DDt-11&1GTl

DEFENSEINTELLIGENCEREPORT

SOVIET TANK BAT'TALION

TACTICS

AUGUST1977
 SOVIETTANK BATTALIONTACTICS

DDr-1120-10-??

IDfotmation Cutoff Dat€: 30 NoveEber 1976

Ihis is a Deparhent ol DefenseIntellige[ce Document

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

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

Tlctics 8!d Otganization Section
 PREFACE

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

!u
 TABLEOF CONTENTS

Page

SUMMARY

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1
Purpose 1
Scope 1

CHAPTER2 ORGANIZATIONFOR COMBAT 3

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

CHAPTER3 TACTICAL MOVEMENT ,l

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

CHAPTER4 THE MEETINGENGAGEMENT 11

Concept 11
Tank Battalion Reinforcement 11
Reconnaissance 13
Deployment 13
Execution

CHAPTER5 THE OFFENSIVE 7',t

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

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

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

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

Deployment
Frontagesand Rate ol Advance

CHAPTER 8 DESTRUCTIONOF NUCLEAR DELIVERY MEANS 37

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

Service Support in Combat 44

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

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

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

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Figure 1. Oryanizationol a SovietLankbatralion(L , 2

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

vn
 Page

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

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

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

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

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

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

ORGANIZATIONFOB COMBAT

SUBORDINATION

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

Figure1.Organization loa TankReSiment

ol a Tanl ErtialionSubordinalc
lank roughly equivalent to a US wanant
officer). A commarder below battalionlevel
has little latitude in the way he executeshis
missionexceptwhenhjs unit is employedasa
leconnaissancegroup or a march security
detachm€nt. The battalion headquarterc is
divided into a battalion commandpost (CP)
groupand a battalionsupportgtoup.
BATTALION COMMAND POST
5. The battalion CP is mounted in an
armoredpeFonnel carrier (APC). It is con-
trolled by the battalion chief of staJf, nor'
mally a captain or seniorlieutenant. The CP is
mannd by the opemtionsofficer, communl-
cations chief, political officer, a chemical-
biological-radiotogical (CBR) specia.list,radio
operato$ and clerks. The battalion com_
mander is mounted in a tank for combat
opentions. Communicationsare maintained
by the CP with the battalion and regimental
commanders.The CBR warning net is a.lso
maintsined in the CP. A second APC is
sometimesheld in the battalion with radios
on listeningwatch on th€ samenetsasthe CP
but rrithout a radio on the CBR waming net.
6. The battalion CP collatesand dissemi-
nates tactical intelligence and preparesopera-
tion ordeE under the battalioncommander's
guidance.The chieJof staff organizestraining
irnd is responsiblefor keeping both the
battalion and regimental commander rn-
formed as to the combat strendh of the
battalion. Out of combat, the chief of staff
oiganizesthe daily routine of administration.
BAIAALION SUPPOBTGBOIJP
7. This groupconsistsof the deputybattal-
ion commander for technical affais, the
medicalsection,and the supply and mainte-
nanceplatoon. When the battalion is on the
march, the supportgroup suppliesthe neces-
sary ammunition, fuel, and lubricanf,sby
dlect delivery in halt areas.Whenin action,
the tanks are resupplied in their lorward
positions. The support $oup establishesa
technicalobservationpoint in order to main-
tain visual surveillanceover the battlefield to
locate damagedtank6. A lepair and evacua'
tion groupthen carriesouLon lle spot repairs
or evacuatesa damagedt€nk. Medical teams
recove!the wounded,administerfirst aid, and
evacuate them to regimental aid posts for
treatment or movement to the rcar. The
battalion'ssupport resourcesare augmented
ftom regihent as required.
CONTROL
8. The battalion commandercontrols th€
battslion by radio, visual, and audio signalsin
the employment of well-rehearsed tactical
formatiols and dlills. Tenain is identified by
leferencepoints. Soviet producedrnaps ate
extremely detailed and heated as classified
documents.They arc carriedonly by office$.
Except in the assault, tank units are usually
led by commanders, The Soviets demand a
high standard of personal leadershipand
examplebe set by unit leaders.
RADIO
9. R,adio nets are, when possible, con-
troled at battalion level. Comma.nderstrom
the motorizedriflc, artillery, and air defense
units attachedto a tank battalion join the
battalion command net. Companiestransmit
fLe support requ€sts to the battalion com-
mander-andnot directly to the supportunit.
Thrs reducesthe time availablefor artillery to
engaget€igets of opportunity. The types of
radio setsvary accordingto division,but tank
battalion'sintemal radio communicationsare
effective.An exampleof a representative net
is at Figure2.
BADIO SECURITY
10. Radio transmissionsecurity in the
SovietFound forcesis stdct. Normallyorderi
are given by battalion and company com-
mandels of tank and attached units and arc
acknowledgedby subordinatecommandeis,
Codewotds or numbels are usedlor reference
points. Though they have common frequen-
ci€s,it doesnot appea!to be the customfor
tanks to transmit info@ation on ta.rgetsof
opportunity dilectly to eithe! the infantry or
ihe artillery.
 RIFTE ARTITTERY
COMPANY BAITERY
co^ MANDTRCOAA{ANDtt

€NGINEER

IFAII
R€CONNAISSANCE

BAIIATION COMMAI.IDERSTANX

REGIMENTCO'IIAAANOER

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

5
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 CHAPTEB
3
TACTICAL
IVlOVEMENT
GENERAL
1. Soviet tank bathlions train to move
into combat in well-reheaEedformations.
Eachvehiclehas its predesignated position m
t}le battalion formation. Tank battalions are
ableto changefomation rapidly upon either
radio, flag, or hand signals. They plactice
formations appropdatefor movementin or
out of contact with the enemy, Variation6 are
designedto take into accountboth the enemy
threat and the tenain. Att€ched units are
deployeda5 the situationdemands.The pur-
pose of dgid aalherenceto set batde drill is
two-fold:
a. To move as rapidly as possible in all
phasesof operations.
b. To movein sucha way asto employthe
maximum direct and iDdirect fire when
contacts,ith the etremyis made,
Such deploymentdrill proficiencyalsomini-
mizesthe effect of t}Ie lack of skill of newly
conscripted Soviet 6oldiers in maintaining
Iinesof the advance.
MARCH FORMATION
2. Duing movement to coiltsct, a tank
battalion moves in column, on roads with
commandelsleading their respectivesubunits.
Tank battalions move at 15-20 kilometers per
hour at night and 20 to 30 kilometersper
hour in the da].time. If suitable loads exist,
companiesmay move on parallel roads to
avoidhaffic congestion.
ADVANCETO CONIACT AND COMBAT
FORMATIONS
3. Whenrontact with lhe enemyis immi-
nent, tank batta.lions will move fLst into a
Iine of company columns, then a line of
platoon columns, and finaly in an assault
line. Attached Eotorized ifle units ca.neither
precedeor follow tank companies, depending
on the situation. The company and platoon
columns and lines are echeloned to left or
right to use t€nain cover or guard a flank as
requir€d. Attached artilery, air defense and
engin€er units are given loca.l protection
within battalion formations.Figure 3 shows
som€ Wpical battalion formation8 (attached
armsnot shownfor sakeof clarity).
 -+€ <b- -<{r€ -<-r}++- <+
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Fi8ur.3.TacticrlForm.tions
ofe M.diunT.nhBrttalion
MARCH SECURMY
4. When contact iS expected,matrchsecu-
rity procedules are put into eff€ct by each
cornponentdetachEentof the battslion. The
entire battalion may also be employed a6 lne
advanceguard for a regiment. In either care
tlte battalion will be reinforced--,typically by
the following units:
a. A motodzed dfl€ company.
b. An artillery batt€]ion.
h.,,M"u,.
Filun 4. A onrnny or T6- la tut
c. An edgineersquad.
d. An air defensebattery.
e. A chemicaland radiologicalleconnais-
sanceteam.
5. Eachdet€chmenri6 deployed,as terrain
dictates, in order lapidly to be cohmitted
into action. Battalion formation6 ate changed
to meet variousmarchsecurityrequireme;b.
Primary consideratioDsare rapid movemmf
and all lound prot€ction.
n |iE
 CHAPTER
4
ENGAGEMENT
THEMEETING
@NCEPT
1. Ihe Soviets define the meeting engage-
ment as combat between opposing columns
npidly advancing towsrds each other. A
rcinforced tank battalion, is most likely t,o be
committed to a meeting engagemmt:
a. During an advanceto contact.
b. Against enemy resewesalter a success-
tuI brcakthrough opelation.
c. In the course of either an enemy or
Soviet counterattack.
d. During pusuit opemtiom.
The Soviets consider that successin meet-
ing engagementsis gained by the force that
first deploys into combat lornation and
assaults the enemy by fire. They regad the
meeting engagementas being carried out rn
tlEee phases:
a. Advance of leconnarssanceand secudtv
elements.
11
b. Deplo''mmt and a.6sa'l1tby security
elemenb (if faced by a weak en€my).
c. Assault by the mair body (when rc-
quted by strength).
The Soviets coEsiderthe meetrngengagement
to be the most impofiant batta.lion operation
and it fteque[tly is the focu6 of trainnrg
TANK BAITAIION REINTORCEMEI{I
2. A tank batt€lion may take part in a
meeting engagementeither as ttre advance
guad of s regidmt or ss part of the mam
body after contact has aheady been made
with the enemy. A typical reinforcement of a
tank battalion has beeB de6cribed in Chap-
t€r 3. Figure 5 shows tlle type of fornation
which a battalion employs during the meeting
engagementapproachmarch.
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RECONNAISSANCE
3. The combat leconnarssance patrol of
the tank battalion, usually a tsnk platoon, is
Fisurs6. A @nbar r&omrisnce
tasked with identjfying enemy locations,
strengths,movements,and axes,and rcporting
them to battalion and regimental staffs.
DEPLOI'},IENT
4. When the battalion is employed a.6an
advance guard, the commander of the lead
marchsecurity detachment(normally a rein-
forced tank company) has the authority to
make the decision as to whetier to assaultthe
enemycolumn.If the enemyis in strength,he
may deploy and engagethe enemy with tank
I3
tue while the Eain body of t}le battalion
assaulus,If the Soviet tank battalion is part of
the regimental main body, then the battalion
commander rill be eiven an axis of advance
latrol i. bri€l.d {U.l
by the regimental commander. Ordersfor the
executionof a meehngengagemenL are given
by Edio. Fire support from artillery attached
to the battalion is augmented,astime allows,
by aftilery attached to the regiment. Smoke
€ither delivered by artiuery or generatedby
the tanks themselves may be usedto conceal
movement or obscure the freld of view of
enemy Antitsnk Guided Missile (ATGM)
opemtors.Tf Lhe main body i6 to attack, it
will do so approx[nately 20 minutes alter
initial contact is made.
.
 €nemytorcearivls in ihisposilionin
marchcolumnappror.lO minulesallcr
being sight€d by combat recon. \s

