical uniis of other ground forces,lhey arc capableof independent operations, Missionsof a tankcompany, asparl of a lankbattalionor in conjunction with other
b. Tank unitsharra criticalroleh Soviettactical doctdnedue to their mobility,maneuverabilily, anil speed.Thesequalitiesare strcssedby the Soviet!more than the armor protection and fuepower inherent in the tanls.
(l) Reconnaissance. (2) Marchsecurity. (3) Advancesuard. (4) Attacksfrom the mdch column.
c. The Sovietsregardthe tank irm as ihe basic (5) Deliberate attacksagainslpreparedandhasly striking force of ft€ir ground forc€s, and stess lh€ defenses. necessity for rapid man€uv€r of t3nk units to exploit the effects of nuclear, chemical.or conventional (6) Meetinsengagcments. artillery fire. Tank and motorized rifle unils may be crossattachedas the missionrequn€s.Rapidchanges (7) Forchg or crossingwatcr obstacles. in mission ue an inl€gral pan of Soviet tactical (8) D€fensiveoperations. d. Tankcompanyoperations areusuallylaunched b. whentankcompanies reinforcemotorizedrifle from thc rnarchcolumn. Initiative and resourcefulness units, tbeir missionsare: are recognizedas b€in8 qualnes neededby ihe tank (l) To provideadditionalantitank firepower. unit commander in the exccutionofhis missioo.Strict adherence to hctical formationsis, howev€r,required (2) In defense.to providean armoredres€rve. witlin the company. e. Trsfficabilityof rhe tankcnnrestrictmobility, but ia $ould be notedihat tarft crewmenaretrained to crosswater obstacles by snorkctingin additionto bridgingand ferrying.Soviettank crewsaJetrain€d and equippedto operal€ in nuclearand chemical 2. ECmLONS AND RESERVES.In strict Soviel level. te.ms "echelons"ar€not us€dbelowregimental The first echelonwill be given prinraryobjectives. which Secondechelonsareinitiallyassigned objectives may be alteredafter crossingtheir linc of departure. a missionand cen A res€rveis not initially assigned be us€dby the commanderai thc decisivemoment of an operation.A tankcompanycanbc assigned tasks in €ither first or secondechelons. Suitablyreinforccd a tank companycan be employedas a rcgimental resewe.lts methodof operationwill remainthe same in any of theserol€s.
(3) To lead anacks.
''The
basb Ectical concept of the Soviet Amy
is offenive action"
TS4/SS'S in he Astautt.
CHAFTER7 TACTICALFORMATIONS I. GENERAL. a. During combatoperationsthe tan* conpany formationsappropna&10 the movesin well rehearsed mision. The placeof each t.nk in the phtoon and companyis fixed. Tant conpaniestrain for the orderly and npid redeployment from march and for procornht and combal lormations.This rraining|s inspected periodicaly by staff officers and commanders from rcgimenrwho judgerhe companyt proticiencyin executingthe formations. b. SiSnalsto deploy or chsng€formarionare usurlly givcn by flag or hrnd during the march or in precombatsituationsand by radio codewordsafter contacthas beer made.Navigarion is carriedout by ofncers, as €nlisied men are not isrued maps. The followingdiagramsshow lhe usualpositionof ranks in formation. 2. MARCH FORMATION. During the mrrch a tank company mov€s as quickly as possibleon roads in column formation. The companycommrnderleadsthe column ,nd platoons folow in nurnericalorder (see Figul! 4).
Combatfolmationsare 4. COMBATFORMATIONS. delerminedby the t€rrlin and the fireat. Basically, tanks are formed in line with the companycommander behind the line to be in position to control his in combatformalionsat a. The companyassaults maximurnspeed.lncombatline thereis l00m between trav€lsno morethan tanks.The companycommander (see 300 metersbehindth€ guideplatooncommander Fisure O. b. To add depth to .n assault,lhe 'two up formation may be used (see FiSure ?). ln the two up" formationknks areechelotred so &at all mayffr€ in the assault.A similar formation€xistswith only oneplatoonup. ln sucha ca!€tlrc guideplatoonleads. c. To protect an expos€dflank an echelon forrnationis us€d(seeFigure8). A similarformalion existsfor the tank companyto b€ echeloned right(see FigurE8).
l. PRECOMBAT FORMATIONS. movein Companies diff€ringconligurations of platooncolurm, depending on the t€rrainand the dkectionof the t]}reat-Thes€ .r€ called preconbar formationsand are xsed to actuevedispeBionwhen near the enemyor crossing minefields. The first platoonby numericaldesignation within thc company is known as the guide platoon (s.c Figure 5).
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T6A in March Fomation. Note the 23nn baiel of the leading tank.
subcalibrc sleeve in d1e
Tt2 platoon in combat fomation. Att had:hesarc clogd once the tanksmove frcm cotumn fomation.
CHAPTER 8 CBR DEPENSE t. CBR TRAINING. Tank companicstrajn to operaF in a nuclerr, biologrcal, and chenical environmenr. DurinS individutil and cfew lraining it is slressedthdl the protective featuresof the tank !r€ good rnd lhal tanl unils can safcly cross conhminalcd areas.Thc only CBR monitoring equipment capability within ih€ company is thc dosimetcr carried by lhe company conmande!. When planning operations.the comprny connander considersthc amount ofrrdiation his nen havc aireaJy rcreired and rre blely lo recervc In cro\ g !onIlnurJred rreas. cBR rc.onnaiNn(c teans nay b€ assignedlo the complny fron the regiment Ior individual operations. 2. PROTECTIVE IIEASURES. Each rank crewm h r r , p r o r e c t i v cm a s k a . l J p r o r e c r i v c. l o t I r n B . T h e mask causes sevcrc limitations on visibilily and ihc rubberized protectvc suil. if worn for prolonged periods, considerably reduces lmop €ffcctiveness. Protectivc clothing is pur on during a CBR attack or when thc codeword "AToM" is given ovcr the radio. Audiblc rnd pyrotccinic alarmsare also usedto wrn rroop! of immincnt CBR attlck. In thc T6:- thcre is a device which culs off the cngine upon detection of nuclear radiation.
3. DECONTAMINATION
EQUIPMENT.
Deconta rinalion routines are cmployed after a CBR altack. Tank crews bru$ loos€ maleriai from theif tanls as soon as posliblc and laler drivc Io , point whcre the v€hicle is pressurcwashedro complete the proccssoi deconlarnination. 4. CBR PREPARIDNESS-The Soviel soldier expecls to be aitackcd by rucl€ar and chemicalwcapons.CBR trainiig is re isric and rs included in majo. exercises. Soviet soldicrsmd their comm.ndersnre awaJeof, and train for, r rapid changefrom nonnuclearto nuclc:iJ wJJtlre. Tank comFny operations are plann€d accordingly. and ofren the company is reinforced by specialishlrom the chemical delensebattalion of rhc divisior.
Tank crcwmen wearing prctective srits and nasks while decontaninating h6ir tank.
Soviet $ldiers arc accustomed to taining
in rcatistic exercips wherc CBR attack k sinulated.
CHAPTER9 RECONNAISSANCE 1. COMMANDAND CONTROL.A tank company If the company is acting at long ran8c, a high frequency radio lirl to battalion will be est5blidDd. may be task€dby division,r€gmenl,or battalionto und€rlak€ lo€I reconnaissance In th€s€circumstancesa suirabl€tadio is mounted itr missions,A medium lank company$ moreLkelyIo condu.rreconnarss3nce a light truck to accompanythe patrol. lasksin the offensiv€than in rhe defensive.Regfnenrar reconnaissance 3. MISSIONS.Reconnaissance missions are planned up to 50 krns missionscan bc divid.d forward of the main body. At longer rangesthes€ into two maintypes;howev.r, it $ould benotedth*e classi{icatio are not Soviet t€rrnioolos/. missions are executed by reconnaissanceunits. Reconnais$ncepatrols providedby mcdium tanl a, Tenain and CRR Montoring farfs. A tant companieson the flanlc of tle rnain body are likely company reinforc€d by chemical sp€cialists ard to operateup to l0 kms aheadof the divisionand €ngineers may be tasked to carry out d€t4ilcd within rang€ of arlill€ry support. reconnaissance of mads, bridgrs, water crossingaroas, andobsLacles on lhe divisionor regimentrlaris.The3e 2. MINFORCEMTM FOR RECONNAISSANCE. A reconnaissance tasks can includ€ CBR monitorinc of tank company is normaly rcinfo.ced for recoMaisgance mjssions,A typical Econnaissanc€ contaminat€dor suspectedareas. gouping would be: a. A tank company- l0 tanks b. A motorizednfle plaloon - 3 APC'S c- An engineersquad- I AIC d. A chernical reconnaissiulcepatrol of 3 or 4 chemical sp€cialists- BRDM-2RKH -10kn+
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Role Formationofa Tank Companyin Reconnaissancs Figurc9. Representative
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move inp'a,oon co'unn L::[:::^';;'tr!tr1?,#"i]"1;,'!iiii,[trfT'X.?f;,i'f",!,#il!
24
b. Tacticat Inte iSence Co rctian. The rank company is con$dered by the Sovietsto be suitable nissions to Sarninformation on the for leconnaissance strength, disposition, organization and movemenl of enemy forces. Particular reconn3Nsancetargets arei (l) Nuclcal delivery means. (2) Artillery posiiions. (3) Communication cenlers. (4) Comrnand Posts. (5) Reserrc Fornations. During GROLTING. AND 4. STRENGTHS reconnaissancea tank company usuallv operatesas f i r e e p a u o . s .u p r o l 0 \ m s a p a n d c p e n J i n go n l n c ol dn inrclli8ence mBJo; ard rettain. The orsani,/aLion collection patlol is shown in Figure 9 a 5. ORDERS. ln preparationfor th€ reconnaissance' ranl coflpany commandeli' givcn oral order, covering the fo owins: a. Enemy forces - composilion, operaiions, ard units b. Missions of adjacent teconnaissance c. Atiachmenh to L\e company
n. Recognition siSnrls. o. Rocedure for delivering pnsoners, caplured e q u i p m c n Lr,n d m a P s . Tank company commandersare 'lso siven a brief outline of the schedul€ofoperations by other friendlv forces dudng his nission. Alier estimating the situation, the commanderissuesoral orders to patroi comnandersin accotdanccwilh the aboveformrt. He also designatesa secondin conmand - pfobablv th€ senior phtoon commander. 6. MOVEMENT AND OBSERVATION. a. Movcment is made by road dt mdximum spe€d in either company column or platoon columns to the point (or poims) at which the enemy is likelv lo be encountcred. Reports on terrdn and roads are made by radio. Once enemy contact is likelv, trnks move by bounds,coveringeach odre-rlthcy remain on roads where possible.PopulatedaJcasand water obstaclesare approachedwith caution, under cover rvherefdsible lf observation reveals no enemy positions, then populated areasare reconnoiteredand water obst"les
tank commanders b. During the reconnaissancer normaly will have their hatches open At night lR devices are used. Listening posts rnay be set up in plaloon strenglh. These posts are 15 kms from rhe mdn compmy pa!.ol- Selectedtank crewmenobserle or encm) ait aclrury rl,roughoul}e reconlai.\dnce
d- Direclion and objective ol leconnarssance-
e. Mission. f. Location and time of crossingthe line of
7. ACTION ON MEETING ENEMY Th€ rank avoid action during company aitempts io enemv posrnons. bypassing reconnaissance by men and equipnrenl planned to capture are Ambushes for intelligence purposes.
g. Route lo be followed. h. Point of letum to fri€ndly lines i. Conmunicarionmethod and tiequencies. j. M€thod of reporting k. CasuaityevacuationProcedurc. l. Vehiclerecov€ryProc€dure n. ltefod aircraft.
