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SOVIET VOROSHILOV ACADEMY LECTURES
FRONT AND ARMY OPERATIONS

 

ARTILLERY

 

DOCUMENTS RELATING TO ARTILLERY PLANNING


 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 

Front Artillery 1

Combat Instructions of TVD Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery to the Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery of Front 1

Suggestions of Chief of Artillery and Rocket Forces of the Front during the Estimate of the Situation by the Front Commander 2

Combat Instructions of Front Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery on Employment of Rocket Troops and Artillery to Army Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery 7
Combat Instructions of the Front Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery to the Army Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery 9

Order of Front Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery to the Front Anti-tank Reserve 11

Distribution of Front Artillery and Artillery Units of VGK 12

Graphic of Initial Nuclear Strike 13

Echelonment of Artillery Material Means in the Front 14

Army Artillery 15

Combat Instructions from Front Chief of RT&A to Army on Rocket Troops and Artillery 15

Instructions of the Army Commander on Determing Missions, Targets, and Means for using Rocket Forces 17

Instructions of the Army Commander in Determining the Missions for Artillery 17

Suggestions of the Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery During Estimate of the Situation by the Army Commander 18

Instructions of Army Chief of RT&A on Rocket Troops and Artillery to a Division Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery 22

Planning Combat Employment of Rocket Troops and Artillery in Army Offensive Operations 25

Distribution of Army Artillery and Front Artillery 27

Graphic of Artillery Preparatory Fire 28

Availability and Location of Material Supplies 29

Division Artillery 30

Instructions from Chief of RT&A at Army 30

Suggestions of Chief of RT&A to Commander 30

Suggestions of Division Chief of RT&A to the Division Commander during the Making of the Decision 31

Instructions of the Division Commander on Determining Missions, Targets, and Means for using Rocket Forces 33

Instructions of the Division Commander in Determining the Missions for Artillery 33

Planning Combat Employment of Rocket Troops and Artillery in Division Offensive Operations 33

Distribution of Artillery and Artillery Units from Army 34

Graphic of Arty Prep Fire 34

Graphic of Initial Nuclear Strike 35

Annex to Div Arty Fire Plan 35

Echelonment of Ammunition Supply in the Division 35

Division Artillery Plan 41

Combat Order from the Division Chief of Artillery on Artillery to the Division Artillery Regiment 42

Instructions of Division Chief of RT&A on Artillery to the Chief of Artillery of a Regiment 43

Combat Instructions of Chief of Artillery of Division on Combat Employment of Artillery to the Chief of Artillery of a Motor Rifle or Tank Regiment 44

 
 

LIST OF FIGURES


Figure 1 Assessment of opposing nuclear missile units 2

Figure 2 Ammunition requirements and supply 4

Figure 3 Distribution of artillery 12

Figure 4 Graphic of initial nuclear strike 13

Figure 5 Echelonment of material means in the front 14

Figure 6 Distribution of army and front artillery 27

Figure 7 Graphic of artillery prep fire 28

Figure 8 Distribution of artillery and Arty units from Army 36

Figure 9 Graphic of Artillery Preparation Fire 37

Figure 10 Graphic of Initial Nuclear Strike 38

Figure 11 Annex to Division Artillery fire Plan 39

Figure 12 Echelonment of Ammunition Supply in the Division 40



 
 

Front Artillery

Artillery support is a fundamental and critical part of every Soviet major combat operation. At the front level the commander uses his artillery to influence the outcome of the operation by strongly weighing the amount of front artillery he provides to the army(ies) making the main attack. The necessary calculations and resulting directives and instructions are prepared by the staff of the chief of artillery and rocket troops.


Combat Instructions of TVD Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery to the Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery of Front

The following points are included in the instructions on employment of rocket troops and artillery issued by the TVD chief of rocket troops and artillery to the chief of rocket troops and artillery of fronts:
----- artillery forces which are designated to support the front, their time of arrival and location of deployment, their composition and level of manning in personnel and weapons; shown in a table indicating unit organization, number and type of guns;
----- boundary line between strategic and front nuclear strikes;
----- planned rocket fires of front with the aim of conducting the first nuclear strike on the basis of exact reconnaissance data to destroy the following targets:
----- destruction of nuclear weapons such as nuclear rockets, aviation with nuclear bombs, and nuclear depots;
----- destruction of main grouping of enemy including his tactical nuclear forces;
----- destruction of troops control system including CP's, signal centers, and aviation navigation posts;
----- destruction of PVO means and radars;
----- suppression of rear service targets.
----- during the preparation period and course of the offensive all rocket forces come to the highest combat readiness and one third of rocket forces assume direct readiness # 3 to prepare to fire;
----- the quantity of chemical, nuclear, and conventional rocket warheads available for the operation;
----- the quantity of ammunition available for use in the offensive;
----- to insure the rapid movement of forces on the direction of the main attack, use only chemical or air burst nuclear strikes in order to avoid destruction on the terrain;
----- deliver ammunition directly to the gun positions at the outset to support the rapid resupply during the fire preparation phase;
----- targets on the front axis that will be destroyed by strategic aviation and nuclear submarine fire;
----- means for receiving reconnaissance data from space;
----- preparation of main and alternate positions for rocket forces and artillery in the FUP area for the offensive; deployment of artillery and rocket forces and operational maskirovka including the use of radio electronic combat means for maskirovka;
----- support for the commitment into the engagement of the second echelon armies or fronts from the strategic reserves.



Suggestions of Chief of Artillery and Rocket Forces of the Front during the Estimate of the Situation by the Front Commander

The presentation by the chief of rocket troops and artillery to the front commander is in three parts; his estimate of the situation pertaining to enemy artillery forces and means, his summary of the status of own artillery resources, and his suggestions (recommendations) on the best employment of artillery and rocket forces in support of the front mission. The main points include the following as illustrated in this sample for the Central Front:



Enemy forces:

Directly opposing the front are located the I UK (blue) Army Corps, I BE (violet) Army Corps, III GE (brown_ Army Corps, V and VII (green) U. S. Army Corps. In their composition are included the following rocket and atomic artillery.



Enemy Forces
Figure 1 - assessment of opposing enemy nuclear units




ENEMY NUCLEAR ROCKET AND ARTILLERY
Atomic artillery Nuclear rockets Nuclear Warheads
Unit 155mm bns 203mm bns Lance Sergeant Pershing
I UK Corps 3 1 1 1 110
I BE Corps 2 1 1 1 40
III GE Corps 3 1 1 1 60
V U. S. Corps 2 2 1 1 1 150
VII U.S. Corps 3 2 1 1 1 180
Strategic med. range rockets 360
Total 900

Strategic rockets and operational/tactical rockets have occupied their firing positions and are at a state of higher combat readiness. But part of the tactical rockets and atomic artillery to this time have not occupied their positions. The range of fire of the 155mm guns is 18,100 meters, the 203.4 mm guns is 21,000 meters, the the Honest John rocket is 40 km, the Sergeant is 140 km, and the Pershing is 740 km.

The range of the medium strategic rockets 2500 kms.

The enemy in the first nuclear strike may employ up to 700 nuclear warheads and may suppress the front's forces to the full depth. This requires that the enemy's preparation to employ nuclear weapons be carefully and exactly observed and at the determination of his preparedness it is essential that front forces preempt the enemy with our own strike. This will require that the rocket forces be kept at the highest level of preparedness. The enemy's medium range strategic rockets are located in the following areas; ___, ___, and___. Pershing positions are located at ___ and ___ and ___. Sergeant battalions are located ___, ___, and ___. The positions of the Sergeant battalions of the Vth and VIIth Corps have not yet be determined. Reconnaissance must locate their positions and follow them.

Assessment of high precision weapons: inncludes the following points; grouping, composition, location, character of activities, capabilities;

The enemy has designated firing positions in his covering force area, however his artillery has not yet occupied positions there;

On the forward defense line the majority of artillery is in prepared positions. The enemy self-propelled artillery at the beginning of its combat action will rapidly occupy its positions and camouflage them and be prepared to fire. For this reason artillery reconnaissance and air and radio-technical reconnaissance must find these positions quickly and report on them. The depth of enemy's range of fire is up to 20 km. For this reason the main forces of the motor rifle and tank formations and units must not occupy FUP areas for the offensive closer than 20 km from the enemy defense lines.

 
 

Own forces

The Central Front has been reenforced for the offensive with 3 artillery divisions and 2 heavy artillery brigades of the reserve of the high command. The composition of these forces in personnel is 90% and from the point of view of equipment 95%.

