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AIR DEFENSE IN ARMY OPERATIONS
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I. Composition of Air Defense Forces of the Front, Army,
Motorized Rifle Division, and Regiment
In the front
The composition of front air defense means is not standard and it
also may vary in the strategic operation depending on the following:
----- - composition of the front;
----- - front's missions;
----- - front's role;
----- - location of the front.
The composition of the front air defense forces and means is
specified by the Supreme High Command. It usually includes the following
elements:
----- - two to three S-75 air defense rocket regiments. Each regiment
containing six rockets (total of eighteen S-75 rockets [launchers] in the
regiment).
----- - one to two S-125 air defense rocket regiments. Each regiment is
composed of three battalions containing eight rockets (launchers) (total of
twenty-four S-125 rockets [launchers] in the regiment;
----- - one to two air defense artillery divisions. Each division composed of
three to four regiments. In each regiment there are six air defense artillery
batteries containing eight guns (total of forty-eight 57 mm antiaircraft guns;
----- - one air defense radio technical regiment.
A front composed of three combined arms and one tank army, in the
Western TVD, will have the following air defense means excluding the divisional
air defense forces and means:
----- - six to eleven S-75 air defense rocket regiments;
----- - one to two air defense artillery divisions;
----- - four to eight separate air defense artillery (S-60) regiments;
----- - one to two S-125 air defense rocket regiments;
----- - one radio technical regiment;
----- - three to four radio technical battalions;
----- - two to three fighter aviation divisions (six to nine regiments).
In Combined Arms Army
The combined arms army contains the following:
----- - one to two S-75 air defense rocket regiments. Each regiment is composed
of three rocket battalions containing six air defense rocket systems
[launchers] (total of eighteen S-75 air defense rocket launchers in the
regiment;
----- - one to two air defense artillery regiments. There are six air defense
artillery batteries in the regiment. Each consists of six guns (total of
thirty-six 57mm air defense guns in the regiment;
----- - one air defense radio technical battalion.
In Motorized Rifle Division
----- - one S-60 air defense artillery regiment composed of four batteries wit
six guns in each (total of twenty-four 57mm guns in the regiment);
----- - there are 114 Strela-2m air defense rockets in a motorized rifle
division and sixty-nine Strela-2Ms in a tank division.
In Motorized Rifle Regiment
The motorized rifle regiment contains an air defense battery of the following
two platoons:
----- - platoon of ZSU-23-4 with four systems;
----- - platoon of ZPU-4 with four systems.
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II. Combat Capabilities of Army Air Defense Troops
Combat capabilities of army air defense troops are measured in the following
terms:
----- - fire power;
----- - coverage area;
----- - maneuver capability of air defense units and large units;
----- - capability to supply and prepare rockets.
Fire Power
Fire power has the capability of inflicting potential losses on the following
enemy targets:
----- - air targets;
----- - dimension of destruction areas;
----- - numbers of targets which may be destroyed in one cycle of fire in a
specific time:
----- - S-75 air defense rocket regiment engages air targets and under
favorable conditions may destroy them and resume fire on other targets after
two minutes;
----- - the S-60 air defense artillery regiment of the division fires on one
target at a time;
----- - the army's S-60 air defense regiment may fire on two targets at a time;
----- - the air defense battery of motorized rifle and tank regiments may
destroy one target at a time and may shift fire on another target after one
minute;
----- - the Strela-2M squad (three Strela-2M portable rockets) fires on one
target. Probability of destroying the air target with one squad is 0.53-0.6.
Therefore, three squads must be employed to destroy one aerial target.
Destruction capabilities of air defense means differ between day and night. It
must be noted that enemy aircraft will fly on certain directions not over the
entire army area. All army air defense means may destroy twelve to thirteen
aircraft in one cycle of fire.
Areas Covered
The areas covered by air defense means depends on the following:
----- - altitude;
----- - speed and position of flight of the target;
----- - type of destruction and jamming means;
----- - range of the air defense means;
----- - distance between air defense battalions.
Capability of Maneuver
The capability of maneuver is determined by the following:
----- - time of deployment into combat formations;
----- - speed of movement;
----- - range of movement (zapas khoda);
----- - crossing capability (cross country movement capability).