or conracrwirh recorraissance
25
CHAFTER IO MARCH SECURITYOPERATIONS Section A Concepts l SMALL SCALE OPERATIONS.The Soviets anticipatethat, du€ to the use of CBR weapons, modemwarfarewil resultin a largenumberof small scaieoperationsconductedconsecutively in dilferent direciionsand over wide frontages.The majoriiy of thcscaclionswill be betweenforcesrapidlyadvancing toward eachother,
imporlanceby theSovieh.Theneedfor rapid,decisive aclion by batlalionand conpaty commanders, wilh strict tacricalformations,is stressed in Sovietmilitary writings.Due to the CBR threatandthe introducrion of sophisticated d€vicesfor useduringdarkness, many meetingengagements are expecledto taj(eplaceat night. Wiie eachunit or formationis responsible for iis own security,, commontaskfor the tankcompany 2. SECURjTYELEML\fS.The actionsof opposing is to provides€curityfor a movingcolumn. forcessecurityelemen|sarecolsideredto be of great Section B Lead March Secudty Detachnlent 3. TASK. A r€inforcedtank companyis employedas a foruardsecudlyelemenrwhenir\ barralonrj arl advanceguard. The Soviet erm for a company employed in lhis rol€ is "lead march sccurity detaclment(LMSD)." The tasksof a tank compary acting as the LMSD are to ,rllow l}le rapid and unimpededmov€menlof the mdn colunn by:
logelherwith informationon prujectedanborneor anhndedoperations alonghis route.The limc to pass each control point on the route is sp€cificd.An evalualionof enemyforc€s,tenain. and obslaclcsto be crossedis then made.lnd coordination coDducted wilh supporting tactical units. The company commanderfien givesoral ordersto his subordjnates for the accomplishment of the nrisson.
a. Neutalizingenemyreconnaissance. b. Protectingthe column from surpriseattack.
s. STRENGTH AND COMPOSITION.A rdnk conlpanycmployedas an LlttSDwould prob:rblybc
c. Clearing the designatedroule ol light n- A battery of l2lmm howitzers. d- Acting as a baseof fire for offeosiveaction by supporting unitsin thecledingof hca!ryopposition.
b. A motorizcdrifle plrloon. c. A combdtenginccrdelachnrent.
e. Reportirgon te(ain and CBR contamination to higherheadquuters.
d. Chcmicri defens€specialists.
The LMSD nornally follow the routesr€connoitered c. Traffic regulators. by reconnaissance forcesand havethe supportof the remainder of its parentiank battalionandofattached Possiblythe following subunitswould be addedin artillery.The LMSD operatcsaboui 5 kms in front apPropdatecircumstanccs: of the column il prctects. (a) An antlaircraftartillery ection. 4. PLANNING.Th€ LMSDtank conpanyconmander receivesinformationsimilarto that receivedby Lhe (b) An ,ssrult crossinsplatoon. recoffnissance companycommander (seeChapter8). In addition he receivesfull delails of friendly Severalcompanytants arc fitted with minc ploughs. reconnaissance nrissionsto his front and flanks.
27
6. METHODOF OPERATION.Tte LMSD normaly a. Descriptionof ariilefy targetsand rime for operalesin companycolumnandexpcctslo overcome opcningfire. in that formation.The lidt oppositionwhileremaining LMSD is employed as shown in FiBUre10. r'r'o.ethat b. Tank platoon ax€s,boundaries,md assault th€ companycommander lcadsthe tank column.The distancebctw€envehiclesand subunitsis 25 50 m€ters.Individualtank! or APCSare usuallydetailed c. Missionsand sssaull lines for supporting to give the LMSD front and ilank proteclion.DuriDS the advance,only the compdnycommandermdkes radio transmissio.s, d. Combar engine€r and chemicdl specialist 8ivir8 ordcr! by codewordsor by positionsand missionsin combat. codenumbers.Controlof lhe columnis exercised flagsignalsby dayandsignrlfiaresby nidt. Air attack e. Order to open fire and the attack signal. i! courteredby increasing speedard marchinl€rvals. Antiaircraftfire is delivercdon orderof the company commander. Dwing short h3lts the vehiclescloseto 9, BNCAGEMEM. within 10 metersof each other. A1 long halts th€ companydeploysinto a perimetcrdefense. LMSDduty a. The enemyis engaged directlyfrom the marcn rotaleswithin the companies of th€ battalion. column.Tank platoonsdeployfrom comprnycolufin iflto platoon columnsand then into combat line. 7. TRiFFIC REGULATION.During lacticalmoves Motodzedinfantry gencraly folows the tanks and Sovictcombatunitsrely on dnectionsgivenby lraffic remainsmountedin A?Csdulingth€ assadt.Hatches regulators.It is likely tha. th€ route to be followed areclosedwhenthe LMSDmo!€sfrom precombat into by the nain body will be marked by trdffic rcgulators accompaJrying the LMSD. Tra*ic conhol pointsare probablyestablishedby the divisiontraffic control b. If the enemyis in gr€atlysuperiorstrenSth, companybasedon inforrnationprssedback by the the LMSD w act as a bas€of fire. Th€ LMSD ules r€connaissanc€ battalion and lMsD. rls ftrE power ro prerenrfie enemyfrom orgarlizinS an effectivedefens€while the remainderof ihe 3dvance 8. ACTION ON CONTACTINCTHE ENEMY.The guarddeliversa flank attack.lf th€ enemyattempts Sovietsexpecrthe LMSD to seizethe hitiative and to withdraw, the LMSD will pursuewithout a$,aiting to surpri!€and be capableof defeatinga numedcally further orders. superiorforce. lt will normallyattackfrom a flank. Ord€rs issucdby LMSD commanderby radio on nraking enemy contact are short and contain $e folowinB:
i!! _+O@Y6-d -@c"-*m--.**.-+
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Figure10. Compositionand Deploymentof LeadMarchSecurityDetachment.
2A
Section C Security of Flanks and Rear l0r LATEML MARCH SECtruTY DETACHMENT. Wher€rhe.c is a thr€al to a flank of th€ main body, a Einforced tsnk company acts as a laleral march security detaclunent.This detachmentoperatesand is relnforced similarly to an LMSD. lt mov.s on a route perallel to th€ axis of the mrifl body atrd about five kilom€ters f.om it.
may be orderedto carry out the actionsof a rearguard during widrdrawal operations. Th€ aim ol lhe detachmentis to preventpcnelrationof lhe mair| column. The RMSD coven the combat engin€ersas they construct or demolishohtacles. The RMSD may ambush puNuing eocmy forc€s during retrogrrdc
I I . REAR MARCH SECURITYDETACHMENT.Th€ Soviet lerminolory for r€ar guard is "rear march security detachment (RMSD)." Such a detachment followsthe protectedcolumnby aboutfivekilometers. A tank companyreinforcedwith combrt en8ineers
12. SECURITY WITITIN A BATTAUON COLUMN. In a battalion column, compades hava a primery res?olsibility for their own security. Coilpany ,re readyto supportthe LMSDby means commanders of an envelopingattack from the ma.ch column to either llank-
29
CHA TER II THE OFFENSIVE Section A Tactical Doctrine that l. CONCEPIS. Soviet doctrine emphasiT-es offensiveaction h thc basiccombataclivity of tank units. Thc ain in each offensiveoperationis 10 concentrate€nougir firePower to deshy enemy defenses on a narrow frontagemd to penelralch's positionin depth.Oncean off€nsivcgainsmonentum. pressure. Sovietdoctrinecals for rclentless day and nighl, to exploii initial success. This is designedto fragmenrenemyforce"and precluderhe enenr)s use of tacticalnuclearweapons. 2. MISSIONS.A tank €ompanywill usuallytakepart in offensiveoperationsas paft of a battalionand is lupporled by other combat drms.A lank company Whcnlhe cnemys nraybe givenon€ uf rwo mrssrons. boundaries can be cleaiy identincdthe missionis 10 desrroythe enemywithin a particularsectoror stong point. Whcnenemyboundaries arenot clearlydefined, the tank companyrvill be orderedto seizcand hold key terrain unlil given funher objective.Thes€ missionswill take placc in the folowmg typc of a. The meeting engagcment. b. The breakthroogh. c. The pursuil.
3. ATTACK FORMATIONS AND FRONTAGES.A tanl companynormallyattackson a frontaSeof 800 meter!wilh 100melersbetweentanksand I00 meters betwecnsubunitswhen undernuclearconditions.In nonnuclearconditionsthe compaflyfrontaSemay be reduced10 500 mcterswith 75 metersbetweentanks and subunits.A platoonfrontageis rot grea@rthan 200 m€ters4. FORMS OF ATTACK I,{ANEUVER. A tank companyin eitherrhe first or sccondech€lonhastwo basicforms of altack: a. The fronaalattack when thc enemyhas no assailableflank. Considerableeffort is made lo neutralizethe enemyby meansof nuclear,chemical, or convcntionalfires beforea frontal all8ck. b. An enveloping attack-€ithcrcloseor deep(see Figurell). A closeenvelopmeot is direct€digainstthe flmk of ,n enemyand is srrpportedby the tu€ of units attacking frontally. A deep ervelopmenth directedagainslthe flanksor rear of an enemyto a dep$ beyondthe rangeof directfire supportweapons force of lhe frontallyattackingunits.An envcloping is reinforcedfor ifldependent actionand coordinates by radio it! tacticaloperationwith units altacking frontally- Clos€and deep envelopmeot!are lrlraly supporredby prcplannedartillcry fre.
t-
En.ny Ddf€mivo Pl.loon Posnio.
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32
Section B The Mccting Engagement 5, CONCEPI.
!. On contactwith the enemy,rhe conmander in the LMSD deploysinto a combal formationto a. The Sovietsdefmethe meclingengsgement rs dclver maximumfire to halt the cnemy.He reports combatbetweeropposingcolumnsrapidlyadvancing 1()Ihe battalioncomrnander thc strength,composition, towardseach other. Meetingengagemenls src most andlocahonof the enemyforce.lf possible he attacks likely to occur in the followingcircumstanccs: rheencmy, fronror flank.If theencmyhassupcrior tuepowerthc LMSDconmanderseiz€s key terrainto (l) During an advanceto conllct. act as n baseof lire for an artackby the mainbody. (2) Fo owing a successful brelch breakthroughof enemydefcns€s.
or
(3) In the courseof an en€mycounl€rattack. (4) w]len Sovietforcc, are counterdlrarking.
b. After receiving the LMSD commanders silualion report, the baatalioncommanderevaluates lhe situation.He transrnitsordersto rhe main body, which movcs into precombal formation: While deploying,thc tank €omprnycommander canexpect to receiveinformalionas to:
(s) Durins pursuit.
(l) His mission. (2) Missionsof adjacent-units-
b. The Sovietsconsiderthat succ€ss is Sainedin m€etingengagements by the first forceto dcployinlo combat formation and attack with the supportof artilleryand other weapons. The meelingen8ugement is a bartalionor regimenta.l operationwhich may bc dividedinto ttuee phases:
(3) Artillery supporl. (4) Sisnds to b€ used durine $e assaul!.
c. The company commanderthen transmits missionsto rhe platoon commanderswhile the cornpanyrnovcs inio combat linc- The atlack is (2) Depioyrnentof secunly€lemcnts. conductedas a on€-phareoperationwith a single objective.This initial objectiveis a predesignated line (3) Assaullof the 'nain body. on lh€ ground.The mectinS€ngaSernent is completed whcntheencmyis destroyed, is forcedinto a defensive on the deployment position,or withdrawr.The tan](companymay then c. Thh s€ctionconcentrates of th€ tank comp.nyin the assaultof the mainbody. pursLre,or temporarilydef€nd,dependingon th€ succesof the engagement6, CONDUCTOF THE MEETINC ENGAGEMENT, (l) Advanceof march column!.
Section C The Brcakthrough b- TheSovietsconsider ahatsucccss is determired
?. CONCEFI. byi a. The Sovietsrecognizethat a deliberaleattack is requned:
(l) Dispersionto reducevuln€rabilityto nucleal weaponsdudng preparationfor the.ssault.