The Central Front has 5 armies and the artillery of the high command, this all totals to 6400 artillery and mortars and almost 2500 anti-tank guns and guided rockets. In accordance with this, the front is capable and prepared to conduct breakthrough of the enemy defense at a total width of 32 km. The density of artillery on a single km of front will be 100 - 120 guns and mortars.

Supplies of ammunition are at designated norms at the units and army and front depots. For conduct of the offensive operation the front expenditure requirements in ammunition, its resupply during the operation, and creation of supply reserves at the end of the operation are shown in the following table:

 
 

Figure 2 Ammunition requirements and supply


AMMUNITION REQUIREMENTS, ECHELONMENT, AND RESUPPLY

DURING FRONT OPERATION

TYPES OF AMMUNITION IN UNITS OF FIRE
TOTAL REQUIREMENT, QUANTITY, ECHELONMENT AND RESUPPLY SMALL ARMS ARTY & MTRS MRL TANK PVO AIR
TOTAL REQUIRED 4-4.5 7.5-9.0 7.5-9.O 7.5-8.0 8.5-9.5 22-23
QUANTITY ON HAND 2.15 3.25 3.25 5.25 5.75 17.5
WITH TROOP UNITS 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.25 2.0
AT ARMY DEPOTS 0.15 0.30 0.30 0.40 0.50
AT FRONT DEPOTS 1.0 1.95 1.95 2.6 3.25 17.5

(AIR)

ARRIVE DURING OPERATION 1.85-2.3 4.25-5.75 4.25-5.75 2.25-2.75 2.75-3.75
USED IN OPERATION 1.85-2.3 4.24-5.75 4.25-5.75 2.25-2.75 2.75-3.75
CREATE SUPPLY AT END OF OPERATION 2.15 3.25 3.25 5.25 5.75

For conduct of artillery preparation we must supply to the initial firing positions 2.5 units of fire. This is a critical task that will require the attention of the rear service transport elements.


 
 

Suggestions:

One most important mission of artillery during the offensive is the successful completion of the breakthrough of the enemy defense positions. To enable the front artillery organization to be capable of fulfilling that mission, for its conduct, I suggest that the front organize the following artillery groups in the armies , divisions, and regiments:
----- for armies - up to 10 battalions;
----- for divisions on main axis - up to 6 battalions;
----- for regiments on main axis - up to 4 battalions;

For repelling enemy tank attacks I recommend front create the following anti-tank reserves of the formations, large units, and units:
----- a. in the front - 2 anti-tank reserves, one with the composition of up to 1-2 anti-tank brigades and the other of the combat helicopter regiment MI-24 ;
----- b. in the armies - 1 anti-tank regiment;
----- c. in divisions that are on the main axis - 1 anti-tank battalion;
----- d. in the regiments that are on the main axis - 2 anti-tank batteries;

I recommend the distribution of the artillery from the reserve of the high command in the following manner:
----- a. First Guards Tank Army - ___ division;
----- b. Eight Guard Army - ___ division:
----- d. 28th Guards Army - ___division;
----- e.

During the commitment into the engagement of the second echelon army, it should be reenforced with the following artillery ___division;
----- Anti-tank reserve for the armies=___ brigades

The width of the breakthrough sector for armies should be distributed as follows:
----- First Guards Tank Army - 8 km
----- Eight Guards Army - 8 km;
----- 28th Guards Army - 8 km;
----- _______ - 8 km

Duration for conduct of artillery preparatory fire and the participation of artillery in it will be determined according the actual situation conditions and the nature of the enemy defense according the recommendations of the chiefs of artillery of the armies.

Artillery support during the course of the offensive must be conducted in a manner to insure the uninterrupted forward movement of the tank and motor-rifle forces. I recommend that, if the enemy has a deep defense area, artillery preparatory fire must be conducted by means of single or double barrage fire to the depth of the full positions of the first echelon battalions, and by means of single or double successive fire to the depth of the first echelon brigades. Artillery accompanying fire should be by means of massive and concentration fire.

 
 

Rocket forces

The majority of rocket forces of front are moving into their position areas, and rocket forces of the armies have occupied their positions and division rocket forces are located at a distance of 10 km from the state border in accordance with plans. They have occupied their positions and they are prepared. One third of the rocket forces of front and armies are at a status of combat alert at level 3 of combat readiness for firing. Rocket forces of the front, armies, and divisions in personnel are at 93% and in combat equipment at 97%.

Front has in its composition 100 launchers R-65 and 92 R-300 launchers. For the initial nuclear strike the front is capable of destroying 6 - 9 enemy divisions, and also to suppress nuclear depots, command posts of army groups, corps, divisions, and brigades; the important centers of alarm and guidance, and control of air forces, PVO; and it also may partly suppress tactical aviation on the airfields and also the basic majority of anti-air rockets.

Front for the conduct of the offensive requires 484 rockets, of which 182 are the R-300. At present 250 FROG (R-65) and 140 SCUD (R-300) are on hand in the rocket units and the remainder will arrive during the course of the operation.

For conduct of the offensive operation, the front requires 500 conventional rocket R-65 and 276 rockets R-300 and 200 chemical rockets for R-65 and 92 rockets R-300. All these are on hand in the rocket units.
The most important mission of rocket forces during the offensive is conduct of the initial nuclear strike. In this strike I recommend that we destroy the following targets:
----- a. enemy nuclear rocket in areas ___, ___;
---------- nuclear storage at ___, ___;
---------- aviation carrying nuclear weapons at ___, and ___;
----- b. destruction of___, and ___ divisions of ___ Corps and ___ division of___corps etc.;
----- c. destruction of command posts of corps ___, ___; and signal communication centers in ___ area; centers for guidance of aviation at ___.
----- d. destruction of anti-air defense system at ___ etc. and radar stations at ___. suppression of rear service targets at ___, ___.

With the aim of strengthening the front initial nuclear strike, I recommend that the rocket forces of divisions of the second echelon armies also participate in it. For this I recommend that they also occupy firing positions at 10 km from the state border.



 
 

Combat Instructions of Front Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery on Employment of Rocket Troops and Artillery to Army Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery


The following points are included in the instructions given by the front chief of rocket troops and artillery to the chief of rocket troops and artillery at army:
----- what artillery formations and units and anti-tank units are being assigned to reenforce the army;
----- the time for their assignment, location of their deployment and their organization and composition;
----- organization of security (cover) provided by artillery and rocket forces for the deployment of the army and occupation of the FUP areas by the main army forces;
----- width of the army breakthrough sector in the enemy first defensive line and the density of artillery per kilometer of breakthrough frontage, the time of artillery preparatory fire and amount of ammunition to be used in the preparatory fire;
----- the composition of artillery groups:
----- army group
----- divisions on main attack axis;
----- regiments on main attack axis;
----- methods for conduct of support and accompanying fire;
----- means for use of artillery and rocket forces in securing the commitment into the engagement of the second echelon army of the front;
----- organization of anti-tank reserve;
----- army reserve;
----- division on main attack axis;
----- regiments on main attack axis;
----- conduct of air preparation, support, and accompaniment during the corresponding phases of artillery fire including its direction against which targets and reserves in interaction with artillery;
----- quantity of expenditure of ammunition during the offensive and amount required for creation of reserves at end of the operation;
----- how to resupply ammunition during the fire preparation phase directly to army, division, and regimental artillery groups.

 
 

Rocket forces

Upon receipt of the alarm signal how the rocket and artillery forces will shift to the higher state of combat readiness with 30% of rockets going to preparation stage number 3, ready to fire, with the aim of being ready for destruction of the most important enemy targets (especially nuclear weapons) and for participation in the front initial nuclear strike;
----- which rocket forces will participate in the initial nuclear strike;
----- planning for the army rocket forces with the aim of their participation in the front initial nuclear strike conducted on the basis of exact reconnaissance data, for the destruction of the following targets:
----- destruction of nuclear weapons, rockets, launchers, aviation carrying nuclear bombs, atomic artillery, and nuclear depots.
----- destruction of the main forces of which corps and divisions in what region;
----- destruction of control points of divisions and brigades in the area ___ and aviation control navigation centers;
----- destruction of PVO forces and means in which areas, and radar locating stations located ___.
----- suppression of rear service targets in specified regions;
----- plan to use air bursts and chemical strikes in areas on the main attack axis with the aim of reducing the collateral damage to the area and reduce radiation;
----- plan and graphic of the participation of rocket forces in the nuclear strike must be prepared and delivered to the front staff by ___ time;
----- targets in the army area which will be destroyed by front forces;
----- quantity of resupply of nuclear, chemical, and conventional racket warheads during the operation, divided according to use in front first nuclear strike and by army missions;
----- security provided by artillery for commitment into the engagement of the front second echelon;
----- means for securing reconnaissance data from space;
----- time to be prepared to accomplish assigned missions.



