SOVIET VOROSHILOV ACADEMY LECTURES
PRACTICAL LESSONS

LESSON V: PRACTICAL EXERCISE ON FRONT PLANNING

1. General: In this two hour lesson students learn how the front commander makes his decision and issues the operations directive to the armies.



2. Sublesson Introduction: This is the first of the three long practical exercises. However, in this lesson the students will not be expected to complete front level plans. The instructor will guide them through an examination of the key issues and samples of completed plans and directives. By the conclusion of the exercise they will have issued the front directive to the army. This will be the basis for more complete practical exercise in planning at army level.



3. Teacher Learning Objective: To give the students a very general background look at Soviet front level operations planning to prepare them for roles of commander, chief of staff, and chief of operations at front level.


Task: Review the duties and responsibilities of front commander, chief of staff, and operations chief with respect to making decisions and planning operations.

Condition: Given Handbook on Soviet Staff Procedures and lesson materials.

Standard: The extent of the review will depend on the amount of information the students received and retained in the general lecture on this topic. The information could be presented as part of this lesson, if it is given separately without the introductory lectures.


Task: Review the procedures used by Soviet command and staff in preparing for operations including receipt of directives, issuing initial instructions, clarifying the mission, estimating the situation, making the decision, developing plans, and issuing directives and instructions.

Condition: Given the Handbook on Soviet Staff Procedures and lesson materials.

Standard: The extent of this review also will depend on the amount of information on this topic already understood by the students. If this lesson follows immediately on the other lectures provided in Lessons I to IV, then a review may not be necessary. The purpose for either conducting a review or presenting the material as a lecture at this time is to insure that the students have a sufficient grasp of the general theory to be able to proceed through the steps of the practical exercises in which they follow and implement the theory without making frequent digressions for explanations, which would interrupt the flow of the exercise and detract from its creation of the atmosphere of actual staff planning.


Task: Issue TVD directive to front and show students the map containing the dimensions of the mission, boundaries, and some enemy dispositions. Lead the students through the clarification of the mission as specified in exercise one.

Condition: Given course reading material and handouts.

Standard: The level of detail provided on the Blue (NATO) forces is minimal. If the instructor desires to make the exercises even more realistic and there is sufficient time, an almost unlimited amount of detail on the opposing forces and the scenario for the "war" could be developed and provided. The more "realistic" the scenario is the better, however, the intent is to emphasize principles and methods, not digress into discussions on tactical and operational issues and what might happen in future battles.


Task: Discuss the purpose, content, and format of initial instructions as specified in exercise two.

Condition: Given course reading material and handouts.

Standard: This will give practical example of the theory discussed in previous lessons.


Task: Lead the students through the preparation of calculations of available time and show sample calendar plans as specified in exercise three.

Condition: Given course reading material and handouts.

Standard: The instructor should discuss the planning norms for distribution of available time and explain how the Soviets may be accomplishing this now using PERT charts. He may issue a blank form for the students to use to record times and then show them sample of a complete calendar plan.


Task: Discuss the content of exercise four and check student results in determining time for mobilization.

Condition: Given course reading material and handouts.

Standard: The actual calculations for mobilization would required a great deal of time and effort and data on unit locations, road conditions, and a host od specific details not available for the students. It is sufficient for the instructor to illustrate the process and insure that the students realize that this is an important part of the real-world tasks of the staff.


Task: Issue exercise five and discuss the methods for determining the width of breakthrough sector and requirements for artillery.

Condition: Given course reading material and handouts.

Standard: We are not going into the details of artillery calculations in this course, since that is the topic of a separate course, however the critical issue for the commander is the proper calculation of a breakthrough sector. The instructor should give the general norms and let the students discuss the options available in terms of widths and locations. Then he can issue the solution.


Task: Discuss the methods for calculating correlation of forces and means as required in exercise six.

Condition: Given course reading material and handouts.

Standard: This exercise will use the calculation methods given in the Handbook and illustrated in the lesson on calculations.


Task: Issue blank tables for recording correlation of forces and lead students through exercise seven in filling out several of these. Issue completed tables.

Condition: Given course reading material and handouts.

Standard: This is a simple exercise to consider, but not so simple to do. The issue that must be resolved is just what forces and means to count for each of the situations.


Task: Discuss the content of the suggestions of the chief of operations and the chief of staff to the front commander and issue samples for exercise eight.

Condition: Given course reading material and handouts.

Standard: The students will not have sufficient detailed information on the entire situation facing the front to prepare full suggestions. We have not provided such a complete scenario, nor would there be time to assimilate all the details in a real situation. The point is to learn the general format and content, that is what topics are of concern and in what order. The information discussed in the suggestions from the chief of operations is the same as required for the commander to make his decision in exercise nine.


Task: Discuss the content of the front plan map and show sample diagram used in previous lesson. Give students opportunity to work with map as outlined in exercise nine and then show the completed sample.

Condition: Given course reading material and handouts.

Standard: Since the students will not have the necessary drafting skills (Shtabnaya cultura) to draw maps using Soviet symbology, we can only expose them to the topic and give a general idea of what the map looks line and how it is prepared. This exercise will reinforce the learning started in the previous lesson on maps and documents. The instructor should spend more time showing the diagrams used in the previous lesson and then have the class examine the initial situation map given at the start of the lesson. This shows the dimensions of the missions and boundaries as stated in the TVD directive. From this the students should discuss the boundaries of armies, their missions, and the other items they would place on a completed map. The instructor can then bring out the completed overlay and let them examine it. They should especially note the information relating to the Eighth Guards Army, since that will be their army in the following lesson.


