SOVIET VOROSHILOV ACADEMY LECTURES
DIVISION OPERATIONS

I. Regiment Staff

The principal officers in the regiment staff and troop control are shown in figure .

Regiment's Control Points

For the control of the troops the following control points are organized in the regiments:
----- command post to include:
--------- -- regiment commander;
--------- -- staff (except the organization and mobilization and cadre or staffing sections);
--------- -- artillery and air defense chiefs and their staffs;
--------- -- chiefs of special troops and their staffs;
--------- -- commanders of attached and supporting subunits and air force representatives.
--------- -- duration: 1,000 m x 400-600 m; personnel: 20-25; radio status: 20-25.

----- observation post to include:
--------- -- regiment commander;
--------- -- chief of operations section;
--------- -- reconnaissance, signal and other officers, as needed, with a total of 10-12 persons;
--------- -- 4-5 or more vehicles; 3-4 radio stations or more.

------ rear service control point to include:
-------- -- deputy commander for rear service and his staff;
-------- -- rear service support sections;
-------- -- accounting and staffing sections (organization and mobilization, cadre) of the regiment staff;
-------- -- technical support staff with a total of 30-35 or more personnel;
-------- -- 15-20 or more vehicles and 20-25 radio stations.

A diagram of a typical regimental command post is shown in figure .

Regiment signal troops

The regiment signal company provides communications for the headquarters. The organization is shown in figure .

II. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMANDER AND STAFF OFFICERS

Duties and Responsibilities of Regiment Commander:

In peacetime and wartime the regiment commander bears full responsibility: for the combat and mobilization readiness of the regiment; for the combat and political training, indoctrination, military discipline, and political morale of the personnel; for the condition and integrity of armament, combat and other equipment, ammunition, fuel, and other material belonging to the regiment; for successful fulfillment of the regiment missions; for rear service, technical, medical, personnel, and financial support of the regiment. The regiment commander is the direct superior of all personnel in the regiment.

The regiment commander gives orders on raising the political-morale status of personnel and organizing and supervising the combat, operational, and political preparedness of combat arms, special troops and services, staff, and control organs;

He observes and inspects the manning of regiment forces, with personnel, weapons, military equipment, material supplies, and others.

He clarifies the mission personally or with the participation of the chief of staff and he gives instructions to the chief of staff on preparation of combat forces, special troops and services, staff, and control organs to conduct the battle and on the time to start the combat action.

He estimates the situation personally or listens to the suggestions of the chiefs of arms and services, special troops, and services on the use of their forces in combat and the recommendations of the chief of staff on the result of the estimate of the situation and decision.

On this basis the commander makes a good decision, gives combat missions to subordinates, and gives instructions on planning the battle. The regiment commander must know the theory of contemporary tactics of division, regiment, and battalion combat action. He must forecast correctly the future development of the situation. The correct forecast on the future situation during decision- making and during the course of the battle is a critical element. The commander must wisely fulfill his mission. He must have experience, high level of organizational skill, strong control, decisiveness, courage, and a high level of operational - tactical preparedness.

The regiment commander is the basic organizer of the control of the regiment forces. He must control the regiment's actions in order to achieve the aim of the battle. He must demonstrate skill in the military art of control in difficult circumstances. He must concentrate his forces for the quick and full destruction of the enemy. He must have tactical experience and knowledge.

The regiment commander must know the opposing enemy and his capabilities for action and issue orders to the chief of reconnaissance on the conduct of reconnaissance of the enemy and terrain.

The regiment commander must conduct the interaction between units and sub-units of combat arms, special troops, services, adjacents, and various forces of the division that operate in the regiment area. He gives orders on all-round combat support for the regiment combat action.

He inspects the regiment's preparation to fulfill the assigned missions of subunits, various combat arms, special troops, and services, personally or with the help of staff and control organs.

He, when necessary, orders assistance for subordinates.

The regiment commander during the battle must always forecast possible changes in the situation and make all-sided, precise analysis of the situation. The regiment commander in all conditions must make a correct new decision and issue to subordinates new combat missions in a timely manner in response to changes in the situation.

The commander must be prepared at any time to report to the division commander on the situation in the area, and capabilities character of actions of his forces and enemy forces, and on his current decision.

He must make clear to the chief of staff his own concept, intentions, and views on the operation and his orders that he personally gave to subordinates.

The regiment commander reports his decision to the division commander. In response to this decision the division commander approves the plans. When the regiment commander gets his decision approved by the division commander it becomes mandatory. Then the regiment commander develops plans for the combat action and the plans of actions of combat arms, special troops and services and approves their planning. When he approves the plans and documents, that means they carry the force of law and they must be fulfilled.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Regiment Deputy Commander

The regiment deputy commander is responsible for: the organization and quality of combat training lessons; creation of the training material base, its continual improvement and its maintenance in serviceable condition; mass sports work and maintenance of internal order and military discipline in the regiment. He is subordinate to the regiment commander to whom he is a first deputy, and he is the direct superior of all personnel in the regiment. In the absence of the regiment commander he fulfills his responsibilities.

The regiment deputy commander is obligated:
----- to participate in the development of the combat and political training plan and the regiment mobilization plan;
----- to conduct lessons with officers and exercises and tests for the regiment's subunits;
----- to maintain an awareness of the work, political and moral qualities of the officers and warrant officers of the subunits;
----- to direct physical training and sports in the regiment;
----- to inspect the organization and status of combat training in the regiment's sub-units, to correct revealed shortcomings and to render assistance to the sub-unit commanders in organizing and conducting lessons;
----- to inspect compliance with safety measures during the conduct of lessons, firing practices, and exercises;
----- to direct the efforts to develop and improve material training base facilities;
----- to make sure that the combat training of the regiment's subunits is promptly supported with material and with training and visual aids, and to monitor their accounting and maintenance;
----- to manage the selection of candidates for acceptance in military service as warrant officers as well as extended-service sergeants, and the selection of candidates for military training institutions;
----- to direct the regiment's efficiency work and invention efforts'
----- to inspect preparation of the daily detail and its work, and compliance with internal order in the regiment and its units.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Regiment Deputy Commander for Political Affairs

The regiment deputy commander for political affairs is responsible for the following in peacetime and wartime: for the organization and state of political work in the regiment; for the efforts of political and military indoctrination of servicemen and reinforcement of the political morale of the personnel and military discipline; for the effectiveness of political work in solving the problems of combat and political training and maintaining the regiment's constant combat readiness, and in executing combat missions. He is subordinate to the regiment commander, and he is the direct superior of all personnel of the regiment.