Capability for Supplying and Preparing Rockets and Rounds
The capability for supplying and preparing rockets and rounds depends on the
capability of rocket technical subunits to assemble and prep rockets. To
accomplish this task technical battalions are organized. One technical
battalion in a sixteen hour day may prepare thirty S-75 rockets. All
front rocket technical battalions may prepare 180-330 S-75 rockets and
250-500 S-125 rockets in a day (twenty-four hours).
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III. Aims and Missions of Air Defense in Army Offensive Operations
Air defense in army offensive operations is organized to protect the following:
----- - striking forces;
----- - fire means;
----- - army rear service targets.
Air defense provides this protection in order to accomplish the following:
----- - protect against enemy air strikes;
----- - cover and support their free (unimpeded) maneuver;
----- - successful conduct of their combat missions.
These aims are achieved through the following:
----- - timely detection of the aerial enemy;
----- - inflicting decisive losses on the aerial enemy over the approaches and
over the location of the friendly forces;
----- - foiling strikes of the aerial enemy.
Principle Air Defense Missions
The principle air defense missions in the offensive operation are as follows:
----- - covering main groupings of forces and other targets in army areas;
----- - conducting reconnaissance to detect the aerial enemy and warning the
air defense;
----- - destroying enemy pilotless (drones) and manned reconnaissance aircraft;
----- - fighting enemy air assault troops in the air.
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IV. Organization of Air Defense in Army Offensive Operations
Organization of air defense is a number of measures taken by the chief of army
air defense and his staff to organize air defense in support of army offensive
operations. These measures include the following:
----- - planning army air defense and conveying missions on air defense to
troops;
----- - establishing groupings of air defense troops in the departure (FUP)
areas, preparing them for combat actions and maintaining constant
combat-readiness to repel enemy air attacks.
----- - organizing air defense during the conduct of offensive operations to
accomplish missions related to the following:
----- - assault crossing over major water obstacles;
----- - committing second-echelon forces into combat;
----- - repulsing enemy counterblows;
----- - organizing troop control and interaction of air defense forces and
means;
----- - organizing combat support measures and supply of air defense guided
rockets.
Planning Air Defense
The chief of army air defense prepares army air defense plans after receiving
missions from the army commander. He studies the instructions from the higher
staff on air defense and makes for all-around assessment (estimate) of the
situation. He then issues instructions and combat instructions on air defense
to motorized rifle and tank large units and air defense units.
The air defense plan in army offensive operations is a detailed formulation of
the air defense decision combined with calculations and necessary instructions.
The air defense plan is a part of the plan of army offensive operations.
The air defense plan is graphically prepared on a 1/200,000 or 1/100,000 scale
map with written instructions. In the graphic part of the plan the following
elements are reflected:
----- - composition, groupings, and likely directions of the attack from the
aerial enemy and the main groupings of enemy ground forces;
----- - operational formation of army troops, its command posts, army
boundaries, and army missions;
----- - position areas of air defense and radio technical units, immediate
adjacent, front and national air defense means operating in army areas,
in departure (FUP) areas, and in the entire depth of army offensive operations.
The line of reconnaissance of the aerial enemy by radar and the destruction
(killing) zone of air defense means;
----- - fighter aviation airfields, lines of intercepting enemy aircraft, areas
of air patrolling;
----- - missions conducted by forces and means of other branches of services in
the interest of air defense (where, when, and by what means enemy air targets
are destroyed;
----- - directions (areas) of the flight of aircraft carrying airborne assault
troops;
----- - bridges and crossings over rivers.
Other information and calculations are reflected in writing in written
instructions along with necessary annexes. The written instructions illustrate
the following:
----- - brief deductions of the assessment of the enemy;
----- - concepts and missions of air defense;
----- - combat composition of air defense troops and means and their combat
capability;
----- - control of air defense forces and means;
----- - organizing coordination (interaction) with fighter aviation and other
air defense means;
----- - availability, supplying (delivering), and distributing rockets
(rounds);
----- - methods of numbering air targets;
----- - warning troops of the aerial enemy;
----- - combat-readiness and combat standby (on-call) duties
of air defense means.
Annexes to air defense plans include the following:
----- - plan of detection (reconnaissance) of the aerial enemy;
----- - warning and signal diagram;
----- - other necessary tables and graphics.
The army air defense plan is signed by the army's chief of staff and chief of
air defense. It is approved by the army commander. Written instructions are
signed by the chief of army air defense.