 
 

Combat Instructions of the Front Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery to the Army Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery

Series number
Secret \
Copy number #

To: Chief of Artillery of Eighth Guards Army

Combat instructions on employment of artillery

Command Post ___: Time ___: Date___:

Map__: Scale__; Time of year:

1. The 100th Artillery Division and 103rd Heavy Artillery Brigade of the reserve of the high command are assigned to the army for the offensive. The artillery division will arrive at ___ hrs on ___ date in ___(location) area. The heavy artillery brigade at ___hrs on ___ date will assemble in ___ area. The organization, types of weapons, and number of guns per battery are shown in annex # 1.

2. With the aim of securing (covering) the deployment of the main forces of the army, the destruction of possible enemy strikes, and support for the army going over onto the offensive, each first echelon division will deploy three or four artillery battalions in the covering force area. Prepare positions for this artillery at a distance of 3-7 kms from the state border. Also with this aim and for participation of the rocket battalions of first echelon divisions in the initial nuclear strike, deploy these battalions 10 km from the state border. These positions are camouflaged against enemy observation and reconnaissance. In the army FUP areas with the aim of repelling possible enemy strikes, prepare and camouflage main and alternate positions for artillery;

3. The army breakthrough zone in the enemy forward first defense zone is not less than 8 km wide and the density of artillery in this zone will be not less than 110 guns and mortars per km.

4. During the breakthrough of the defense and during the course of the offensive organize the following artillery groups in army, divisions, and regiments that are on the main axis of advance:
----- army artillery group of not less than 10 battalions;
----- division artillery groups of 6 battalions;
----- regimental artillery groups on main axes of up to 4 battalions;

5. With the aim of development of the offensive at a high tempo into the depth of the enemy defense, artillery support fire will be conducted up to the depth of the rear of the enemy first echelon brigades by means of single and double barrage fire and successive concentration fire. After this, accompanying fire for attacking forces will be conducted by concentration fire or massive fire.

6. Commitment into the engagement of the front second echelon army will be supported by a minimum of 10 artillery battalions in the composition of army, division, and regimental artillery groups in the region of commitment in addition to the artillery of the second echelon itself.

7. The composition of the anti-tank reserve of army, divisions, and regiments will be designated by the chief of rocket troops and artillery at the decision of the army commander. (Note that in the composition of the army anti-tank reserve will be the anti-tank brigade of the reserve of the high command.

8. During the conduct of the artillery preparation, support, and accompanying fire; aviation preparation, support, and accompaniment will be conducted by three fighter bomber regimental sorties. Designation of targets and times for air strikes and for support of the security of aviation during fire preparation and the course of the operation is coordinated between the chiefs of rocket troops and artillery, PVO, and the center of combat control of the air army.

9. The quantity of ammunition for the offensive and for creation of reserves at the end of the operation is shown in the annex.

10. For the conduct of fire preparation during the breakthrough of the enemy first line ammunition will be delivered and dumped directly at the firing positions of regimental, division, and army artillery groups. Plan that the duration of fire preparation will be 40 minutes and the quantity of ammunition expended will be 1 unit of fire. This may be changed as needed according to the latest reconnaissance data.

11. The time to be prepared to fulfill the missions is ___.

12. Command posts are located at___.


Signed Chief of front artillery
Chief of Staff of front artillery
Chief of artillery operations department



 
 

Order of Front Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery to the Front Anti-tank Reserve


Serial Number
SECRET
Copy Number

To: the Commander of Front AT Reserve # 1

Order from chief of rocket troops and artillery

Command post __ Time__ Date__ Map__ Scale__ year__

1. Assessment of enemy

In accordance with the worsening international situation, the commander in chief of NATO forces is secretly bringing NATO forces to full combat readiness and plans a sudden surprise attack on the Warsaw Pact forces. Directly in front of the Central Front are located the forces of the Vth and VIIth U. S. Corps, the IIIrd German Corps, the IInd Belgian Corps, and the Ist British Corps; in the first echelon. These units have the following: ___motorized, mechanized and tank divisions with ___ nuclear rockets, ___atomic artillery, ___tanks, ___ artillery and mortars, ___air defense weapons, ___ helicopters, and ___ combat aircraft.

In the second echelon the U. S. IIIrd Corps deploys and the forces of the West German and French armies are mobilizing to create reserves. In the composition of these forces are the following: ___motorized, mechanized and tank divisions with ___ nuclear rockets, ___atomic artillery, ___tanks, ___ artillery and mortars, ___air defense weapons, ___ helicopters, and ___ combat aircraft. The enemy against the Central Front has ___ medium range strategic rockets. The enemy operations are supported by the 4th OTAC with ___ combat aircraft.

2. The Central Front delivers its main attack on the axis ___. which is conducted by the forces of the 8th Guards Army. The front immediate mission is to seize the line ___ by the 6th day. The front will commit into the engagement the 7th Guards Tank Army on the axis ___ , and on the 13th day reach the coast line between __ and __.

3. The front commander in chief orders:

The ___ Anti-tank Brigade will form the first AT reserve of the front and will deploy in the region ___. It conducts battle against the enemy tanks on the axis of the front main attack: possible lines of repelling enemy counter attacks of tanks are planned ahead to be the following:
----- Line # 1: ___ to ___ axis __
----- Line # 2: ___ to ___ axis ___
----- Line # 3: ___ to ___ axis __
----- Line # 4: ___ to ___ axis ___

The AT reserve during the course of operation moves behind the ___ division of the 8th Guards Army. It will be prepared to repel counterattacking enemy tanks in coordination with the front 1st Mobile Obstacle Detachment and other forces of the army.

4. The quantity of ammunition for the AT artillery and AT rockets during the offensive is 8 units of fire.

5. The time to be prepared to fulfill missions is ___.

6. The command post of the chief of artillery and rocket forces is ___.

Signature: Chief of artillery
Signature: Chief of staff of artillery
Signature: Chief of artillery operations department


 
 

Figure 3 - Distribution of Front Artillery and Artillery Units of VGK

 
 

Figure 4 - Graphic of Initial Nuclear Strike

 
 

Figure 5 - Echelonment of Artillery Material Means in the Front

 
 

Army Artillery

The following section contains the documents prepared by and used in the artillery directorate in the course of organizing and planning artillery support for army operations.



 
 

Combat Instructions from Front Chief of RT&A to Army on Rocket Troops and Artillery

The front staff in the name of the commander issues instructions to each army on the details of rocket troops and artillery. The instructions elaborate on the information about artillery found in the front operations directive. The instructions are issued by the front chief of rocket troops and artillery directly to the army chief of rocket troops and artillery. The latter uses these instructions as one basis for his clarification of mission, estimate of situation and decision. He briefs the army commander on the content of these instructions as part of his report and suggestions during the army commander's decision making process. The following points are included in the front instructions:
----- which artillery and anti-tank formations and units (by specific designation) will be reenforcing the army;
----- how many nuclear and chemical warheads for rockets will be available for expenditure by the army for the operation, their distribution for the front first nuclear strike and by army mission;
----- expenditure of conventional rockets given by mission, the possibilities for their resupply during the operation, and how many to keep on hand at the end of the operation;
----- army's allowable expenditure of ammunition during the operation, its possible resupply during the operation, and the quantity of ammunition to have on hand at the conclusion of the operation;
----- on the receipt of the alarm signal a minimum of 30 % of the rocket forces of the army must be at the highest stage of full combat readiness in order to be ready for participation in the first nuclear strike of the front and destruction of important targets;
----- planning for the army's participation by rocket forces in the front nuclear strike will be on the basis of detailed reconnaissance data obtained by the army for the destruction of the following targets:

---------- a. destruction of nuclear forces, supply depots, and nuclear capable air forces;
---------- b. destruction of basic main forces of enemy divisions of the first and second-echelon of the opposing corps in the army area;
---------- c. destruction of command posts of the enemy corps and division and control posts for aviation;
---------- d. destruction of PVO rockets and radar installations;
---------- e. destruction of main rear service targets;