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

2 L.ad March S.curity

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

Mill.ry Battalion Deployes

lo tjre lositionlron column
0_0
MainAody Deploys
intoconDany
columns

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

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

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

Section A--Concepts TANK BATTAIION STJPPORT

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

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

17
ECHELONS
3. A battalion may attack in either one or
two echelons.The secondechelon,usually
one tank company,follows the first echelon
at a distance of three kilometels. lf the filst
echelon fails to reachits objective.Lhe mi6-
sion is teken ove! as a plioity task of the
second echelon. When the fi$t echelon takes
iLs objective, the second echelon is used to
exploit the success.The second echelon is
lrequently-bul inaccurarely-refeEedto in
Soviet military writing as a "resewe". The
tlue reserve (usually one tank platoon) is
lormed by the battalion codrmander. The
reselveis not given a miBsionat the outset of
an operation. It is used to contend with
untoreseencontingencies a.ndto mate a shift
in the thrust of the operation.
ATTACK FRONIAGES AND DEPTHS
4. Terrain,the degl€eto which the enemy
folce has beenneuhalized,and whetherthere
is to be use of nuclear weapons dictat€ the
frontage of a battalion during an attack. The
following distance6may be taken as typical:
Nuclee Non'Nucieu
Uuit Conditioru Conditioc
formulation) 2 kilometeF 1-1.6LilometeB
800 meteE 600 meteB
200 meters 160 meteB
100 meleB ?6 meieB
A batt€lion attack in two echelons is
normally carried out to a depth of 3 to 4
kilometers. After preparation fires, the fi$t
echeloncaniesout an attsck to overcomethe
enemy forward poEitions. When the first
echelon has consolidat€d its position the
secondechelon attack is deliveted againstthe
enemy'6positionsin depth.
RELATIVE STRENGTHS
5. The Soviets judge t}lat the usual pre-
ponderanceof attackersto defenseshouldbe
betwe€n3 and 5 to 1 in tanks.But an enemy
18
twice or thrce timesasstrongasthe attacking
force may be engaged if preparationffueshave
effectively neutralizedthe enemy defpnsive
position. This inve$ion of usual attack de-
fense ratios shows the effectiv€ness the
Soviets expect from the destructiv€ force of
nuclea.rweaponsandheaw a.rtilleryfire.
FIRE SUPPORT
6. Ffue support for the t€nk battalion is
nomally aranged by the regimentalcom-
mander. Artillery is allocated bom division
resoruces. Firc supportmay be augmented by
dilect or indirect fte of tank units not taking
part in the attack. Preparatory firc js usually
on a fimed basisand canbe up to 40 minutes
in length. Artiuery attachedto an attacking
tank battalion coversthe movementof the
battalion's fi$t echelon.-During the final
assaulL,artillery engagesenemy reserveposi-
tions. Soviet tanlG close to 150-200m of
artillery fire du ng the advance. Artillely
targelsin supportof secondechelonmissions
are selectedby the tank battalioncommander
after consolidationof firct echelonobjectives.
SMOKE
7. Smokemay be usedbefore or after the
start ol an offensive. Before lhe offensive
starts the control of smoke is likely to be
letained at legimental level or higher. When
the battalion penetratesthe enemy d€fenses
the battalion commanderrDaycall for smok€
either to conceala flank or to confusethe
enemy as to the direction of the attack. The
Soviets recognize lle value of smoke in
obscuring the field of vision of ATGM oper-
Etors. Since Soviet tank unit commandeE
regad ATGMSasthe enemyrsmost dangerous
antitank weapon,we believethat smokewill
frequentlybe used.
SectionB
Attack on a PreparedPosition
DEPLOYMENT
8. A tank battalion requLes an initial
deploymentareaof 8 to 10 squarekilometets
to prepale for an attack on a prepa.red
position. The arca should be out of enemy
obseFation, allow for camouflag€, and have
good access roads: In this arca, tanks are
resupplied with arnmunition and POL and are
prepa.red for combat. Preliminary orders are
given and units from motolized dfle and
other attached units join th€ tarik companies.
A poinL aL l}lc Eronl ol Lhedeploymenr area is
designated th€ departwe point from which
subsequent movement is timed. Once the
battalion starts its advance no stops are made,
although movement contol points may be
established approximately every one to one
19
a.nd a hal-f hours march along ihe route.
Routes arc Bom€times posted with c'olored
ma.rkers. An area i6 selected some 4 to 6
kilomete$ ftom the eD€my position for com-
panjes to deploy into column. Companies
move into a column of platoons 1 to 3
kilomete$ ftom the enemy position depend-
ing on the tenain, and into 3n assault tine
1000 meters to 500 met€B in ftont of the
enemy position. (See Figue 9). Second
ech€lon companies remedfl approximately
three kilomete$ behind the fust echelon in
the advancemovement.
 A