Task: Request that the students write the aim and concept of the operation for the front commander as specified in exercise ten. Then issue sample and discuss.

Condition: Given course reading material and handouts.

Standard: Understanding the Soviet meaning for aim and concept of the operation is one of the hoped for learning outcomes. The instructor should spend some time on this topic and ask the students to try their hands at writing an aim and concept on the basis of the TVD directive. Then he should hand out the completed sample and discuss it in detail.


Task: Discuss the content and format of the operations directive and issue a blank form. Discuss the details in the completed sample. This will be the directive basis for the missions given to the army in the next lesson.
Condition: Given course reading material and handouts.

Standard: The front operations directive is a very extensive document containing detailed instructions to all the combat arms and special troops as well as giving the missions to the armies. There is no way for the students actually to prepare the entire document in the available time even if they had sufficient information. In this course we are only familiarizing them with the form and content and not expecting the students to be able to prepare such elaborate documents. Therefore we have not created a scenario with all the detailed information on all the supporting arms, such as air, artillery, engineers, etc. The instructor should focus on the missions and boundaries of the major formations and especially the Eighth Guards Army. This is the army that will be the subject of the next lesson.



4. Level of Instruction: Familiarization



5. Method of Instruction: Brief lecture or discussion followed by extensive practical exercises.



6. Author's Intent: The focus of this course is on planning at the army level. This lesson on the front level is given to give the army planners a better understanding of how their work will fit into the context of a larger operation. Soviet conceptions and planning methods are "top down" oriented. It is not possible to understand either the technical and mechanical aspects or the substantive content and perceptions of army level decision making and planning without reference to the higher level in which the army operates (usually front). In addition, many of the procedures are nearly identical at army and front (making allowances for differences in scale). Therefor by going through essentially the same procedures at front, army and division levels the students will gain reinforcement for their learning process. The content of the scenario and directives being used in this course for all three levels is the same to provide that essential context and illustrate how decisions and plans at each level establish the context and largely pre-ordain the decisions and plans of the next lower level.



7. Equipment/Materials: View graphs, maps of front initial situation and commander's decision, diagrams of standard front plans and examples of standard documents.



8. Homework: None, however it is presumed that the students will have a copy of the Handbook on Soviet Staff Procedures and will be able to make reference to it during the course and in their spare time between classes.

OUTSIDE READING: (see course general outline for full list of references).
FM 100-2-1, Chapter 9
Text Voroshilov lectures on front and army operations and on troop control
Text on Soviet decision making process



9. Annexes

Discussion agenda
Lecture notes List of viewgraphs
Practical exercises

This lesson may be presented in the following sequence. The practical exercises are arranged in the logical order in which the various actions are taken during the process of organization for combat. The information required from some exercises flows from the proceeding ones. However, no time schedule is given in these instructor lesson plans, because the time spent on each exercise will vary greatly with the previous knowledge of the students and the instructor's desires on what aspects he chooses to emphasize. The lesson falls into two parts; if the lesson is part of the larger course on operations planning then the first is a review of the information provided in previous lessons; or if it is presented alone, then the instructor should take more time and discuss the procedures more thoroughly.

A. Organization for offensive operations at the front level

Review the duties and responsibilities of front commander, chief of staff, and operations chief with respect to making decisions and planning operations.

Review the procedures used by Soviet command and staff in preparing for operations including receipt of directives, issuing initial instructions, clarifying the mission, estimating the situation, making the decision, developing plans, and issuing directives and instructions.

B. Practical exercises in organization (making decisions, preparing plans, and issuing directives) at front level

To provide a context for this and the following lessons issue a TVD directive to front and show the students the map overlay depicting the boundaries of the front and its immediate and long range missions. The overlay and other material my be used to show as much of the enemy dispositions as desired. As general scenario of the "road to war" variety may be issued for added realism. Lead the students through the clarification of the mission as specified in exercise one.

Discuss the purpose, content, and format of initial instructions as specified in exercise two. Issue a sample of initial instructions for further discussion.

Remind the students of the Soviet general norms for dividing preparation and planning time, and then lead them through the preparation of calculations of available time. Discuss the possible use of PERT charts and then show the sample calendar plans as specified in exercise three.

Discuss the content of exercise four and check student results in determining time for mobilization. Only one or two representative examples can be used in the available time in order to make the students aware of the issues. Since we are only covering the highlights of operations planning, it is important to remind them at every opportunity of the vast amount of other detailed planning required to organize and move a huge military force.

Issue exercise five and discuss the methods for determining the width of breakthrough sector and requirements for artillery. The details are provided for the nstructor in the discussion with the answer. He may display as much of this as desired during his explaination.

Discuss the methods for calculating correlation of forces and means as required in exercise six. Then issue blank tables for recording correlation of forces and lead students through exercise seven in filling out several of these. Issue completed tables.

Discuss the content of the suggestions of the chief of operations and the chief of staff to the front commander and issue samples for exercise eight. The suggestions of the chief of operations and the chief of reconnaissance in effect constitute the information on the situation made available as part of the course. These may be as elaborate as desired in the time available. The instructor should point out, however, that in this coursewe are not able to provide all the situational data which would be considered and would be in the topical areas covered by chiefs of combat arms, special troops, and services.