The regiment's deputy commander for political affairs is obligated:
----- to participate in the development of the combat and political training plan and the regiment's mobilization plan;
----- to organize and conduct political work, guiding it in such a way that it would unify the personnel about the Communist Party and Soviet government, promote successful fulfillment of combat and political training missions, maintenance of the regiment's constant combat readiness, fulfillment of combat missions, and reinforcement of one-man command, military discipline and the political morale of the personnel;
----- to conduct an effort to indoctrinate the personnel of the regiment in the spirit of boundless devotion to the Soviet motherland, the Communist Party and the Soviet government, the friendship of the peoples of the USSR, proletarian internationalism, combat unity with the armed forces of fraternal socialist countries, intolerance of bourgeois ideology, unswerving compliance with the USSR Constitution and Soviet laws, faultless fulfillment of the requirements of the military oath, the military regulations and orders, and the norms of communist morality, conscious obedience to commanders (chiefs) and respect for them; to take steps to unify the military collectives, and to indoctrinate the personnel in the spirit of friendship and troop comradeship, combat traditions, loves for one's unit and faithfulness to the unit`s colors as a symbol of military honor, valor and glory; to organize extensive propaganda of acts of heroism and of the courageous and noble deeds of the regiment's personnel;
----- to explain to servicemen the leading and guiding role of the Communist Party, its decisions, its domestic and foreign policy, the military political situation and the consequent missions of the personnel of the regiment, and to propagandize the successes of the Soviet people in the construction of communism;
----- to instill in the personnel an awareness of the need for high political alertness, faultless fulfillment of military duty and strict maintenance political work aimed at fulfilling the tasks of guard duty and internal (duty and watch) services;
----- to instill in the servicemen a class hatred of the enemies of the motherland and a constant preparedness to defend the state interests of the USSR in all conditions and at any price;
----- to instill in the servicemen a feeling of personal responsibility for assimilation of armament and of combat and other equipment, for its maintenance in constant combat readiness, and for preservation of military and public property;
----- to organize and conduct mass political and legal propaganda and agitation, political lessons and briefings and cultural-educational work among the personnel and the families of servicemen, making extensive use of publications, motion pictures, television, radio, and other technical propaganda resources for these purposes;
----- to organize the ideological, theoretical, and teacher training of the leaders of political lesson groups and their assistants, and the selection, placement, indoctrination, and education of active propagandists in the units and subunits;
----- to manage the political indoctrination of officers and to shape their work political, and moral qualities; to personally conduct the indoctrination of officers and to manage their Marxist-Leninist training; to participate in the selection, placement and certification of officers and in the selection of candidates for military training institutions; to teach officers the practical techniques of political indoctrination;
----- to organize the work of the regiment club and library, and to insure maintenance of a high ideological level in the measures they carry out and inclusion of a maximum number of personnel in these measures;
----- to implement measures associated with organizing socialist competition in the regiment and propagandizing the best experience in personnel training and indoctrination; to develop the initiative and activity of party and Komsomol organizations in this work;
----- to display concern for the health and diet of the personnel and for improving their material and personal conditions, to know their needs, and to show concern for satisfying them;
----- to establish and maintain constant communication with local party and soviet organs, and to render assistance to them in the conduct of military-patriotic work among the public, especially the young;
----- to organize proper use, maintenance and proper replenishment and repair of technical propaganda resources and political eduction aids;
----- to promptly report to the regiment commander and the army's chief of political affairs, on the political morale of the personnel, on political measures that had been carried out and on the status of political indoctrination and military discipline.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Regiment Chief of Staff

The chief of staff is the principal first deputy commander and the direct supervisor of the regiment staff. The chief of staff is the primary organizer for the execution of the commander's orders including his ideas, concepts, intentions, and decisions. He alone has the right in the name of the commander to issue and sign instructions and orders to battalions and other subordinate sub-units, to the chiefs of combat arms,special troops, and services, and to other responsible officers directly under command of the regiment commander. He informs the commander about all orders he has issued. The chief of staff fulfills the most important, responsible, and difficult tasks relating to the organization and control of subordinate unit staffs and troop control organs.

The regiment chief of staff is responsible for the following in peacetime and in wartime: for organization and maintenance of control over the regiment sub-units; for the combat and mobilization readiness of the regiment; for the planning of combat and political training; for the training of the staff and sub-units responsible for control of the regiment; for indoctrination, military discipline and the political morale of the staff personnel and of subunits directly subordinated to the staff; for accounting for personnel, armament, combat and other equipment, and ammunition in the regiment. The regiment chief of staff is subordinate to the regiment commander, and he is the direct superior of all personnel in the regiment.

He is responsible for all duties to be accomplished by the staff. He directly insures that the staff functions well.

He supervises the planning for and execution of measures to raise the regiment's level of combat readiness and the mobilization of all sub-units, staffs, and troop control organs. He inspects their combat readiness and mobilization status.

He supervises the organization, planning, and conduct of operational and combat training for all staffs and troop control organs for combat arms troops, special troops, and services during peacetime as well as war.

The chief of staff briefs the deputy commander, chiefs of staff sections, and chiefs of combat and combat support arms and services about new missions, instructions, and developments. He gives instructions about the preparation of tactical calculations for the decision-making process. He sets the deadlines for their preparation. During the decision process, he prepares the report to the commander on the optimum use of the forces and means of the combat arms, special arms and services.

The chief of staff is constantly obliged to know the situation and latest confirmed changes. He must make wise and knowledgeable forecasts on likely changes in the situation and be prepared to report the following items to the commander: (1) situation and status and character of friendly and enemy forces' actions; (2) deductions from his estimate of the situation and his recommendations on making the best decision; and (3) necessary measures on organization of troop control, interaction, and combat support of the actions of friendly troops.

The chief of staff coordinates the operation of the staff and specifies the coordinating measures to all chiefs of combat and combat support arms and services concerning organs of troop control and adjacents. He coordinates the operation of all organs and controls their performance.

The planning of the battle is conducted under the leadership of the chief of staff. The chief of staff personally prepares some important documents and participates in preparation and working out of some other issues and documents. He supervises the process of their preparation.

The chief of staff coordinates actions between the staff and troop control organs and the staffs of all other forces which interact with the regiment. He organizes constant and reliable interaction between various elements and arms of service, special troops, and services, as well as adjacents and army forces operating the regiment's area of action.

He organizes all-round support measures for the regiment, especially on radio electronic warfare, tactical maskirovka, protection against enemy mass destruction weapons, and the measures for restoration of combat effectiveness, during the preparation for and conduct of combat actions.

He issues instructions on creation of constant and secure communications with subordinate and adjacent units.

He issues instructions on organizing the command/ observation post, and insuring the proper functioning of the command post as well as for moving its location. He organizes the defense, protection, and security of the command post during the preparation for and conduct of battle. He also issues orders on the organization of secret troop control measures. The chief of staff is responsible for constant and reliable troop control process for all subordinate forces during the battle, especially for the organized activities of the staff, which is the basic organ of troop control.

He issues orders and instructions on the organization of reconnaissance. He also orders the collection, clarification, and analysis of situational data on enemy and friendly forces. He reports all new data to the commander and disseminates it to the staff, to higher headquarters, and to adjacents and subordinates.

He must know all orders and instructions that the commander has issued and must conduct the control of their execution. He issues orders for rendering necessary assistance to subordinates and staffs to enhance fulfillment of orders.

He signs all orders and instructions that are issued to subordinates, and chiefs of combat arms, special troops, and services. He also signs all plans and important combat documents. To fulfill successfully all the difficult tasks and he must have a deep theoretical and practical knowledge of the preparation and conduct of modern battle tactics. He must understand how to employ the forces and means of the combat arms and combat support arms and services. He must have high staff culture. He must have the personal capability to be a good organizer, have initiative, vigilance, and wisdom, and be able quickly to analyze the most complex and difficult combat situations and make correct and wise decisions.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Regiment Chief of Operations

The chief of operations is an assistant chief of staff and one of the most important section chiefs in the regiment staff. He fulfills the responsibilities of the chief of staff in the latter's absence. He is responsible for training and mobilization readiness, preparation and planning of combat actions, organization of the command post and troop combat actions. He is the direct superior of the regiment's operational elements. He is obliged to fulfill the following duties:
----- organize, plan, and conduct control of all measures for achieving a high level of combat readiness for the regiment and subordinate subunits.
----- organize, plan, and conduct inspection of combat training of troops and staffs.
----- be responsible for preparation of warning instructions and orders;
----- organize and plan re-deployment of the regiment staff;
----- organize the daily schedules and duty rosters;

Sometimes personally write the operation orders and prepare other important documents;
----- prepare tactical calculations required by the commander in the decision making process.
----- supervise collection, study, and analysis of situation information and send it to others in the regiment headquarters and to superior, adjacent, and subordinate headquarters.
----- observe and inspect the situation, conditions, manning levels, and combat capabilities of own forces and provide suggestions to the regiment commander and chief of staff on their optimum employment.
----- prepare detailed planning of the regiment combat action;
----- sign, issue, and transmit combat missions, operational orders, combat instructions, and other orders to sub-units;
----- insure timely preparation and dispatch of information about the situation and regular situation reports to higher headquarters, subordinate sub-units, the combat and combat support arms and services, the headquarters of coordinating elements, and adjacents.
----- be responsible for organization and maintenance of continuous interaction;
----- plan the organization and deployment of the command post and its relocation during the course of the battle;
----- plan (with the chief of communications the organization of signal communications and designation of the troop control signals;
----- prepare the combat documents on troop control;
----- control the accomplishment of combat missions by subordinates and the extension of required assistance to them to prepare combat documents about troop control;
----- inspects the troops' preparations for combat missions and their fulfillment of combat tasks;
----- be responsible for making a clear analysis of all lessons learned from the experience of combat and the distribution of information on lessons learned to superior and subordinate headquarters.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Regiment Chief of Reconnaissance