(1) To defeatenemyforc€sin prepared defensive positionswhich cannotbe bypass€d.
(2) Speedin the asraultby combnedarmsteams.
(2) To exploil an inirial stalemalein a mee.ing enSagement.
(3) simultaneous attacksby breakthrough for€es on naflow frontages.
(3) To neutralizelntitank weapons.llrlillery positions,headquarters, and communications facilitics.
33
(4J Continuousrcconnaissance lo wam ofencmy
8. PREPARATIONAND PLANNING. b. It is apparenlthat rl pfeseniSovierconrpany comnandersdo nol alwaysunderstand lnd propcrly use the techrliqes of fire supportcoordinarion.Ir their orden 1()subordinates they meretyrepeatthe nissionwithout explaining andtyingin lhe b. B€forethe attack,the cornpanycommander coinpany's and m€ansby whichfire supportis provided.Artilleryfire rcceives oral ordersfrom thebattalioncommander supporth often pre.planned, may be unobserved, and makesan cstimateof th€ situation.He conduclsa reconnaissancewith his plaroon leaders and is usuallytued on a schedule. of attachedand supporlingunits. Upon commanders completing his reconnaissance,the company IO. CONDUCTOF OPERATIONS. commanderissuesoral orden which include: two methods of launching a (l) Dispositionand compositionenemyforces. breakthrough: a. ln bre*thfough operationsa tank company can be reiniorcedby, or reinforce,notorized .ifle unils. In eilher caie its iaciicswould be the same.
(l) Fron tle march aBainstan ill prepared
(2) The missions ol the companyandits altached md supportnrgunits. (3) Infornatioi on adjacentunits and dreir
(2) By deliberate assaulr againsr prepared defenses from a holdingarea..
(4) The direcrionof advancc.
b. Breakthroudoperalionsfrom the mrJch ar€ dynamic.spontaneous, and unpredicrablc. Therefore, only opcrationslaunch€dfrom a holding area arc
(5) Combatformirions. (6) Lines of d€parture/deployrnent and aslautt
ll. ACTION lN THE HOLDING AREA. A rank conpany commanderpreplres his compary for (7) The coordinationof mdio communications. combatwhile.egimentalord€rsarebeingissuedto t}€ batialioncommander. Tanksarc.efueled,scrviced, and resuppliedwilh ammunition.After receipt of the (8) Codewords. baltalon commande'i orders, reconnJissance rs conductcdand ord€rsgivenlo platooncommandcrs. (9) Arrangemcnls for arti cry support. Time pcrmitling.reh€rrsals arecarriedout. Movement from thc holdingarei is shownin Figure 11. (10) Vehiclc recoveryand repan. 12. ADVANCE TO ASSAULTPOSITION.A lmk company mo!€s forward, on order, with ils
(11) C sualtyevacuation. (12) Locarionof the secondin command.
a. the mov€ froln the holdinga.eais timed so that the Iine of dcpadureis feachedal the ri e specifiedin the battalionorder.If thc attackis to b€ precededby a nuclelr strile sg nst forwardenemy 9. COORDINATIONOF FIRE SUPPORT, positions,arrangemenls aJe made to protect lhe attacking force from the sirike. Ar€as aftording orients his a. A tank company commander poinls3re protectionfrom radialionare pr€selected along the subordinales on artillerysuppo(. Ref€rence designated and assi8ned codewords. Theserefer€nce route and ar€ occupiedonly us long as necessary to poinh are used1(] cal for andadjustsuppo ng ine. shieldthe tanks and attachedunits frofi radrluun. It is significantthat the comprnycommander andnot b. The company deploys into precombat an rrtillery forwrd obselvercalls for supporting Platoon formationapproximately lwo kjlometersfrom theiinc artilleryfire drough the battalioncommander. conrmnden can request fire support from th€ of conlact. Platoonsdcploy inlo combll formation 500 metersbeiorereachingth€ line of conrprnycommrnderr but individualtankcommandem approxirnately contacl (seeFigue l2). reconnonrefie ground c. Pialooncommanders wilh tank commanders if thereis tin€.
34
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I3. ASSAULT. The tank comprny. when leadingthc assault,movcs.athid speed,firins on encny weapons and personnelin ihe forwdd cdgc of ihe battle are. (FEBA). When required, ensireeB prcpdre passages throush antitank obstaclesforward ofthe defensesrnd company tankr equipped with nine ploughs nake hasly gaps in rninefields.If there are no gapsin fie m i n e f i e l d sa 1 d m i n e p l o u g i ( r c n o r a \ a i l r b l e .h c company advancesthrough the minefield in preconbat
a. Undcr cover of supporting fires. tdnk and attachedmotorizcd ritle units attempt to penetate the defenses,and lhen continue the advance-A tank conpany supportsadjacentunits but do€snot deviate from its own dircclion of advance. Momentun is maintainedeven when supportingclementsale slowed or hnlted. b. In thc !t1ack. irnks fire on the movc, tioln short halts, or at the halt. The preferred method is 1o fire on the move, which provides immediaie fuepower wiihout slowing rhe lempo oI the advance. The short hrll is used to fire one aimed round fron the nain gun or severalbursts from th€ mrchinegun. A longer halt is usedto fire three to four rounds.When lanks encounter a target of imporlancc to the mission, concenrratedfife of rhe company is used.Tanks halt behind availablecover and continue 1l) lire until the target is neutralized.
14. E)CLOITATION. Afier overrunning an €nemy detensiveposilion, a tank companycommanderordels his tanks to continue the attack. If resisknceco apses compleicly. the company forms into march fbrmation and continues in pursuit of the wilhdrawing enemy. 15, BREA(THROUGH OF A HASTY DEFENSE. A hasty defcnsiveposition is characterizedby hck of ensinecr lortifications, inadequatetuc pldnning, and significant gaps within the dcfcnsive positions. The Soviets consider th€ enemy in a hasty defense,wi allempi to stfengthenhis position along key tedain. a. The basis for successin overrunninga hasty defenscis to attack from the march wiihout lengthy preparation. Penetralion is suplorted by available ariillery fire and air slrikes. The rapid mornentumand use of tanks is intcnded shock created by aggressive to disrupt cncmy withdrawal, and to forc€ picccne.l commitmcnl of reserves.A sudden attack s€izesthe forces th€ enemy initiative. while conlinuous-plessure to nght without coordinaiion.
c. Attached motorized rifie unils norrnally folow the tanks by t0010 500 melers.Nlotorizednfle troops rcmdn nounled wheneverpossibieand try to maintain the sa]n€speed as the tanks. finng Luoud the ports of the APCS dunng rc assrult. (seeFigur€t3)
b. A tank company approachcs tJIe enerny defensive position in march or combal formation. Durng t]Ie approach, the company commander receives ofde6 by radio liom the battalion commander. These orders specify the line of deploymcnt, the objective within the FEBA and the direction offurther advance.The compiny conmsndef evaluatesthe situation, and transmits ordcrs to the platoons.when support€dby motorized rifle units, the comprny conrmanderdelincs thel missionsand assault positions- The assault is th€n cdlied out in same manner as lllal descdbedin pragrrph 13 (s€eFisure 14).
d. Afler overcomingthe for*dd positionsofthe eneny defense.tank units become the spearheadol' the advanceand are given priority oI arlillery support. Enemy strong points arc bypa$ed. If the advanceof a cornprrry is haited and a flankjng mancuv€ris not possiblc,the cornprny comrnandercalls for addilional fire support. Tanks tllen move under cov€r of supportins lire in theiJ ,ssigned direclion as taJ forward as possible. Radiological or cbemicar contamiturted areas do nol slow the lernpo of the advance;ihese areasarc cross€drapidly or bypassed.
16. TANK PLATOON AS BATTALION RESERVE, A iank plaloon can be used as a ballilion reseffe during offensive operrlions. Its tasksare exptoitation, mopping up bypassedpockets of resistance,or the suppolt of motoriz€d rifl€ units a5 an immediate antitank defense. During the offensive, the reserve platoon will follow the battalion commander one taclical bound behind the combat formation. The battalion commandertransmitsmissionsto the leserve plaloon, which usually mov€s through a gap in th€ baitali:Jn lin€ or from the flanki.
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37
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Section D Pursuit 17. CONCEPTS.Pursuit is the continuation of lhe advanceagainsta disorganized,withdrawing enemy.A tank companywith its mobility and firepoweris are ideally suitedfor pursuii.Companycommanders required io initiaie pu$uit immediately upon indication of €n€mywithdrawal; they then inform the battalioncommand€r.The Sovi€t aim is to tum a hnited enemy withdrawalinto a full scaleretreat firough pursuit by units in contact. Punuit jr continued day and night and t t€rminatedonly on orders of the higher commanderor becaue of strong enemyresistance. Reinforcement and employmentof a trnk companyin pursuilwill be similarto t}Iat in a meetingengaSemeni.
c. A combinedpursuit is the applicationof both direct andparall€lpunuit againsta withdrawingen€my (seeFisure l5). 19. MISSIONS OF THE TANK COMPANY IN PtlRSUlT. Probable mirsions for a tark compary engagedas part of a lflrger forc€ in pursuit op€rations a- Reconnaissance, b. Marchs€curityd€tachments. c. Tank ambush parties. d. Seiziog key terrain on with&awal rcutcs.
18. CONDUCTOF THE PURSUIT.A rcinforcedlant( conpany participatesin pursuit as part of a laBer force. The pursuit may be direct, parallel,o. a combinationof both, in which ca.seit will be a regimenlaloperation.
A tank companypunues in -rnarchor pr€combat formation and moves into combat formations on
Pursuitoperarions require a. Dicct pursuitis the continuedfrontalpressurc 20. LOGISTICSUPPORT. logisticsupportboth in ammunitionand enemyto denyhim time considerable appliedagainstr withdralving POL. Higher headquarters must keep supplieswell to reestablish a def€nsveposilionforward and readily availabl€ io the pursuit forc€s. b. Paralel pursuit is rapid movementalong axes parallelto theenemywithdrawalroute,withthe intent to attackhis flanks or rear.
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39
Section E Ni!fit Attacks 21. CONCEPTS. The Sovietsconsidernight attack s a normal operationto maintainmomenLun.Night attacksgain surprisc,reducecasurlties, rnd nrinimize the thrert of nuclearattack-With improvednighl visionand batrlefieldilluminationd€vices, the Sovicls plac€the samerelianceoo tanksthat they do during the day. Tank units are accompanied by motorized rifle and artillery udts for mght offensives. The majorityof night attacksare deliberate, but targetsof opportudtywill be exploitedby a hastyarhck should the opportunityoccur.
23. ADVANCE TO ASSAULT POSITION.Covered routesto the asaull positionsare us€d,if possible, to counter the effech of enemy night vision and detectionequipmenl-[f thereare no coveredroutes, tanks move to their line of deploymentin march formatioflundercovcrof artillery.A supportednight attack is precededby a short intense artillery preparation. Artillery firc is plannedto neutralizethe If enemyand to destroymcansof night surveillance. thereis an iluminationplan,this is implemented after tlle artillery prcparationis oomplete.