Discuss the content of the front plan map and show sample diagram used in previous lesson. Give students opportunity to work with map as outlined in exercise nine and then show the completed sample. It is not expected that the students would actually be able to draw an entire plan map nor that there would be time available to do so.

Request that the students write the aim and concept of the operation for the front commander as specified in exercise ten. Then issue sample and discuss. This is a relatively simple procedure, yet one that might require considerable time to insure that the students understand the Soviet conception of what constitutes an aim and a concept of the operation. It is one of the most important learning objectives of the lesson, so the instructor should take the time to have the students try writing an aim and concept without too much prompting and then let them check their results afterwards.

Discuss the content and format of the operations directive and issue a blank form. Discuss the details in the completed sample. This will be the directive basis for the missions given to the army in the next lesson. Some of the specifics can be left out and then filled in by the students as part of the discussion of the content of a proper operations directive. However, there are a great many instructions, particularly to the combat arms, special troops, and services, which should be pointed out without effort to write them.

Duties of Front Commander and Staff

The commander's duties are described in detail in Chapter Four of the Handbook on Staff Procedures.


Suggestions of Front Staff Officers

The suggestions and recommendations presented by each principal staff officer are discussed in Chapter Four of the Handbook on Staff Procedures.


Making the Decision

The front commander's decision constitutes the basis for all measures related to preparation and conduct of the operation. The commander must concentrate all his talent, ability, foresight, and art to make a rational decision. This is achieved only through a clear understanding of the concept of the superior commander, a close and accurate study of the aims and missions of the front's operation, an all around assessment, and evaluation of the situation, and well formed operational forecasting.


Contents of the Clarification of the Mission

The clarification will focus on the following issues:
----- proper and accurate understanding of the front's aim and mission;
----- the role and place of the front in the TVD strategic operation;
----- missions of adjacent fronts, operational formations, and others;
----- conditions for interaction with adjacents.


Content of the Assessment of the Situation

The commander's assessment will enable him to reach conclusions about the most current possible status on the following subjects:
----- enemy forces;
----- friendly forces including adjacents;
----- terrain and geographic situation;
----- radiation, chemical and biological situation;
----- national and class composition of the population and other economic and political factors;
----- economic situation;
----- hydrometerologic situation, weather, season, daylight and other factors.


Organization of the Decision

Planning of the operation is conducted by front staff on the basis of the front commander's decision and his instructions. During planning all issues and details of the commander's decisions are thoroughly organized as follows:
----- sequence and form of execution of each operational mission;
----- effort of troops and consumption of supplies in each mission and on each direction of the attack;
----- method of coordination (interaction) among the troops during the mission;
----- issues relating to political and party affairs;
----- combat support measures;
----- troop control.



Format of Operations Directive

The following is the general format for a front level operations directive. This is prepared by the operations department on the basis of the front commander's decision, which in turn is based on the directive received from the higher headquarters (General staff of TVD). The staff prepares the operational directive after the front commander makes his decision. The operational directive is personally prepared by the chief of staff or the chief of operations. But the points related to the missions of combat and combat support arms and services of are prepared by the respective chiefs of departments and incorporated into the directive. For security reasons the full text of the operational directive is not sent to all to all operational formations and large units of combat and combat support arms and services. Each unit receives only the part directly related to it.

Description of Content of Front Operations Directive

First Echelon Armies

When assigning missions to first echelon armies the commander explains the following points:
----- combat composition;
----- attachment and supporting means;
----- direction of main attack;
----- immediate and subsequent missions;
----- the number of nuclear rounds and conventional rockets to be used in the operation;
----- enemy targets in the army sector planned to be destroyed by front nuclear means;
----- the mission of adjacent armies the method of coordination with them and the boundaries.
----- the command post.


Rocket Forces

The rocket forces of the front are instructed as follows:
----- the targets to be destroyed during the initial nuclear strike;
----- the number and yield of nuclear rounds to be used against each target, the type of burst, time of readiness for fire, and time for issuing nuclear and conventional warheads.
----- measures for maintaining the constant combat readiness of rocket forces for launching nuclear strikes
----- the method and time of deployment of rocket forces for the strategic operation and their movement during the course of the operation


Artillery

During assignment of missions to the artillery the following points are included:
----- group organization of artillery ;
----- method of conducting preparatory fire;
----- method of conducting supporting fire to support the attack of the troops.


Air Army

The air army is given the following instructions:
----- tasks during initial nuclear strike;
----- missions during participation in the air operation to destroy the grouping of enemy air force in the theater of military operations and to achieve air superiority;
----- missions during preparatory fire;
----- missions during the support of the attack of front troops;
----- distribution of sorties to different missions;
----- reconnaissance missions;
----- etc.


Second Echelon Army

The mission of the second echelon armies includes the following points:
----- the concentration area and FUP positions and the method of their occupation and fortification;
----- the areas of responsibility to fight against enemy air assault elements and reconnaissance groups and spies;
----- the methods of advance from the beginning of the attack;
----- the areas or line of commitment, direction of attack, and possible missions;
----- in addition to this the second echelon army is advised on the attachments it will receive at its commitment into combat and also the targets to be destroyed by front nuclear weapons and aircraft in the sector of its attack.


Air Defense

The air defense troops are given the following tasks:
----- the grouping of the troops and the logistic installations to be covered by the main effort of air defense means at the beginning and in the course of the operation;
----- the method for repelling enemy air strikes;
----- the method of coordination with fighter aircraft and with national air defense formations and large units;
----- the composition of standby (on call) means and troops;
----- the methods and time of deployment of large units and units of air defense at the beginning of the operation and their maneuver during the course of the operation.