The chief of the reconnaissance section is one of the most important deputies. He is responsible for the following in peacetime and wartime: for the training of the regiment's personnel within his specialty and, in the course of combat missions, for providing the regiment commander with information on the enemy and the terrain; for the combat and mobilizational readiness of the regiment's reconnaissance sub-units, and for the combat and political training, indoctrination, military discipline and political morale of its personnel. He is subordinate to the regiment chief of staff, and he is the direct superior of the personnel of the regiment reconnaissance sub-units. He is obligated to fulfill the following tasks:
----- organize, plan, conduct, and inspect measures for maintenance of a high level of combat readiness of reconnaissance forces.
----- be responsible for the organization, planning, conduct, and inspection of special preparation (training in reconnaissance), combat preparation, and political training, of reconnaissance staffs and regiment reconnaissance sub-units.
----- prepare calculations on the personnel manning,, weapons, military equipment, and capabilities of reconnaissance forces and means to perform their missions.
----- be responsible for collection, study, analysis, and the derivation of deductions of reconnaissance information about the enemy and terrain and timely presentation of the important information to the commander, chief of staff, and chiefs of arms, services, and combat support. In this he is especially interested in the enemy concept of operations and possible intentions as well as enemy capabilities.
----- insure the timely transmission of information on the enemy to the higher staff, adjacent units, and subordinates. derive the aims and tasks of reconnaissance and the allocation of required troops and reconnaissance means to accomplish these from the instructions given by the commander and chief of staff; designate targets and missions for the reconnaissance forces and means to fulfill the assigned missions. prepare the reconnaissance plan and issue missions to the reconnaissance section staff in response to the decision and orders of the commander and chief of staff;
----- distribute the reconnaissance forces and means of all types and coordinates all efforts of different reconnaissance means in terms of targets, times, and their missions and objectives.
----- issue instructions and tasks to regiment reconnaissance sub-units and instructions on reconnaissance to subordinate sub-units;
----- prepare reconnaissance sub-units to fulfill their missions;
----- take all-round combat support measures for reconnaissance forces;
----- monitor the execution of assigned instructions and orders given to subordinates and render them required assistance;
----- organize troop control including continuous, reliable, and secure communications with sub-units assigned to combat reconnaissance;
----- insure reception of reconnaissance reports from division as well as adjacents and subordinate forces;
----- organize plan, conduct, and inspect actions about the protection of reconnaissance subunits against mass destruction weapons.
----- be responsible for communication of reconnaissance information inside the staff and to subordinate, adjacent, and coordinating headquarters;

Duties and Responsibilities of the Regiment Chief of Artillery

The regiment chief of artillery is an important member of the organs of troop control. He controls the artillery forces in peace and wartime.

The regiment chief of artillery is responsible for the following in peacetime and in wartime: for the correct use of all artillery sub-units of the regiment; for training of the regiment personnel within his specialty; for the combat and mobilizational readiness of the regiment artillery sub-units, and for the combat and political training, indoctrination, military discipline and political morale of their personnel; for correct use and repair of artillery armament and of combat and other equipment in sub-units immediately subordinate to him. He is subordinate to the regiment commander, and he is the direct superior of personnel of the regiment artillery subunits.

The regiment chief of artillery is obligated to perform the following tasks.
----- organize, plan, conduct, and inspect measures for achieving higher levels of combat preparation of the regiment artillery forces.
----- organize, plan, conduct, and inspect special functional, combat, and political training of the forces and staff of the artillery of the regiment and of subordinate sub-units.
----- prepare combat calculations on the employment of artillery during the commander's decision making process;
----- suggest combat employment of artillery;
----- know the manning level, situation, conditions, and combat capability of the artillery subunits;
----- report on the situation and combat use of these sub-units during the decision process.
----- in response to the regiment commander's decision and the instructions from higher staff on artillery, organize the actions and plans the combat use and activities of the artillery;
----- issue combat missions and combat instructions to the artillery troops of the regiment and to the subordinate sub-units;
----- organize and plan the grouping of the artillery forces and their preparation of FUP areas;
----- insure preparation of firing positions for artillery sub-units with the objective of providing cover and concealment for the artillery while they are providing artillery cover and support for the forces on the main attack axis.
----- insure preparation of artillery for accomplishment of their assigned missions;
----- plan and conduct all-round combat support measures in the interest of artillery;
----- provide constant support and assistance for the regiment forces with various kinds of ammunition, artillery supplies, and weapons;
----- create supply dumps for artillery combat supplies filled to the designated norms at all levels and then insures transport of ammunition and artillery supplies to the troops during the combat action;
----- organize interaction of artillery with other regiment elements and the forces of the division operating in the regiment area during the conduct of the battle, especially in accomplishment of the most important missions; ----- constantly inspect the accomplishment of orders and instructions by subordinate forces;
----- render necessary assistance to regiment artillery troops and to subordinate sub-units;

The chief of artillery during the battle must know the situation, condition, manning level, and capabilities of his subordinate forces and be prepared at any time to report about this to the regiment commander or chief of staff. He is prepared to provide suggestions on the proper combat employment of artillery.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Regiment Chief of PVO:

The regiment chief of air defense is responsible for all aspects of the air defense troops in peace and war including the following:
----- for the correct use of all of the regiment air defense sub-units; for the training of regiment personnel within his specialty; for the combat and mobilizational readiness of the regiment air defense sub-units, and for the combat and political training, indoctrination, military discipline and political morale of their personnel; for correct operation and repair of armament, combat and other equipment in sub-units immediately subordinate to him. He is subordinate to the regiment commander, and he is the direct superior of personnel in the regiment air defense sub-units.

The regiment chief of air defense is obligated for the following:
----- organize, plan, conduct, and inspect the high combat readiness of the PVO forces with the aim of covering the regiment forces and rear service targets from enemy air strikes.
----- organize, plan, conduct, and inspect the special, combat, and political training of the air defense subunits;
----- prepare calculations and recommendations on the combat employment of air defense forces during the commander's decision making and during the forthcoming combat;
----- know the situation, status, manning level, and combat capabilities of the air defense sub-units at any time and stage of the battle and give his suggestions on their combat employment to the regiment commander;
----- in accordance with the regiment commander's decision organize the combat actions of the air defense sub-units and prepare the plan of their combat actions during the battle;
----- issue combat decisions and instructions to regiment air defense sub-units;
----- accomplish the regrouping of the air defense forces, prepare them for the battle, maintain their constant combat readiness for repelling the enemy's air strikes, create the system of air defense reconnaissance, and establish a reliable fire system of air defense;
----- organize uninterrupted technical preparation of the guided missiles (rockets) of air defense before and during the course of the battle;
----- organize all-round combat support measures of the air defense sub-units during the preparation and during the course of the battle;
----- organize interaction between regimental air defense sub-units and PVO means of the division and adjacents;
----- perform reliable and constant inspection of the execution of instructions and directives that have been issued to the forces and provide necessary assistance to subordinate air defense sub-units;

The regiment chief of air defense, during the battle must know the situation, status, combat capabilities of subordinate forces and, when the regiment commander or chief of staff requests, he must report on the situation and status of PVO forces and his own recommendations on their combat employment.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Regiment Chief of Engineers

The regiment chief of engineers is responsible for the following in peacetime and in wartime: for organizing engineer support to the regiment; for training the regiment's personnel within his specialty; for supplying the regiment with engineer armament and insuring its proper use and its maintenance in good working order; for the combat and mobilizational readiness of the regiment's engineer sub-units, and for the combat and political training, indoctrination, military discipline and political morale of its personnel. He is subordinate to the regiment commander, and he is the direct superior of personnel in the regiment engineer sub-units.