-----the army will use air bursts from nuclear rockets and chemical weapons on the main attack axis, with the aim of preventing destruction that would block the movement of our forces;
----- the plan and graphic showing the participation of the army rocket force in the front nuclear strike must be sent to the front by ____ hrs;
----- targets that will be destroyed by front nuclear forces in the army area of operations are the following: ______, _____,
----- the army must create the following army, division, and regiment artillery groups on the main attack axis in the following manner;
---------- army artillery group of ten battalions;
---------- division artillery groups of six battalions each;
---------- regimental artillery groups on the main attack axes of four battalions each;

----- the creation of the army, division, and regimental anti-tank reserves will be in accordance with the decision of the chiefs of rocket troops and artillery;
----- the army will organize and place in position rocket troops and artillery groups to support the deployment of the main forces into the FUP areas and occupation of the covering area near the border to defend against possible enemy initial surprise attack (invasion);
----- the army will break through the enemy main line of defense in a breakthrough area of ten kilometers width and the density of artillery per km. will be not less than 110 guns and mortars;
----- fire support will be conducted to the depth of the defending brigades of defender's first-echelon by means of successive concentration fire and barrage fire on one or two lines;
----- ammunition for use during the preparatory fire on the first defense line will be distributed to the weavpons firing positions of the army, division, and regimental artillery groups;
----- support for the commitment of the second-echelon army will be provided by a minimum of ten artillery battalions;
----- during the artillery preparation there will also be air preparation by the air army on targets and reserves that are located in the depth of the breakthrough area;
----- the army will receive intelligence from cosmic reconnaissance means in the following manner.



 
 

Instructions of the Army Commander on Determing Missions, Targets, and Means for using Rocket Forces

The army commander issues instructions on his general policies and principles for the employment of rocket forces. This guidance is taken by the chief of rocket troops and artillery and it forms one of the bases for the detailed planning of rocket troops. The guidance includes the following points:
----- the following enemy groups and targets will be destroyed in the first nuclear strike by the army and division rocket forces:
---------- a. destruction of nuclear means and nuclear depots in the following locations ____. ____ and nuclear capable air units in the following locations ____,____;
---------- b. destruction of main forces of this ____ and ____ and ____ divisions;
---------- c. destruction of command posts of the ____ corps at the following locations ____, of the ____ divisions at ____-, and ____, and ____; and the air control points at ____-and ___-;
---------- d. destruction of PVO points at locations ____,____, and --; and radar installations at ____ and ____;
---------- e. destruction of rear service targets at ____, ____, and ____;
----- the enemy forces will be destroyed to the following level in percent using the following types of warheads and bursts -( for example, air burst of 20 kt);
----- the forces and means that will participate in the first nuclear strike (divisions including 2nd echelon);
----- distribution of nuclear and chemical weapons ammunition by mission and between formations;
----- reserve of nuclear and chemical ammunition;

I will listen to the suggestions of the chief of rocket troops and artillery during the estimate of the situation .



 
 

Instructions of the Army Commander in Determining the Missions for Artillery;

The army commander also issues instructions giving his guidance for the employment of artillery in support of the coming operation. The instructions include the following points:
----- the composition of artillery groups and distribution of artillery among the formations;
----- designate the specific composition of the army artillery group and composition of the anti-tank reserve;
----- designate the main missions for artillery during the preparation phase and the course of the operation;
----- designate the breakthrough area, time for artillery preparation, depth of artillery support and its type; and the quantity of ammunition which will be used;
----- which artillery will participate in the artillery preparation;
----- how artillery will support the commitment of the army second-echelon division;



 
 

Suggestions of the Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery During Estimate of the Situation by the Army Commander


Enemy forces

The forces of the Vth American Corps, which has in its composition the following rocket and atomic artillery, are located in front of the army.

ARTILLERY OPPOSING 8TH GUARDS ARMY

Division Conventional arty Atomic arty Missiles Nuclear warheads
155mm AT means 155mm 203.4mm Lance Pershing
8th Mech. 54 ATGM-36

ATgun-117

18 40
3rd Armor 54 153 18
Corps Arty 36 36
MRBM 60
Total 210

In front of the army medium strategic rockets are located, which occupy their positions and are at the level of higher combat readiness. Operational/tactical rockets also have occupied their firing positions, but part of the tactical rockets and the atomic artillery have not occupied their prepared firing positions. The range of the 155 mm howitzers of atomic artillery 18,000 meters
-----Range of the 203.4 mm howitzers artillery 21,000 meters.
-----Range of the Honest John 40 km.
-----Range of the Sergeant 140 km.
-----Range of the Pershing 740 km.
-----Range of the medium range strategic rockets is 2500 km.

The enemy in the first nuclear strike can employ up to 200 nuclear warheads against the army forces and rear service targets. It can hit all the army targets. With the objective of countering the enemy's nuclear weapons it is essential that the following measures be accomplished:
----- maintain all rocket forces at highest level of combat readiness;
----- designate reconnaissance to determine exactly the locations of enemy nuclear weapons, depots, and airfields on which are located nuclear capable aircraft;
----- observe and follow closely the enemy preparations to employ nuclear weapons and, if it is determined that he is nearly prepared to use nuclear weapons, we must strike first with a initial nuclear strike;
----- with the objective of protection of forces from mass destruction weapons, build bunkers, revetments, and shelters in the FUP areas for the offensive for all rocket forces and artillery, motor rifle, and other forces and command posts;

Until now the following enemy nuclear weapons positions have been located:
----- medium strategic rocket units in region ___, ___;
----- positions of Pershing in regions ___, ___;
----- positions of Lance in regions ___, ___;
----- positions of Honest John in regions ___, ___;
----- positions of 203.4 mm howitzers in regions ___, ___;
----- positions of the 155 mm howitzers in regions ___, ___;

Positions of the Lance, Pershing, and 203.4 mm howitzers have not yet been located.

It is necessary to discover and determine these positions.

Assessment of the enemy high precision weapons: Grouping, conditions, and character of operation and capabilities;

Conventional artillery: The enemy designates artillery positions in his covering forces area but has not yet constructed the engineer fortifications for them. The enemy positions for artillery in the first defense area are prepared but not yet occupied. The majority of enemy artillery is self propelled and at the start of his combat operations they may rapidly occupy and camouflage their positions and be prepared to open fire. Artillery reconnaissance and artillery aviation and radio technical reconnaissance must determine the enemy's occupation of artillery positions and also the reconnaissance means must determine the movement and occupation of firing position by artillery in the covering force area. The range of enemy artillery is 20km. He may destroy our forces up to 15 to 20 km from the state border.


 
 

Friendly forces

The army has been reenforced with one artillery division and one heavy artillery brigade from the reserve of the high command. The reenforcing and TOE artillery is at 90% in personnel manning and the equipment is at 95% strength.

The army artillery has occupied its firing positions in the FUP area and the majority of the artillery of the troop units has also occupied its firing positions in the FUP area. Part of the artillery of the divisions and regiments, located in the covering area, already has occupied its firing positions. Positions for repelling possible enemy initial strikes are prepared.

The artillery division and heavy artillery brigade of the high command reserve have accomplished their march to the designated locations and are ready to be distributed to divisions.

The army in its own composition with the reinforcing artillery has about 1400 artillery and mortars and 660 ATGM and anti-tank guns. The army at this composition is capable to accomplish the following missions:
----- breakthrough enemy defense on a width of 8 to 10 km with a density of artillery of 110 guns per km;
----- during a 20 minute fire preparation, destroy 750 hectares of targets and the army tanks can destroy 200 hectares, and the nuclear weapons may destroy 11,400 hectares of targets. During the course of this period may destroy 20 - 24 rocket launcher positions and 8 - 12 motor rifle battalions , and suppress 24 - 28 artillery batteries.

The level of ammunition supplies is at the designated norms.

The army requirements for ammunition and creation of reserves for the conclusion of the operation are shown in the following table.

ARMY AMMUNITION REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPLY
Requirements and locations Type of ammo in BK Small arms Artillery and mortar MRL Tank PVO
Total requirement With NUC 2.15-2.75 3.40-4.50 3.40-4.50 5.45-5.85 6.0-8.0
Without NUC 2.95-3.15 5.80-6.30 5.80-6.30 5.65-6.65 6.0-8.0
Total on hand 1.15 1.30 1.30 2.65 2.50
- with troop units 1.0 1.00 1.00 2.25 2.00
- in army depot 0.15 0.30 0.30 0.40 0.50
Receive during operation with NUC 1.0-1.6 2.1-3.2 2.1-3.2 2.4-3.3 3.5-5.6
without NUC 1.8-2.0 4.5-5.0 4.5-5.0 3.0-4.0 3.5-5.6
Expend during operation with NUC 1.0-1.6 2.1-3.2 2.1-3.2 2.4-3.3 3.5-5.6
without NUC 1.8-2.0 4.5-5.0 4.5-5.0 3.0-4.0 3.5-5.6
Create reserve at end of operation 1.5 1.3 1.3 2.65 2.5

One of the most important missions for artillery during the offensive operation is successful support of the breakthrough of the enemy defense. In order for the army artillery with reenforcement to fulfill this mission, I suggest the organization of the following artillery groups in the army and troop units:
----- army artillery group of 10 battalions;
----- division artillery groups for main axis division - 6 battalions
----- regimental artillery groups on main axis - up to 4 battalions;

For repelling enemy tank attacks, create the following anti-tank reserves:
----- anti-tank reserve for army of one anti-tank regiment;
----- anti-tank reserve for division on main axis - of one anti-tank battalion;
----- anti-tank reserve of regiments on main axis - 2 batteries.