Air Assault

The air assault elements are given the following instructions:
----- the composition of each air assault element;
----- the areas and time and means of air dropping or landing;
----- the combat missions during the operation in the enemy rear;
----- the method of launching air and nuclear strikes on targets located in the landing zones and in the areas of operations of the air assault units;
----- the method of interaction with the air force and the main forces attacking from the front. the departure areas (to meet aircraft), the time of their occupation and time of readiness of each separate air assault element to be dropped or landed;
----- organization of troop control.


Amphibious Assault

The mission to seaborne assault troops includes the following points:
----- composition and mission;
----- the time, place and method of landing on enemy shore (coast);
----- the method of support by ships and air force during combat during landing and future operations;
----- the assembly areas, embarkation centers, the direction of approach to these centers and the time to be prepared for movement;
----- the method of providing security during embarkation and movement at sea
----- the method of interaction with naval forces, rocket units, air force and the main forces attacking along the coastline;
----- the method for troop control.


Combined Arms Reserve

The front combined arms reserve is given the following instructions:
----- composition and mission;
----- areas of deployment and method of movement.


Other Reserves

The missions assigned to engineer, chemical and other reserves include the following points:
----- composition and missions;
----- the area of deployment;
----- the method of movement during the course of the operation.

I Approve --/--/89 Serial Number:______
Commander in chief __Front SECRET
General of Army____ Copy Number: _______
Sig

-----------Command Post: map 1:200000 year 1984 time and date

1. The assessment given in the deductions made from the estimate of the situation.

2. The mission of the front and concept of operation:
---- - the main enemy grouping to be destroyed
---- - method and form of its destruction
---- - the main and other axes
---- - the operational formation of the front forces for the attack
---- - character of maneuver

3. Missions of adjacent forces and boundaries with them:

4. Missions to subordinate troops:
---- - first echelon combined arms and tank armies
---- - second echelon armies
---- - rocket and artillery troops
---- - air army
---- - airborne formations
---- - air assault formations and units
---- - seaborne assault forces
---- - air defense troops
---- - combined arms reserve
---- - anti-tank reserve
---- - engineer troops
---- - chemical troops
---- - other elements of the front's operational formation

5. Instructions on coordination (if required):

6. Instructions on support of combat actions (if required):

7. Time to be prepared for the attack.:

8. Troop control:
---- - command posts
---- - deployment of command posts and axes of relocation
---- - deputies
---- - signal communication

Signature of CO
Signature of C/S

Front Directive - blank sample

I Approve --/--/89 Serial Number:______
Commander in Chief Central Front SECRET
General of Army ____ Copy Number: _______
Sig

Operations Directive of the ________ Front

Command Post ... map 1:1,000,000, 1983 ed. 1330 1, 2, 1985

1. Enemy Situation

In accordance with the international crisis and the deterioration of the international situation, the enemy has secretly brought his armed forces to a state of full combat readiness, and is preparing a surprise invasion into the territory of the countries of the Warsaw Pact.

The ___ front is confronted by the NATO forces organized into _______ in its first echelon composed of __ infantry, mechanized and armored divisions, ___ nuclear SSM's, ___ nuclear artillery pieces, ____tanks, ___ artillery, ____SAM's and ____aircraft and helicopters.

In the second echelon, the _____ Corps is deployed while mobilizing German and Dutch units are in reserve with a total of ___ divisions, ___ nuclear SSM's, ___nuclear artillery pieces, ___ tanks,___ artillery, ___SAM's, and ___ aircraft and helicopters.

The enemy has deployed intermediate (medium range) strategic nuclear rockets in the theater against the _____ front.  The enemy operation is supported by ___combat aircraft including ___ aircraft with nuclear capabilities. The enemy will try to destroy the Warsaw Pact forces by a surprise and decisive attack and disrupt its preparation for the offensive operation.  If the Warsaw Pact forces are able to overtake the enemy in preparations and launch of the attack, the enemy is likely to conduct delaying action along several pre-prepared defensive lines mostly on main rivers to inflict the heaviest losses on WP forces and eventually destroy it in counter-blows.

The enemy's counter-blows are likely to be launched from the line: ___________ in the direction of ______________, and from the line: _________ in the direction of __________________.

After the arrival of main strategic reserves from the depth of his position the enemy is likely to launch a decisive counter- offensive.  The opposing enemy is capable of allocating up to ___ nuclear rounds in the initial NATO nuclear strike and to engage the targets in the area of the _______ front by which it can destroy _______ divisions and the detected nuclear weapons of the WP forces. It can also inflict losses to other important targets.  The enemy has a significant capability to conduct air operations.



2. Aim and concept of the operation

Exploiting the consequences and impact of the strategic nuclear strikes or the theater air operation, the ___________ front offensive operation is aimed at: destruction of the enemy's nuclear forces, inflicting losses on its air force and their airfields, its command posts, and its main forces and reserves on the ground. Then, following the artillery preparation fire, quick development of the offensive in the two directions _____________ and`___________________; destruction of the enemy main forces of ___________in the area ___, _____, _____, _____, ____; development of the attack in the directions of ______________and __________; seizure of the coast line _____________ on the ____ day of the operation; and blocking the maritime and naval traffic in the British Channel.