The chief of engineers is obligated to fulfill the following duties:
----- organize, plan, conduct, and inspect high combat readiness and operational preparedness of the regiment's engineer sub-units for fulfilling support of the forces of the regiment during battle;
----- organize, plan, conduct, and inspect the special, combat, and political training of the regiment engineer sub-units;
----- prepare combat calculations in support of the commander's decision and for the combat employment of the engineer forces;
----- know the situation, composition, combat capability, and manning level of the engineer sub-units;
----- prepare and give his recommendations on the combat employment of engineer forces to the regiment commander, during the commander's decision-making.
----- organize the combat employment and the planning for the engineer forces in accordance with the regiment commander's decision and orders and the instructions received from the senior headquarters staff;
----- conduct the grouping and deployment of the engineer forces during the preparation phase and according to mission during the conduct of the battle.
----- prepare, issue, and transmit combat orders (missions) to the regiment engineer sub-units;
----- organize and conduct engineer reconnaissance of the enemy and terrain during the preparation phase and during the course of the battle and organize the interaction of engineer reconnaissance with general reconnaissance.
----- provide engineer support for preparation of FUP areas for the first echelon sub-units and of deployment areas for the second echelon sub-units and reserves;
----- prepare positions for the artillery and the PVO forces;
----- take engineer measures on blocking enemy surprise attacks during the preparation phase and during the course of the battle.
----- prepare movement routes for the relocation and maneuver of the second echelon, rocket troops, PVO forces, and command posts.
----- prepare engineer construction (fortification) of deployment areas, and regiment command posts during the preparation phase and during the course of the battle;
----- participate in planning for tactical maskirovka and in taking measures to accomplish it in accordance with the regiment plan.
----- participate in planning and support for the defense of forces and rear service installations against enemy use of mass destruction weapons and in the liquidation of the results of their use and the restoration of the combat capability (effectiveness) of the forces, rear services, and staffs, during the preparation phase and course of the battle.
----- provide engineer support for the movement and deployment of regiment forces in the enemy covering force area, support for the breaching of enemy obstacles and mine fields during breakthrough of his prepared defenses, and support for the development of the attack of first echelon sub-units.
----- provide engineer support for regiment forces during the forcing of water obstacles.
----- provide engineer support for the movement and commitment into the engagement of the regiment second echelon forces;
----- prepare the engineer forces for the fulfillment of all combat missions;
----- plan and conduct all-round combat support for the engineer forces;
----- provide support of regiment forces during the preparation phase and the course of the battle by engineer forces and means, weapons, and technical equipment and establish the proper reserves of engineer materials up to the prescribed norms;
----- organize interaction of engineer forces with other forces and elements of the regiment during the fulfillment of the most important missions;
----- organize troop control and the creation of reliable and constant signal communications with the engineer forces and other elements of the combat formation of the regiment with whom they have organized interaction.- ------conduct constant, reliable control (inspection) of the fulfillment of all orders and instructions that are sent to subordinates and render them assistance to fulfill their missions.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Regiment Chief of Chemical Troops

The regiment chief of chemical troops is responsible for the following in peacetime and wartime: for organizing chemical support to the regiment; for training the regiment's personnel within his specialty; for supplying the regiment with chemical troop armament and protective resources, and insuring their use and maintenance in working order; for the combat and mobilizational readiness of the regiment's chemical defense sub-units and for the combat and political training, indoctrination, military discipline and political morale of its personnel. He is subordinate to the regiment commander, and he is the direct superior of personnel of the regiment chemical defense units.

The regiment chief of chemical troops is obligated to fulfill the following duties:
----- organize, plan, conduct, and inspect the high combat readiness and operational preparedness of the chemical sub-units of the regiment;
----- organize, plan, conduct, and inspect the special, combat, and political training of the chemical sub-units of the regiment;
----- prepare combat calculations in support of the commander's decision and for the combat employment of the chemical forces.
----- know the situation, composition, combat capability, and manning level of the sub-units of chemical forces.
----- prepare and give his recommendations on the combat employment of chemical forces to the regiment commander, during the commander's making the decision.
----- organize the combat employment and the planning for the chemical forces in accordance with the regiment commander's decision and orders and the instructions received from the senior headquarters staff.
----- conduct the grouping and deployment of the chemical troops during the preparation phase and according to mission during the conduct of the battle.
----- prepare, issue, and transmit combat orders (missions) to the regiment chemical sub-units;
----- organize and conduct radiation and chemical reconnaissance and participates in bacteriological reconnaissance during the preparation phase and during the course of the battle and organize the interaction of chemical reconnaissance with general reconnaissance.
----- prepare the area for deployment of the regiment chemical forces with engineer construction (fortification) and insure their cover and maskirovka.
----- prepare his forces for the fulfillment of combat missions.
----- organize and conduct special and field cleaning of personnel (decontamination).
----- organize and conduct disinfection, and decontamination of weapons, equipment, material means, locations, roads, and other items as required.
----- monitor the level of radioactive and chemical contamination of personnel and combat equipment, weapons, locations, supplies, and installations;
----- inspect for changes in the level of contamination and conducts analysis of the radiation and chemical situation;
----- control the preparation and employment of chemical weapons, bacteriological weapons, smoke means, and fire weapons;
----- participate in interaction with the operations section, engineer section, and other responsible chiefs of arms and services and the rear staff in organizing and planning for the protection of regiment forces and rear installations against the enemy use of mass destruction weapons and plans for the restoration of combat effectiveness and liquidation of the results of such enemy employment of mass weapons;
----- plan for the all-round combat support of chemical forces.
----- provide constant support for chemical forces and for sub-units of all combat arms, special troops services and rear installations of the regiment with various chemical weapons, supplies, chemical protective gear, ammunition, and chemical technical means;
----- establish chemical supply depots to the required stockage norms.
----- organize interaction with other arms and services of the regiment combat structure during the fulfillment of the most important regiment missions.
----- organize troop control and establish constant, reliable signal communications with subordinate chemical sub-units and other elements of the regiment tactical order with whom the chemical forces interact;
----- conduct constant inspection for the fulfillment of orders and instructions issued to subordinate forces and renders assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Regiment Chief of Signal Troops

The regiment chief of signal troops is responsible for the following in peacetime and in wartime: for timely organization and work of communications in the regiment; for providing the regiment with communication resources and insuring their proper operation, as well as for compliance with the rules and order of conducting conversations with all technical communication resources; for training the regiment's personnel within his specialty; for the combat and mobilizational readiness of the regiment's signal sub-unit, and for the combat and political training, indoctrination, military discipline and political morale of its personnel. He is subordinate to the regiment chief of staff, and is the direct superior of personnel in the regiment signal unit.