22. PLANNINC.A tank battalioncommander flans night attacksand briefsand conductsrcconnaissance with hb company commandersduing dayligh! if potsible.If lime permils.d relaln recdnnaissrncc ir conductedduringdarkness so that the difficultiesof control, coordination, and illunination can b€ rerolved.Preparation and planningfor a niBhrattack is extensive ifit is launch€d against a preprredposition. It will include:
24. CONDUCTOF THE ASSAIiLT. Od order, the leadthe assaultin combatformation. tank companies They open fire using night vision d€vices or ih€ daylightsightwhneon the mow.lvlinefields andother obstaclesarc negotiatedtbrough previouslymarked Ianes.Tank ale folowed by motorizedrifle unitsin APCS.Emphasis is on desuoyingenemypocketsof resistance without maneuvcring at the staft of the attack.Tank units atlempl to ldvanc€directlyalong prcdcsignatcd rculesusingdirectionalS/ro compasses (seeEncloslrre pointsand azimuthsare 3). Reference usedto reorienttaits whi.h devialefrom their.outes. If the tank companyencounl€na superiorenemy force,temporaryposilionsareselected to providegood fieldsof fire, antitani defense, andcoverfrom nuclear strikes. Enemy counleraltacksarc repolsed by concentratedtank and arlillery fire. Repuls€of an is followed immediatelyby an enemycounterattack rttack on a flank to regainlhc initiative-The tempo of thc advanc€ continues throughoutthe folowingday and night. At first Iight the companycommander reevaluatcs thc situaiionand hsuesnew ordcrs,paying particularaltcnlion to lik€ly eneny countcraltack routes.If the siluationpermits.fuel and ammumtion are calledfooard and damagcdhnks 3nd casualties group evacurledby thebattalionrepairandevacuation (REG).
a. Establishins easilyrecognized refer€nce point!. b. M.rking $e axis of adv,ncec. hsuinSthc azimuthfor the directionof the d. Coordinatingthe usc of night visiondcvices and bardefieldilluminationmeans. Coordinarionof company boundariesand usc of aiillely fire is Sivcngrcal cmphdis.A crrefui ch€ck of lankr is madcto ensurelhat unautlorizedvehicle (seeFigurc 16). liShb are extinguished
40
lF FEFERENCEPOINT
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Nore2 Thesingalroaitackis qiven by an llluminaiionFa.e or by nadio Cod*ord
Sectior F Offensives in Diilicult Terrain 15. MOUNTAIN AREAS. Th€ Soders resafd rhe limitins faclorsof terdin and engrnepeffornrnce!o be restrictive but not insurmountableto arnror operationsin mounrainareas.Thc lank company requresJ0 ro 50 percenrmo e fJel lor mounrarn operations.Pioneertools are fequiredfor eachtank. Th€ vElueof supportingmolorizedrifle units and attachedartillery and mortarsis hig! in rnountain operations.Companytacticsar€ des'gnedto exploil firepower. Combarformarions emplo)r\e maximum possible number of lanks forward. Extensive reconnaissance is lequired to avoid enemy tank ambushes. The tank companycommander to a1t€mpts move on roads. usinglateral and plrallel rodds to maneuver 1o the flanksof cnemyposiiions. Marchand precombatfornution intcrvalsare doubled during mounoln operatrdns. 26. FORESTSAND MARSIILANDS.In forestsand marshlandsnrovementis restrictedto roads, llre brerks,and ttuoughsparse woodsand clearings. Tank companiesnormally opente in conjunctionlvith infanlry. Mov€mentis restrictedto columrs, bui
echclonedmovc rent on parallelroutes and sonrcfank maneuve. may bc artemptcd. contact between unjts is nraintainedby disnounted infant.y. The Sovietss€c the problem of operationsin forests and mdshes ,s being rerrain, restrictionson tank gun range,control, observation, and orientation. Rates of advance are geatly reduced. Tlrc destruction causedby nuclear slflkes in iorest or mdsnland dicrares rh-arengineer supporl be atlached to tank companieslor operatjons. In summer the provision of repellent to ward off "winged blood sucking insec$" n thought to be
27. OPERATIONS IN SNOW. During operaiions in snow, the problems of overcoming terrain and low rempcraturesare Siven mofe emphasisthan tactics. Opcrationsin soch aJeasare connder€dby ihe Soviets lo be dependenr on ihe ef1-ectiveness of loghtic supfort. In parlicular, clorhirg, anti-frostbjle equipment,ard vitanin prcprations are consideredto be indispensiblc. Moveme t is restrjctedand attacks are Iaunchedfronr column irs near lo cnemy posilioni
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T62's ope.ating n narch farnation
42
in snow covered mounEin area.
CHAPTER12 R]VERCROSSINC OPERATIONS l. CONCEPTS. Soviel racricaldoctrinc stresses thc importanceof c.ossing rivers,gaps, and\{aterobsraclcs without losinSmomenrun. Bridging.f€rrying..rnd amphibiousequipmentis designcdto cross watcr obstaclesas rapidiy as possible. Whencrossingwarcr obstaclcs. a mediumlank compuryoFraresJ\ pr ol a barralion. The company n)rr cros drc uo\racre in one of thc following ways: a. Over pcrmaoentor lemporafybridges. b. Orer tank launchedbridges€crions. c. Orrr truck launchcdpontoon bfldg€s. d. Owr amphibiousbfidg€seclionsor feffies. e. Trackedself propclledferries. 2, PLANNINC AND CONTROL. a. The Sovietscros!warerobsractes from rhetinc of tnarch.This presupposes that rcconnaissance and securityoperationshave bcen carriedour md rhar engineerprepmtions have bcen completedor ranks have been preparedfor snorkelinS.
b. The ba alion .onrmander no,may re.crves rldju orde6 shich designare lhe cro:JE 3,ea.The battalionheadquarrers controh rhe crossinsasshown in Fisurc 17. A re8ularionst.rioh is estabiished near lhc crossingsitcs.Each fordin8site is conrrolledby ,r crossingcommand€r who \rili normaly be from the rtrached rngineerunrr.A cornrnmJ po\t is sctup on DolhbJn\ to Jonrrolforwardcumpanie\ c,osslng rhc obnJ.le.Thiswill be undcrJireltrono' thebarralion deputy comnandcrfor technicalmatters.Rour€sro cfossingsiteswill be mjrked. The repdr andrecovcry 8roup.battrlion aid stalion,and rce serviceelcmenis crossaf(cr rhe rank companies_ 3. FORDING.A sire 30 to 50 meierswide ls useo lbr_a compmy cfossingwater obstaclesby deep forJin;.ln hi\ modclheranLrequfes no preparation floweve,.rhe bdnks of rhc obrractemJ) need prcparationwherevehiclesenterand exjt rhe warer. A tank may passthrougha deplh of 1.4 meters without a snorkel.Markcr! indicarethe site. and at niShlgreenLighr\are usedto nJicateduccrion.
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754/55 being loadedonto a fetry before crc$ing e waterobsbcte.All but first echetonuniEwitt nomally ctoJs water obsdcles by btidge or fetry.
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Figure17. RiverCrossing ControlOrganization. 44
4, SNORKELING. a. Soviet tanks equippedwith snorkelscan cross under a wrt€r obstacle up to 5.5 meten in dcpth. Preparation of the enlrancc dnd exir points of the obstacle may tre required. Tdnks require prepamtion and tank crews undergo lraining to learn Morkeling techniquesb. Tines 10 prepare a nedium tmk unit for a s.lorkel crossingof a water barri€r vary greatly with the type of tank involved but normally it is abour I l/2 hours.The tunel is scded with an infiaiablerubbcr device. Specirl onc way vatves are attached to the exhaust system to alow ihe cilaust funresto escape but prevent waier lrom entering. Tte rernahing exposed working parts are snrearedwith rcsin and snorkels re then attached. SpeciJl wide "chimney snorkels are used in training only. These are wide enough for a nan to esclpc throush. h combat a nuow tube is used ibr lcntilation. Tanks are orrvcn cross the obstacleon a preassigned nagnetic xzinulh. with necessarycorrections to left or righl glvcn by radio from tank on the banks In conbal. aftcr lclvlng the water the snorkcl rs jettisoned. The iank Lhcn requnes about 20 minutcs work before it can operate norrnr y. A. snorkelirg lank must be driven slowly in low gear as the tracks t€nd lo slip. Care must aho be taken. or it will slall and luve to b€ pulled out of the waier. Tank crcwsusegasmaskequipmentwhle snorkelinSas a sourceof oxygen. Snofkelingtanks ale 'lulnerable to undeNater obstacles.soft dver beds, swiftly flowing curents, and debris.Wlrcneverpo$ible th€ Sovietscross water obstaclesby ferry or bridges.
5. STAGDS IN CROSSINGWATER OBSTACLBS.A tJnk company may be called 10 crossa water obstacle in either reconnai$anceor march securily rolc!, ur as part of tle main body. The merhod ofcrossinga water obslacle is deternined by the mission of the tank company i! the advmcmg colunrn. a. Reconnaissance. Tant companies in the rcconnaissance role are reinforc€d by ensineers,divers, and chcmical specialishto survey nver banks to find suitablecrcssingsi1€s.Motonzed infantry and ariilery are in support-If Llnderwatersufley is requlred,it will probably bc conducted at night. Reconnarssanc€ elements also seek 1() identify ensting bridges or fordinS sitesrs well asenemy positionson both banks. b Seunry Daachnelrs T€n\ companies cmployed as security detrcbmcnts s€izecrossin€areas discovercdby reconnarssmce elemeotsand attempt to use shallow fords 1o estabiisha lridgehead on rhe far bank. nre nerr bmks of crossingsites are held untii the afrival of ihe main body if the €nemy slrengtl prer€nts an immediate c.ossing. c. Main Bodt. A company rrl t]rc main body crossesthe obsiacle using either fofds or esrablish€d crossingsitesunder the cover ofsecudty detachments. After crossing lhe obsiacle. it morcs on d€signated routes to its objective,perhapsthree to four kilomelers from the obstacie. If the bat.alion has no !€curity eiements, a company will cross as a LMSD aft€r inlensive concentrationsof anillery and tank fue.
754b5 fitted with the narrcw snotkel tube u#d in conbat opentions Note the covet on the gun muzzte. 1R.w6asrank)
CHAPTER13 DEFENSE SectionA Concepts b. Switching lo the defensecan lake placeeither in or out of contacl with the enemy. A defense a. The Soviets r€gard th€ defensivear a adoptedwhilc in contacrwilh theenemyis consider€d iemporary phae d€signedto repel the attack of io be a difficult operalion.lt is likely that the tank superjorenemyforccswhileinflictingsignificant losses. companywiil be expectedto seizea linearposition The purposeis to hold positionslongenoughto creat€ on tactically SSnificant terrah. This initial position should be capableof b€hg convertedinto a stronger conditions favorablefor a retum to th€ off€nsiv€.In posinonwhen cifcumstances of defens€dependson the taclicalterms thesuccess allow. Out of contact,a positionin depth will be plannedwhen ordered. skillful use of terrain, combincd with a well coordinatedlire plan. I. SUCCESS OF DEFENSE.