Organization of Air Defense During Assault Crossings Over Major Water Obstacles
During air defense assault river crossing missions the following are specified
and reconfirmed in advance:
----- - likely groupings in crossing areas;
----- - form of movement to water obstacles;
----- - their deployment on the friendly bank of the water obstacles.
Air defense rocket units assigned to cover crossing areas move as part of the
forward detachment to the water obstacles and deploy there. This is done in
accordance with instructions from the army chief of air defense troops (PVO).
They will cover actions of friendly troops during their assault crossings.
In crossing areas, air defense artillery covers crossing sites against low
flying enemy aircraft. Divisional air defense artillery means are interspersed
in marching columns of troops and move to water obstacles with the columns.
Under some conditions air defense artillery of divisions move as part of the
forward detachment to cover them during assault crossings.
Air defense rocket means cross to the far bank in accordance with the advance
of friendly troops. Special purpose radio technical means
(spetznaz's) are also deployed in the
crossing area. Air defense rocket means assigned to cover rear service targets
move along with covered targets to water obstacles and cross to the far bank.
Radar means cross with army first-echelon forces in order to be able to quickly
detect enemy aircraft and warn troops about them.
When enemy air forces actively operate during the conduct of assault river
crossings, friendly fighter aircraft patrolling in the air or located in an
on-call (standby) status on the airfields are employed against them. If the
airfields of fighter aircraft are a long distance from the crossing sites,
necessary measures are taken to move them to forward airfields.
Organization of Air Defense of Army Second-Echelon (Reserve) Forces During
Their Movement and Commitment into Combat
Air defense cover of second-echelon troops in their assembly areas is provided
by the following located in the areas of deployment of second-echelon troops:
----- - their organic air defense means;
----- - fighter aircraft;
----- - national air defense forces.
During their movement to the line of commitment into combat, their air defense
cover is reinforced by air defense rocket units and radio technical units of
special designation (spetznaz).
The organic air defense troops of the army's second-echelon forces cover them
during their movement. Army's air defense means deploy on directions of the
movements of second-echelon forces in the vicinity of the following important
locations:
----- - crossing sites;
----- - road junctions;
----- - built-up areas;
----- - open terrain segments;
----- - oasises.
The commitment of the army's second-echelon into combat is covered by the
following:
----- - army air defense rockets and artillery;
----- - adjacent division's air defense means;
----- - air defense means of the army's second-echelon troops.
Warning the army's second-echelon about the aerial enemy is conducted by the
army's air defense (PVO) command posts. Simultaneously, commitment of the
army's second-echelon may be supported by fighter aviation.
Organization of Air Defense During Repulsion of Enemy Counterstrikes
Air defense cover for forces assigned to repel enemy counterstrikes is provided
by their organic air defense forces and means. To reinforce the air defense of
forces operating on the likely directions of enemy main attacks, in accordance
with the decision of the army commander, army's air defense means may be
shifted from other directions. Assistance is requested from front
fighter aviation when needed.
If while conducting counterstrikes (counterblows) the enemy employs air assault
troops, such troops are destroyed by air defense means during their flight and
during their dropping (landing). Air defense troops also provide air defense
for troops engaged in combat with enemy airborne assault troops on the ground.
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V. Organization of Control of Air Defense Troops During Preparation and
Conduct of Army Offensive Operations
Control of the air defense troops by the army commander during the offensive
operation is exercised through the chief of air defense troops.
Direct responsibility for control of the air defense troops is borne by the
army's chief of air defense troops and his staff. Control of air defense troops
includes the following:
----- - the process of distributing targets among air defense means;
----- - sustaining and continuing control of actions of air defense troops by
air defense chiefs of divisions and commanders of army's air defense large
units and units whose efforts are directed toward the accomplishment of the
assigned missions;
----- - all-around support of combat actions.
To control air defense troops, mobile air defense control points are
established in the army at two positions (one composed of the forces and means
of army's radio technical battalion and the other by army's air defense
directorate). They move and relocate in an alternate form.
In the division and regiment control of air defense means is conducted from the
air defense control points and in the air defense units from their command
posts.
Army air defense large units and units are controlled by their commanders. Air
defense means of divisions and regiments are controlled by division's air
defense chiefs.
Control of fighter aviation is conducted from front air defense control
centers, where the deputy commander of the air army, an operational group, and
required signal and control means operate.
