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SOVIET VOROSHILOV ACADEMY LECTURES
FRONT OPERATIONS

 

CHAPTER II-12



 

OBSERVATIONS ON THE CONTROL AND EMPLOYMENT OF SOVIET NUCLEAR,

BACTERIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL WEAPONS


 
 

This information is extracted from various lectures and is provided for the information of readers pending the preparation of a more comprehensive discussion of observation on the control and employment of Soviet nuclear, bacteriological, and chemical weapons.

The Soviets categorized nuclear, bacteriological, and chemical weapons as weapons of mass destruction (OMP). The authority to use them, the selection of targets, and the delivery means vary from weapon to weapon. Depending on target, assigned purpose, and magnitude, nuclear weapons are considered either tactical or strategic weapons: chemical weapons are considered tactical weapons only. The characteristics of bacteriological weapons is not known.

The authority to use nuclear weapons is vested in the Soviet high command. The commander in chief of the Front determines the time of delivery and assigns individual nuclear weapons and targets for the first nuclear strike to all Front nuclear--capable units. After the first strike, the commanders of units with organic nuclear weapons can use the remainder of their nuclear inventory in their section of operations at their own discretion.

Exact information on the offensive use of Soviet chemical weapons is difficult to obtain. According to international agreements, the employment of chemical weapons is prohibited, and officially, the Soviets teach only chemical defense at their military academies. However, the firm intention to employ chemical weapons may be inferred from the following;
----- - Offensive chemical weapons and supplies are included in the inventories of Soviet's military units;
----- - Samples of various poisonous gases (agents) are shown to students of the Voroshilov General Staff Academy and their individual characteristics are explained;
----- - Students at the Vorshilov Academy are instructed to plan for employment of all available weapons systems when preparing operational plans for the Soviet Front or army in a defensive or offensive operation.

No information is available on the employment, use, or targeting of bacteriological weapons.