{*

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

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

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

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

20
RECONNAISSANCE
9. When a battalion attacks from a posi-
tion which is behind the Soviet FEBA, the
battalion commander makes a reconnaissanc€
on the ground with the commander6 of his
tank companies and attached units. The
battalion commander and the reconnaissance
group follow the planned route of advance,
and familia.rize themselves with the departure
and conhol poink and those deployment
areasbehind their own FEBA. Detailed recon-
naissance i-6 made of fords and other cdtical
points. Areas to be used as second echelon
deployment areas and by the batta.lion medi-
cal ald station and the battalion support
goup arc confirmd. The reconnaissance
group js aided in its task by the command€$
ol units along the FEBA. Radio Commuhica-
tions are established with units which are to
support the Lanl{ batl,alion with 6Je dudng
the offensive. Soviet military rvdte$ stress the
importance of effective coordination by the
attacking and supporting units during recon-
naissance.In the assault, the battalion com-
mander maintains peBonal surveillance over
the battlefield ftom his command po6t. The
battalion command is abl€ therefore both to
Fig. 10. The unii commrnderorientateshis hrk commande$beforean atiack
2l
transmit to the regimental commander up-
dated tactical intelligence and to personally
influence the battle.
ESTIMATE
10. An estimat€ is made of the amount of
neutalization possible, and the objectives of
the bnk battalion's ffust and second echelons
and suppolting units aie tien decided. Special
attention is given to identifying the enemy
tank and ATGM threat. The location of the
battalion CP, the fire positrons o{ attached
armored pe$onnel cardels (APCS), and dis-
mounting areas for motorized infantry ,.re
planned in thi6 phase. Not€ t}Iat if the
offensive is to be mounted by the battalion
from a defensive position in contact with the
enemy, orden for the advance and attack ar€
given at this stage.
ATTACK COORDINATION
11. The tank baltalion commander is re-
sponsible for coordinating passageof lin$,
and supporting fires of attached units and
those units along the FEBA which are within
range. He is assisted by the battalion chief of
staff. This coordination is worl(ed out r rithiE
,l"t;'
the fi-re plan laid down by the regimental
commander. Movement timings are planned
so that the battalion attacks as soon as
possible aJter nuclear, air or artilery strikes.
The last stagein coordinationis descdb€das
"political agitation" in {hich the Soviet
soldier is exhorted by the political officers to
be brave and complete the unit ta6k with
"uplifted sptiLs."
OBSTACLE CROSSING
12. A tank battalion crossesminefields
after clealance of platoon lanes by enginee$
units or by battalion tanks filled vrith mule
ploughs.Eachtank companyholds three sets
of mine ploughswhich may be fitted when
requted, Such clerring operationsmay be
covered by use of smoke, Areascontaminated
by nuclear fa.llout are crossed at high sp€ed,
partial decontaminationbeing completedas
soon ar placticable after the assault.Engineer
units create passagesin obstacles(including
minefields)by demolition,usuallyduring the
prepantory artillery barra8e, Once made,
these pas6agesare marked and guarded by
engineer units. NaEow defiles, canals or
sfuealrs which could impede the attack are
bddgedby engineerunit6.
ASSAULT ACTION
13. Following prepa-ratoryfires, the first
echelon oi the battalion assaultsin company
Iine formation. An assault speedof fouteen
to twenty-two km/hr is usual. Tanks engage
targetsaccordingto the priority set by, and
upon the orde$ Of, company commandeE.
This strict ffue control ensurcsthe concentra-
tion of fire against the most dangerous
ta.rgels.Infanl,ry may djsmount or remain
mounted depending on the situation. Djs-
mounted infantry follow the tanks as closely
as possibleto gaincoverfrom file. Infontry in
A.P.CSfollow 150-200m behind the tanks.
Second echelons a.$saultthrough gaps in the
fiIst echelon. The battalion consolidates the
defense of the objective once it is taken and
enemycounterattscksareneutralizedby artil-
Iery or nuclear fire support. The battalion
commander then calls the battalion support
group forwad l,o replenishPOL and ammuni-
tion or continuesthe advancear orderedbv
22
t}Ie regimentalcommander.Damagedtanks
are repailed in the battalion position if and
when possible,Each deputy companycom-
manderfor t€chnicalaffair€is responsible for
the vehiclesof his own unit. Technicalas6ist-
ance is provided where necessaryby regiment.
A sepaEt€ technical radio net is established
and suppl€ment€dby audio and visual signals
as needed. Human casualties arc evacuated
once the tank is moved into a covered
position.
SectionC
SecondEchelonTank Battalion
in a Regiment'sAttack on a
PreparedPosition
CONCEPT
14. The tank battalion in the second
echelonof a regiment'sattack on a prepared
position can haveone or more of the follow-
ing missions:
a. Completionof the missionof fi$t eche-
Ion units.
b. Destructionof enemy deep or resewe
positions.
c. Neutralizationol enemycounterattacks.
d. Pursuitof a withdrawingenemy.
e. Attack of enemyhastyor mobiledefen-
sivepositions.
f. Destructionof enemy nucleardelivery
Since achieving such objectives can rcsult in
many changesin the routine descibed for a
filst echelon unit. each slageof planningis
abbreviated.Successusuallydependson the
initiative of the regimental commander and
his closely monitoring the status of filst
echelonLrnits.
SECONDECHELON PI,ANMNG
15. The battalion commarder in the sec-
ond echelonmust be thoroughlyfamiliarwiti
the missions of first echelon units. This
includes a knovledge of file planning and
support. He alsoreceivesthe following infor-
mation from the regimentalcommander:
a. Details of attached and detached unils.
b. Intelligenceinfomation on known en-
emy positionsin depth and reserves.
 c. Deployment a.reas and routes of ad-
d. The pfiority of likely missions and
objectives.
Once his mission is defined, and aJter
making his estimate of the situation, the
second echelon tank battalion commander
issueshis orders by radio.
Section D
Attack on an Enemy Hasty Defense
CONCEPT
17. The Soviets consider that an enemy
will move into a haslily prppared defensive
position:
a. At the outset of opemtions.
b, When mB-lcingcontact $rith a Soviet
advanceguard.
c. Dudng mobile defensiveoperalions.
d. When t}le Soviets have the initiative
duing withdrawal or pu$uit operation.
The Soviets count on the fact that a hasty
defenselack6 the stability and fte support of
a fully coordinat€d defensive position. Com-
munications may not have been checked and
positions will not be dug in and may not be
on advantageous tenain. The Soviets seek to
23
expioit such wealalessesby rapid declsive
actionftom the lin€ of march.
DEPLOYMENT
18. The breakthroughof an enemyhastily
prppareddcfensivpposilionis aLrempted from
the line of march usually after a successful
attack on a preparedposition. Soviet tank
battalions which carry out the operations are
task organizedand supportedin the sameway
as for the meeting engagement.Advance
guard units assault enemy shong points and
attempt to djsrupt the defense before it can
stabilize. The operation is dynamic and fire
supportjs utilized asit becomesavailable.The
main body deploys into combat fomation
directly from the march and assaultsto the
flanks and rear of tbe enemy position to
preventenemy reinforcement.Initial success
is exploit€dto force the enemyto withdraw.
Should the initial breakthrough of such a
hasty defense fail, a further attempt is made
from a different flank or axis. In this casethe
battaiion rvhich made t,tleinitial assaultcon-
solidatpson the most advantageous terrain
and givesdircct firc support to the attack oI a
secondechelonbattalion,(SeeFigure11.)
5ro9. I f n.Dy witrdrowt dtr.roSovr.t Srds., Sovr€, ..rntorc.d ronk lEtrdhoh 6tso^i,at
b.dkthrousl' op.rotr.n hor su...d.d Io. o h..thg engdg.h.nt ond odvonc.s

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

NOTE:

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

FiSure l1 . TheStatesol anAttackonan EnemyHastyDefens€

24
 SectiouE
Pursuit
CONCEPT
19. Orce a brcaHbrough of either a pre-
pared or hafty defen$ive position has been
accomplished, a tank battalion will refomr
iDto columnE aDd attempt to di$upt the
enemy's withalrawal. Such an operation may
be carded out by pusuing the eneBy
diEctly, oD a parallel rout€, or both (See
Figure 12.)
DEPLOYMENI
20. During ttre pusuit, a tank batt4lion
usestlle tsctical fomation appropdat€ t tlle
situation. The battaliotr remaiDs in combat
fom?rtion until the edemy is forced to reaeat
but will form into march columns as 6oon as
practicable, rn order to make a rapid advance.
If the battalion penetrat€s th€ rcm deploy-
ment area of a routed enemy, it caD be
expected to folm into tactical colurnts
headed by a reconnaissanceelement aBd an
advance guard. t]le battalion commande! is
cbarged with making every eftori, t-o keep in
contact with the reheating enemy by means
of reconnaissancepahols and flank seculity
detachments.
 -olcr't}-
ott>-
.' €>-
in direct pursuit. _*>_

ca>
:e!or)-
Reinlorcedtant battarion

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

26
 CHAPTER6
WATEROBSTACLECROSSING
CONCEPTS
1. Tank battalions may cross water ob-
stacles by fording, snorkeling, or using
bridges,or feEiesdependingon the situation.
Balta.lionsin first echelon unil,s may be
requiredto make opposedcrossingsby ford-
ing o! snorkeling.Battalionsin secondeche-
lons, or in support of forward echelons
r
Fisur€13. tank baflalioB in lhelirsl echelonc.oswaler oblra.|4 bv rnorkgllinq{U,J
noImally c!o6swaterobstacles overbridgesor
by ferly and are not further discussedin this
study. Battalionsleadingrcgimentalcolumns
as forward elementsor advanceSuardsantici-
patecrossingobstacles independentlyby ford-
ing or snorkeling.Main body battalionscross
obstaclesa6 a controlledoperation,probably
as part ol a regimentaloperation!usuallyover
b dsesor feries.
RECONNAISSANCE AND INITIAL
CROSSING
2. Initial selection of crossingareasis made
after reconnaissance by units from division or
regiment. These unils arc accompanied by
engineer officers who are responsiblefor the
technical as6e6smentof the proposed sites.
Leading units ivitl attempt io cross u.rde-
fended obstacles immediately and establish a
bddgehead 3 to 4 kms deep on the enemy
bank. Helibome troops may be used in
securingsuch b dge heads.
TORCED CROSSINGS
3. If the obstacle is held by the enemy, or
is under enemy observaLion. Lheoperationis
considercd a "forced crossing." In this case,a
regimental operation is mounted to make a
bridgehead and the battalion cross€s the
obstacle as ordered,
2a
ORGANIZATION
4. The tank battalion headquarte$ section,
in an APC and controled by the chief of
staff, collates tactical intelligence from divi-
sional, regimental, and battalion patrols. This
section continuously updat€s intelligence on
enemy shengths and dispositions and the
characteristics of the water obstacl€. An
organization is established to control the
passage of the battalion ftom its deployment
area ovel the crossing. Control points are
established both on the ioute to the site(s)
and at the crossing. The route from the
deployment area to the crossingsite is some-
times marked with colour€d flags. In air
underwater crossing the deputy commander
for technical affairs establishes a command
post at the site. Crcssing control points are
supported by engineer units who improve
entry and exit points if requtued. Figure 14
depicts the control system for a crossingsite.
 /---r-\

sNorKELCnOSSrr{G

9>
(2NOBAtrAlrON) q,

@
llit roEliq coirrEnd Fo.l

@
@
@
A EiciBflico6s.EtbRiir

Elt n**cao

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

(SiAIi) TINE FONCROSSINCOi FORDING

DEPLOYMENT

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

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

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

advan@ g{i{d lords river

_\L-

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

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

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

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

'o:
-pr
V

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I .-:-.