The forward command post of a fighter aviation division is established in army
air defense control points. It is established under the deputy commander of
fighter aviation divisions, or another representative of the division, with
signal communication means. He is authorized to call allocated fighter aviation
to operate in the interest of army air defense.
When army air defense control points are put out of action, air defense control
must be delegated to air defense control points of one of the divisions or to
the command post of air defense rocket regiments.
Organization of Reconnaissance (Detection) of the Enemy and Warning of the
Troops
Reconnaissance (detection) of the enemy is conducted in the following forms:
----- - by army air defense radio technical battalions, reconnaissance, and
target acquisition radars of the reconnaissance, and control platoons of air
defense;
----- - by chiefs of motorized rifle and tank divisions;
----- - by reconnaissance and target acquisition (identification) of air
defense units and subunits;
----- - visual observation from all command posts of the troops.
Information acquired is used to quickly detect aerial enemies and to warn air
defense means and troops about him.
Radar reconnaissance (detection) of aerial enemies in army areas is organized
by the army chief of air defense, using the air defense radio technical
battalion. In division areas it is organized by the divisional chief of air
defense, using P-15 radar, reconnaissance, and target acquisition
(identification) of divisional air defense regiments.
The army's air defense radio technical battalion may conduct reconnaissance
(detection) of the aerial enemy at a depth of 160 km (for medium and high
altitudes) and at a depth of 80 km (for the depth of low and lower altitudes)
in a frontage of 80-100 km.
By using forces and means from army radio technical battalions, two radar
companies (posts) at a distance of ten kilometers from the frontline and fifty
kilometers apart from one another are established in the area of a
first-echelon army. Across the army's front, two radar posts are deployed and
two other companies are kept in reserve to accomplish the following:
----- - expand radar coverage areas during the conduct of the offensive
operation;
----- - establish a new line of radar posts.
The second line of radar posts are established by the front fifty
kilometers from the first line of radar posts.
The reconnaissance and target acquisition (identification) radar stations (CPU)
of the reconnaissance and control platoons of division air defense chiefs and
air defense units are employed for reconnaissance of the aerial enemy in
accordance with their respective plans. They are deployed in division and air
defense unit areas and are alternately relocated.
The reconnaissance and target acquisition (identification) radars of army air
defense units are also deployed in accordance with decisions of unit commanders
and are alternately relocated.
Visual observation of the aerial enemy is established by all commanders in
their command posts.
While organizing the offensive operations, radar means in the army are inactive
and reconnaissance (detection) of the enemy is conducted by front radar
means. Therefore, two to four front radar posts are deployed in the
army's area.
The army's air defense radio technical battalion relocates once in 1-1.5 days
(24-36 hours). They move from previous positions to a distance of thirty to
forty kilometers.
Warning of Troops
Warning of troops prior to the activation of army radars is conducted in the
following ways:
----- - in a centralized method from the command post of national air defense
large units;
----- - in a decentralized method from the command post of the closest radar of
national air defense forces deployed in army areas.
When army radar becomes operational, warning of troops is conducted in the
following ways:
----- - in a centralized method from the army air defense control points;
----- -in a decentralized method from the closest army radar post or from the
reconnaissance and target identification radar stations (CPU) of divisions and
air defense units.
Warning at the lower echelons (motorized rifle division, motorized rifle and
tank regiment) is conducted through signal command net and sometimes through
special warning nets.
As part of interaction, air defense control points receive information from the
air defense control points of the front and adjacent armies.
The time of transmitting information must not exceed two minutes. When
automatic control systems are used it must not exceed thirty seconds.
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VI. Air Defense in Army Defensive Operations
Aims of Air Defense in Army Defensive Operations
Aims of air defense in army defensive operations are the following:
----- - to cover main forces and vital army rear service targets;
----- - to cover army troops during the conduct of army counterblows
(counterstrikes) against enemy air attacks;
----- - to quickly detect (reconnoiter) the aerial enemy.
Missions of Air Defense in Defensive Operations
Missions of air defense in defensive operations are the following:
----- - covering main groupings of forces, rocket and artillery troops, vital
rear service targets, and command posts against enemy air strikes;
----- - reconnaissance (detection) of the aerial enemy and warning of air
defense troops about him;
----- - fighting enemy airborne assault troops and their destruction in the
air;
----- - covering forces conducting army counterblows (counterstrikes).