Section B Organizationof Defense 2. TANK COMPANYTASKS.A tank companyis used in defeffe in one of the folowing roles:
4. DEFENSM CONFIGIJRATION.A tank conpany conmand€r considers th€ following in selecting positionsr d€fensiYe
a. Holding an area. a. Maintaining tank tue density while retaining all-rounddefensc.
b. A counterpcnctration or count€raltackforce,
b. Rev€rs€slop€positions.
c. Reinforcin8 thc antitank defense of a motorizednfle uni!. normallya batlalion.
c- Mutual support within companyand with adjacentunits.
d. As a force to cove. an areabetweenCBR contaminated aress.
d. Secondaryfire positions for tanks witn coveredroutesfrom primarypositions.
e. A trn]( lmbush. A tanl plaloon may be us€dasa banalionres€n€or patrol. as 3 reconnaissnnce
Civen thes€ conflicting rcqutements, th€ t"nk ulually placeshis platoonstlvo companycommander forwardand oneback.The rearplatooncanbe to the 3. FRONTAGES.Wr€n cmploy€din rhe defensive center,ri8ht or lefr rearasdictatedby the l€rrainand role,ar part of a batrdlion,the tank comFny defcnds lhreat-Molorizcddfle troopsgivelocalprotectionlo laoks ,nd fill in gaps within the position, using a strongpoinl approxjmately1000 meten wide and Lin€aJ and hand.heldantitankweapons500 metersin depth.Thereare normally300 meters machineguns formationsare acceptable in positionswherelhe tank betweenplatoons.The arc of obs€rvationfor an Withinthe defensive individualtank is restriut€dto the field of viron as companyis in thc lecondechelon. srgn$ position a "wandedngtank" may be designated to slen thlough the gunnef'sand commander's without moving the turret. This givcssn arc of 300 movebetweengapsandflanls to confusetheenemyt an individual estimatingthe numberand locationsof the tad
47
expectedto open fire at l50O metersand achievea a. Positions for tanb and AFCS. 50 percentkill Etio. The Sovietsconsiderftat encmy tanls will atlackat an average of 15 krn/hour.They b. Clearingarcs of fire. estimatethat each Soviettank in the companywill beableto fir€ l0 to 12 roundsduringan €nemyattack. c. Conltructing antitank and antipersonnel EachSovieltank is lhereforecreditedwith a potential obstaclesalorg lik€ly enemyalenuesof approach. of five or six tark kils.It is projectedby the Soviets d. Pr€paJation of allernatepositions. fial a trnk compan),afrerJ0 percent ca:ualrieJ. can still theoretically counteran attackby 30 to 40 enenly e. Preparingammunitionstoragefacilities. tanks.Allhoud suchnad€natics areoptimistic,they aretypica.lof the sovietattitudero tacricalquestions. A typical tank alring position is shown in Figure 19. PREPARED DEFENSIVE O. ENGINEER 7. FIRE PLAN.Thosear€aswhich cannotbe colrred POSITIONS. Whena companyis out of contactwith by directfire arecov€redby adllery andmortar fir€. th€ enemy, considerableengineerwork can be The flanks and the forward edSe of likely enemy in preparingtanl posations. Thepriority accomplished assault positions are priodty artillery targ€ts. of work h usuallyas [ollows:
Fis!rc showsihei.r€nockinsarcsol t re ol iwo ranksin lhe PrimaryArc of Fne. The crireri.rre lhal fne ol individualtanksr.tsocksat400rn., andrharai leasr v. olrhetomol rhea@isove app€d The200 250 mllarc ofa tank ca. be obserued w thout rcratl.g rh6 lurel. SecondaryArcs coverthsareaof r€sponsibility ot Adjaco Platoon3. 03pth pbroonscov6.the Fear
Thissvsiemm3k€slo.sre6r concentarionol tn on a narow tronraseandis b6t slned b enfiladepositions.In a fronra shoot eilherthecrheia mu5tb€ @laxed or oositionswill lackdepth and probablyrhere wirlbe tne qapswilhin plaloon areasol GspoGibiliry.
-l
j50n
l+
o6bk!
Bdwei
FrDs P6,ioE
Figure18. Arcs of Fire. 48
Section C Sequencelor Adopting a DefensivePosition 8. BATTALION ORDERS. Th€ tank company commander rcceives his orders from the batt2lion on eitherby radioor in persondepending commander the situation.He is giv€nboth the companymission and detallsof coordinationwith adjacentuniis. The comp.ny conmanderthen estimatesthe situation from a map or the gound. 9. RECONNAISSANCE.If not in conlaot with the enemy,the tanl companycommandcr, accompanied makesa by platoon and attachedunil commanders, reconnaissance of the companysectorand arbmpts to srte his tanks accordingto the proc€duresoutlined in paragraph4. He makesa plrn which includeslhe following:
IO. COMPA}.IYORDERS AND COORDINATION. the company a. Following his reconnaissance commanderestirnalesthe situation3nd issuesoral orders to the tanl< platoonsand to attachedand supporringunits. In sjtualronswherethe companyis in contactwidr the €n€my,ordersaretransmittedby radio on the companyn€t. of the defensive b. Folowing linal organization position on the grourd, the compary commander sendsa diagiamof his company'sposition to the battalior commaflder-Ttis diagam (Figurc 20) includesthe followingdetails: (1) Prominentterrain fealuresand a scalc.
a. Companyand platoonboundaries.
(2) Enemypositions.
b. Trnk primary and altemate firing positions.
(3) Tank platoon,nd attachedsubunitlocations and alternatcpositions.
c. Individualtrnk and platoon arcs of lne. d. Positionsand arcsof fire for attachedunits. e. Meansfor sccuringflanksandSapsby dil€ry fire or constuctionof obstacles.
(4) Primaryand al.ernatedirecnonsof lire. (5) Obstacles. (6) lrcation of companyheadquarters.
f. Prioritiesfor engineerwork. g. Use of night vjsion devices. is prevented,it may be lf physicalreconmissance limited to an estimatefrom a map.
D I R E C T I OONF F I F E
FIBING
.L--i-,) t-,i--- - -r' Figure19. EngineerPreparsdTank FiringPosition 49
f N
+
I
2Ptf
HILIOCX
zoNEoF coNcENTRATED MActiiNEG'uN FtFE
DUG IN
0
2PLT
I \
t
r1 \.
_o_
A \
5m
133
>+-
Tankin prcp8redposition S€con&rylank position
;{..:' Hgure 20. SovietTank CompanyCommandersSketchof DefensivePositon.(Basedon SovietDiagram.l
50
Section D Conduct of the Defense I I, ENEMY PROBES. a. The Sovjelsconsiderthat the enemyrnight attack inilially usingprobingactionsto locate tank liring positions.Theseprobeswi be folowed by tank attacks suppofted by me.hanizedinfanlry. They expect that the eneny may us€ tactical nuclear weaponsand will usean artilery pftparationprior to
13. TANK COMPANY IN "RESERVE." A tank corhpany in depth within the battrlion position is frequendy referredto in Sovietwriting asth€ "resErve company. This company,aewell ashevinga primary role to hoid an area,will har€ seconda.ytssksof acting as a counterattack force.Two or th&. routesto the forward companies'ar€asare raconnoiaa$d,snd lines of departureare assigned.The routcs ar€ msrked for night use. th€ "rcserre corngany" is atso responsible for defenseagainstaibome astults.
b- The tank companycommander detailsa tank to €ngagecncmy probes so that dre main firin8 positionsare not detecred.This tank designat€d in Sovietterminology"the wandenngrank" movesand fires from within the companyposition.Duringthis pedodr€adjustmenls of the conpanypositioncaused by enernynuclearor artilleryfire are made.After a readjustment of his posilion,the companycommander recheckscommunications wilh both his own and attachedunits and hider headquarlers.
14. DEFENSE AT MGI{T. In night defensive operations, an ilumination plan is prepaftd. Illuminationis orderedby the companycomnunder. Dfensive and gulnery principles do not radically differ from those used during daylight. Recent developmentsin Soviet night vision cquipment may mean that there will be Iess.need for battl.field illumhation .
15. ANTITANK SUPPORTOF INFANTRY. wllen operaiing as an antitanl defens. forc! subordinateto a motorized rifle battalion, a tank comprny deploys his main attackthe by platoons.Eachplatoon deployswithin a motorized a. Whenthe enemylaunches part of tic grcatest companycommander concenlrales rifle cornpanyarea or strongpoint. Reconnaissanc€ is his tank fu€ on the most lireatening portion of the cafri€d out by platoon command€rstoSetherwith the en€myasaull. Firc is opcflcdwhenthe enemyreaches infanry company commander, Tank platoon the forwardedgeof the companyareaof responsibility command€rs give advice on thc location and (approximatelyi500 rnetets).Key points on the coordination of the antitank dcfcnse. The tsnt companyfront are d€signliedasar€asofconcentraled company commander remains with the infaniry tank fire (see Figure 20). Atlached infantry and battalioncommander duringthe defensive battle and machineguns engage enemyinldtry ard APCSwit}I the acts ashis antitankdefensecoordinator.Authority to aim of isolalingthe infantry lrom the armor. movs the tanks within the battallon poritlon remains with the tank companycommsnder. b. II thc cnemy auack fails, the cornpany commandermay shift his fire power againstunits 16. COUNTERATTACK. assnulting adjacenrpositions-lf peneirationis made arenot a. The inobility and fuepowcr charact€rislicof inio the tankcompinyposition,counterattacks atlemptcdby thc company.Suwivingtar*s remainrn armor make the tank compMy an effectiiE posilionandsupporlcounterattacks ord€redby higher counterattack force. In this rc|., a @mpany is ' headquarten. Only on order of the battalion normally reinforcedby motorized riflc troops. A tart will conpanytanksl€avetheirpreassign€d compaoy may be employ€das tle rcgimcntalr.serrc. commander positions to join r counleratlack. Similarly, ln this role it occupies a prepa.ed position in the penetrationby the enemyinlo an adjacentposition regimentalsecondechelonof def€nse. The company is counter€dby fire and nol by counterattack. commander prepares routes into the forward Counterattack is normallya functionof the ballalion batlalions'area!,and designates linesof departur€ and lfiing poaitions. Rout€saremaikedby rignswhichare or regimentalrescrve, isible ar night. Depending on the time available, c. The companycomnander,wilh lhe approval rehearsakare cardedout on counterettackroutes. Commu cations and fire plans ar. then coordinated of the battalion commander,may moi€ tanks to with forward udts. alternatepositjons.Thh is to causefie enemyto attack vacabd positions. 12. THE MAIN ATTACK,
b. Both pdmaryandsecondary tankposiiionsare selecled.Positionsare dug alld futly prepared,if time p€rmits, before occupatior. Referencepoints arc designated in the usualmanner.Engagemetrt rangcs src at 1000metersor less:surprise is tie dominating fsctor in planning.SmaI groups of enemy vehicles$e allowedto passthJoughthe ambushsit€ until a suitable target is selected.Ambuslrcsar€ sometimesplannedin c. A reginentalreservetznt companymay be employed to occupy areasdevastatedby nuclear o er to clpiure ems, equipment,or enemysoldiers atrack. Mov€mentrnust be rapid. The commander for intelligencepurpos€s. seiectsthe shortesttraflicablefoute to the areaand transmitsorden 10platoonsduringmovement.Insuch operations the menaJeshieldedfrom radiationby the protectivelinersof the tank andindividualprotective clothing. Increasedmonitoring is cafried out by chemicalspecialiststo prevent t}le companyfrom movinginlo radioactive'hot spots." a lank companyfires b. when comterattacking, place" and then, on rec€iving a signal,the "from company"rushes"the enemy.It is significantto note that. without th€ permissionof the battalion commander,ihe company commandermay not maneur€rby platoon.
17. TANK AMBUSHES. a. Exposedflanks, gapsin defensivepositions, andenemyapproachroutescanbe sitesfor amburhes. The soviels regardtank ambushesa.seffectivedefcnsive operationswhich may be carried oul at platoon, cbmpany, or battaiion level. Tank companiesare usuallyreinfofc€dby additionaiantitankweaponsfor thn operation.The usual d€fensiveprinciplesare enployed in liting tank ambush positions. They arc in defiladeand we carnouflaged.
T62i conducting a defensive *oot on a field firing nngc. The light in d1edisance isp.obably a simulating .levice ro
52
CHAPTER 14 THE WITHDRAWAL 1. CONCEPIS.
c. A5 a lat€ral malch security derachment.
a. Soviet concepts allow withdrawal to avoid enemy nuclear strikes or to occupy a nrore advantageousposition. In the defensethe operation is carfied out ro reposition a unit's front towardsa {lank h responseto en€my action or to reduce the l€ngih of a threatenedsupply line. During advanoc1()contact, a withdawal can be ord€red when stubborn enemy oppostion is met or at the conclusion of an unsuccessfulmeeting engagement.
d. As tank ambush Lmii on enemy axes of
b. It i! impo(ant to note that only a hlgher commandermay order witndrawal.This is usurlly done to improve the tactical configuration or to free units for other opeiations. A withdrawal is usualy crJried out in face of enemy action. It is inplied, how€ver, that the eneny wil not be alowed to dictate a withdrawal. A company withdraws as part of r battalion operation.
ln €ach casethe conpany is usually renrforcedby a rnotorized rifle platoon. 4. SSQUENCE OF WITHDRAWAL. a. A company commander will r€ceive orders frorn the battalion conma(der either in personor by radio, including: (l) Taciical inteligence on the enemy. (2) Mission. (3) Coordination details for tle withdrawal. (4) Lbes of deploynent.