The regiment chief of signal troops is obligated to fulfill the following duties:
----- organize, plan, conduct, and inspect high combat readiness and operational preparedness of the signal forces of the regiment and the signal sub-units for fulfilling support of the forces of the regiment for battle.
----- organize, plan, conduct, and inspect the special, combat, and political training of the signal forces of the regiment and its sub-units;
----- prepare combat calculations in support of the commander's decision and for the combat employment of the signal troops;
----- know the situation, composition, combat capability, and manning level of the units, and sub-units of signal forces;
----- prepare and give his recommendations on the combat employment of signal forces for the creation of reliable and constant communications to the regiment commander, during the commander's making the decision.
----- organize the combat employment and the planning for the signal forces in accordance with the regiment commander's decision and orders of the chief of staff and the instructions received from the senior headquarters staff;
----- organize timely, reliable, uninterrupted, and secret communications with forces, staffs, control organs, and subordinates and adjacents;
----- plan signal communications in peacetime and during the preparation phase and course of the battle.
----- conduct the grouping and deployment of the signal forces during the preparation phase and according to mission during the conduct of the battle.
----- prepare, issue, and transmit combat orders (missions) to the regiment signal forces and instructions on signal matters to subordinate sub-units.
----- prepare his forces for the fulfillment of combat missions in providing reliable and uninterrupted signal communications during the preparation phase and the course of the battle.
----- send in a timely manner the signals and commands for raising the forces to various higher levels of combat readiness.
----- send warning signals (alerts) on the enemy's preparations to employ nuclear strikes.
----- provide support with reliable and uninterrupted signal communications for the commander, chief of staff, and troop control organs with the commanders and staffs of subordinate sub-units starting from the first combat alert signal to the fulfillment of the subsequent mission (i.e all the time;)
----- provide signal support for interaction with regiment forces and sub-units of all combat arms, special troops and services, elements of the regiment combat order, second echelons, reserves, and interacting forces of the division which are operating in the regiment area and with adjacents.
----- provide support by sending warning signals, data, and commands on the air situation, radiological, chemical, and bacteriological contamination, and meteorological situation in a timely manner;
----- provide signal support to the rear services with communications between rear service units and installations and the rear of subordinate sub-units.
----- establish the signal centers and organize radio, radio-relay, and telephone nets and directions to provide reliable and uninterrupted signal support;
----- provide mobile signal (courier) service on directions and circular routes between the command posts and other points.
----- plan and conduct all-round combat support of the signal forces themselves.
----- organize and conduct replenishment and supply of signal means and their timely repair.
----- organize and conduct constant inspection over the orders and instructions sent to subordinates and their constant control in observation of secrecy of troop control.
----- offer assistance to subordinates.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Deputy Commander for Armaments and/or Technical Matters

The regiment has either a deputy commander for armaments or technical matters, depending on the type of regiment and the quantity and type of equipment it has.

The regiment deputy commander for armaments or technical matters is responsible for the following in peacetime and in wartime: for the regiment's technical support; for the technical serviceability of armament, combat and other equipment and instruments, their readiness for combat use, and their correct operation, repair and evacuation; for the serviceability of armored and motor vehicle equipment, for its technically correct use, and for its maintenance, storage, repair and evacuation; for the state of motor pools and for organizing internal services within them; for the training of regiment personnel in his specialties; for supplying the regiment with armament, combat and other equipment and instruments, and for maintaining records on this equipment; for the combat and mobilizational readiness of units and services directly subordinated to him, and for the combat and political training, indoctrination, military discipline and political morale of their personnel. He is subordinate to the regiment commander, and he is the direct superior of all personnel in the regiment.

The regiment deputy commander for armament and technical matters is obligated to fulfill the following:
----- participate in the development of the combat and political training plan and the regiment mobilization plan, and organize their fulfillment within his specialty;
----- direct the combat and political training of the subunits subordinated to him and the technical training of all personnel in the regiment, to conduct lessons with the regiment officers and warrant officers with the purpose of studying armament, combat and other equipment, instruments, missiles and ammunition, and the rules of their use;
----- organize use of armament and of combat and other equipment; draw up the plans of scheduled repairs and technical maintenance, repair and evacuation of armament, combat, armored, motor vehicle, and other equipment and instruments; insure its prompt and high-quality fulfillment in sub-units, insuring constant technical serviceability of the material; inspect armament, armored and motor vehicles, and other combat equipment not less than once every three months;
----- test personnel's knowledge of the rules of operating, repairing, servicing, evacuating, and preserving armament, armored and motor vehicle equipment, combat and other equipment and instruments;
----- maintain an awareness of the work, political and moral qualities of officers, warrant officers and sergeants in sub-units and services immediately subordinate to him;
----- manage the work of setting up motor pools, the tank practice range and the motor vehicle driving range; implements measures for servicing, preserving, and improving the technical training base; organize and monitor the conduct of internal services in the motor pools;
----- implement measures for raising the class qualification of regiment officers, warrant officers, and driver-mechanics;
----- monitor the correctness of the use of fuel, lubricants, and special fluids in the regiment;
----- develop and implements measures for preventing disasters, accidents, breakdowns, and other incidents with armament, armored and motor vehicle, combat, and other equipment, and reveal and study their causes; implement measures for insuring safety when preparing and operating armament and combat and other equipment, and implement fire protection measures;
----- be aware of the availability and technical state of armament, armored and motor vehicle, combat and other equipment and instruments; systematically check the correctness of their preparation for use and the correctness of their operation; and organize and monitors management of the established accounting and reporting system;
----- supply the regiment's sub-units with armament, combat and other equipment and instruments; promptly requisition lacking armament, spare parts, motor pool equipment, monitoring and measuring apparatus, maintenance resources, and other armored and motor vehicle property, and organize its acceptance, storage, and issue in the regiment units;

Duties and Responsibilities of the Deputy Commander for Rear Services

The deputy commander for rear services is also the chief of rear services of the regiment and he directs the rear services during peacetime and wartime. He is responsible for the following: for logistic support of subordinate services in the regiment and units; for delivering all forms of material and water; for commercial services for the regiment personnel; for maintenance of the barracks and housing fund and for fire protection; for the combat and mobilization readiness of sub-units and services immediately subordinate to him, and for the combat and political training, indoctrination, military discipline and political morale of their personnel. He is subordinate to the regiment commander, and he is the direct superior of all personnel in the regiment.

The regiment deputy commander for rear services is obligated to fulfill the following tasks:
----- organize, plan, conduct and inspect high combat readiness and mobilization preparedness of the sub-units of the rear services for fulfilling support of the forces of the regiment for combat actions.
----- organize, plan, conduct, and inspect the special, combat, and political training of the rear services staff and sub-units.
----- prepare recommendations with the aim of rear services support during the commander's making the decision.
----- prepare and conduct calculations for accomplishment of rear service support for the battle.
----- organize and plan rear service support.
----- prepare the operational order on rear services and instructions on rear service and insures their timely issue to the rear services sub-units;
----- support regiment forces with all types of material supplies and create supply dumps of materials filled to the approved norms at all levels of preparation and combat.
----- provide uninterrupted transport of supplies to the combat forces.
----- prepare lines of communication for supply and evacuation and support of reliable movement of transport on these roads and organize the commandant's service on the designated regiment roads.
----- render assistance to wounded and sick, their evacuation from the battlefield, their medical treatment in the regiment aid station, and their evacuation to the division medical battalion and provide anti-epidemic and sanitary measures with the aim of limiting the spread of epidemics in the forces.
----- organize security, protection, and defense of regiment rear area as well as the complete operational activity in the rear area of the regiment so that all will be in order.
----- organize veterinary support and quartering service and also exploitation of local supplies and captured materials.
----- conduct maneuver and movement of regiment mobile material support company, supplies of materials, transport means, sub-units, and installations of the regiment rear, units for evacuation and repair, medical units, and others in a timely manner in accordance with the movement (advance) of the regiment.
----- organize establishment of the rear control post and its high quality operation, movement, defense, security, and protection in the FUP area and during the operation.
----- insure timely preparation and issuing of periodic reports on rear service status and activities and data on the situation to higher headquarters.
----- conduct constant inspection of the fulfillment of issued directives and instructions on rear services and render required assistance to subordinate sub-units.

III. WORK OF THE REGIMENT COMMANDER AND STAFF IN ORGANIZING THE BATTLE

Sequence of work

The method and sequence of the work of the regiment commander and his staff mostly depends on the following:
----- the combat mission;
----- condition of the situation;
----- the commander's and his staff's level of preparation;
----- amount of time available;
----- equipment capabilities.

Therefore, the methods and sequences of work to organize the battle differ due to the following conditions:
----- when the regiment operates in the division's first-echelon or in its second-echelon;
----- when combat is initiated with or without direct enemy contact;
----- in the initial phase of war or during the war;
----- during other situations related to different levels or preparedness of officers;
----- capabilities of equipment used.