I recommend the distribution of the artillery and anti-tank weapons between the division and elements of combat formation:
----- in the composition of the artillery group of army the 1st brigade of the reserve of the high command
----- in the composition of the reactive artillery group ___;
----- in the anti-tank reserve of the army ___ unit.
----- in the 16th Rifle Division : ___ units
----- in the 18th MRD ___
----- in the 19th MRD: ___ units
----- in the 21st MRD ___ units;

When the 17th and 20th Tank divisions are committed into the engagement they should have the following ___;

I recommend that the breakthrough be 8 km wide and each division have 4 kilometers.

Duration of the artillery fire preparation of 40 minutes and ammunition expenditure of 1 unit of fire. The density of artillery on the breakthrough sector will be 110 guns and mortars.

During the commitment of the second echelon division into the engagement in accordance with the situation the fire preparation may last 15 - 20 minutes with expenditure of .6 to .8 units of fire.

Artillery support fire must be conducted in a manner to support uninterrupted continuous movement of force into enemy depth. I recommend at the beginning of artillery support to employ double barrage fire to the depth of the enemy position of the first echelon battalions. After that by using successive concentration fire to the depth of the first echelon brigades.

Artillery accompanying fire with be conducted in accordance with the situation by use of concentration fire and massive fire.


 
 

Rocket forces:

The army rocket brigade occupies its positions in the FUP area and accomplishes engineer fortification and maskirovka. The rocket battalions of the divisions with the objective of participation in the initial nuclear strike move to the state border in order to occupy firing positions and one third of the army rocket forces are raised to the combat duty (alert status at the 3rd level of readiness for firing.

Rocket forces of army and division are manned at 93% of TOE and their equipment is at 97% level.

The army in total has 12 missile launchers and 24 R-64 rockets. With these rocket forces in the first nuclear strike of the front the army has the following capability:
----- destruction of Sergeant rockets in front of the army and 2 - 3 divisions with tactical nuclear means, or up 40% partially destroy 4 - 5 divisions.

The army in order to conduct the offensive requires 24 rockets R-300 and 72 rockets SS-21. Now it has 18 R-300 rockets and 54 SS-21 rockets. The remaining 6 R-300 rockets and 12 rockets SS-21 will be supplied during the course of the operation.

In order to conduct the operation 120 SS-21 conventional rockets and 36 R-300 conventional rockets and also 48 chemical rockets SS-21 and 12 rockets R-300. These rockets are already on hand in the units and sub=units.
The most important missions for rocket forces during the front initial nuclear strike I recommend destruction of the following targets:
----- nuclear rockets in regions ___,___;
----- airfields with nuclear weapons at ___,___;
----- nuclear depots at regions ___,___;
----- destruction of divisions at ___, and ___;
----- command posts of ___ and ___ division::
----- enemy anti-air rockets at ___, _)__
----- destruction of rear service targets at ___, __-

With the aim of reenforcing the nuclear strike I recommend that the rocket battalions of the 17th and 20th Tank divisions also participate in the initial nuclear strike. I recommend that these battalions occupy start positions in the areas ___, and ___.


 
 

Instructions of Army Chief of RT&A on Rocket Troops and Artillery to a Division Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery

The chief of rocket troops and artillery at the army level prepares instructions on various technical details of artillery activities for each division. These instructions provide the division artillery chiefs with information on their division requirements to fit the army plan, what resources they can expect, and other matters. The division chiefs report on this information to their commanders and use it as one of the bases for their artillery planning. The instructions contain the following points:
----- what artillery formations and units and anti-tank artillery units will be provided as reenforcement for the division;
----- what are the norms for expenditure of nuclear and chemical rockets will be for the operation and their distribution to the first nuclear strike and by missions;
----- what the norms for expenditure of conventional rockets during the battle will be and its resupply;
----- what will be the norms for expenditutre of ammunition during the preparatory fire and support fire, and for the division's important missions, and the capabilities for its resupply during the course of the battle;
----- what measures should be taken to bring the division rocket forces to full combat readiness;
----- what targets are designated for the division's rockets for planning the division's participation in the first nuclear strike, the yield of the rockets on each target, type of burst and height, time for being ready, and time for delivery of rocket and nuclear, chemical, and conventional warheads from depots to the firing units.
----- instructions for conduct of re-confirming reconnaissance and exact determination of the targets that will be destroyed in the initial nuclear strike of the front;
----- what support must be taken for protection of own troops during the nuclear strike;
----- which army artillery sub-group will support the division during the course of the day's battle; (The army artillery group is usually divided into subgroups for closer coordination of support with first-echelon divisions.) ----- composition of the division artillery group and regimental groups for regiments on the main attack axis (in number of battalions);
----- width of the breakthrough sector for the division, density of artillery per kilometer of front, and length of duration of the preparatory fire, composition of the fire preparation (usually it consists of 3-5 artillery strikes), means for delivery of ammunition to the gun firing positions;
----- details on movement of the artillery units to their forward firing positions in order to be ready for conduct of prepratory fire, the areas for the firing positions, time to arrive and be prepared, conduct of artillery reconnaissance, designation of the targets for the preparatory fire,
----- how support fire will be provided up to the depth of the defending first-echelon brigades and the types of artillery support fire;
----- methods for providing artillery accompanying fire during the battle;
----- composition and grouping of the artillery in the covering force area and its missions;



 
 

Combat Order of Army Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery on the Employment of Artillery to the Division Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery


Serial number
Secret
Copy Number


To: Chief of Artillery of 16th MRD

Combat order on employment of division artillery

Command post __ Time __ Date__ Map Scale __ Year


1. The 16th MRD will be reenforced for the offensive battle by the army artillery brigade and the first anti-tank battalion of the army anti tank regiment. The brigade will arrive in region ___ at ___ hours on ___ date; and the anti-tank battalion will assemble at ___ time in ___ area.

2. With the aim of securing the FUP area, repelling possible enemy strikes, and successfully going over to the offensive by division forces, the 16th MRD will deploy 4 artillery battalions forward, of which one artillery battalion will be from the regiment comprising the forward detachment. For this artillery, prepare firing positions at a distance of 3 to 8 km from the state border. Also deploy the division rocket battalion at a distance of 10 km from the state border and prepare for it a camouflaged position. In the division FUP area prepare main and alternate positions for the remaining artillery of division and regimental groups with the aim of repelling possible enemy attack.

3. The movement of the forward detachment through the enemy covering force area will be supported by a minimum of 3 artillery battalions. The remaining artillery forces of the division will be ready to support the deployment and entry into battle of the division main forces.

4. The division will conduct a breakthrough of the enemy forward defense zone on a width of 4 km. With the aim of supporting the required density of artillery in the breakthrough zone, bring forward the artillery of the division's second echelon regiment to participate in the preparatory fire. The duration of fire preparation will be 40 minutes and quantity of ammunition expended will be 1 unit of fire.

5. Create the following artillery groups:
----- division group of 6 battalions;
----- regimental groups on main axis of 4 battalions'
----- regimental groups on secondary axis of 2 - 3 battalions;

Firing positions for division artillery group and regimental artillery groups are designated in the following areas; ___, ___, ___, etc.

6. Artillery reconnaissance group units of the division artilelry, under direction of the chief of artillery reconnaissance, with their reconnaissance means, will move behind the forward detachment at ___ time, on ___ date; to fulfill the following missions:
----- a. with employment of artillery reconnaissance means, exactly determine the locations of enemy strong points on the forward edge and in the depth of his position, the positions of artillery and mortar batteries and firing means, command posts, second echelons and reserves. They should contact the chief of artillery of the forward detachment to obtain further exact information. They will determine the coordinates of targets and report this information to the army artillery command post.
----- b. determine suitable locations for firing positions for every artillery group and sub-unit and prepare basic firing data. When nighfall comes, send enough personnel to prepare the artillery firing positions and camouflage them.
----- c. Units and sub-units in division and regimental artillery groups at ___ time, and ___ date will employ darkness to move into and occupy firing positions.