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VII. Some Specifics of Air Defense in Army Defensive Operations
Air Defense During Preparation and Conduct of Counterblows (Counterstrikes)
Army large units which are assigned to conduct counterblows (counterstrikes)
are covered against the air by the following:
----- - their organic air defense means;
----- - air defense units and subunits of first-echelon large units operating
in directions of counterblows (counterstrikes);
----- - by army's air defense rocket and artillery units.
Moreover, forces which conduct counterblows are covered by front fighter
aircraft which are patrolling in the air or are in a state of on-call (standby)
duty in airfields.
In order to intensify reconnaissance of the enemy by radar, it is recommended
that in the direction of the counterblows (counterstrikes) a radar company of
the army's air defense radio technical battalion be deployed.
The organic air defense artillery of forces which conduct counterblows conduct
their combat actions in marching columns of their related units.
Army air defense means which are allocated to support counterblows, deploy in
advance in the areas of counterblows (counterstrikes).
If the counterblow has to be launched in an area where the level of terrain
radiation is high, air defense cover is provided at the borders of contaminated
areas. However, the direction of wind must be taken into consideration.
Moreover, in such situations air defense cover is provided by fighter aircraft
which are patrolling in the air or are in a state of on-call (standby) duty in
the airfields.
Organization of Reconnaissance of the Enemy and Warning the Troops About Him
Reconnaissance of the aerial enemy by radar and warning the troops in defensive
operations is organized by the army's chief of air defense (PVO). This is
accomplished in accordance with instructions from the front commander.
During organization of defensive operations at the beginning of the war
(initial phase of war) radar reconnaissance of the aerial enemy is conducted by
radio technical troops of border large units of national air defense forces.
The army deploys one to two companies and conducts duty in a closed form. When
the appropriate signal is given from the army air defense control point, they
initiate actions. The rest of the radar companies are in reserve and they are
constantly ready for deployment.
Warning the troops and rear service targets, in this situation, is conducted
from the command post of the large unit and command post of the radio technical
units of the national air defense forces.
When the army assumes the defense during the course of the conduct of
front offensive operations, army radio technical battalions establish
the first-echelon radar companies of the front. These companies are
deployed in areas which are not suitable for tanks. The distance of their line
of deployment from the frontline will be ten kilometers. They will be forty to
fifty kilometers from one another.
The number of radar companies in the first-echelon depends on the width of the
defensive frontage and terrain conditions. If the lowest area of radar coverage
is at 500 m, then the interval between radar companies across the front will be
forty to fifty kilometers.
In order to enhance reliable reconnaissance of the aerial enemy at lower
altitudes, it is recommended that reconnaissance and target identification
stations of divisional chiefs of air defense and those of air defense artillery
units are assigned and visual observation is established.
During operations on coastlines, communications are established with naval
radars. Radios in reception modes are entered in the naval radio warning net.
When the army operates on a wider front or in mountainous terrain, the army is
reinforced by front radio technical subunits.
The warning of troops and rear service targets about aerial enemy attacks is
conducted in the following forms:
----- - a centralized form from the army command posts;
----- - a decentralized form from the army radar companies or from local
national air defense forces.
Warning of troops in army large units and units is conducted through combat
radio nets. Methods of warning are specified by commanders of the large units
in accordance with the following:
----- - situations;
----- - missions;
----- - time.
In addition to radar reconnaissance, visual observation is established in all
air defense units and in all subunits.
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VIII. Air Defense in Army Long-Distance Marches (Movements)
Aims of Air Defense
The aims of air defense during army long-distance marches is to maintain firm
and striking power of army troops during the following times:
----- - assembly;
----- - marches;
----- - arrival in designated areas to conduct combat missions.
Principle Missions of Air Defense During Army Marches (Movements)
The principle missions of air defense during army marches (movements) are the
following:
----- - covering main forces and other vital army targets in assembly areas,
during marches, halts (daily, nightly, rest, and twenty-four hour rests), in
passages, bridges, defiles, crossings, passes, and against the aerial enemy and
to support organized arrival in designated areas;
----- - conducting reconnaissance and warning by air defense troops about the
enemy in coordination (interaction) with national air defense forces, and the
military district (front) in the area of jurisdiction in which army
marches are conducted.