2. DISENGAGEMENT. (5) Planned suppo(ing adillery flre. a. The crilical tine in the wilhdrawal is the brear< with tll€ enemy. A tank company will attempt to break contact eilher at nighi or during conditions of low visibility. In theory, withdrawalswil lake place undef cover of adillery and tactical air suppoit. The suppolt is plarned at battalion ievel and coordinaled in a regimental plan. b. Once it has broken contact, the conprny noves to its new firing positiooswithout int€rm€diale positions. ln cares where lhe unit is still in contact with the enemy, intermediate posttionswill be used
3. ROLES. During a wthdrawrl, th€ lank company may be employed: a . A s d r e a r m a r c hs e c u r y d e l a c h m e l r . b. As a lead march security detachmentto lead the rearward 'noving column.
(6) Assembly areas. b. A tank company withdraws to an assembly area I to 1.5 kiloneters behind rhe FEBA. APCS withdraw, covered by tanks, into the assemblyarea. c. If a tank company is in contact with the enerny, it may withdraw wilh platoons coveringeach other. Altemalively, the entte comprny may move simultaneously,covered by another compdny or the baitaljon resewe.Once the tank companyhas brcken contacr. platoons forrn into columns. A company colu.nn is forn€d once the company has passed d[ough the positions of the rear narch security
d. Th€ withdrawalis deemedto be completeonce the tank company is redeployed in a new tiring position or har taken up a position with a batalion rear assemDryarea.
53
CHAF|ER I5 SECURITYDURING HALTS l. CONCEPTS. Analysrs of combataclionsshowslhat etcr in fast moving opcrationshrlls rale place frequently.Thesehalts rnay bc momentaryin order 1o fire. shoi term to coverother rroops.or longer term stopsto restor coordinatcplanningand actions. No tacticrlr€configuration is necessary for the shorter haltsas tanksare likely to be in firing posilionsand havc artillery supportavrilable.The purposeof this chapteris to describesecurityat long€rhalts,when thereis no enemycontact. 2. CAMOUFLAGEAND CONCEAI-MENT. The us€ of sophisiicaled reconnaissilctby the encrny.andthe threat from air attacks,airborneass4ulr. and nuciear sttack, mste camouflagcand concealment the most importantfactofsin the seleclionof halr eas.Thc Sovietscmphasize that thh muslnor impai rheability of tank unitsro defendlhemselves or to resumerapid 3. LOCATIONOF RESTAREAS.A tank company normallyoccupiespart of an 8 to l0 squmekilometer areaof its baltalion.Thereis flormallybetweenI to 1.5 kiloneters betweencach company\{irhin the battalion eea. The combat situllion and climatic conditionsdictate the location ussd, but inhabiled areas 3re avoided. The direclion of maJcn aro influ€nces the selectionof individualpositionswithin 4. MOVE INTO REST AREAS. Areasare selected from the nap by the baualion con1lrl,nderand a locationis designated for each tank company.Thc batlaUoncommander scndsforwarda reconndissancc party composedof batlalion staff oflicers and companyreprcsentatives. This parry establishes the posilion to be occupied,having consideredaccess roads,coverandconcealmenl, minefields, andchemical and radiation}azards.Thereconnai$arce commander, havingcompletedhis task, rcportsto the batlalion commander eitler p€rsonallyor by radio5. OCCUPATIONOF A RESTAREA. a. The battalioncommander givesordl ordersfor the occupationof the positionincluding: (l) Tacticalinlclligence.
55
(2) Pnonliesfor €ngneerwork. (3) Conposiion and missionsof s€curityunits. (a) AnLjarrcml'and nu.lcar Llefense plar.. (5) Altc ativ€ battalionareaand routes to it. (6) Communication plan. (7) Incation of lhe commandpost. Orders ee repeated for each cornpany. lf circumstancesdemand. this feconnaissance md occupationprocedurccan be shortened by the useof rudio orders and the movement can be into unfeconnoitered areasselecledfrom rhe map by a b. Tank compades arc mct by subunit arcas.No rcprcscntatives andied into theird€signaled roads1()restareasarepermitted.Tanks haltson access are sited 3G50 metersapart.S€ctorsof fire for la*s are allotted,andfoxholesdug and individualweapons by tank crews near their tanks. Vehicles are camouflaged as a priority lssk. If the positionis to be occupiedfor any l€ngthof tim€, tanksaredugin and a relephon€ line is laid to the bailalioncornmand post.The cornpanycommander's tankis sitedwith the platoon in the centerof the position.The plaloons are 100-150metersaparl (s€eFigure 2l). 6. LOCAI SECURITY.Locals.curity is maintain€d by sentriesand parrolsdetailedon a daily basis.In addilion,platoonsmaintainob!€rvatiorposts(OPt. The OPs maintain antiair (AA), ground, and radio-watch. At night onemanin eachlank crewacts mansihe company aslentry.A duty officeror scrgeant with tank ard remains in comnrmication commander's rhe battalionheadquarters, by radio and landline. A companyOP is sel up about 1500metersfrom the companyareain lhe mostlikely ar€nueof approach. A two-rnanpatrol cbecksthe individualsentriesand and OPs.s detaied by the duty officer.Passwords counlersigns ar€ changeddaily.
7. SECTJRITY FROM AIR AND NUCLEAR ATIACK. By monitodng the battalion ner, the duty officer is able to alert the tant cr€wsof air or nuclear attack.Passivedefens€measures are tal€n by crewmenJ who th€n man their vehiclesand prepare then rq,{ weapons.AA fre begins on ord€r of th€ compary commander.I-w flyin8 h€licopters,or aircrafr dropping or landing troops de engaged.Wlrcn the nuclear attack wafling is given, crews don dren protecti\€ clothing and man then !€hicles. If caughr by surprise,crewm€nare responsiblefor placing gas maskson the womded and renderinSfust aid. After
a nuclear attack, t}IE company dispositionis changed oncewoundedharr beenevacuatedand damagedtanls 8, ORCANIZATION OF WORK IN A REST AREA. Company tanks are provided POL, ammunition and rations in rcst areas.While in rest aress,routin€ or combat maintenance is p€rformed on vehicles. Rehearsals and individual training rre ciried out when outside the irnmediatecombat area.Crewm€nare also given political indoctrhation.
SECUFITYOETACHMENT I NO P . 1 5 @ M E T E F S DIRECTION \ OFENEMY \
!9195
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rin. .itr, r"r"pnon"r,"na
A
o -Fo
-.+o Figure21. Company Securityat rheHatt.
CHAPTER 16
COMBATIN BUILT-UPAREAS l. CONCEPIS.Sovict doctrine shtcs that built-up areasare bypa:ledwhenposible.lvhen llus courseis followed,townsandvillages areisolatedanddealtwith by secondechelons. If a builtup arcais vital to thc Soviet commander'splan and filst echelonsare requiredto captureit, emphasis is on the destruclion of thc enemydefendingthe area.This methodsecks to avoidthe wasleof time,manpower. andequipment rcquired to capturc such objectives.Operationsin built-up ,reas lcad to fragmcntation of cffort. These s.parate,combinedaims operatiorsare difficult to control, and requiremuch more fr€€domof aclion than Sovietdoctrined€emsnofmal.The d€legation of control inherentin urbanoperations callsfor a higher stddard of training tlan many junior Soviet commrndershaveyet attained.
(4) A howitzerbattery. (s) An cnsineerdetachment. b. Onc€ in the environsof thc buihup area, commandof the operationprobablypassesto the commanderof a motofizedrifle company.A typical or^,'nino
miohr
thrn
hP.
(l) A rnotoriz€dinfantry company. (2) A tank platoon. (3) A mortar battery. (4) A platoon of antitankguns. (5) An engineerdetachment.
2. EMPI-OYMENI OF TANK COMPANY. A tank companycan be employedin operationsagainstan en€myin builtup areasin eith€r the rcgimentalfirst or secondecfielon.It is part of a combinedarms combatgroup,and can be employedin one of the followingroles:
Groupingof forceswill dependon the mission.The weidt of firepowerconcenlrated at companylevelis significant4. CONDUCTOF OPERATIONS. The Sovietsattack built-up areas on narrow frontages.The assault fronlag€of a reinforced companymightbc 200metefs on thc outskirlsof the area.Within the environsof th€ built-uparca,de companyassnults alongthe ais of one nain street. The anillery Prcparationis followedby infanlrymovingfrom buildingto bu dins. The task of altachedtanksi! immediaefire support 10 infantry movingdown streets-The tanksfire on enemyin the upper storiesof buildings.The attack on a companyfront is basedon lhe assaultof a series of numbe.edobjcctives. Timingis tightly controllcd. Artillery is usedin a di.ect fue role.
a. Reconnaissance. b. S€curity. c. Assaultforce. d. Closesupportof infantry. e. Re8imentalressrve. f. Defense. 3. COMBATORGANIZATION. a. TanI companies are either reinforcedor used to rcnforce motorizcd infanrry for operarronsin buillup areas-A typicallytank heary force designed to capturcan objectiv€in the outlyingportion of a towll would include: (l) A tank company. (2) One or two moruriredrifle plaroons.
5. THE DEFENSE.Defensiveoperationsin buih-up ar€asuc basedon a s€riesof unconnccred battles. Groupingis basedon milsion.Tinks arc attachedto infant.y companies to provideanli-tankdcfense. Those taoksusedas antitankweaponsmay be movedinto buildingsor engine€rcmplacements may bc built, shouldtime allow. A tank companycdnalsobe used as a mobil€ rersfte. This rescne is kept in depth and movesto threalencd.reasthroughopenareas.Except for the mobilereserve, in builtup defensive opemtions areasareunlikelyto be foughla! complnyoperations.
(3) A mortar platoon.
57
CHAPTER 17 CONCLUSIONSAND AN ASSESSMENTOF THE COMBAT POTENTIAL OF A SOVIET MEDIUM TANK COMPANY l. SUMMARY. Sigrificant findings of thn study, as they relateto the combatpotentialofa Sovietmedium tank €ompary are summdiz€d b€low under the followingtopicsl a. Effectiveness of tacticalconcepts. b. Commandand control. c. Effectivene s! of training. d. Effectiveness of organization.
well lrainedin the technicalaspects of th€irdulicsbut are clos€lysupervised by the battalioncommander. They appearto lack initiativc and experiencc. The companycommanderhas the authority lo crll for supporring firesin combar. Ilrsru$"r.r). howcver. i\ rcstrictedto maneuvering thc wholecompanyin wel rehearsedcombat formalioo!. Platoon conrmanders resctto the companycornmander s orderundhaveno independcnce in tacticalnraneuvcr. Thereis r tilth officer in the companywho hrs rcsponsibiliiyfor tec}nicalmatters,,nd somecompanies havea slxth officer wiLh rcsponsibiliryfor politiral alf r\.
b. The remaining laflk commandersin the company are either p/dporurcrrkt (who have for 2. EFFECTI}ENESSOF TACT]CAL CONCEPTS, complctedtheir conscriplserviccand volunreered . further tern of military scruce), or .onscript officers.A prapolsrclr&treceives a. A tank companyis preparedfor combatin a non.commissioned war which the Soviets consider will be rapid in up to a years lrdning- A conscripltank commander receives six montlN sp€cialist training. movem€ntand sho( in duralion.A tank compmyis trainedto "rush" an enemywho is eitler on th€ move Non-coffnissionedtank conrmandershrve sound trainingin thc basicesscntials of gunncryrnd ta€el or has been neutralizedby nonnucl€ar, chemical,or scqurrlron anJsomeuamingIn fJdrufomnrunrcrriols ouclear weapons.The intent is to seizethe initiative ,nd rtdle deepinto the flanks and rear of the encmy. and lrnk dliving.A tank co rDrndcr'sresponsibility Sovieatank companytacticssre basedon &taacking is reslrictedto iulfilling combatmissionsas o.dcred withoutlergthy preparation, forces,and by the comp ry comnanderand led by thc platoon concentra.ing rapidly exploiting a poorly pfeprred and weaker commanderechelons enemy. Attacks are delii€red by successive c- Tanksare equippedwirh radios.but only thc until objectivesare secured.Defenle is a tempor{y expcdientduring which the Sovietshop€ to weaken conpany commandcr is Siven thc unrestrictcd the enemyso that they will quicklybe able10resume authority to tr,msmit. Calls for fire sut)portare the offensive.ln the defense, tank fir€ is concentrated chdnneled firough the battalion comm,nder. with attachedmotorizedrile urits on narrow frontages.A tank companyrnay be used Communications in ary echelon or as a rcserve for a regimental arc on a common nel. Dhmounrednllnrry have difliculty in transmitting1o llnks due to the low radiationoulput of manfackedndiosets. b. Under lhe circumstrncesdefined, Soviet d. Mapsarc carnedonly by officers.T.mksare tactical concepts are effective. Against a baldnced opposition with tactical nuclear weapons,or widt equippedwith dtectional gyros which rllow the periay in numbers,successin @mbat would tle commanderand driver to maintaindirecfion.Some d€pendenton factorssuchas commandand conlrol, commandtanks re fitted with nrore solhislicated faining, organization, and equipment. equipmentwhich providescontinuousdat! on map e. Suitabilityof equipment.