Fisure17. Asuh crcsi;q! ar€ mde hy r,nks uridqeo,k€t3.nd.E 6@.Ed

rry i.teN. anitbry firu

34
 CHAPTER7
NIGHTOPERATIONS
CONCEPTS
1. lbe Sovietsconsidernight opentionsto
be nomal combat activity. Tank battalions
have th€ sameformationsand tactical drills
for day and night operations.Darknessis used
to gain the initiative, achieve su$rise, and
minimize the threat posedby enemyground
obsewationreconnaNsance units. Smokemai
be used to obstruct the view of the enemy's
optical suweillanceequipment.Night observa-
tion equipment, both passiveand active. is
concentrated primaJily at platoon and com-
pany level. Night viewing equipmentallows
the tank to operate and useits gun to a aange
of approximately800 meters.This mngemay
be increasedwith the new$t Soviettank, the
T'72. During night operationstank battalions
ate norrDallyreinforcedwith a company or
more of infantly.
NIGIIT OBSERVATION
2. The night observationdevicesusedby
Sovi€t t nk batt4lions and moto zed rifle
supporting elements are designed to allow
drivers and command€rslimited visibility in
the dark. They are therefore particularly
'suited to allow the battalionto move,recoD-
noiter, and obs€w€at night. As most of the
€quipdent is active Infta Red (IR), it is
detecta6le and therefore is less usefui as a
tsrget acquisitionmeans.Once surprisehas
been Iost at night, the Soviet tank battalion
can be expectedimmediatelyto us€ artificial
illumination. Considenbleuse is made both
of white ligh0 to illuminat€ the battlefield,
and of colored lights to mark objectivesand
seweasdirectionalaids.
NIGHT TRAINING
3. The Soviet tank battalion tiains for
night movementas a unit. The most common
tlaining ex€rciseis a l€ngthy march rather
than maneuveror practiceof assaultforma-
tion6. Night firing is caried out by platoons
in strictly conholled range exelcises.The
target is normally illuminat€d and gunners
prefer to use the day sight if there is sufficient
light to do so. Night taining, for the most
part, is stereotypedand lacksrealism.
DEPLO}'I\,TENT
4. Coordination between the tank batal-
lion and supportingmotorizedrifle and artil-
lery units is stressedas the key to ruccessful
night operations. Movement is organized
during daylight when possible,and, whenthe
tactical situation permits, personnel are
allowed to familiafize themselveswith the
terrain to be crossed.Referencepoints arc
designatedand malked by cololed flar€s.
D ection is kept by use of the tank'6 dftec-
tional g'yro and by marking objectives with
colored flarcs. Routes are marked by lumi-
nous posts. Machine gunnels fire trace! to
mark targets. Motorized rifle units geneHlly
follow tanks during night operations.Deploy-
ment drills arethoseusedby day.
FRONTAGESAND RATE OF {)VANCE
5. Fire support and ftontagesremain the
same as during daytime operations but the
mte of advanceis cut to between5 and 15
kilometersp€r hour.
 8
CHAPTER
DESTRUCTION DELIVERY
OF NUCLEAR MEANS
CONCEPT
1. The Sovietssbte in their tactical wdting
that they wiU use a heavily teinforced tank
battalion in coniunction with nuclear and
nonnuclear artillery to desftoy enemy nucl4r
delivery rdeans following a breakthrough
opelatron. Thi! type of opgration allows the
t€nk bath.lion commander 6o!e tlutt normal
latitude and opportunity for initiative in both
the planning and execution stages.The opera-
tion is a.lsounique as the battalioD cornman-
der is responsible for an extensivecommand
radio net including communications with
artillery, aviation, and even aAbome forces.
The Soviets stat€ they will employ nuclear
weaponr in a.ll stages ol the operation to
neutralize eneEy defensivepositions.
@MBAT REINFORCEMENT
2. A taDk battalion tasked to deshoy a
37
locat€d enemy nuclea! delivery syst€m is
typically reinforced by:
a. A reconnaissance platoon.
b. A motorized ri-flecompany.
c. A howitzer battery or multiple rocket
launcher battery.
d. An aitiaircraft battery.
e. An engiDeer platoon.
f. Bridge laying vehicles,
g. A minelaying parw.
h. A repair and recovery section.
In addifion, the battalion commander has
nucleat and nonnuctrear fire suppori from
artillely and suppolt ftom strike aviation.
Airbome o! helibome a6saultscan be used
eith€! in conjunction wiih the main attsck or
to prevent the movement of enemy leaelves.
(SeeFigwe 18 for illustration).
 l 3 rNcHHOW(N(rC)
I
En€sy felerves n.utralized
bysovi.t airborn.assautt

Frontalassiultby lcad

Fr.my posilionsIn detenseot nL,ct.irdchverymeans

are attrcted by Sovietnucte.rstntes

battalion ahacls .nemy nuctear

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

InitiaI brlal$rough ot enemyd.tenses

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

g8
MISSION
3. WhiI€ a singular mission is usua.l in
Soviet tank tactics, Sovi€t military wyitings
underline the importance of avoiding any
combat which may detract ftom the destruc-
tion of nuclear delivery means.Stealthand
surprisear€heavilyemphasized.
COMBATOBGANIZATION
4. For an attack against an erleriy nuclesr
deliverymeans,a reinforcedtank battalionis
organizedinto a reconnaissance detachment,a
lead march securirydetachmen!,and a main
body. The strcngth of each componentd€-
pends on the Iocation and strength of the
enemy position, the tactical situation and
t€rrain. In general, t}Ie lead Earch security
detachment is shong enough to create a fire
base to support subsequent action by the
main body. The main body is split into a
number of covering goups and a tactical
reserve,Raconnaissance enrou[eto the objec,
tive is detailed and continuous, aid caried
out both to the front snd llanks.
COMMUNICATIONS
5. Considemble communicationsreinfolce-
ment is probably required to coordinatethe
various ground groups, file support units, and
aviation. Details of communications me not
availablebut the complexity of the operation
probably leads to coNiderably more signals
traffic than is nomal in Soviet t€nk opera-
PLANNING
6. The battalion commander,afl,erreceiv-
ing his mission,givesa warning oder to his
troops outlining the natule of the operation.
He follo!r's this order by making an estimate
of the situation, consideringin detail the
followingfactors.
a. Enemy f'orce!
(1) Location and strength of €nemy
gtound unik on or near axis.
(2) Nuclear delivery capability and
meansthroughout the arca to be taversed,
includingthe time expectedbetweenstrikes.
39
(3) Position and shehgth of mobile
b. Own Forces
(1) Plannedlocation, time and type of
nuclearst kesin support.
(2) Planned dtection and timings of
fi endly fl ankingoperations.
(3) Drop zones lor planned airbome
supportingoperation.
c. Terrain
(1) Location of areasgivingprctection
ftom nuclear strikes on axis of advance.
(2) Concealed rcutest obiective,
d. CBR
(1) Location of area6of chemiea.land
radiologicolconlaminationon or nearlhe axis
ol advance.
(2) Planned strikes in support of the
opeEtion and their effect on the time sched-
ule.
e. Commrmications
(1) Method of communicating with
supporting file units and aviation,
(2) Codewords,referencepoints, and
ftequenci€s.
(3) Cbannelfor updatingtacticalint€l-
ligencetom higher headquartels.
(4) Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)
for strike aircraft.
ORDER,S
7. Oral ordeis for the operation are given
by t}le battalion command€! to his subodi
nate commanders. A modelis sometimes used
to explain terrain and enemy positions. In
addition to assigningmissions,the batta.lion
commanderprojectshow the enemywill leact
and the countemeasureshe intends to u6e.
Orders encompasssubunit mGsionsfor the
approach march, assault, consolidation, and
exploitation phases of the battalion opera-
tion. The batta-lioncommandertries to organ-
ize the execution of the milsion to follow up
nuclear strikes as quickly as possible.
EXECUTION
8. the operation takes place aJter a suc-
cessfuI Soviet breakthrough of enemy de-
fenses. In these circumst€nces the tactical
situation is fluid.
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 CHAPTER9
DEFENSE
CONCEPTS
1. The Sovietsregarddefensiveoperations
as a transitional phase designedto rcpel the
attackor supedorenemyforceswhile creating
favorable conditions for a retun to the
offensive.Reconnaissance troops may be 50
to 100 kilometers in fronr oI lhe main
defensivepositions,Combat security detach-
ments, usually taken ftom second echeion
batta.lions,may be deployedasmuch as 15 to
16 kilometers forwa.rd oJ the fir6t echelon
units to break up enemy probing attacks.
Lastly, batta.lionssendout combatreconnais-
sancepatlols up to 500 meten in front of the
FEBA. On defense,a lank balralion'smission
is either to hold $ound; to act as a mobile
Iesewe, oI serveas a counter attack forc€. In
each case a tank battalion conducts the
defensivebattle as part of a regimental op€ra-
REINFORCEMENT
2. Dudng deJensiveoperatiom a tank bat-
talion normally b reinforcedby the following
units:
a. A moto zedrifle company.
b. An engineerplatoon.
c. An artiilery batta-lionand morta.runit to
support the battalion by fire.
d. Chemicalspecialiskto monitor the CBR
hazard.
DEPLOYMENT
3, During deJensiveoperations a tank bat-
talion usually deploys in one echelon.Nor-
maily. a resewethe size of one platoon is
constituted. Regimentsdeploy combat secu-
dty detachmentsup to 15 to 16 kilometers
forward of the main defensive postion t,o
breakup probingattacks,Platoon-sized recon-
naissance patrols are dispatched up to 500m
in ftont of the battalions position and to
41
exposed flanks. Two or three defensive em-
placements are dug for each tank either by
engiaeersor by a combat tank fitted with a
dozer blade. A tank with the dozer blade
attachment can dig between two and four
emplac€ments an hour. Minefields, wirc a.nd
demolitions are used to dfuectthe enemy into
killing zones. Mines are laid in cluste$ of fifty
to a hundred. The Soviets have the capability
to lay mines by helicopter.
DEFENSIVE POSITIONS
4. The baris for a lank battallon defensive
position is the antitank fire plai. A com-
mander lays out his defenseso that tanks have
overlapping areas oi obsewation at 1000
metels without tuming the turret. By math-
ematical analysis the Soviets ardve at the
following frontages, depths and intervals, as
being the ideal:
Platoon. 150 meters b€tw€en tanks; ftont-
age 300 meters.
Company. 300 meters between platoons;
frontage 1000 meters; deptfi 500 meters.
Battalion. 1000 to 1500 meters between
companies; ftontage up to 5 kilometers;
depth 3 kilometers.
Tanks ar€ positioned on reverce slopes
l,vhen possible, and have one or two altemate
positions. The intervals between subunits are
covered by indir€ct firc means. Local protec-
tion for tanks is given by motodzed infantry
dug in up to 200m in front of tank positions.
The BMPS and APCS of the moto zed rifle
units a.lso are positioned on reverse slopes.
Each platoon and company position is de-
signed a6 a "sbong point" $rith all-round
defense. The battalion position is 6etup 60
that "shong points" are in mutual support.
Figure 19 shows a typical layout for a tank
battalion in defense. Tanks have p mary and
seconda.ry fields of firc in each of their
positions.
 osr !