Organization of Army Air Defenses During Long-Distance Movements
Organization of air defense is one of the major aspects of preparing the army
for movement and march. It includes a number of measures, the most important of
which are the following:
----- - receiving missions and instructions from higher echelons on the conduct
of marches (movements) and air defense;
----- - making decisions and planning air defense;
----- - assigning missions on air defense to troops;
----- - establishing groupings of air defense troops;
----- - organizing troop control and coordination (interaction).
Air defense is organized in accordance with instructions from the general staff
or front commander (when the army is under front control).
During organization of army air defense in long-distance movements, the
following points are taken into consideration:
----- - in assessing tactical and technical characteristics of enemy aircraft
it must be noted that enemy air strikes on army troops at a distance of up to
1,000 km from enemy airfields will be launched by enemy tactical aircraft, and
at longer distances by enemy strategic aircraft;
----- - strikes on unit's march columns, railroads, bridges, and other targets
will be launched by groups of four to six or twelve to sixteen and even twenty
aircraft and sometimes more;
----- - flight of enemy aircraft will be conducted at low, medium, and high
altitudes under cover of fighter aircraft and under conditions of heavy
radio-electronic suppression (jamming). Therefore, during movements of army
troops from the interior of the country to the TVD, their air defense cover
must be organized through the entire depth of their movements.
The forms of army movements will be as follows:
----- - by organic means;
----- - by railroads;
----- - by a combined form (using organic means and railroads).
When the army moves by its organic means air defense is organized in the
following areas:
----- - in areas of concentration after the combat alert signal and in assembly
areas;
----- - covering march columns during their passage through water obstacles,
mountain passes, defiles, major built-up areas, and road junctions;
----- - in small and large halt areas, in areas of day (night) rest, and in
twenty-four hour rest areas.
When the army moves by railroad, air defense is organized in the following
areas:
----- - in embarkation, debarkation, and re-embarkation areas;
----- - covering railroad columns along movement routes;
----- - air defense cover at railroad center areas (railheads), bridges,
defiles, passes, and tunnels.
When the army moves in a combined form, air defense is organized in the
following areas:
----- - in areas of concentration after combat alert signals and in assembly
areas;
----- - in embarkation, debarkation, and re-embarkation areas;
----- - covering marching columns and railroad columns during movements;
----- - air defense in small and large halts, in areas of day (night) rests,
and in areas of twenty-four hour rest;
----- - air defense while crossing bridges, in major road junction areas,
during passage through mountain passes, defiles, and tunnels.
Conveying Instructions of the General Staff (Military District of front)
on Air Defense
Air defense of troops during movements are conducted by army air defense troops
(i.e., army organic and attached air defense means) in coordination
(interaction) with national air defense large units, and air defense troops of
military districts, through areas which the army moves, and sometimes in
cooperation with naval air defense means. Air defense is organized in the
following ways:
----- - on the basis of instructions from the general staff (when the army is
directly under the Supreme High Command);
----- - in accordance with instructions from military districts;
----- - front staff (when army is under their command).
The general staff (military district command) specifies the following in their
instructions:
----- - which large units of national air defense forces and military district
(front) air defense forces and means are deployed in the sector of army
movements and what missions are assigned to them;
----- - methods of interaction of army air defense troops with the above air
defense forces;
----- - methods of reconnaissance of the aerial enemy and warning army troops
about the flight of enemy aircraft.
Making Decisions on Air Defense During Long-Distance Marches and Army Movements
While making decisions the army commander assesses the following factors:
----- - situations and capabilities of army air defense troops;
----- - groupings of national air defense forces and air defense means of
military districts (fronts) which are deployed in army sectors of
movement (march);
----- - groupings, capabilities, and characteristics of actions of the aerial
enemy.
Based on the assessments of the above factors the army commander gives the
following instructions to the army's chief of air defense:
----- - which groupings of forces and targets must be covered at what phases;
----- - how interaction between army, national air defense forces, and air
defense forces and means of military districts (fronts) should be
established;
----- - methods of conduct of reconnaissance of enemy, warning, and control of
the air defense troops during the march (movement).