7. The anti-tank reserve for the division and regiments will be composed of the following:
----- division reserve - 1 AT battalion from the Army AT Regiment
----- regimental reserves main axis - 2-3 At batteries;
----- regimental reserves support axis - 2 AT batteries;

(The order could tell the division commander to decide on the composition of the regimental AT reserves. The size depends on the quantity of reenforcement received by the division.)

8. Artillery support fire will continue to a depth of the enemy first echelon brigade positions. It will be conducted by single or double barrage fire and successive concentration fire (single or double). Accompanying fire will be conducted by massive fire or concentration fire.

9. During the commitment into battle of the army second echelon division, in addition to its own artillery and the army artillery group, it will be supported by a minimum of 6 artillery battalions from the first echelon division artillery group and regimental groups active in that axis.
10. An air preparation, support, and accompaniment of 3 squadrons of fighter bomber aviation will be conducted during the conduct of the preparatory fire, fire support, and accompanying fire. The designation of targets for air strikes must be coordinated between the division chief of artillery, chief of group of combat support of air army, and division chief of PVO.

11. The quantity of ammunition available for expenditure per day of battle is as follows:
----- small arms - 1.5 units of fire;
----- arty and mtrs - 3.5 units of fire;
----- MRL rockets - 3.5 units of fire;
----- Tanks - 2.5 units of fire;
----- PVO - 3 units of fire;

12. For the conduct of artillery preparatory fire on the main defense area 2.5 units of fire of artillery ammunition will be delivered to the firing positions. To obtain this send guides to meet the transport.

13. Time for opening preparatory fire is 0430 hrs on ___ date.

Command post is located ___.

Signature - Chief of army artillery
Signature - Chief of staff of army artillery
Signature - Chief of operations department of army artillery


 
 

Planning Combat Employment of Rocket Troops and Artillery in Army Offensive Operations


The plan of employment of rocket troops and artillery is the principle document prescribing combat actions of rocket troops and artillery in terms of missions of the operation. The plan of combat employment of rocket troops and artillery is a main component of army plans for the operation. It is the principle document of the army's staff, of rocket troops, and of artillery.

While planning the combat employment of rocket troops and artillery in army offensive operations, the chief of rocket troops and artillery accomplishes the following:
----- clarify the mission;
----- study the decision of the front commander on the employment of rocket troops and artillery;
----- study instructions from higher echelons on the employment of rocket troops and artillery;
----- conduct a full assessment (estimate) of the situation;
----- make decisions on employment of rocket troops and artillery on the basis of which the plan for combat employment is prepared.

The plan is prepared in graphic form on a 1/200,000 or 1/100,000 scale map with an annex of written instructions. The plan is signed by the chief of the rocket troops and artillery and his chief of staff. It is approved by the army commander. The plan is considered a part of the army's plan of operation. The following points are shown in the graphic part of the plan:
----- situations and actions of enemy forces, his important groupings, and targets of rocket troops and artillery;
----- situations and missions of army forces and divisions and boundaries between them;
----- missions of rocket troops in the initial and subsequent nuclear strikes, number of targets, yields of nuclear rounds, types of bursts, sub-units and units launching the strikes, and time of delivery of strikes;
----- employ rocket troops against enemy nuclear means;
----- directions of movements and positions areas of rocket troops and army technical rocket sub-units in attack (FUP) positions, position areas of rocket battalions of divisions in the attack (FUP) areas, and in the security and border areas;
----- relocate positions of rocket troops and rocket technical sub-units during the course of conduct of operations;
----- artillery groupings of the army, divisions and regiments in attack (FUP) areas and in security and border areas;
----- penetration (breakthrough) areas and density of artillery in these areas;
----- areas of deployment of antitank reserves of the army, divisions, and regiments and the directions of their actions;
----- areas of deployment of front antitank reserves and directions of their actions;
----- maneuver of rocket troops and artillery during the course of conduct of operations;
----- positions of air defense artillery and areas of radar;
----- other elements of army combat formations.

In the plan an annex of the initial nuclear strike of the army's rocket troops, with written instructions is also prepared.

In the written instructions, the following points are covered:
----- combat composition of rocket troops and artillery, distribution of attached and organic artillery among the divisions and elements of combat formations, and their regroupment during the course of conduct of operations;
----- specific numbers of nuclear and chemical rockets allocated for operations and their distribution in terms of their allocation to the initial nuclear strike and army's missions and in terms of their distribution to different divisions;
----- availability and distribution of conventional rockets in terms of their allocation to army missions and their distribution to different divisions;
----- distribution of artillery rounds in terms of their allocation to army missions and in terms of their distribution to different divisions;
----- composition of antitank reserves of the army, divisions, and regiments.

The following issues are reflected in the work document:
----- method, time of preparation, and delivery of rockets to troops;
----- calculation of time for bringing rocket troops and artillery to full combat readiness;
----- calculation of time for movement of army and divisions rocket troops;
----- expenditure of conventional rounds in operations and for each mission during the operation;
----- measures for protecting troops against enemy mass-destruction weapons.


 
 

Figure 6 - Distribution of Army Artillery and Front Artillery






 
 

Figure 7 - Graphic of Artillery Preparatory Fire

 
 

Availability and Location of Material Supplies



 
 

Division Artillery
The following section contains the basic documents used in planning artillery support at the division level.


 
 

Instructions from Chief of RT&A at Army


The chief of rocket troops and artillery at army issues instructions on artillery to the divisions. These instructions inform the division on what artillery reinforcements it will receive and what fire missions it must undertake for army, as well as what targets will be attacked by army artillery and other matters. See the section on the army artillery for detailed discussion.



 
 

Suggestions of Chief of RT&A to Commander

The chief of rocket troops and artillery informs the commander of the instructions received from higher headquarters, his own estimate of the enemy artillery and status of friendly artillery and makes suggestions in support of the commander's decision. See sample which follows.


 
 

Suggestions of Division Chief of RT&A to the Division Commander during the Making of the Decision


Enemy Forces

Directly opposing the 16th MRD are elements of the ___8th Mechanized Division, Vth US Corps. They have the following missiles and nuclear artillery:
----- _____;
----- _____;
---- ______;

Deeper in the enemy defense area the following operational-tactical missiles can affect the division's attack sector:
----- ____;
----- ____;
----- ____;

The enemy's artillery supporting his brigade and divisional defense area consists of ___,___,___,___.

On the forward defense belt the majority of artillery is in prepared positions with its known battery positions as follows:
----- ____;
----- ____;
----- ____;
---- _____;

Artillery reconnaissance and air and radio-technical reconnaissance is to locate the positions of brigade and division artillery which are not yet known.



Own forces

The 16th MRD is reinforced for the offensive with six gun and one MRL artillery battalions and 1 anti-tank battalion from ____. The attached artillery units will arrive at the division at ____. The composition of these units along with the divisional artillery in personnel is 92% and 95% in equipment.

The total artillery available in the division totals 16 artillery battalions (288 guns and howitzers and 36 MRL's), plus 54 mortars and 36 AT guns and 78 ATGM's. IN terms of the required number of guns per kilometer of breakthrough frontage, the division shall be capable to support a break through sector of up to 4 km width. The capability of the division artillery makes it possible to establish DAG and RAG's with the following compositions:
----- DAG - 6 arty battalions;
----- RAG1 - 3 arty battalions;
----- RAG2 - 3 arty battalions;
----- RAG3 - 2 arty battalions.

The division can establish an AT reserve composed of one AT battalion and still be able to reinforce the anti-tank sub-units of first echelon regiments.

Organic and attached artillery units and sub-units are currently in the assembly area preparing for the operation, their training and combat experience is satisfactory. Supplies of ammunition and fuel are at designated norms at the units and at the division level.

The division expenditure requirements in ammunition for the conduct of the offensive battle and its resupply during the operation and creation of supply reserves at the end of the operation are as follows:


Totals required SA ARTY MRL TANK PVO
Quantity on hand 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.25 2.0
in units 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.5 1.5
in div depots 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.75 0.5
Resupplied during the battle 1.5 3.5 3.5 2.5 3.0
Used during the battle 1.5 3.5 3.5 2.5 3.0
Balance at end of battle 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.25 2.0

From the army's instructions on the employment of RT&A the following are known:
----- the 16th MRD should deploy 4 arty bns forward, of which one arty bn will be from the regiment comprising the forward detachment. These artillery units should prepare firing positions 3-8 km from the border. Also the division rocket battalion should deploy 10 km from the border.
----- the movement of the forward detachment through the enemy's covering force area should be supported by a minimum of 3 artillery battalions. The remaining artillery troops of the division should be ready to support the deployment and commitment into battle of the division main forces.