The regiment commander and staff will include the following under all circumstances while organizing the battle:
----- making the decision and planning the battle;
----- conveying combat missions to the troops;
----- organizing interaction;
----- organizing combat support measures;
----- preparing and occupying FUP areas;
----- organizing troop control;
----- organizing political work;
----- preparing the troops;
----- monitoring the execution of assigned missions and assisting subordinate troops.

Making the Decision

The regiment commander's decision is the basis of troop control. In order to accomplish the assigned mission all measures related to planning and organizing the battle are organized and implemented in accordance with the commander's decision. Success in combat actions and accomplishments of assigned missions depend largely upon making the decision promptly and assigning combat missions to the troops. The regiment commander must make the decision and convey missions to subordinates in order to insure that the executing elements will be able to prepare themselves in time for executing the assigned mission. In making the decision the regiment commander follows these steps:
----- clarifying the mission;
----- specifying measures to be taken immediately;
----- calculating the available time;
----- issuing the initial instructions;
----- estimating (assessing) the situation;
----- evaluating terrain on the ground
----- formulating the division.

When the regiment attacks from the line of march, moving forward from assembly areas, the regiment commander usually makes his decision on the map. He then assigns missions to subordinates on the map or terrain model. Later on, the regiment commander conducts evaluation of the terrain on the ground and issues his combat orders and instructions on interaction to subordinates directly on the ground (terrain). When it is not possible for the regiment commander to work on the terrain, he gives combat orders on the map or terrain model and reconfirms it on the terrain when the regiment actually moves to the line of attack.

When combat is organized while in direct contact with the enemy, most of the work on organizing the battle is conducted on the terrain. In this case the regiment commander organizes observations and security and assigns missions to the troops in enemy contact in order to repel possible ground attacks and air strikes.

Clarifying the Mission

Clarifying the mission is initiated immediately when the combat mission is received from the higher command. The regiment commander clarifies the mission in detail. During the process he examines the following:
----- concept of the division commander's battle plan in order to accomplish his mission which includes the sequence for destroying the enemy; use for means of destruction; the breakthrough area and the direction of the main attack; and the combat formation of the division (grouping);
----- role and place of the regiment in the division's combat formation;
----- location (direction) in which the regiment should concentrate its main attack;
----- how the regiment's combat formation should be established; which battalions are to be in first-echelon and which in second-echelon (reserve);

Clarifying the mission lays the foundation for the regiment commander's decision, since his decision must always be mission oriented. On the other hand, the deductions from clarifying the mission provide immediate guidelines for the troops and the regiment staff to start mission oriented preparations for upcoming battles. Therefore, deductions gained from clarifying the missions constitute the basis for the following:
----- measures to be taken immediately;
----- calculating the time needed in preparing for battle;
----- initial instructions to be given to the troops to prepare for battle, and to the staff and chiefs of arms and services to prepare necessary data and their suggestions on combat employment of their related arms and services.

Measures to be Taken Immediately

After clarifying the mission the regiment commander specifies the measures to be taken immediately. These measures may include the following:
----- briefing the staff and chief's of arms and services on the mission and deductions of the clarification of the mission;
----- when in actual combat with the enemy, instructions to improve the situation suitable for the accomplishment of assigned missions (seize certain objectives, contain enemy attacks, speed up troop movement, etc.);
----- collecting and acquiring additional information about the enemy in the regiment's area of combat action;
----- when and where the regiment commander conducts the evaluation of the terrain and issues combat orders;
----- measures to prepare the subunits for combat actions.

Calculating Time

The basis for calculating time includes the following elements:
----- time the combat mission is received;
----- time for regiment subunits to prepared for the attack;
----- time for reporting the decision to the division commander;
----- other deadlines imposed from above.

In the process of calculating and allocating time, more time is allocated to subunits and less time is kept for the regiment commander who organizes combat. The time table for preparing the attack is personally done by the regiment commander and the chief of staff on pre-prepared blanks.

Calculating the Time Needed to Conduct Measures for Preparing for the Attack

Mission received at .......
Time to prepare for the attack .......
Time to report the decision to the division commander ......
Total time available is ....... Hours of which ........ hours is daytime.

The initial instructions are usually issued by the regiment chief of staff on behalf of the commander. These instructions include information necessary for the subordinate troops to prepare for the upcoming combat action, as well as the time and method of conveying assigned missions to the troops.

"The initial instructions are addressed only to the commander of ...... Motorized Rifle Battalion (or other subunit)," so that the secrecy of the nature of the regiment's preparation for combat action is insured.

The initial instructions may also include time and place for conducting evaluation of the terrain on the ground by the regiment commander with the participation of designated subordinates.

In order to save time, the regiment staff must prepare in advance the maps of the area of regiment's upcoming combat actions, necessary blank forms, documents, and reference materials. The regiment staff should also closely follow the latest information pertaining to the situation.

The regiment commander conducts the estimate of the situation after the initial briefing, issuing of initial instructions, and calculation of time. The staff helps him in presenting the necessary information and calculations and the chief's of combat arms, special troops, and services come up with their suggestions in the context of the overall support plan of higher echelon in regard with their related arms and services.

When time for preparing the battle is limited, the regiment commander (the chief of staff in his name) may issue more detailed initial assessments of the following:
----- enemy opposing the subunit (battalion);
----- tentative mission of the battalion;
----- adjacents;
----- time to prepare for the attack;
----- time for the battalion commander to participate in the regiment commander's evaluation of the terrain on the ground;
----- time to receive combat orders and instructions on interaction.

This method insures parallel work methods at the regiment and battalion levels and saves time.

Estimate of the Situation

During the estimate of the situation the regiment commander studies and analyzes the factors and conditions which influence the accomplishment of the assigned mission. The process may be conducted in two ways:
1. estimate of the situation according to its elements:
----- enemy;
----- own forces;
----- adjacents;
----- terrain;
----- weather, time of day and night, season;
----- other conditions of the area of combat action (economic, socio-politic, population).

2. estimate of the situation according to the elements of the decision:
----- concept of the battle:
----------a. sequence for destroying the enemy;
----------b. use of means of destruction;
----------c. the direction of the main attack;
--------- d. combat formation;
--------- e. character of maneuver.
----- missions of subordinates;
----- principle issues of interaction and combat support;
----- troop control.

When the estimate of the situation is conducted according to the elements of the situation, the impact of each element on each aspect of the accomplishment of mission is studied and partial deductions are made. Then, along with the deductions from the clarification of the mission they are compared and generalized for the purpose of working out the elements of the decision as mentioned above. This method insures the most complete assessment of the situation, however, it takes a lot of time. Therefore, if sufficient time is available for preparing combat, the regiment commander may use this method to conduct the estimate of the situation.

When time is limited (mostly during the conduct of combat action), the second method is usually used. In this method, the regiment commander conducts successive analysis of the effect of specific factors (enemy, our own forces, adjacents, terrain, etc.) on determining and formulating each element of the decision (concept of the battle, missions of subordinates, interaction, combat support issues and troop control). For example in assessing the enemy, the importance of one or another grouping and its assumed actions are identified. Simultaneously, the possible methods for destroying the enemy grouping, the sequence of his destruction and the content of the mission of the troops are determined. Then the basic elements of the decision are determined on the basis of assessment of our own troops, adjacents, terrain, and other situation factors. Using this method the regiment commander's priority is to assess the dominant elements of the situation with the greatest detail. The commander assesses the rest of the elements of the situation to the extent necessary based upon the point of view of the main issues concerned with the decision and his conclusions. This method is based on an analysis of the situation in a sequence which has been adopted in determining the main questions for the decision. It makes it possible to reduce the time for making a decision under ordinary conditions, since it requires determining only individual elements of the decision or partial missions of a battle. However, its use is difficult with abrupt changes in the situation and the need for making a decision for an entire battle.