Concept of the Operation

Using ______ nuclear rounds with a total yield of _____ kt in the initial nuclear strike, the front destroys enemy nuclear forces and inflicts heavy losses over the main forces and the command posts of ______, ____ and _____ and the enemy`s immediate operational reserves, then by launching attacks along two ground and one naval direction with the main attack in the direction of _____________ by the _______________ Army and the __________, supporting the attack in the direction of south of _________________ by the ______________ and in the naval direction ________________ by the amphibious group.

Then by employing ____ nuclear rounds and the commitment of the _______ Army into combat and an amphibious action of the _____ from the _____ and the _______ from ___________ by sea, the front develops the attack in the directions: _________ and _____________; destroys the approaching enemy reserves and its nuclear weapons, air bases, and vital targets in the depth of the enemy area; seizes ____________ on the _____ day of the operation; and blocks the British channel to naval traffic. On the _______ day of the operation the commitment of the ______ on _______, an airborne assault brigade on the __________, and on _______ commitment of the ___________ south of __________ are anticipated. The _______ front will maintain a reserve of _____ nuclear rounds.

The operational grouping of the ________ front is in two echelons: in the first echelon from the right __________, ____________, and ___________: in the second echelon the __________________ Army. The __________ front combined arms reserve is composed of the ___________ and the __________________.

The amphibious group landing on _____________ consists of the __________________, and the _________________ in the first echelon; and the ____________ in the second echelon. The __________ is in reserve.

3. Adjacent Fronts

Our neighbor on the right, the ________________, have the mission of _______________________, and subsequently, ___________________. (A general discussion of the mission of the __________ may be added.) The ___________ will provide support for front amphibious landings in _________ and along the __________.

The _________ front, on the left, has the immediate mission of reaching the line ___________________, and subsequently the line _____________.

The boundary line with the ___________ front will be the line _________.



4.  Tasks for Subordinate Ob'edineniia and Soedineniia

A) ______________________________ reinforced with ________ advances from the line ______________ to launch the main blow in the direction of ____________ , to destroy the enemy's main forces in the area _____________, and at the end of the __________ day reach the line __________, and subsequently advancing in the direction of _________ to destroy on the march the enemy's arriving reserves and, at the end of the operation's ______ day, reach the line _______________.

Allotted for the conduct of the operation are __ nuclear, __ chemical and ___ conventional-rocket warheads.

The subsequent sites in the army's attack zone are destroyed by the front's rocket brigades.

On the right, the ______________ attacks in the direction of _________, ____, its immediate mission being to seize the line _____ and, subsequently, the line ___________. )

The boundary with this army is the line ____________.

On the left is the ___________ of the __________ front. Their main attack in the direction of ... , their immediate objective being the line ... and, subsequently, the line ...

The boundary with them follows the line _______.

Organize a close coordination with them in breaking through the enemy's prepared defense at the juncture of both armies during the artillery and aviation preparation and support them during the offensive operation as they fulfill their immediate and subsequent tasks.

Position the command post in the _____________ area, and the rear control post in the _____________ area.

B) ________________________(Designate units)

Advances from the line __________ to launch the main blow in the direction _________, to destroy the enemy's main forces in the area _____________ at the end of the ________ day reach the line __________. subsequently advance in the direction ____________ to destroy on the march the enemy's arriving reserves and at the end of the operation's ____________ day reach the line _______________. Allotted for the conduct of the operation are ___ nuclear, ____ chemical, and ___ conventional rocket warheads.

C) _______________________(Designate units) etc...

Advances from the line _______________ to launch the main blow in the direction _______________ to destroy the enemy's main forces in the area _______________, __________. At the end of the ________- day reach the line ____________. subsequently advance in the direction _______________ to destroy on the march the enemy's arriving reserves and at the end of the operation's _______ day reach the _______________. Allotted for the conduct of the operation are __ nuclear, __ chemical, __ conventional rocket warheads.

Conduct close coordination with the ___________ for seizure of __________.

D) (Designate units and supporting naval task forces). The Amphibious assault force will seize a landing area -------------, link with airborne and heliborne elements and take control of ---------. The initial assault landing will be at D + ___. The landing force will be supported by fire from naval task force ___. Air bombing strikes will be conducted at ____.

The landing force will assemble for the operation in the vicinity of _________. The ______________ will board ships there at ____. The ______________ will arrive in the vicinity of ____________ by sea from ___________.

Security from enemy air attack for embarkation, assembly, and movement toward Denmark will be provided by the _________.

Commander of the Naval Desant Group will coordinate directly with the commander of the Baltic Fleet and the commanders of the naval task forces providing support.

E) The Rocket Troops:  during the first nuclear strike are to destroy the enemy's nuclear means and nuclear stockpiles, air-nuclear forces, and destroy his main groupings, especially the groupings of tank troops; disrupt the enemy's military-state control system, such as command posts, means of communication and communications junctions, control posts and means of radioelectronic warfare; destroy his PVO; strike the enemy's rear sites and disrupt his economic potential.

Enemy sites are suppressed and destroyed in the following manner:  nuclear weapons - by a 10-kiloton air burst; a motorized infantry division or a tank division - by a 20-kiloton air burst; a control post or a nuclear stockpile - by a 100-kiloton ground burst; a communications junction, control post or PVO - by a 3-kiloton air burst; airfields and rear targets - by a 40-kiloton air burst.

------launch preparation time is H-20, 20 minutes before launch time

----- time for allocating nuclear and chemical munitions is 3 hours. P-3 hrs.

----- time for allocating conventional munitions is 3 days.  Ch - 3 days.