\q,/",,

HOWtl2Et

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

El ^.ao'cdantnrdr.ik Fin

lE ^dii,nr flh.lr.]d

60 6f 62' 63'

Fi$Jre19.R.inlorced
TankErtt.lionDelensiv. ( Nucle.rConditions
o.ploymeol )
DET'ENSEORGANIZATION c. AEangesevacuation of secondline ta.nk
casualtiesto workshopsin the rear.
5. The drill for organizing a defensive d. Locat$ the supply platoon and plans
position is affected by both the tactical the resupplyof ammunition.
situation and t}le availability of time. A The deputy fo! technical affain al6o alranges
defensetaken up in contacl,with the enemyis the combat administration of the battalion
inil,ially linear-tanks remainingin the pos! for the move forward into l,he defensive
tions they were in when the offensive lost itg position.
impetus.Such a defenseis developedas time
and enemy action allows. Reinforc€mentis CONDUCTOF TI{E DEFENSE
made as soon as possibleand positionsad-
justed until the situation is stabilized.This 8. The Sovietsexpectto faceboth nucleaj
may take up to 10 or 12 hours. and conventional artillery fLe prior to glound
attack. After such preparatory fire the tank
RXCONNAISSANCE
AN'DORDERS batallioncommanderrestoresthe integlity of
the position by rclocating his tanks and
6. After being given his mission,the bat- communicationsequipment as necessary.In
talion comrnandermoves quickly Lo his aE- order to presewe the secudty of tank fLing
signeda.reawith the commandersof attached positions, combat seculity detachmentsre-
units. Ta6korganizationand fire coorduation pulse enemy probing,attacks.Smokemay be
are decided upon. Reconnaissance is ca-rried used to obserse strong points and to silhou-
out. If time is short, the battq.lionchief of ette an assaultingenemy. Combat secuity
st€ff positions the secondechelon and the detachmentsact as artillery forward obseners
resewe. Du ng the reconnaissance, the fol- for as long as possiblebefore breakingcon-
Iowing questionsare resolvedand ordersgiven tact, As the enemy closesto 1500 meter6,
for: tanks concentlate fire on taryets in previously
a. Attachment of motorizedrifle units to d€signated ateas. Artillery and machine gun
tank companies. fites are used to try to separatethe enemy
b. Location of company and platoon infantry from their amor. The tank battalion
strongpoints. commandermaintains obsefiation over the
c. Zonesof concentrated tank fire. battle field from his comrnand tank thrcueh-
d. Positionsof combat reconnaissance pa- out the enemyattack.
trols and flank secudtyunits.
e. Fieldsof fLe, INFANTRY SUPPORTINGFIRE
f. Indirect fire supportmissions.
g. Orders initiating diect and indirect 9, Infanhy fire support, especially against
fires. enemy APCS,is given by the BMP6 of at-
h, Action to be taken again6tah attack tached moto zed rifle units. Each infantry
i. Priodtiesfor enginee$ compa.ny is also equipped with hand-held
j. Protectionfrom nuclearstrikes antitank weapons which, together with their
k. Designationof counter attack routes ATGMS, add significantly to the combat
and linesof deployment power of companyand platoonshongpoints.
l. Defensepoints to the front and flanks
COUNTERPENETRATION
ADMINISTRATIVEPLANNING
10, The tank battalion commandermust
7. After the commander'sreconnaissance use his own tesourcesto mount counter
and isslranceof orders,the deputy for techni- penehation operations against enemy ele-
cal affai$: ments that succeedirr breaking into the
a. Positions the Technical Obsewation battalion's defensiveperimeter. The enemy
Post. penetEtion is reducedby artillery fire, and
b. Organizesthe recovery and lepai! of the fire of tanks and attached APCs. The
damagedequipment. battalion reservemaneuve$ along pteviously
reconnoiteredroutes to b ng maximum di-
rect firc to bear,
COUNTER ATTACK
11. Counter attacksare operationsorgan-
ized by a higher commanderto dislodgean
enemy from within the pe metersof a tank
battalion defensiv€position. Count€tattacks
may be supportedby the tank battalioneither
by fire or by assigningsubunitsto accompany
assaulting forces. The regimenta.lcommander
orders the delivery of counterattacksby
subunitsof the secondechelonbattalion on
routesreconnoiteredbelorehand.
WITIIDRAWAL
12. The tan} battalioncommanderorders
a withdrawa.lftom the defensiveposition only
on the authority of a highet commander.
Chapter10 dealswith this topic in detail.
SERVICESI'PPORTIN COMBAT
13. During combat, ammunition forward
resupplyis caried out when requiredunde!
cover of smoke or artillery fire, POL is
rcsuppliedduring lulls in the battle.Damaged
equipment is remov€d by a recovery and
evacuationgroupto a positionwhereit can be
prep-aredto move back for repair under its
own power. According to doctrine, the
wounded in damagedtanks are rcmovedfor
evacuation once the vehicle has been rclo-
cated to a coveredposition. During combat,
the deputy commander for technical affairs
makesa daily assessment of equipmentcondi-
tion, tepai!, and recoverystatus,and issues
the necessary orderslor l,herouline servicing.
SECONDECHELONDEFENSE
14. A tank battalionwhich is usedin a
regiment'ssecondechelonof defensehas the
followingmissions:
a. To provide depth to the regiment's
defense.
44
b. To provide a counter-penehation folce
for use inside the regiment'sdelensive
perimet€r,
c. To provide a counterattack force for use
in the fust echelonbattalions'delensive
penmeterc.
d. To pmvide an exploitation force to
purcuean enemy{thoseattack fails.
The latter three taska requle considerable
time to be spent in reconnaissance.The
defensiveposition of a secondechelonbattal-
ion is laid out in the santemanner as that of a
filst echelonunit. As a secondechelonbattal-
ion assumesthe defense out of contact with
the enemy, the position is cdpableof being
developedext€nsivelyby engineerc.Second
echelon battalion6establishcommunications
with the regimental headquarters and filst
echelon unib. Duling combat, th€ battslion
commande!monitors the battle and collects
and collatestactical intelligence.The second
echglon commanderis ftee to maneuverhis
tank within his battalio! defensiveperimeter
to face a threat to a particular flank. If the
battalion is required to counterattack, the
comhandersendsout a combaureconnais-
sancepatlol befole moving into the assaulton
prearTangedroutes.
DEFENSEAT NIGHT
15a. The tank battalionmay be involvedin
combatat night either as th€ continuationof
normal daytine defen6iveoperationsor to
repulsean enemynight attack.
b. If the battalionis requiredto take up a
defensivepositionat night, initial deployment
usually is basedon a map reconnaissance. At
dawn, a terrain reconnarssanceis made and
missions and tasks ale adjusted as necessary.
c. In planning for night operations,ref-
erence poinLs are assigned;these are marked
by colored flares during the course of an
enemyattack.OPsarelocatedso asto be able
to obselve dead space and artillery fte sup-
port is plannedto coversuchareas.Illumina-
tion meansare usedto light up the battlefield
duringenemyattacks,
 CHAPTER1O
DISENGAGEI\4ENT
AND WITHDRAWAL
CONCEPT
1. Befole a successful withdra{r61 can be
made, disengagementftom contact vrith the
enemyis requLed,The Sovietswithdmw only
on orders of a seniorcommande!.The pur-
posesof a withdnwa.l by a tank batta.lionare:
a. To occupy more advantageous terrain.
b, To avoidenemynuclearor conventional
fires.
c. To adjust a position to secure an ex-
posedflank duringa defensivebattle.
d. To regroup after an unsuccessfulconclu-
sion of a meeting engagementor alter
stubbomenemyresistance.
e. To avoidencirclement.
f. To shortenlinesof communication
g. To free men and €quipmentfor other
operairons.
The tenor of Soviet military writing on the
withdmwal operation is that it is a useful
tactic to free a force for a new missionbut is
not to be dictat€dby enemypressure.
TYPE OF WITHDRAWAI
2, ff the tank battalion is not in contact
with the enemya withdrawalwithout useof
intermediate bounds may be made. With.
drawals using int€m€diate bounds are made
under enemy observation,fire, or the threat
of attack.Of the two withdrawalby boundsis
sloFer and requles geat€I training and skill;
it is this tactic which is addre$sedin this
cnaprer.
MISSIONS
3, A tlnk battalion has the following
missionsduringthe witldnwal:
45
a. To prevent an en€my bleakthrough
(when the battalion i6 part of the main
body of the regiment).
b. To insure t,lle unhindered withdrawal oi
the main body ol the r€giment(when
fjre battalion acts as a rear or flank
euad).
BEAR AND FLANK GUARD ACTIONS
4. In order to tuUiU its tasks without
relying on suppolt AeE the main body, a
tlnk battalion employed a! a tegiment's rea!-
guard during a withdrawal may be rcinforced
with:
A motodzedrifle company.
b . An ortillery battery.
An engineerplatoon,
d . Chemicalspecialists.
The reatguard hoves on the same axis as
the main body of the regiment to protect it
ftom enemy gound action. A flankguard
moves parallel to th€ main body on Che
thrcatened flank betwe€n the enemy and the
main body. (See Figue 20) A tank battalion
with a flankguard mission is expected to be
reinforced in the samemanneras a rearguard.
The Soviets realize that such task oiented
organizationsmust be sufliciently shong to
preventan enemybreakthloughwhich might
compromise the withdrawal of the main body
of either the Egiment or division. Thercfore,
if the situation warrants, the tank battalion
may be assignedconsiderably more artillery
support thaD a battery. Du.ringrear and flank
guard actions wide use of tank ambushesis
madeon enemyputsuit routes.
 { *,",* .orr.
tr "o,.