Assessing the Factors of a Situation


a. enemy

During the assessment of the enemy, the regiment commander evaluates the enemy in the regiment's attack area and on the flanks. The enemy's grouping, the structure of his defense, and his likely actions are determined. This will include the following points:
----- what enemy subunits are defending in the regiment's attack area;
----- location of enemy mass-destruction weapons;
----- the trace of the enemy's FLOT;
----- location of trenches, communication trenches, and areas occupied by troops;
----- what kind of obstacles are established in front of the enemy defensive position;
----- determining the level of supply of enemy's troops;
----- determining level of morale of enemy troops and their combat experience;

In the conclusion part of the enemy assessment the regimental commander reaches the following conclusions:
----- weak and strong aspects of the enemy defenses;
----- combat formation of enemy troops and accurate location of company strong points and enemy first and second echelon units;
----- density of enemy forces and means per km of front;
----- location in which the main attack should be launched;
----- specific details of missions of battalions and other elements;
----- what information about the enemy should be acquired;


b. Assessment of own troops

During the assessment of own troops the regimental commander evaluates the following elements:
----- the degree of completeness in personnel of the battalions and other subunits;
----- what subunits are attached to the regiment and their form of possible of employment in the course of the attack;
----- the level of combat readiness, training, and combat experience of the troops;
----- the level of completeness of the units in armament and ammunition;
----- the level of political- moral status of the troops;
----- the actual location of battalions and other subunits and accordingly the easiest way to establish combat formations for the upcoming operation;
----- the level of supplies of the troops in material means and the level of supply of rear services in terms of material reserves and medical supplies;
----- technical status of regiment organic equipment, the level of completeness of the regiment in vehicles and presence of damaged vehicles;

At the end of the assessment of own troops the regimental commander reaches the following conclusions:
----- the combat formation of the regiment for the attack;
----- the distribution of support elements and attached sub-units among the battalions;
----- the battalions' combat missions;
----- the main issues of interaction;
----- the location of the regiment's command post;


c. Assessment of adjacents

The regiment commander evaluates the following points during the aassessment of adjacents:
----- missions, situation, and location of adjacents;
----- given the direction of the main attack of adjacents, where the main attack of the regiment is more appropriate;
----- the method of coordination with adjacents at the beginning and in the course of the attack;
----- measures to secure the unit boundaries;
----- the missions of forward detachment, detached from higher echelon in the regiment area and method of coordination with them (if such detachments are established);
----- if the division second echelon is going to operate in the regiment area, the regiment commander should evaluate the questions of its timing of commitment, coordination with it, and method of supporting it during commitment;


d. Assessment of terrain

The asessment of terrain is normally conducted in two parts, that is, terrain in the enemy area and terrain in own area.

During the assessment of terrain in the enemy areas the following points are identified:
----- terrain from which the enemy may conduct fire and observation against the regiment sub-units before the begining of the attack and in the course of the conduct of the attack;
----- the conditions for maneuver of enemy troops and the conduct of an enemy counterattack;
----- the conditions of cover and concealment of enemy troops and combat formations;
----- the most favorable terrain lines for enemy defenses;
----- avalability of routes and the possibility of movement off roads;
----- presence of water obstacles and availabilty of bridges;
----- the most suitable direction for the regiment's attack and covered advances into the rear of the enemy resistance points;

During the evaluation of terrain in the area of own troops the following elements are identified:
----- terrain conditions for observation by own forces;
----- conditions for concealment and cover and direct fire;
----- covered deployment possibilities for own troops in the departure areas;
----- protective structure of terrain for the protection and deployment of first and second echelon battalions and weapons against enemy mass destructive means, particularly nuclear weapons;
----- presence of covered places, covered routes, and natural obstacles;

At the end of the terrain assessment the regiment commander specifies the following:
----- departure (FUP) areas for the attack for first and second echelon battalions, weapons, command posts, and the areas of regiment rear services elemenmts;
----- measures on preparing departure areas for battalions, positions for weapons, and command posts;
----- conduct of measures for cover and concealment of subunits and deception;
----- measures for passage through natural obstacles;
----- specific terrain for the direction of the main attack;
----- combat missions and targets of companies on the ground;


e. Assessment of weather, time of day and night, and seasonal conditions

The commander during the assessment of these elements evaluates the positive and negative effects of each on the operation of regiment sub-units and determines the measures to be taken in this regard.


While the estimate of the situation is being conducted, additional data on the situation and analysis may be required by the regiment commander. If need be, the commander may seek advice from his own deputies, staff officers, and chief's of combat arms. special troops, and services regarding specific questions of interest to him. This will usually include calculations about the combat capabilities of the regiment vis a via the enemy, suggestions on combat employment of various combat and combat support arms, and support of the combat actions of the troops. (For formats of the suggestions of the staff and chief's of arms and services to the regiment commander -- see the annexes). Usually the need for such a full contribution of staff during the estimate of the situation may arise during advance preparation of the battle. During the course of the battle, when time available for updating a decision or making a new one is extremely limited, the regiment commander, usually will be obliged to be guided by the data which he has as hand.

The regiment staff and the chief's of combat arms, special troops, and services must always have information and analysis which may be required by the commander when he is making a decision. Upon the commander's demand, the staff must draw up an estimate of the time needed to prepare the troops for combat action, in which the number of hours of daylight and darkness, the deadlines for conducting measures to organize battle and to prepare the troops for the execution of assigned tasks are determined. The staff together with the chief's of combat arms, special troops, and services also prepare an analysis of the correlation of forces and means, the combat capabilities of the troops, suggestions on movement and regroupment of the troops, and other reference data.

Evaluating the Terrain on the Ground

When possible the regiment commander does most of the work associated with making the decision on the terrain. In this case, evaluating the terrain on the ground will be the most important part of it. The regiment commander may combine the estimate of the situation with direct evaluation of the elements of the situation on the ground. The evaluation of the terrain on the ground (Rekognasirovka) before the decision is made is conducted usually when time is sufficient to prepare for the battle. When the decision is primarily made on the map, the evaluation of the terrain on the ground is conducted to confirm and orient the elements of the decision on the ground.

During the evaluation of the terrain on the ground, the enemy and the nature of the terrain, within the limits of visibility are studied. Conclusions are drawn from the estimate of the situation. The decision is then made (confirmed) and the missions of subunits are confirmed. The method of interaction is established or refined and the locations of the control points are designated. (For details on the plan and conduct of the evaluation of the terrain on the ground -- see the division section).

Formulating the Decision

The regiment commander makes his decision following the clarification of the mission, estimate of the situation, and the evaluation of the terrain on the ground (if conducted). It includes the following points:

1. concept of the battle
----- which enemy to destroy and in what sequence;
----- use of destruction means;
----- direction of the main attack;
----- combat formulation (grouping of forces and means);
----- the character (nature) of maneuver.

2. missions to subordinates

3. the procedure for interacting and combat support

4. troop control.

The regiment commander's decision is reported to the division commander for approval. However, this should not delay the dispatching of missions to the troops. Under all conditions the missions should be conveyed to subordinates immediately after the decision is made.

The regiment commander's decision is formulated at the same time that it is made by the commander. It is formulated graphically on working maps by commander and the chief of staff. When time allows, it may be formulated on a separate map or diagram. The graphic portion of the decision includes the following:
----- situation and deploying of the enemy's and our own forces;
----- regiment's mission, boundaries, and missions of immediate adjacent units and troops fighting ahead, elements of higher echelon to operate in the regiment's area;
----- grouping of forces and means in the FUP areas and during the attack, missions of subunits, and missions of combat and combat support troops;
----- principle issues for interacting and combat support;
----- location of control points and relocating them during the battle;
----- deploying and relocating rear service support elements.