----- conduct constant surveillance of the sites, which are to be destroyed by nuclear weapons, and refine the plan of the first nuclear strike..

----- insure the full combat readiness of the rocket troops and control means, and be ready to carry out combat tasks.

----- carefully organize the rocket-technical securing of the troops.

----- carry out the engineering preparation of the position areas, organize the camouflage of the combat units, and the protection of the rocket troops against mass destruction weapons.

----- organize the timely forward movement of the rocket troops during the offensive operation.

F) Artillery:

----- organize the following artillery groups in the ob'edinenia, soedineniia and units:

a) army artillery groups - 8-10 battalions.

b) division artillery groups - 4-6 battalions.

c) regimental artillery groups - 3-4 battalions.

The artillery, in the beginning, and during the course of the operation, fulfills the following tasks:

a) the suppression and destruction of the enemy's offensive nuclear weapons;

b) defeating the enemy during his invasion;

c) defeating the enemy while crossing the state frontier and during the battle for the enemy's combat security zone;

d) reliably defeat the enemy during the breakthrough of his prepared defense;

e) suppress the enemy during the air fire support of the attack;

f) assist the troops fighting in the enemy's defensive depth;

g) defeat the enemy's counterblow grouping;

h) support the fronts' troops in forcing water barriers;

i) destroy the enemy's artillery and mortar batteries;

j) cover open flanks, spaces and breaches in the combat formation;

k) support the commitment of the front's second echelon into the engagement;

l) the artillery density in breaking through the enemy's prepared defense is to be no less than 100-120 guns and mortars per kilometer of front; the duration of fire support is 30-40 minutes, and the expenditure of shells is .8-1 unit of fire during the attack's fire preparation.

m) the fire support of the attack is conducted by the consecutive concentration of fire (PSO), the artillery barrage (OV), and the joint employment of PSO and OV at a distance of 3-4 kilometers in the enemy's defensive depth.


G) The Air Army

During the first nuclear strike, destroy the enemy's nuclear weapons, nuclear stockpiles and air-nuclear forces; defeat the main groupings, especially tanks; disrupt the military's and state control, such as command posts, communications means and communications junctions, control posts and radioelectronic means; destroy his PVO; attack his rear sites and disrupt his economic potential.

Participate in the air operation to destroy the enemy's air grouping and securing air superiority (if it is conducted);

During the aviation preparation and support of the attack and the aviation accompaniment, suppress and destroy the enemy's offensive nuclear weapons, artillery, tanks, command posts, defensive strong points and crossing sectors located beyond the range of the artillery;

----- suppress and destroy the enemy's reserves;
----- carry out air reconnaissance of the enemy;
----- cover the troops and rear sites against the enemy's air attacks.


Air Resources are to be distributed in the following manner:

a) ________ regimental sorties for each day of the operation for the armies attacking in the main directions;

b)____ regimental flights for each day of the operation for the armies attacking in other directions;

c) ____ regimental sorties in the reserve of the front commander


H) Second Echelon Army

The _________________, artillery, SSM, PVO and helicopters.  These take up their positions at their jumping-off points in the areas of _____________.  Fit out the jumping off point for the offensive in the full engineering sense to protect the troops from the enemy's mass destruction weapons.

The army's zone of responsibility for combatting airborne landings, reconnaissance and diversionary groups are determined by ______________________.

From the beginning of the offensive the army moves up along the following seven routes:

Rte. 1 one division

Rte. 2

Rte. 3 army staff and staff units

Rte. 4 second division

Rte. 5

Rte. 6 third division

The army is committed to the engagement from the line _________ and launches its main attack in the direction of_________________ having as its immediate task the seizing of the line ________________; or, the army is committed to the engagement from the line ______________, with its main blow in the direction of _________________, so as to seize the line _______________.

When being committed into the engagement the army is reinforced by an artillery division and an anti-tank-artillery brigade, and is supported by three flights (sorties) by the aviation groups.  While being committed to the engagement, the army is supported by the front's nuclear weapons and an air army, and launches nuclear strikes against enemy sites so as to support the armies in its zone of attack.


I PVO Troops

Front PVO concentrates its main efforts for covering the main tank and motorized rifle groups of the ob'edinenie attacking in the main directions, the most important rear sites, as well as the covering of the front's troops in carrying out important tasks such as seizing the forward zone, airborne landings, forcing water obstacles, and repulsing the enemy's counterblows.

The fire system for the guided-rocket and antiaircraft troops of the front should be coordinated with the fire system of army and division PVO in accordance with a unified plan as to directions and combat methods of actions so that they are able to repulse the enemy's massed air attacks.

Organize the coordination of the guided rocket and anti-aircraft troops with fighter aviation and the PVO troops of the Warsaw Pact countries in seizing the jumping-off point and during the offensive, so as to repulse the enemy's massed air attacks.

Maintain the majority of the shock army's fighter aviation on duty at the airfields and, at threatening times, 1/6 in the air over the most important directions so that the area for intercepting the enemy aviation is within the bounds of our anti-aircraft fire.

Maintain all soyidineniia and units of PVO in full combat readiness and outfit the fire and reserve positions in their starting points for an advance, and be ready to repulse the enemy's massed air attacks.

Carry out the transfer of units during the offensive so that all PVO weapons are ready to repulse enemy strikes in carrying out the front's most important tasks.


J Airborne Landings

One airborne landing consists of the _______________ and the other of the __________________.