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

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

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

S,
tftr

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

MAIN BODY MOVEMENT
5. Should the tank battalion be moving
\vith the main body of the regimentduring
t}le withdlawal, one tank company is em-
ployed as a rear march security detachment.
Additionally each behavior in t}le main body
provides its own tark prot€ction, usually a
platoon.The tank battalionis responsible for
its own combat security no matt€r where it
movesin the regimentalcolumn.
DISENGAGDMEIII
6. The critical phaseof a withdrawal is the
breal ftom contact with the enemy. Soviet
doct ne calls for a tank battalion to break
contacteither under conditionsof low vi6ibil-
ity (fog, snow, rain, dusk o! dawn) or unde!
cover of neuhalizing file or smoke. Good
planning and stealth are shessed.The battal-
ion thins otrt either by companiesor by
leavingone platoon from each companyin
contact with the enemy. During disengage-
ment, the battalion commandermay use the
fire power of his resewe to conceal general
movementsto the rear. Shouid the enemy be
active during the disengagement period,
counterattackmay be required imm€diately
before withdmwal. lt is important that the
enemy be deceivedfor as long as possibleas
to the exacttime of the withdrawa.l.
ORGANIZATION FOR WITTIDRAWAI
?. The tank battalion cornmandermakes
an estimateof the situationimmediatelyupon
receiving the withdrawa-l mission ftom the
regimental commande!. His estimate include6
suchtacticalconsiderations a5:
a. Axes of advance,strength and locaiions
of enemyforces.
b. Reconnaissance of the enemy by regi.
ment and battalion.
c. Artillery targeta requi&d to aid disen-
gagement.
d. Task olganization of the battalion and
attached subunits fo! the witldrawal,
e. Deploymen!linesfor the battalionmain
body and resewestog€therwith timirg6
fo! the with&awal.
f. The CBR situation and its effect on
enemyand ftiendly forces.
41
Having made his estimate, the battalion
coErmarder and his chief of staff aEangefo!
reconnaissance and placetank ambushes along
the battalion's withdrawal foute. Necessary
adjustEents in the batt3lion position are
made to lelocate resewesand allow the early
withdawal of adminisftative elements. Ar-
Izmgemmts are made for the evacuation of
wounded throughout the opention. An as-
sembly area for attached motorized infantry
is designateda kilometerto a kilometerand a
half from the FEBA. The battalion is then
resupplid q,ith ammunjtionand POL il this j6
necessaryand iJ tlle tactica.l situation allows.
ORDERSAND COORDINATION
8. Oral ordersfor fie withdrawala-regiven
to the assembledtank company and attached
commanders when time pelmits. Cooldina-
tion detailsfollow. A typical format is:
a. An evaluation of enemy intentions and
task organization,
b. Artillery and nuclear file suppoft plan6
covelingthe withdnwal.
c. Mision of t}le batblion and concept of
operatrons.
d. Missions of neighboling units and
boundaliesbetweenthem and the bat-
tslion.
e. Missions and task organization of the
battalion's 6ubunit6to include:
(1) Time up to which the present
position is to be denied to the
enemy.
(2) Time and method of disengage-
ment fo! each subunit in the bat.
tslion.
(3) Control points on withdrawal
routes, and times subunits are to
passthrough thetn.
(4) Point! at which battalionelements
a.reto passthrough the rcgimental
rearguard,
(5) Order of match to the battalion's
new position.
(6) Location of the battalion CP
throughoutthe operation.
(?) Reportlines.
(8) Action to be taken in the event
atcraft o! alrborne troops ale at-
hched.
 (9) Deployment to be used if the
batta.lioD is in action against a
pursuingenemy.
(10) Method of crossing alees with
chemicalo! Ediological contaml-
nation.
( 11) Antiaircraft defensive posil,ions
along withdrawal route.
(12) Dispositionof the battalionin the
new defensivearea.
CONDUC'TOF WIT'IIDRAWAL
9. The tank battalion commanderpe$on-
ally commandsthe disengagement fiom an
OP. If the battalion providesits own rear
guard, a commarder (usually the batta-lion
chief of staff or a deputy battalion com-
mander) is appointed for this force. He
maintains communication erith, and is di
rectly subordinate to, the batblion com-
mander.The battalion movesby bounds of
eithercompaniesor platoons.As eachsubunit
of the battalion successfullydisengagesfror!
the enemy and passesthrough the rca.rguardit
fofms into first platoon and then corrpany
column and takes its aasignedplace in the
battalion majn body. The main body is
organizedinto battalioncolumnby eitherthe
chiefof staff or a deputy commander.
As the main body oI the regiment'sr€ar
guard, the battelion commander sends the
signal for the company or platoons still in
contactwith the enemyto breakcontactand
withdraw. These subunits then passthrough
the regimenialrearguardand link up with the
main body of the battalion. The regiment's
attached artilely ftes concentrations to pre-
vent the enemyftom followingthe withdraw-
48
ing subunits. Attached artiuery then moves
irto the regimental column to withdraw.
CONDUCTOF A BATTALION
RXAR,GUARDACTION
10. A ta-nk battalion employpdas a regi-
mental rear luard tak$ up iLs assignedde-
fense line before any rehogtade movement.
The rear guard masksthe enemy'sexpected
rout€s of advance. Ik task is to force the
pursuing enemy to deploy his main forces.
The reer guald battslion holds its position
until the regiment's main body has achieveda
clean brea-kwith the enemy. After receiving
ordersto witidraw, it breakscontactwith the
enemy by thinning out to successiveint€r-
mediate positions until disengagementis com-
plete. During its yrithdrawal the rear guard
uses ambushes and obstacle lines to slow
enemyadvance.Opelationsby the rearguard
battalion ale Eupported by artilery tue and
aviation strik$ planned by the regimental
commsnder.If the enemyfails to carry out a
clo6e pu$uit, the lear gua.rd moves into
column as soon as possible and follows the
main body covering its move with a reai
march security detschment and flank security
detachments.
MTHDRAWAL TACTICS
11. The tactics employed by th€ tank
batt€lior in withdrawal opeEtions show that
the Soviets,though nomally prefer ng to
maneuve!as one unit, are trainedto moveby
bounds of companiesor evenplatoonswhen
the tacticalsituationrequires,
 CHAPTER11
Y U R I N GH A L T S
S E C U R I TD
CONCEPIS
1. When not in contact with the enemy,
Lank bart€lions tempoHrlly deploy in posi-
tions of all-round gecudty in rest areas.De-
ployment in a rest areawill take place:
a, For rest and maintenance of vehicles.
b, Before or after a road march or rail
c. To concenhate before or after an opera-
tton.
d. For rcsupplyof combatsupplies.
e. Prior to dver or obstacleclossing.
f. while the battalion is acting as a tactical
The battalion may occupy en area separate
hom its parent regiment or withjn a regj-
menta-l halt area, depending on the tsctical
situation.
LOCATIONOF RESTAREAS
2. The location of a battulion halt areais
assignedby the regimental comhander based
on his map reconnaissanc€,It is usua.lly8 to
10 squarekilometersin Bize.Th€ areashould
hsvegood accessroads,water sources,and be
situated away ftom inhabited areasin order to
presene secu ty. Although halt areas ar€
Figlre21. BMPsof rtt*h.d rifle!.itshay
49
located out of contact with the enemy, the
areamust allow for quick concentration of the
battalion into combat fomation.
CAMOUFLAGE AND CONCEALMENT
3. The tank battalion is positioned within
the halt area so that it is concealedfrom both
air a,11dground obsewation, Tanks and other
vehicles arc camouflaged i{ith natural mate-
dal, Locations for command posts and rear
subunits a.Ie chosen hldden so as io give
protection from nuclear attack.
RECONNAISSANCE OF A REST AREA
4. Prior to a$ival in a rest area the battal-
ion commander organizes a reconnaissance
group led by an officer. Each of the tank
companies and attached units in this recon-
naissance group is represented by an officer o!
sergeant. Engineer ar1d chemical specialists
accompany the group to insure that the area is
not mined or contaminated. The $oup locates
subunits and marks any hazards within th€
ar€a. A reconnaissancerepod is made by the
senior officer to the battalion commander
either in person or by mdio pdor to th€
battalion's arrival.
beu*d in rocornaasnce
OBDERS FOB OCCUPATION nications security. An obselvation post js
established some 1500 met€ls from the !$t
5. Prior to occupation of the rest alea the area on each possible €nemy axis. Sentdes ale
battalion commander gives olal orders cove!- posted on acce$ roads. Personal protection
ing: foxholes are dug for all men. Emblasures are
a. Tactical intelligence on the enemy. dug fo! bnks and APCSif time allow6. Soviet
h E.hdinaar nri^rifia. doctrine ca.llsfor small enemy parties moving
c. Location of tank companiesand at- towards the rest area to be killed or captured.
tach€dsubunits. If the enemy advancesin force, the obselva-
d. Compositionand missionsof secu ty tion posts ar€ to engage it and maintain their
unlts, positions until ordered to withdraw.
Antiatcraft fie and CBR defenseplans.
f. Altematerest areaand routesto it.
Action on contact with enemy $ound
or airbome forces,
h . Communications plan.
i. Locations of the CP and deputy com-
mande$.
The edtirc position is s€lected to give ma.x!
Illum plotection from nuclear attack.