The decision data which can not be reflected graphically on the map or diagram are shown in the written instructions. They usually include the following:
----- composition of the regiment;
----- speed of advance;
----- correlating forces and means;
----- distributing support forces and means;
----- availability and time of delivery of ammunition and other material means;
----- availability and status of wheeled and tracked vehicles;
----- table of coordination signals;
----- table of composition and distribution of traffic control forces and means.

The signal plan and plans for combat employment of arms and services are worked out on the map on the basis of the commander's decision.

Conveying Missions to Subordinates

Any decision not dispatched in time to the executing element loses its effect. Therefore, one of the most crucial duties of the regiment commander and his staff is promptly dispatching decisions to subordinates. Usually the regiment commander assigns missions to subordinate personally (preferably on the terrain) or through his staff. When assigning missions, the regiment commander may summon all subordinates at the same time or at different times to his command (observation) post or he drives out to the location of subunits.

Missions are assigned to subordinates by means of combat order and combat instructions. They may be given orally when the subordinates meet personally with the regiment commander, chief of staff, other staff officers, and chief's of combat arms, special troops, and services or may be transmitted by communication means. They may be sent in writing (textual or graphic form). Combat orders and instructions issued orally are noted down by the staff officers. Missions are personally assigned to those subunits which will be the first to begin action and which will require the most time to prepare for the execution of the assigned mission. The format of the regiment commander's combat order and combat instructions are as follows:
A. combat order
-----title: Combat order of .... regiment commander for the attack. Command post at ..... (place) ..... (date, time). Map ..... (scale), edition 19.. year.
-----point one: brief deduction of the assessment of the enemy situation;
---- point two: targets to be destroyed or suppressed by means of superior commanders in the regiment's attack area, and distance of the line of safety; also missions of adjacents and boundaries with them;
---- point three: combat missions of the regiment and concept of the battle;
---- point four which begins with "I order:"
---- -- missions of motorized rifle and tank battalions;
|- ----- missions to organic and attached artillery and other means of destruction (aviation, AT weapons, etc.);
---- -- missions of air defense;
---- -- missions of other forces and means (engineer, chemical troops);
---- -- reserves (AT reserve, POZ, and other reserves).
---- point five: time to prepare for the attack;
---- point six: troop control and deputies;
---- ending: signature of the regiment commander; signature of the chief of staff.

During the battle when time is limited, missions are assigned by brief combat instructions. The format of which is as follows:
---- title: Combat instructions of .... MR regiment commander for the commitment of ..... MR battalion in combat. CP at .... (place) .... (date, hour). Map ... (scale) .... edition 19...
---- point one: brief information on the enemy;
---- point two: mission of the subunit (to which the instructions are given);
---- point three: tasks conducted for the benefit of the subunit by forces and means of higher echelon and their timing, and interaction instructions when necessary;
---- point four: troop control;
---- ending: the same as for combat order.

Organizing Interaction

The regiment commander organizes interaction at the same time combat missions are being assigned. At the regiment level interaction is organized by the commander on the terrain or on a map (terrain model) on the basis of his decision for the battle. The contents and working methods of the commander and the staff in organizing interaction depends on the conditions of the situation and the methods and procedures of the accomplishment of assigned missions.

In the regiment commander's instructions on interaction, he determines the procedure and methods of action of the troops in terms of missions, and time and place (lines, objectives). Moreover, the signals for coordination, target definition (indication), mutual identification, and warning are communicated to all of the interacting troops. Subsequently, separate questions regarding interaction may be clarified and outlined in detail through the staff officers, chief's of combat arms, special troops, and services, and in instructions issued personally by the regiment commander.

The regiment staff elaborates the signals for coordination, designates uniform bearings, map codes and signal codes, and organizes communication between cooperating subunits. All interaction measures are shown on the working maps of the commander's of cooperating subunits and on the map of the regiment commander's decision. When there is sufficient time, the regiment staff may elaborate an interaction table (diagram).

Organizing Combat Support

The regiment commander, in accordance with his decision for the battle, determines the principle tasks and measures for supporting the combat action of the troops.

The overall content of the regiment commander's instructions on support of troop combat operation may vary. In all cases, the regiment commander defines in these instructions the tasks for each type support, the forces and means allocated, the basic measures which need to be conducted for the accomplishment of these tasks, and deadlines for having each type of support ready.

All-around support of combat operations of the troops is organized on the basis of the following:
----- regiment commander's decision for the battle;
----- regiment commander's instructions on combat support;
----- instructions from the higher headquarters on support of combat actions.

The regiment staff and the chief's of combat arms, special troops, and services plan the corresponding measures, dispatch necessary instructions to subordinates, monitor their implementation, and reconfirm (update) tasks regarding support during the battle. All measures for supporting combat actions of the troops are elaborated by the regiment staff in concert with the chief's of arms and services. The different types of combat supporting measures are worked out by the following:
----- 1. the regiment staff works out:
---------- reconnaissance;
---------- protecting against mass-destruction weapons;
---------- maskirovka;
---------- security;
---------- traffic control;
---------- topographic and meteorologic support.
---- 2. the chief of engineers does engineer support;
---- 3. the chief of chemical prepares chemical support;
---- 4. the deputy regiment commander for technical works out the technical support;
---- 5. the deputy commander for rear service prepares the rear service (material, medical) support.

Troop Preparation and Monitoring

On the basis of the planning (time table) of the regiment staff the following measures are taken to prepare the troops and the area for the upcoming combat action:
----- planning the preparation and occupation of the FUP areas by the troops;
----- collecting and stockpiling the material means at appropriate points;
----- monitoring the actions of the subordinates to prepare for the battle and extending assistance to them;
----- organizing and establishing control points.

The plan (diagram) for preparing and occupying the FUP areas is worked out by the operation section of the regiment staff the same way as was discussed in the division. The material means are supplied and distributed in accordance with the plan of rear service support of the regiment.

Monitoring is conducted by the regiment commander and staff as an important link in control of the troops to monitor the precise and punctual execution of assigned combat missions, actions of the troops, position and condition of the troops, and their rear service support. Monitoring is exercised personally by the regiment commander, the staff, and chief's of combat arms, special troops, and services. It must be skillfully combined with practical assistance to subordinates in accomplishing the assigned missions.

Monitoring is conducted according to a single plan prepared by the regiment staff (operations section). The monitoring plan (in a table form) indicates the following:
----- matters be checked;
----- methods of checking (going to the troops, studying their submitted documents, observing actions of the troops, etc.), the deadlines for execution;
----- those who will conduct the checks;
----- time and procedure for reporting on the results of the inspection.

Monitoring must be conducted continuously and resolutely and be directed at preventing the untimely and sloppy execution of assigned missions by the troops. It includes rendering assistance to implementation of the decisions made by the commander.

Troop Control During the Battle

Control of the regiment elements during the conduct of the battle consists of constant influence of the regiment commander on the development of combat action by all forces and means under his control. Measures taken by the regiment commander and his staff during the conduct of the battle must be directed toward concentrating the efforts of all forces and means on the accomplishment of the regiment's assigned missions. All work in controlling the troops will be conducted within extremely limited periods of time. In order for the commander to always know the situation and be able to react promptly to any changes in the it, the staff during the battle constantly gathers information about the situation, and reports this data to the commander and higher headquarters. On the basis of the changing situation, the regiment commander updates his decision and missions assigned to subordinates. He redistributes forces and means and concentrates the main efforts in those sectors where success is imminent. He swiftly directs reserves and second-echelon troops to such areas and organizes their commitment.

During the battle tasks are assigned to the troops personally by the regiment commander and through the staff by using communication equipment, coded maps, procedure and brevity code tables, or through staff officers who go to the subunits with the commander's instructions.

IV. THE REGIMENT IN A MEETING ENGAGEMENT

The work of the regimental commander and staff during the conduct of battle frequently focuses on the commitment of the regiment into a meeting battle as the first echelon of the division. This is one of the most complex situations confronting the commander. In the following example the division is advancing with a regiment on each of three axes. The table contains a description of the events and actions shown on the accompanying map.