Planning Army Air Defense in Long-Distance Marches and Movements
On the basis of the army commander's decisions and instructions from the higher
staff, the army's chief of air defense (PVO) prepares the plan of army air
defenses. It is planned on a map and covers the entire depth of army movements
(marches) with written instructions. The following elements are reflected in
the plan:
----- - deductions from assessments of aerial enemies;
----- - sectors and directions of army troops marches, departure areas
(starting areas), and aims of marches;
----- - marching formations of the army and locations for air defense troops in
the formation;
----- - Concentration areas per combat alarm signal, assembly areas, areas of
embarkation and debarkation, areas of halts, day (night) rests, areas of
twenty-four hour rest, passes, bridges, defiles and crossings and time for
crossing them. Critical targets which need to be covered against air attacks
(rear service troops and units, crossing sites, mountain passes, defiles, road
junctions, etc.);
----- - composition and groupings of national (military district, front)
air defense forces in army march sectors and methods of interaction with them;
----- - composition, capabilities, and groupings of army air defense troops and
their relocation through the entire depth of march;
----- - organization of defense for air defense rockets and artillery;
----- - air defense cover by fighter aircraft;
----- - radar reconnaissance and methods of control of radar reconnaissance
elements;
----- - methods for numbering air targets during the passage of army troops
through national air defense large units and through territories of Warsaw Pact
allies;
----- - methods of warning of marching troops;
----- - level of combat-readiness and duty (dejurnie)
troops of air defense forces;
----- - availability, delivery, and distribution of air defense rockets and
shells.
In annexes to the plan diagrams of warning and signal, and required tables and
graphics are prepared.
The plan for air defense is signed by the army's chief of staff and chief of
air defense. It is approved by the army commander.
Prior to the march and during the march, the plan is coordinated with related
commanders of national air defense army and air defense chiefs of military
districts (fronts).
Combat missions on air defense are conveyed to troops by combat instructions on
air defense. These instructions are signed by the army's chief of staff and
chief of air defense.
Conduct of Air Defense Cover by Air Defense Rocket and Artillery During Army
Long-Distance Movements
When the army moves by its organic means, groupings of air defense means, in
accordance with decisions of army commanders on types of movements (marches)
and formations to be established, must provide covering for main groupings of
forces against aerial enemy strikes, primarily first-echelon troops, rocket
brigades, and command posts.
The distribution of air defense units and subunits to movement directions and
marching columns must support and insure the following:
----- - their rapid deployment into combat formations;
----- - establishment of strong reconnaissance and fire systems during stops,
rests, halts, and arrival in assembly areas.
The air defense battery of motorized rifle and tank regiments, as a rule, moves
by platoons in the composition of the march column of the advance guard or the
main body in a status to be prepared to fire from movement or from short halts.
The distance between platoons must provide for fire communications.
Infantry subunits must be ready to fire against low flying targets using
infantry weapons and antiaircraft machine guns.
Air defense regiment of the division normally moves in batteries. Its
composition is interspersed through march columns in a status which provides
fire communications between batteries, i.e., batteries must be up to five
kilometers apart from one another in march columns and they must always be
prepared to fire from movement or from short halts.
It is recommended that the S-75 air defense rocket regiment be moved behind the
advance guard and at the head of the main body column. As a rule it moves on
two directions and is constantly ready to deploy into combat formation. The
distance between battalions must provide for fire communications.
At halt areas, areas of rest, and in assembly areas air defense units and
subunits prepare in order to accomplish the following:
----- - deploy into combat formations;
----- - occupy positions near movement routes;
----- - establish reconnaissance and troop control;
----- - take measures to receive warning signals about the aerial enemy.
During the movement a portion of air defense troops may deploy in advance in
critical areas such as the following:
----- - bridges;
----- - passages;
----- - defiles;
---- - crossings;
----- - etc.
They move to such areas with forward detachments and advance guards. If meeting
the enemy is not likely, air defense troops move in advance to those areas and
support forward detachments advance guards) and the main body. They then
reassemble behind the column of the main body and resume marching.
Reconnaissance and Control
Reconnaissance and warning is conducted by national air defense forces radars
and front radars operating at the front. In order to receive information
about flight of enemy aircraft, radios are put in reception mode at divisions
air defense control points and at command posts of air defense units. They
receive information from the aforementioned sources.
Army air defense radio technical battalions move on army routes behind or in
front of command posts. In the assembly area one to two radar companies deploy
and stay under cover. They must be constantly ready to initiate actions to
conduct reconnaissance.
Warning within marching columns is conducted by sound and visual signals. In
order to observe the enemy and warn the troops in each column and in each
subunit air observers are assigned.
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