SECURITY AFIER OCCL'PATION

6. If the alea is to be occupied for more

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

50
 IS
1tro.4 suDI q 01 dn dlnp ?sodlno uo pefoldtue
'duedEot $ ,{uedIIIo, {tlel V lno paFrec oq lsnE etuEs
Fodlno oql loddns
ol pa{sB} sI .{IaIIIl-rv palqr}suor sI ua+o ssau -$euuorar qclqia o1 aql sql salsuElsap rapireE
(ea{e
-Jpeer luelsuoc lP uoolBld {usl auo Jo 8q$!s -uloc FluaEl8ar aql lsar lelueuflSar
-uoc aruosal v acuB]tpe Jo salnor fr€puotad e Jo rolces E saldncro uolP}leq aq? J1 I
](Eoue e re3qo uec faq+ araqia srelaul 009I
01lno pelBcol ale sdo uorlell€g 'eele lsar arB svauv rssu TyJNgI trCflU
 CHAPTER
12
coNcLUsroNs
GENERAI
1. Significant findings of this study, a.6
they relate to the combat potential of a
Soviet medium tank batblion, are sum-
marizedbelow:
a. Combatorganization.
b. Commandand contlol.
c. Tacticalemployment.
COMBAT ORGANIZATION
2.a. The combatorganizationof the Sovief
tank battalion is d€signed to allow it to
exploit ffuepower and mobiity in a war of
rapid movement. Exc€pt for carrying out
secudty tasks and setting out obsenation
posts, Soviet comrDanders seldom employ
tanks in less t}tan compaby stiength. Tank
units are thercfore able to echieve high
concentrations of fire again$tpriodty taryets.
whele platoonsare employed,the Sovietsare
ca.reful to maintain a capability to counte!
any potential threat vrith at least a company-
6izedunit.
b. Tank units normally operat€ in com-
bined arms task forces. Motorized rifle units
provide close-in protection to tanks in rreas
wher€ they are especiallyvuln€rableto attack
by ATGME. Tank a6saults ale usua.lly p!e-
ceededby afiillery preparation6 of objective6.
Enginee$and chemicr.lspecialists accompany
tdnk unit"s when the mi$ion $quires theit
skills.
c. The combat r€infolcement of the Soviet
tank battalion tu tailored to a particular
mission and this, together with the operation
ol tanks in company sizd units, makes an
effective combEt organization.
COMMAND AND CONTROL
3.a. Soviet tank battalion commande$
closely supewise tl|e tactical employment of
their comDanies and attached unit5, The
maximumof routine operationaland adminis-
trativ€ planning is delegat€dto the Chief of
StaJf and the depu8 battalion commander
for technical affairs; this allows the bsttalion
commander to concentrate on persona.lcon-
trcl of combat.Indtect fue supportusuallyis
provided by the regimental commander,
allowing th€ battalion commander further to
concentrateon the maneuverof hh tanks.At
the sa.metime this, along with a t€ndency to
adhereto a timed fue plan, givesthe potpntial
for a significant time lag jn engagingtargetsof
oppodunity. Thus when immediateffuesup-
port is requested,srtillery is attacheddtu€ctly
to the batta.lion.
b, Most battalion opentions take place
v/itbin the framework of a regimental plan.
However, in the me€ting engagement,with-
&awal, and in operations to destloy enemy
nuclear delivery means, the battalion com-
hander has considerable opportunity to use
his initiative. In combat, the battalion com-
mande! takes up a position for enough for-
ward to be able to 6ee the result of his
companies'actions. He is therefole able to
react quickly to successor a suddenthleat by
reinforcing o! by enploying hi6 leserve. Out
of combat, the batblion and company com-
manders personally lead their hoops in tacti-
cal movement,This allows rapid movement
betweenengagements.
c, Tank units us€ well-rehearsed tacticaj
formations both in and out of contact with
the enelny, The6e fomations are varied in
keeping with the t€Ilain, the enemy threat,
and the phale of operations. lndividual com-
panies in the batt€lion may employ diflerent
formation6 at any one time to suit the tactical
situation. The tactical fomations allow lapid
maneuve!to face a changein situation with a
minimum of l8dio taffic. In the assault,the
concentration of t€nk units in nanow zone of
action allow6 for concentration of fte against
priority target6. Once the assaultis launched,
the attack is to be pressedby every ardored
vehicle capableof moving.
 d. W}lenpo$sible,all tanksin the battalion
opemte on the same net. The Sovietshave
strict standardsof communicationssecuity.
Commandsare passedby use of codewords,
and numbers.Radio is supplementedby use
of visualand audio signalsin combat. Flags
and arm signalsare usedwhen units are on the
march. Attached unit commande$join the
battalion net. There ale strict limitationson
initiating radio traffic; line tanks arc to
operatein the receivingmode.In fact, Soviet
radio disciplinecan be so rigid as to inhibit
the lapid flow of taqet intelligence.How well
a battalion commandercan adjust deploy-
ment of his force during an assaultis not
known.
e. The commandand control systemof the
Soviet tank battalion is highly centralized.
The system facilitatesBpid movementand
effective communicationssecurity. Success
lagely dependson the tactical skill of the
battalioncommander.
TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT
4.a. The Soviets,in thet military jouinals,
place a $eat deal of emphasison combined
arms tactics. The tank battalion may, for a
particular mission,be leinforcedwith attach-
ment6from regimentor divisionas the situa-
tion warlants. The emphasis in tactical
deploymentis on rapid follow-up of prepara-
tion fir€6 by a task organizedforce of tanks
and motorizedrifle units.
b. The Soviet tank battalion'stactical as-
sault dri11srely on shock action and concen-
tuation of tank fire to the rea.!or flanks of a
neutralizedobjective.Planningfor suchopera-
tions is detailedflom the line of marchwhen
possible-battalionschangingformation from
column to line as tenain dictates.The battal-
ion maneuven as one unit; firc suppot is
provided either by artillery or tank unit6
operating on the flarks. Smoke is used to
conceal dovement and block the field of
visionof ATGM operations.
c. The Sovietsstronglyhold to the concept
that the best defense is a good offense.
54
Accordingly,they consideremployingdefen-
sive i€cl,ics a Lemporaryneccssityduring
pausesin offensiveactivity. In the defense,
tank battalions establjshplatoon and com-
pany shongpointswith close-inprotectionby
infantry and fire supportfrom artillery. Posi-
tions arc dug in when time allows,and tanks
prcparealtelnatepositions.A cove ng force
attempts to break up probing attacks and ihe
main attack is met by concentratedtank fire.
d. The Soviet tank battalion is trainedto
fight suchoperationsasmeetingengagements,
withdrawals,and obstaclecrossingsin forma-
tions which enhance combat securily and
concentmtionof fire. In lhese operalions.
advanceand rearguaJdsareusuallybasedon a
tank company.Maneuveris by company-sized
units.
e. TanL fLe at night in T-54/55 and T-62
tanks has been Iimited by target acquisition
meansto a mnge of 800 mete$. This range,
however,may be increased with the n€w T-72
tank-in serial production, and being de-
ployed in increasingnumbers.
f. We assess the tacticalddus ofthe Soviet
tar* battalion to be effective,exploiting a
soundcombatorganization.
ASSESSMENT
OF COMBATPOTENTIAL
5. The Soviettank batta-lionis a basicunit
of maneuver.The battalionis reinforcedand
given firp suppofl to fulfill a paJ|cular mis-
sion by exploiting itr mobitity, ftepower,
shock action, ard nuciear protection. The
maneuverof tank companiesin a narrowzone
of action, in echelon,allowsheaq,'casualties
to be talen without endangeringsuccessful
execution of the rnission.In a nuclear en-
vuonment, tank units operate on increased
frontages(generallydouble).
On the one hand,Sovietmethodsof both
communications seculityand of passingtaryet
information to the artillely tend to lestrict
the immediateengagement of targetsof op-
portunity. On the other hand,highly cential-
ized conhol of tacticalmaneuverby the tank
battalion commandermakes for the quick
concentrationof tank fLe.
Figure23, Th€ bottom ti.e-T-sstin rh€ attacki "quick con@nlrationoftankfire"
 A P P E N D IA
X