The division will conduct a break through on the enemy forward defense zone on ta width of 4 km. The division breakthrough area will be also covered by fire of 4 artillery battalions of AAG, 2 battalions of the AGRA, and 3 battalions of second echelon division artillery.

The duration of artillery preparatory fire will be 40 minutes, assault support fire should be conducted through the depth of the enemy's first echelon brigade defenses.

Artillery reconnaissance of division artillery should detect and locate the enemy's FLOT, strong points, artillery and mortar batteries, CP's and reserves.

 
 

Suggestions

1. To support the division mission the artillery groups should be established as follows:
----- DAG: army artillery brigade + MRL bn (attached) + division MRL bn - total 6 battalions.
----- RAG1: (main direction) division arty regiment (- MRL bn) + regt arty bn - total 4 bns.
----- RAG2: 22 Arty Bde (- 2 bns) + regt arty bn - total 3 bns.
----- Division anti-tank reserve: Army AT Bn (attached).
----- Regt AT reserve (main direction) 2 AT batteries.
----- Regt AT reserve 2 AT batteries;
----- Regt AT reserve 1 AT battery

2. During the commitment into battle of the division second-echelon the tank regiment will be reinforced by two artillery battalions.

3. Duration of artillery preparatory fire is 40 minutes and should be started when own troops deploy into battalion columna at the line of ___.

4. Artillery support during the course of the battle should be conducted by double fire curtain (ognivoi val) up to the depth of the enemy's first echelon battalions, then by the method of successive concentrations of fire (PSO) to the entire depth of the brigade defense. Further on artillery accompanying fire should be conducted by means of massive and concentration fire.



 
 

Instructions of the Division Commander on Determining Missions, Targets, and Means for using Rocket Forces


The division commander issues detailed instructions on the employment of rocket forces. This guidance is taken by the chief of rocket troops and artillery and it forms one of the bases for the detailed planning of rocket troops. The guidance includes the following points:
----- which enemy groups and targets will be destroyed in the first nuclear strike by the division rocket battalion:
---------- a. destruction of nuclear means and nuclear depots in the following locatio
---------- b. destruction of main forces of the ____ division;
---------- c. destruction of command posts of the ____ brigades at the following locations _____;
-===---- d. destruction of PVO points at ____,____, and --;
----- the enemy forces will be destroyed to the following level in percent using the following types of warheads and bursts -( for example, air burst of 20 kt);
----- reserve of nuclear and chemical ammunition;



 
 

Instructions of the Division Commander in Determining the Missions for Artillery;

The division commander also issues instructions giving his guidance for the employment of artillery in support of the coming operation. The instructions include the following points:
----- the composition of artillery groups and distribution of artillery among the regiments;
----- designate the specific composition of the division artillery group and composition of the anti-tank reserve;
----- designate the main missions for artillery during the preparation phase and the course of the operation;
----- designate the breakthrough area, time for artillery preparation, depth of artillery support and its type; and the quantity of ammunition which will be used;
----- which artillery will participate in the artillery preparation;
----- how artillery will support the commitment of the division second-echelon regiment;



 
 

Planning Combat Employment of Rocket Troops and Artillery in Division Offensive Operations

The plan of employment of rocket troops and artillery is the principle document prescribing combat actions of rocket troops and artillery in terms of missions of the battle. This plan is a main component of division plans for the battle. While planning the combat employment of rocket troops and artillery, the chief of rocket troops and artillery accomplishes the following:
----- clarify the mission;
----- study the decision of the division commander on the employment of rocket troops and artillery;
----- study instructions from higher echelon (army) on the employment of rocket troops and artillery;
----- conduct a full assessment (estimate) of the situation;
----- make decisions on employment of rocket troops and artillery on the basis of which the plan for combat employment is prepared.

The plan is prepared in graphic form on a 1/100,000 or 1/50,000 scale map with an annex of written instructions. The plan is signed by the chief of the rocket troops and artillery and his chief of staff. It is approved by the division commander. The plan is considered a part of the division's plan of battle. The following points are shown in the graphic part of the plan:
----- situations and actions of enemy forces, his important groupings, and targets of rocket troops and artillery;
----- situations and missions of division forces and regiments and boundaries between them;
----- missions of rocket troops in the initial and subsequent nuclear strikes, number of targets, yields of nuclear rounds, types of bursts, sub-units and units launching the strikes, and time of delivery of strikes;
----- employ rocket troops against enemy nuclear means;
----- directions of movements and positions areas of rocket troops in attack (FUP) positions, and in the security and border areas;
----- relocate positions of rocket troops during the course of conduct of battle;
----- artillery groupings of the division and regiments in attack (FUP) areas and in security and border areas;
----- penetration (breakthrough) areas and density of artillery in these areas;
----- areas of deployment of antitank reserves of the division and regiments and the directions of their actions;
----- maneuver of rocket troops and artillery during the course of conduct of operations;
----- positions of air defense artillery and areas of radar;
----- other elements of division combat formations.

In the plan an annex of the initial nuclear strike of the division rocket troops, with written instructions is also prepared.

The following points are covered in the written instructions:
----- combat composition of rocket troops and artillery, distribution of attached and organic artillery among the regiments, and their regroupment during the course of battle;
----- distribution of artillery rounds in terms of their allocation to division missions and in terms of their distribution to different regiments;
----- composition of antitank reserves of the division and regiments.

The following issues are reflected in the work document:
----- method, time of preparation, and delivery of rockets to troops;
----- calculation of time for bringing rocket troops and artillery to full combat readiness;
----- calculation of time for movement of rocket troops;
----- expenditure of conventional rounds in battle and for each mission during the battle;
----- measures for protecting troops against enemy mass-destruction weapons.



 
 

Figure 8 - Distribution of Artillery and Artillery Units from Army

The Chief of Rocket Troops and Artillery must distribute the division artillery battalions and those received from army to form the regimental artillery groups and the division artillery group. The form for entering this information is given in the table .



 
 

Figure 9 - Graphic of Arty Prep Fire

This table is prepared by the staff of the rocket troops and artillery in planning the coordinated fire of all the division artillery during the preparatory fire phase. It shows the time and sequence for firing at each target.





 
 

Figure 10 - Graphic of Initial Nuclear Strike

This table shows the times for the division rocket battalion to prepare and be ready to participate in the front initial nuclear strike. It is kept constantly up to date during the battle as the status of designated targets shifts.





 
 

Figure 11 - Annex to Div Arty Fire Plan

This table is prepared as part of the division artillery fire planning. It shows the participation of all division organic and attached artillery units including those from army included in the DAG and RAG's. The table shows the sequence of fire during preparatory, support and accompanying phases.






 
 

Figure 12 - Echelonment of Ammunition Supply in the Division

This table shows the amount and location of ammunition available for the battle.



 
 