The starting points for the landings are ________________. The landing on _____________ takes place on _______, south west of _______. The landing in the enemy's rear takes place on the ______ day of the operation, in the area of _______, and are carried out by the ___________ military-transport divisions.

The mission of the airborne landing by the ____________ is to destroy the nuclear stockpile in the area of _______________ and the enemy's nuclear weapons in the area of ________________, and to seize bridgeheads across the _______ and to secure its forcing by the front's main forces on the march.

The mission of the ______________ is to seize favorable terrain inland from the amphibious landing zone and to secure the landing from attack by enemy reserves. The Division is to move promptly toward __________ and seize the capital of Denmark.

Before the landing, grouped nuclear strikes or intensive conventional bombings are carried out in the landing area and in the operating area of the military-transport aviation, so as to suppress and destroy the enemy's reserves and anti-aircraft defense.

For suppressing the enemy's PVO, fighter and fighter-bomber aviation, radioelectronic suppression means, tactical and tactical-operational rockets are employed.  Covering the troops and aviation in their starting points for the landing is carried out by the forces of the national PVO (strany) and of the countries of the Warsaw Pact.

Organize coordination with the troops of national air defense and of the Warsaw Pact countries in the jumping-off point for the landing.  During the flight coordinate with the front PVO, the air army, the troops of the front and long-range aviation.  During the landing and combat activity, coordinate with the armies of the first echelon, front aviation and long-range aviation. The departure area for the landing is _______, and the time for seizing the forward area is seven hours before takeoff.

Fueling and material supply areas for transport aviation are in _______________, _______________, _________________, etc.

The organization of landing control is carried out from a command post in the area of ________________, a forward command post in the area of __________________, and an auxiliary command post in the area of __________________.


K Combined Arms Reserves

The combined-arms reserves consists of the _______ and the ________, and they are to be prepared to carry out assignments which arise unexpectedly during the operation.

Billeting areas are as follows:  _____ at ____________, the ______ in _________,

During the offensive operation the combined arms reserve moves up along the following directions:
-----_________along _________________

The distance between the combined-arms reserve and the troops of the first echelon should not exceed 70 kilometers during the operation.


L Anti-Tank Reserves

The ______ helicopter regiment, as part of the front's anti-tank reserve, is billeted in the area of _______________, to fight the enemy's tanks in the front's main directions of attack.  Direction no. 1 is __________________, and direction no. 2 is _____________________.

The anti-tank reserve is moved forward during the offensive operation in the direction of _______________.


M Front Engineering Reserves

The 75th engineer- sapper regiment, the _____________ engineering obstacle battalion, and the _______________ pontoon-bridging battalion, after carrying out their assigned tasks while preparing the operation, become part of the front engineering reserve and are ready for carrying out engineering tasks arising unexpectedly during the offensive operation.

The front engineering reserve is billeted in the area of _________________, and during the offensive operation, moves forward in the direction of __________________.


N Chemical Reserves

In the front's chemical reserve are included the 245th detached special decontamination battalion, the _________ detached chemical defense battalion, and the __________ detached decontamination battalion. The chemical reserve carries out chemical tasks arising unexpectedly while conducting the offensive operation. The chemical reserve is billeted in the area of __________________, and during the offensive operation, moves up in the direction of ___________________.



5 Front Troop Control:

The command post is in the area of _________.

The forward command post is in the area of __________________.

The rear control post is in the area of ___________________.

The auxiliary control post is in the area of ________________, for controlling the front's troops attacking in the direction of _____________________.

The command post, forward command post and the rear control post move forward in the direction of _________________.

The auxiliary control post moves forward in the direction of _____________________.

Deputies: the front chief of staff, the first deputy commander of the front, and the chief of the political directorate.

Communications are organized with all control points through radio, radio-relay, telephone-telegraph, with subordinates, neighbors and units interacting with yours.

Signatures:
1.  Chief of the Operational Directorate
2.  Front Chief of Staff
3.  Front Commander

Front Directive for Central Front

I Approve __/__/89 Serial number
Central Front Commander SECRET
General of Army ___ Copy number
(Signature)

Command Post ... map 1:1,000,000, 1983 ed. 1330 1, 2, 1985

1. ENEMY SITUATION

In accordance with the international crisis and the deterioration of the international situation, the enemy has secretly brought his armed forces to a state of full combat readiness, and is preparing a surprise invasion into the territory of the countries of the Warsaw Pact.

The Central Front is confronted by the NATO forces organized into the US V and VII Corps, German III Corps, Belgian I Corps and British I Corps in its first echelon, composed of __ infantry, mechanized, and armored divisions, ___ nuclear SSM's, ___ nuclear artillery pieces, ____tanks, ___ artillery, ____SAM's and ____aircraft and helicopters.

In the second echelon, the US III Corps is deployed while mobilizing German and French units are in reserve with a total of ___ divisions, ___ nuclear SSM's, ___nuclear artillery pieces, ___ tanks,___ artillery, ___SAM's, and ___ aircraft and helicopters.

The enemy has deployed intermediate (medium range) strategic nuclear rockets in the theater against the Central Front.  The enemy operation is supported by ___combat aircraft including ___ aircraft with nuclear capabilities. The enemy will try to destroy the Warsaw Pact forces by a surprise and decisive attack and disrupt its preparation for the offensive operation.  If the Warsaw Pact forces are able to overtake the enemy in preparations and launch of the attack, the enemy is likely to conduct delaying action along several pre-prepared defensive lines mostly on main rivers to inflict the heaviest losses on WP forces and eventually destroy it in counter-blows.