3. COMMAND AND CONTROL. a. The company commander and platoon commanders in a Soviettank companyare officcrs, In additionto theircommanddutiestheseofficcrsarc tank corrmandersof their individual tank. They aJe
e. Soviet officcrs and non-commissknred tank commanders arc well trained n the basicskills of maneuver,rarget acquisition,and gunnery.Junior commandcrsdo nol have the opporlunity to show iniliative in lactical exefcise and thereforeiack
expcdence. Their estimates of a combatsituationare Likciy io be slow and sonetimesfaulty.
small tank and motorized rifle units is fairt frequent. Thoush tlerc have been ditficulries noted in coordinaiion, tanks and motorized rifle units are generally capable of coofdinated operations.
f. The connunicaiionssystemdoesnol alow a tank conpany conrnanderto conirol fire supportoi fuly coordinatcwith disrnounted infanty in a rapidly chmgrng siluation- Non-commissioned tank cornmand€rs do nol havelhe mernsto relay targets of opportunity10 fre supportunits sincethey have neither rnaps nor the authority to initiate radio
b. The companyis capableofrapid concentration of tank fire on targetswhichthe companycommander can identify. Firing by the tank company is not so €ffective,however,if the cornpanycommandercannol i d e n u f y r l e r a r b e r .I 1 c o r o r r . a r d n k c o . n p a n ) i s expected to continue conducting opcraLionsdespile
4, EFFECTIVENESS OF TRATNING. 6, SUITABILITY OF EQLNPMENT FOR LIKELY MISSIONS.
a. Sovi€lrank crcwsarc well trainedin driving, gunn€ry.md conbal fornations. One tant in the Erch mernber conpanyis usedlbr trainingpurposes. of thc crew LeiJnshis duti€sby repetitionuntil he can perform th€m to the requlredslandardwithout conscious eftbrt. Thereis hearyreliancein the training of driversand gunnerson simulators.Tlerefore,it takescrewmensometime to adapt to the irregular movemenlof a tank in motion. Subcrliberlralning rounds are used tbr gunnery taining- The tank commanderis lrained to fire the gun but other membersof rhe cr€w are not crosstraincd.Due 10 frequentrotalion of conscripts.tank crewss€ldom nmain togelh€rlbr more than a yeaJ.
a. Soviet tanks are ruggedihavc a good rnain gun with an effective range of 1500 meten and machneguns which have an effective range of 800 meters.The gunnery control systemis spaceoiented. Tanks dre designedto lire both on the move and at the halt. Later nodels of tanks may have a buili in protective liner to reduce the effects of nuclear radialion. Sovi€t m€dium tanks have the ,bility to cross waler obstaclesup io 5.5 met€rs in depih by snorkelins. The soviet nisht gunnery technique rcquircs thc use of an active IR system or whit€ light for target acquisition.The effectivenight fighting range for Soviet lanks is 1000 meters.
b. Due to rcpcritivenatDreol- Soviet lraining methods tank cr€ws de urnikely 10 have their individuatskills seriouslydegradedby th€ slrainsof combar.While the useof simulatorsauowslrequent trainingsessions, time would be requtedfor crewsto becomeaccustomed io their equipment.During this periodthe cfewnanwouldnot be fully effective.The lack of crosstrainnrgmeansa singiecasualtyin a tank crcw would often makethe entiretank non€ffeclive. workingtogether Tank crewshavelimited expericnce p€rsonnel because arc f.€quentlyrotatedboth in units
b. Soviet tanks are capable of canying out in nuclearand nonnuclearenvironmentsthe closequarter, day and nishr combat that Soviet tactical doctrine demands.Night fighting shortens the effective range of tank guns and requires the use of night vision
5. EFFECTIVENESS OF ORGANIZATION. a. The combat element of a tank company consislsof the conmanders tank and threeplatoons of eirherthreeor four tanks.The co.npny operates as an €ntity with the fire of a[ tanks under close control of the companyconmander.A conpany normally operatesas part of its battalion.bua can reinforceor be feinforcedby motolizedrifle unih and artillery tor specificinissions.Combinedtlainingby
7. AN ASSESST1ENTOF COT{BAT POTENTIALThe Souet tank company is organized,equipped and trained to figlt as part of a battalion.Although it may on occasionbe given a separatemission, it will harc lhe closc supporl ol other tank and motorized rille units and a considerableamount ol artillery. The tanL company is employ€d in such a manner that deficienciesin equipment, tuainingstandardsand tle command dnd coniJol systen crn be conpensatedfor by conceniralion of force. Offensive operations are continued until dre enemyforce is incapableofputting up a coordinated defense and is destroyed or withdraws. Within tiis concept the Soviet tank company is an eff€ctive fighting force ttith a high
60
TANKS AND ASSOCIATEDEOUIPMENT l. SCOPE.This Enclosureprovidesdetails on tar)ksin Soviet tank units ro precludcthe need for referenceto other manuals.Morc cxtensivedetailsmay be found jn vrdous DIA publications. 2. MEDIUM TANKS, a. T34 and T44 ianks arc obsolete,but are used lbr trainilg. Many T34 chassishavebeen rebuilt as armorcd rccovery vehiclcswhich the Sovicts designateT-34-T. b. T54 tanksand the improvedvenion.T55. rre theDost numerous mediumtanksin service with Sovict !tround forccs at the presenttime. Both the T54 arrd the T55 have loonrm gunsc. The T62 tank is an improvementon the T55. It has a llsmm smoothbore gun and fires HVAPFSDSand fragmentationammunition as well as HEAT. This sipnificantlyimproves penetmtion over the earlicr models. d. The T72 is the most reccntaddition to the Sovicttank irlveDlory,it is superiorin ffepower and rnobility to the T62. Althouel there are insufficicnr detailsof the tank known to include it in the table at Appcndix I to this Enclosurea short compadsonbetweenthe T62 and the T72 is included at Enclosure4. 3. HEAVY TANKS. SomeJS-2and JS-3tanksareslill in scnicein CSFG.The Tl0 and Tl0M, post war imprcvementsof the JS3, are also in servicein battalion alrd regimentalstrength.It should be noted that althougl these are dcsigllatedhea[/ tanks by the Soviets.they weigh approximatelythe samc as the US and British nredium tanks. 4. COMPARATIVE TABLES AND SILHOUETTES.Details of armamentand performancefor some Soviet tanks in serviceiD medium tank and heavy tank companiesare at Appendix I to this Enclosure.Comparativesketchesof some Soviet and NATO ta ks are at Appendix 2 to this Enclosure.
JS-3 Heavy bnk sone of which a.e still in Eruice in Group ol Soviet Forces Gernany (GSFG). ol
ENCLOSURE I
Artist Rendition of T-72
63
ENCLOSURE1
APPENDIX I
TANK PERFORI\,1ANCE COMPARATIVE TABLE JS3
Tt0
52 '10600
8230
50 9875 8550
650 4625
3566 2255 2600 430 724 4600 700 v12
3566 2€0 2ffi ,130 580 ,1600 V? 700 v12
42 250 9m 3@ 3000 900 32
2ao 900 360 3000 9m 32
1200 120td, 80/45
1200 120/60 gJl45
v2ts 520 v-12
L L/100km
520 350
mm/o
120155
T10t!l
s2aa
l-ilt
S6condaryahament AA
B6sicload 12.7mm
122wn 025 2A +20 3 360 1950 12.7 1.62 250 1500
T54
T55
162
36 9000 84€5 6450 3210 24(xl 2640 425 580 3840 v-54 520 v 12 Diesel €5050 400 812 190 2704 800 30 30 1400 100/60 7At0 170basis 444
36 9000 84€5 6450 3270 2404 2UA 4E 580 3&10 V-55 580 V-12 Di6s€
36.5 9110 9000 6715 3350 24to 2&O 425 580 4150 V7 580 V 12 Diesel
500 960 190 2JA0 800 30 30 1400 100/60 1010 170basis
s00 912 190 2AA0 800 30 30 1400 100/o t'/a 170basls
D IOT
D-10T2S U 5TS 43 40 +11 +1/
122grn 30
30
3 360 1830 12.7
3 360 1830 14.5
12.1 1000
14.5
+17 360 1150 12.1 7.62 7.62 500
360 1750
3@ 1750
162 1.62
J.62
3000
3500
3500
ENCLOSURE 1
SOVIET LAND NAVIGATION AND NIGHT VISION DEVICES LAND NAVIGATION SYSTEMS The three types of land navigationsystemsuscd i]l thc Soviet Ground Forces arc: a- Dfectional gyro driving aids b. A map coordinate and direction indicator c. Navigationalsystem with map plotter The latter systemis not installed in tanks but may bc used by some attachcdmotorized rifle units. All three systemsdepcndon a directionalgyro; that is an instrumentwhich is designed to accuntely preservean initial referencebearingduring movement-The three systemsaJe self contained,do not depend or emissionsfrom electronictransmitte$. and do not requirc space on the radio waveband.The systemsare not susceptiblcto interccpt,jammingor other electronic countermeasures, D I R E C T I O N AC L Y R O D R I V I N UA I D S The GPK-48and GPK-59are installedin someT55 and T62 tanks.The d vcr is only rcquired to switch the instrumcnt on, give it time to warm up, and set his headingto actuatethe systen. The GPK 48 was designedto give direciiorl in snorkelingoperations but has no built-in compensationto allow for the Earth's rotation. The instrunent is accurateonly for periodsof mechanism I5 minutes without resetting.The more rccentlydcveiopedGPK 59 hasa con]pensatiDg I l/2 hou$. and can operatc accuratelyfor up to MAP COORDINATE AND DIRECTION INDICATOR A computerand displaynavigationsystemknown to the Sovictsoldieras the coordinator" is installedin some T62 commandtanks.Thc systemcorsistsof six components,three of which requfe no accessby tlle crew except fbr inspection.The systemdispiaysmap coordinatesin terms of northingsand erstingsroundedoff to the nearestI0 mete.s.The vehicleheadingdisplayed is in Sovietmils on coane and fillc sca]es.The instrunent is 90 percentaccurate-The instrument can be used to navigatewithin a lo0-kilometer ldd squareonce set. A newer navigationsystemis also in evidence.This appearsto be a vastly imprcvedve$ion of "the coo.dinator." The newer systempermits operationwithin a j0oo-kilometergrid square without resettirg. The instrument displaysplus and minus coordinateson one kilometer and 200-metei scalesfrom the presentlocation. The bcaringto thc dcstinationis also shown on a separatedial. TACTICAL USES OF NAVIGATION SYSTEMS In addition to use in normal conditions,navigationalsystemscan prcvide the capabilityfor plotting a tank's position and heading: a. While snorkeling. b. At night or in conditions of reduced visibility. 67
ENCLOSURE2
c. In teEain without promineat featutes such as desert, tundra, or nuclear devastatederessNavigational systems also give accumte locations as an aid to cornmand and control or resupply and Fovide datum points for fire cooidination. NIGIIT VIEWING DEVICES hecise information conceming the extent of Soviet night viewing equipment is sparse.Tanks have both inftared (IR) sighting equipment for Ore main amamont, and searcl ights that can be equipped with an IR filter. Targets can be identifted up to 800 metels. Therc is a limiting factor in that use of active IR can b€tray the exsct position of the uset should the €xreDy be using IR sensors.This hazard will be readily appreciated by the Soviets h then night lightirg. Thg use of IR binoculars by tank drivers is a regular featwe of night taining, and binoculsr-Epe passive IR sensors are extensively used by tank commande.s. Soviet tanks use the daylight gusight at night usilg white light illumination rMhenpo$ibleThe next step in the development chain is the production of an ambient lieht sighting device, and this may have be€n built into the T?2.