Division Artillery Plan

The division artillery plan depicts the spacial layout of the artillery forces and means supporting the division in relation to the operational framework for the offensive. The framework is the boundary lines of the division with its adjacents and between the regiments, as well as the boundaries of the breakthrough sector and the deployment lines of the combined arms regiments into battalion and company columns and the assault line. It provides a schematic diagram of the organizational structure of the artillery into its army, division, and regimental artillery groups, surface to surface rocket units, and anti-tank reserve units. It also shows the air defense units covering the artillery and unit headquarters. It also presents a visual schematic layout of the pre-planned artillery fire during the preparatory fire and assault support fire stages. The individual and grouped fire concentrations are numbered by target and related to the firing artillery group by color code. The target numbers are listed in the graphical tables accompanying the map. These concentrations are planned to the full depth of the enemy position against known targets. The sample map shows only some of the planned concentrations, for lack of space to preserve clarity for the viewer. Newly detected targets will be added as they appear. On the map are indicated some of the nuclear strikes by division rockets, which are always planned whether or not use of nuclear weapons is expected to occur immediately. The map also indicates the lines for the successive double barrage that forms the first phase of the assault support fire. This is delivered on the leading edge of the defense positions just as the assaulting forces reach their final line and then shifts into the depth as indicated. The lines for firing against possible enemy counter attacks are shown. In this sample map only one is indicated. An important feature of artillery planning is the designation of deployment lines for the regimental and division anti-tank reserves. During the combat these units will always be on the march from one designated line to the next, remaining in column, and only actually deploying at the next designated line if an enemy counter-attack seems likely. The diagram also indicates the general pre-planned location of the main artillery groups at certain critical stages on the battle, such as during the commitment of the second-echelon and during forcing a water barrier. Actually, the individual artillery battalions of these RAG's and DAG will be displacing forward frequently to intermediate firing positions not indicated on the map. Starting from the right, the map shows the division in its assembly area 25 to 40 km from the national border prior to D Day. Only a covering force from one regiment with artillery and the divisional rocket battalion are forward, within 10 km of the border. The map then shows the deployment scene after the forward detachment has pushed the defender back through his covering force area and revealed the location of the main defense line (FEBA). The artillery has come forward behind the forward detachment and gone into position at least 6 hours prior to the attack. It has been distributed into a RAG for each first-echelon regiment, the division DAG, and the army AAG and AGRA.. All are covered by the regimental and division SAM air defense units. After the artillery is in position the motor rifle and tank battalions of the first-echelon regiments move forward, deploying into battalion, company, and platoon columns at designated lines. The commencement of the artillery preparatory fire is timed to start with the arrival of the assault forces at the battalion deployment lines and to continue until they reach the assault line. At this time the assault support fire commences. However there is a short interim between these called "overlapping fire" during which the artillery conducts special firing sequences designed to confuse the enemy and conceal the time of the assault. The targets fired upon during this period are not specially designated on the map.

The center of the sample map shows a representative number of the fire concentrations intermingled with the representations of the defender's strong points and the deployment lines for the anti-tank reserve. The lines for the immediate and subsequent missions of the battalions are not shown. In the left center are the general locations of the RAG's, DAG, and division rocket battalion at the time of commitment of the second-echelon regiment. Further left the same units are shown at the time of their support for the forcing of the water barrier. At the far left they are shown again as the division consolidates the ground gained and prepares for the next day's operations.


 
 

Combat Order from the Division Chief of Artillery on Artillery to the Division Artillery Regiment

The chief of rocket troops and artillery of the division prepares the order directing the division's artillery regiment to provide support to the combined arms units and participate in the offensive battle. The typical combat order sent to the division's artillery regiment contains the following points of information:
----- which artillery and anti-tank units are assigned from army and front to reinforce the regiment during the offensive and their locations;
----- organization of the division's regimental artillery groups (RAG's) and their firing positions;
----- width of breakthrough sector and which artillery will participate in preparatory fire, time and duration of preparatory fire, and authorized expenditure of ammunition;
----- conduct of artillery reconnaissance and its missions, manner to report reconnaissance information to the division staff;
----- time to occupy firing positions, engineer preparation for the artillery position area and its maskirovka;
----- designation of firing data (ranges, azimuths, etc) for the coming preparation;
----- methods for artillery support and accompanying fire;
----- composition of the anti-tank reserves and their missions;
----- support for the commitment into combat of the division second echelon;
----- required technical preparation;
----- quantity of ammunition expenditure for a day of combat, and how it will be supplied.



 
 

Instructions of Division Chief of RT&A on Artillery to the Chief of Artillery of a Regiment

The chief of rocket troops and artillery at the division level prepares instructions on various technical details of artillery activities for each regiment. These instructions provide the regimental artillery chiefs with information on their regiment's requirements to fit the division plan, what resources they can expect, and other matters. The regiment chiefs report on this information to their commanders and use it as one of the bases for their artillery planning. The instructions contain the following points:
----- what artillery battalions and anti-tank artillery units will be provided as reenforcement for the regiment;
----- what will be the norms for expenditure of ammunition during the preparatory fire and support fire, and for the regiment's important missions, and the capabilities for its resupply during the course of the battle;
----- instructions for conduct of re-confirming reconnaissance and exact determination of the targets that will be destroyed in the artillery preparatory fire phase;
----- which division or army artillery sub-group will support the regiment during the course of the day's battle;
----- width of the breakthrough sector for the regiment, density of artillery per kilometer of front, and length of duration of the preparatory fire, composition of the fire preparation (usually it consists of 3-5 artillery strikes), means for delivery of ammunition to the gun firing positions;
----- details on movement of the artillery units to their forward firing positions in order to be ready for conduct of preparatory fire, the areas for the firing positions, time to arrive and be prepared, conduct of artillery reconnaissance, designation of the targets for the preparatory fire,
----- how support fire will be provided up to the depth of the defending first-echelon brigades and the types of artillery support fire;
----- methods for providing artillery accompanying fire during the battle;
----- composition and grouping of the artillery in the covering force area and its missions;



 
 

Combat Instructions of Chief of Artillery of Division on Combat Employment of Artillery to the Chief of Artillery of a Motor Rifle or Tank Regiment

In addition to issuing orders to the division artillery regiment the chief of rocket troops and artillery must prepare the instructions on employment of artillery issued by division to each combined arms regiment. The content covers many of the same types of points as does the order to the division artillery regiment. The following sample illustrates this document.

Series number

SECRET

Copy number



To the Chief of Artillery of the 112th Motor Rifle Regiment

Combat instructions from division staff

on employment of artillery

Command Post___ Time___ Date___ Map scale___ Year

1. For reenforcment during the offensive battle, the regiment will receive the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd artillery battalions of the division artillery regiment and the 1stt and 3rd gun batteries of the division anti-tank battalion. The artillery battalions are located in the following areas ___, ___, etc.; and the anti-tank batteries are assembled in the following areas ___, ___, etc. Their commanders received orders to report to your command post at ___ time.

2. The regimental artillery group will be organized from 4 artillery battalions, of which the regimental artillery battalion is one. Its firing positions are designated in the following areas ___, ___, etc.

3. The breakthrough sector of the enemy forward defense line is on a width of 2 kilometers; in addition, suppress enemy strong points and firing means to a width of 1 km on the right side. Tanks and anti-tank guns will also participate in the preparatory fire and suppress enemy direct firing weapons located on the forward edge. Duration of preparatory fire is 40 minutes and authorized expenditure of ammunition is 1 unit of fire.

4. The artillery reconnaissance group of the artillery battalions under control of the regiment chief of artillery reconnaissance, with their reconnaissance means, will move behind the forward detachment at ___ time and ___ date, with the aim of fulfilling the following tasks:
----- a. before the beginning of the preparatory fire exactly determine enemy platoon strong points, character of engineer defensive preparations, engineer obstacles, positions of artillery and mortar batteries and platoons, other fire means, especially anti-tank weapons, and command posts; and determine their coordinates. To fulfill these tasks also obtain reconnaissance date on the enemy from the chief of artillery of the forward detachment;
----- b. send reconnaissance data constantly after each hour to the division command post;
----- c. select suitable firing positions for the artillery sub-units and, with the onset of nightfall, send sufficient personnel to prepare firing positions and camouflage them;
----- d. prepare basic firing data and basic topo-geodetic survey of the firing positions.

5. Artillery sub-units of the regimental artillery group at ___ hrs and ___ date with use of night (under cover of darkness) will move and occupy their firing positions.

6. Preparatory fire for the offensive to the depth of the enemy first echelon battalion positions will be conducted by use of single or double barrage fire, to the depth of the first echelon brigade positions by use of single or double successive concentration fire, and after that conduct support fire by means of massive fire or concentration fire.

7. Anti-tank reserve of the regiment will be organized from 2 anti-tank batteries of 100mm guns from the division anti-tank battalion, and they will conduct battle with enemy tanks in interaction with the engineer mobile obstacle detachment.

8. The commitment into the battle of the division second echelon will be supported with a minimum of 2 artillery battalions from the regimental artillery group.

9. Technical preparation will be conducted in the FUP area for the offensive and will be completed by 1800 hours ____date with the forces of the artillery sub-units in their own areas.

10. The authorized quantity of ammunition expenditure for a day of combat is the following:
----- small arms - 1.5 unit of fire;
----- artillery and mortars - 3.5 units of fire;
----- tank - 2.5 units of fire;
----- anti-tank - 3.5 units of fire;
----- air defense - 3.0 units of fire;

Resupply of 2.5 units of fire of artillery ammunition during the night preceding the offensive will be conducted directly to the artillery firing positions. At 2200 hrs send guides to meet the ammunition supply transport at the ___ crossroads, to direct the transport to the firing positions.

11. Preparation of artillery units to open fire will be completed by 0430 hrs, ___ date (30 min to 1 hr before fire starts).