SOVIETTANKS

SCOPE radicaly different in design to its prede-

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

reinforced medium tank battalion. Further

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

MEDII'M TANKS

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

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

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

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

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

ADtiairdaft Mlchi[e 12.7

Gun (AIMG) 6T-62A)

58
 B
APPENDIX
SOVIETTANK T.72
PRODUCTION AND DEPLOYMENT
1. The late$ Soviet tank to be developed,
the T.?2, has been in prcduction lor the last
trro yesrs. Ove! treo thousand of tlle T-?2
Fiour.26. 1.72 Tha n.w Sovieltlnk
have now be€n produced and the new tank
has been deployed into the Group of Soviet
Forces Germany. It is expect€d that the T.54
and T-55 tsnks will be replaced as mole
T -?2's come ofi the production line.
DESICN
2,a. Hull and Suspension.the T'72 sho$'s
6ome mdical changesin design[o previous
Soviet tanks. The chassisand hull h easily
recognizedas being dilferent to the previous
Soviet tanks. The T-?2's glacisplate is esti'
mated at ?0' and is markedly mole slop€d
than that of the T-62. The suspension syst€m
is bssedon six road wheelswith return lollers
59
Tte weight of l,henew l,anki6 estimated6t 35
metric tons and mobility ha6 been imptoved
over earlier Soyiet tanks botlt by ttte new
suspensionsyst€m and a new type ot track.
the chamct€ristic low silhouette of previous
SovietLankshasbem maintained.The T.?2 is
slightly sEaller than its predecesso!.
b. Armament- T-72's main annament ap-
pcais similar to T-62's and is estimat€d as
being 115 mm in calibre. Its accuncy has
probably been improved by a new control
syst€m with a laser range finder, though it is
signiiicant to note that laser beams cannot
penetnte smoke or fog. There i6 therefore
plobably an alt€mative systelr of tanging to
the laser system. It has also been reported
ihat the main gun $ystetn featule3 an auto-
matic loader 'erhichpermitJ a reduction of the
tank cJew ftom four to lhree men. A coaxial
machine gun is supplemented by a cupola
 mounted machine gun on th€ commander's
side of the turet. The IR equipment found
on earlier t€nks has possibly been improved
lot'l-72.
c. Dngine. The appearance of the engine
compartment indicates an improved engineto
that used in T-62. The drive$ position has
also been moved from the left of the vehicle
to the center significantly reducing the
chances of multiple casualties caused by one
shot.
HmEErB
SrFEEnF|f.m
flffi
Effi[EIIEt
EffE!!]TE
W
ffi**
Fisut.27, f .72 D6ish t€atur€.In contart to J-62
d, Outside Stovage. There are a number of
equipment it€ms stowed on the outside of
T'?2, On either side and at the rear of th€
turet there are storage panni€ls, a new
feature in Soviet tarks. Tanks in combat units
have t}leA turret numbers painted on ttrese
padnie$. A new type of snorkel is usually
attachedto the rearpannier.An "unditching"
log is caried at the rear of the tank. Tow
chainsare lashedto the top ol the T.?2'6hull
as is nolrnal Soviet plactice.
60
OTITSIDEFUEL STORAGE
3. The charact€ristic auxiliary luel drums
caried on earlier Soviet tarks (see Fig.) are
absenton T-?2. Flat auxiliary fuel contsinels
appear on either side of the n€w vehicle.
Dieselfuel ha! a low flashpoint and thoughit
will burn it is difficult to ignite. The Sovieta
havelong acceptedthis fire haza.!d.
ffi*
mffiffi
ffi
@
[m!EEt!t
COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS
4. It js not possibleto fully assessrne
combat potentia.l of the T-?2 until mote
infomation is availableabout the tanks arma-
ment. The introduction of the T-72 in place
of T-55 does mean howeverthat the standard
of tank gunnery may be expect€dto improve.
The older tanks have been hampercd in
bringing fire to bear by th€ necessityof the
gunnerestimatingthe range.This prcblemno
longer exists with the introduction of the
laserraDgefinder.
 C
APPENDIX

TANKASSOCIATED
EOUIPMENT

GENERAL KMT 4 MINE PLOW

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

BTU DOZER BLADES

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

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

Flslro 2S. KMI mine prows

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

 Fisu..30, Mimplowo. T.55

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

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

62
 i. .; -
- - - i +f :-. -: & €

Fiqur€31. T.62 whh mine rolleis

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

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

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

over the right ha.ndhatch.Amored recovery

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

ARMOREDRECOVEBYVEHICLES

6, The most lecent medium armored re-

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

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

64
 Fiqure35, T34-TARV

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

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

+ Or b.r isfor Plaloonhvel I

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

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

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

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

V L.k rhorins prim!ry.rc oltie

--L-.
+

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

67
 SO/IETCONVETT'IONAL
SYMBOLS

FdlaS€ dGcEr.d td Gup.rlm

€

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

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

P
o W.ierc|cin€mmn<|.r
--=ra

P Batrrlion DapuiyCohfian&r in -€ia

A @omnd.b$Mtirh post

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

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

- {- -- €'A@sol@r@nrr.bdbnkrc

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

U & S COMMANDS MARINE CORPSDISTRIBUTION

fiOOs USCINCDUR Distribution

code:TBA .......... 2.300copies
HOO6 USEUCOMDEFANALCTR
H010 soTFE (J-3) DISTRIBUTIONSUMMABY:
H101 USAFE49?RTC(rRC)
H3O6 DCSIUS COM BERLIN DTADISTRIBUTION.............. 268 copins
H301 COMBINEDARMSTNGCEN D I A S T O C K . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i.5. .2. . o . pies
D T A T O T A L . . . . . . , . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . .| . .0...o. p i e s
J5?6 COMPHIBGRU2 ARMY DISTRIBUTION .........12.00Jcopies
MARINE CORPSDISTRIBU-
KOOs CINCPAC T I O N. . , . . . . . . . , . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . .1. .,.3. .0.0. .c. .o.p i e s
KOOT COMUSJAPAN T O T A LP R I N T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1. .4. ., .?. 2. 0 copies

Ou.!. !.rR\VL\l oR \Tl\C 0rc'.-: 1977-/"3-ll4

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