ENCIOSURB 2
68
I ARMS AND BQUIPMENT - SOVIET TANK COMPANY Tank Company in the Tank Battalion of a Tank Regiment 9mm Pistol PM ?.62mm Rifle AKM SAM (SA-7) GRAIL (cdpstock)
12 3
Medium Tank "l54JT55l'162
l0
Tr[ck Zil l30l l3l I l51l 157
I
Mine Clearing Plow Sets
3
RadiosR 112
4
R I l3l123
l0
-
We believe each tanl platoon has a minimum of one tant mountedDSHK l2.7mm machinegun for low-level antiahcraft protection.
i
ENCLOSURE3 ,
T62 AND T72 TANKS L The T62 has a ll5mm smooth bore gun rnd fires a fin stabilizcdshapedchargcrcund with a high probability of a first round hit at ftnges up to 1500 meters. The two-plane (ho zontal-vertical)stabilizationof the T62's gun cannot bc fully exploited becauseof the low The T62 hasno passivenight visiondevicesand.therefore, shockabsorbtioncapacityof the chassis. has a low night combat capability. 2, Thc layout of thc T62 also hassomebasicdisadvantages. Due to the extremelycompactnature of the tank, int€rior spaceis limitcd. The luel tanks,engine,and ammunitionarein closeprcximity, Auxiliary fuel taiks are on the tanks decksand have no armor protection. ALthoughthe flash point of diesel fuel is higll, it can not withstrnd a direct hit. Fuel tank positionsincreasethe possibility of an ammunitioD firc. Fillally, the driver, gunner,and commanderare virtually in a line and are likely to become casualtiesif a tank is penetratedfrom the front. 3. In 1970 a picture of a new tank appcaredin the Soviet technicalpress.This was probably a prototype and was designatedM1970 in the West.The production model has beendesigrated T72 ir some wesrcm mililary joumi '. 4. The T72 has incorporatedfcaturcsmade possibleby improvcd rechnologyand basicchanges in design.Thc T72 is both lower and sleekerthan its predecessors. There appearsto be a radical changein the chassisdesign.Thc chamcte stic flat tank of the carlier medium tank sefieshas been replacedby a track support roller system. mean that 5. It is probablethat a to$ion bar suspensionsystcm has been uscd.Theseadvances the T72 is more stable than its prcdecessors. 6. The incrcasedstability of the T?2 indicatesthat the armamentand fire control systemsare probably stabilizedeffectively.The I l5mm gun of the T62 appea$to havebeenretained,probably to achievestandardization in ammunition.lt is probablethat a rangefinder,usingthe laserp nciple, has been incorporated.This signilicantly improves the first round hit capability beyond 1500 metels. 7. We have estimatedthe T72's nigllt fighting capabjlityftom photographsof the Ml9?0 which show two largepiecesof equipftert oD the tudet besidethe gun mantle.One of theseis probably a conventionalwhite light or infrared scarchlght. The other equipment collld be a low ligit amplificationdevicc,possiblywith a heat detectorand an impulsesearchlight,or a pureheat-sensing sight. This combination would mean that the same impulse searchlightcould be used for illuminatioDand rangefinding,but either systemwould not bc completelypassivc.Even though either system can be classedas active, the chaDceof a target havingtime to take evadingor counteractioDis small8. The armor protection of the crcw of the T72 has been increasedby improving the shape ol the bow and by making mo.e gradualthe inclined planeof the front slopeof the hull. There The crewpositions is also someindicationthat the armorthicknesson the froDt hasbeenincreased. prcbably been altercd sliehtly,which will decrease the chanceof multiple casualties in T72 have from one round s penetration.
7l
ENCLOSURE 4
9. Some risk of fire appearsto be acceptableto the Soviets.as fuel tanks stilLappearon the tank's deck. 10. In summary.the T72 showsimprcvements overits predecessor in mobility.targetacquisition at night, and firing effectivencss. Its improved technologicalfeatureshave placedii arnongthe most moderntnd effe.ttvel,rnk\ in ser!icc.
M1970 - Considered to be a prototype
BNCLOSURE 4
fot 772.
SOVIETCONVENTIONAL SYMBOLS
0
Tank- Gene6lsyhbol usedto showa
X
I i
I
0
Tanl showrnssaondsry arcotfre.
+
Movinscolumnsof vehictBshowing,
9r
0 +
V
fr
Comm8ndrahk.Thehorizomstba6 donobcommandlovelandm5y be u*don anybasi. syhbot. + oneba, islof Ptatoontevet. + rwo ba6 a€ ror companytev6t.
+ rn,* or," to,e"n"tion t.'"r","
I
I
+
i
0
0 4-r-Ot
0
o
Tanksin marchcollmn.
T
Tanksmovinain combatto.maiio..
0
rsnksonriinsrin6.
{
Movinq colufrn or tanks showins Prolsciert dnedion ol movemenr
APC,generalsymbotshowjngan ApC
0
Tanks,movinqin cohbaitomation, showing primarya.coffi.e, Thearcwed tin6 ca. be usd to she fie left and dsht timns of pnmary src ot tn. by using one lin6 ar each onremiiy.
Q
o.on'o'ou.or".
I
ti\
T v
rank prihary showine arc fns 73
AmphibiousAPC,noving, carrving
SYMBOLS SOVIETCONVENTIONAL
Motoized intunt y in delense.
,/4\
,Z---\
'Rddiosetoperaringon High Fr€quency
F onrasedAisnatedloroccuparion by moroi2edinfanrry.
+
'Badio s€l opedtingon Very Hish
I Are occupied by t@ps. Symbolinside circle denote type and conmand level
t -,--4
\
--
uno rne eodms/n G@pnonenanoset.
€=a
Howitze..
Howkzer u.it movi.S.
Water crossing cohhandei
% A.tr.lio. O.plty Commendorin pon. @mm..d-obseruation : Ae6s or @ncdtr6r.d tdnk rne.
r'____-,/ -V_--'-""\
oiredion ol main efton. 'Nors th.$ ae nor Soviersymbolsbut
,'.-----\j----s
Oieiion of mainefiorr danned b ya c n m a n d e r .
Sasicsymbol indicarB radio commu.ic.ions or dic{rion of radio 6mmuni@rions.
74
DISTRIBUTION LIST DODANDJOINT AGENCIES
NAVY
A]00 05D AI15 OASD ISA AI17 OASD PA&E A2O5 DMTC A 3 i 0 J C S / J - 3( s P0 P D r v ) A353 JSTPS (2) Al24 oSDNETASSESSMENT (2) A362 USDoCoLANDSoEAST AO24DEFNUCLEAR AGCY
D008r{rsc (2)
DO33 STRATANALSUPPGRU DO42 NAVFACENGCOTI D2l7 NAVT,IPNCEt{ 0220 0 R D246 NAVSURFWPNCEN DAHL D248 NAVSEASYSC0T'| 0249 MVPGSCOL D36I FLEI,II NEI,{ARTRAC EN 0492 NAVSCOLEOD D5O6I{AVUSEACEN 0559 NiIEDFLORCHLAB CLE,] (20) D700 CGMCDEC D97l 0P-009F D972 0P-009BrP Dl50 cl'rc( rNT) D507 COl'1INE}JARCOI4 0040 0cEAAV 0280 0P-098D
Ar04 oAsD rNT (2)
AO33ASST TODEPSECDEF DIA
8 0 4 0 D r A / S C -(2D r 0 ) BO55DIA/DT-48 BI32 DIA/DE-'I BI34 DIA/0E.2 BI52 DIA,/DT-IA2 BI69 DIA/DT-20 8485 DrA/rS ( r 30) 8545 DIA/DI F2 8566 DIA/DIR-I 8573 DIA/DIR-4EI 8579 DIA/DIN-282 8580 DrA/DrR-l G3 (0P0) B58I DIA/DIR-IB 8584 DrA/DrR-l 84 ( l5) 8583 DIA/DIR-I D 8594 DIA/DIR-'IF(2) 8597 DIA/DIR-IG] 8 7 3 7 D r A / D S - 4 (8L4r B ) ( s ) 8 6 0 7 D r A / D r R - 2 B( r2 ) 86l5 DIA/DIN-2C 865'I DIA/DIR.3A 8150 DIA/DT 855'I DIA/DID.3 8593 DIA/DIR-I G2 8722 DIA/DIR.5B 8080 DIA/Slils 8859 USDAO BULGARIA 8871 USDAO CZECHOSLOVAKIA 8886 USDAO HUNGARY POLAND B9I7 USDAO B9I9 USDAO ROMIiIA YUGOSLAVIA 8939 USDAO 8934 USDA0 USSR(2)
ArR FqRCE
(2) E0r0AFrs/rNDoc
E0t6 AFIS/INC EO]7 AFlRDXTR-II (2) Eot8 AFIRDXTR-C E046 7602AIG/lNXE EO53AFlINAM EO54AFlINAKB Er00 TAc (eTHTrs/LDD) (',r3) E228 AFI JACI E3O3AFlINAP E4O8AFI,IL E4I'I ASD/FTD/ETID (5) E42OFTD/NICD ( rND) (2) E429 SAMSo (SUR) E436 AFEWC E 4 3 7A F ] S / I N I E45I AUL/LSE E2OOAAC U & S Col'll4ANDS GOOsCINCAD
75
U&SCololANDS(Cont'd) HOOsUSCINCEUR (J-3) Holo SoTFE ( IRC) HIO] USAFE 497RTG HOO6USEUCOI,I DEFANALCTR J5I5 FICEURLANT
,r5l7 cor't{AvsuRFlAliT J575 FIiIFLANT/ FI.IFEU R J593 C0I.0PTEVFoR
KOOsCINCPAC K020 COiIUSTDC KOOTCOruSJAPAN KIOO PACAF 548 RTG K5OOCIIICPACFLT K5I4 COiITHIRDFLT K5I5 COI4SEVETITHFLT K5I6 FIRSTI,IAF K525 C0I'IIIAVAIRPAC K6O] FIRSIT'IAU K650 CoTITNAVSURFPAC K658 COI'IJSNAVPHIL K679 FLTCORGRU I K300 rPAC(CoDE rC-L) L04o sAc 544THARI{ (6) t{005 usREDcoil OTHER POOSERDA (25) P055 CrA/CRS/ADD/SD (5) P085 STATE P090 NSA (35) R]45 ACDA s030 FRDLrB 0F Colic (7)
406 copies D I AD i s t . .. . . . . . . . 204 coples D I AS t o c k . . . . . . . . , 6nf copies D I AT o t a l . . . . . . . , 7,650copies A n n yD i s t , . . . . . . . . 2,400copies D i s t . . , . . . . . . . M a r i n eC o r p s 10,660copies TOTAL PRII{T
76