The enemy's counter-blows are likely to be launched from the line: ___________ in the direction of ______________, and from the line: _________ in the direction of __________________.

After the arrival of main strategic reserves from the depth of his position the enemy is likely to launch a decisive counter- offensive.  The opposing enemy is capable of allocating up to ___ nuclear rounds in the initial NATO nuclear strike and to engage the targets in the area of the Central Front by which it can destroy _______ divisions and the detected nuclear weapons of the WP forces. It can also inflict losses to other important targets.  The enemy has a significant capability to conduct air operations.



II MISSION CONDUCTED BY FORCES OF THE THEATER AND ADJACENT FRONTS

Our neighbor on the right, the Baltic Front, has the mission of destroying NATO forces in the NORTAG army group area and occupying Denmark and northern West Germany to the North Sea Coast, and subsequently, preparing for an amphibious assault landing in Great Britain. (A general discussion of the mission of the __________ may be added.)

The boundary line with the Baltic Front will be the line Lieberwalde - Friesack - 445 - Hannover - Westfalen - Borken - Rhine at Quijk - and Rhine River to the seacoast at Zierlezee.

The Southwestern Front, on the left, has the immediate mission of reaching the line ___________________, and subsequently the line _____________.

The boundary line with the Southwestern Front will be 1848 - 2762 - Rebau - Hollfeld - 1634 - Hochmuhl - Landau in der Pfalz - Merlebach - Verdun - Mourmelon le grand - Viarmee.



III. AIM AND CONCEPT OF THE OPERATION

Exploiting the consequences and impact of the strategic nuclear strikes or the theater air operation, the Central Front offensive operation is aimed at: destruction of the enemy's nuclear forces, inflicting losses on its air force and their airfields, its command posts, and its main forces and reserves on the ground. Then, following the artillery preparation fire, quick development of the offensive in the two directions Eisenach - Hersfeld - Wetzlar - Simmern and Hildburghausen - Hassfurt - Wurzburg - Mosbach - Heidelberg - Bad Kreuznach to encircle and destroy the US V and VII Corps and in the two directions Wolfsburg - south of Hannover - Bielefeld - Rmelskirchen and Eisenach - Hersfeld - Wetzlar - Rmelskirchen; to encircle and destroy the German III Corps, Belgian I Corps, and British I Corps. Development of the attack will take place in the direction of Submus - Luxembourg - Longwy - Sedan - Laon - Amiens - Abbeville - North Sea coast; seizure of the coast line from Middlburg to Calais to Boulogne sur mer on D + 13; and blocking the maritime and naval traffic in the British Channel.

Concept of the Operation

Using ______ nuclear rounds with a total yield of _____ kt in the initial nuclear strike, the front destroys enemy nuclear forces and inflicts heavy losses over the main forces and the command posts of ______, ______ and _______ and the enemy`s immediate operational reserves, then by launching attacks along three ground directions with the main attack in the direction of Eisenach - Bad Hersfeld - Wetzlar - Simmern by the Eighth Guards Army and the First Guards Tank Army, supporting the attack in the direction Mulhausen - Marburg on der Lahn and by the Twenty-Eighth Guards Army in the direction Hildburghausen - Hassfurt - Wurzburg - Mosbach - Heidelberg - Bad Kreuznach.

Then by employing ____ nuclear rounds and the commitment of the Seventh Guards Tank Army into combat and airborne assault landings across the Rhine River, the front develops the attack in the directions Submus - Luxembourg - Longwe - Sedan - Laon - Amiens - Abbefille - North Sea coast; destroys the approaching enemy reserves and its nuclear weapons, air bases, and vital targets in the depth of the enemy area; seizes the seacoast on the 14th day of the operation; and blocks the British Channel to naval traffic. On the 5th and 6th days of the operation the commitment of the ______ and ____ airborne divisions are anticipated. The Central Front will maintain a reserve of _____ nuclear rounds.

The operational grouping of the Central Front is in two echelons: in the first echelon from the right the Twentieth Guards Army, the First Guards Tank Army, the Eighth Guards Army, and the Twenty-eighth Guards Army: in the second echelon the Seventh Guards Tank Army. The Central Front combined arms reserve is composed of the ___________ and the __________________.



IV. I ORDER

Tasks for Subordinate Ob'edineniia and Soedineniia

A) Twentieth Guards Army reinforced with ________

Advances from the line ______________ to launch the main blow in the direction of ____________, to destroy the enemy's main forces in the area _____________, and at the end of the __________ day reach the line __________, and subsequently advancing in the direction of _________ to destroy on the march the enemy's arriving reserves and, at the end of the operation's ______ day, reach the line _______________.

Allotted for the conduct of the operation are __ nuclear, ___ chemical and ___ conventional-rocket warheads.

The following enemy sites in the army's attack zone are destroyed by the front's rocket brigades: ________, _____.

On the right, the XX Army of the Baltic Front attacks in the direction of _________, ____, its immediate mission being to seize the line _____ and, its subsequent mission is the line ___________.

The boundary with this army is the line Lieberwalde - Friesack - 445 - Hannover - Westfalen - Borken - Rhine at Quijk -Rhine River to the seacoast.

On the left is the First Guards Tank Army.

The boundary with them follows the line Belzig - Eglin - Osterode am Harz - Solling - along river to Marsberg - Meschede - Remelskirchen - Grevenbroun.

Organize a close coordination with them in breaking through the enemy's prepared defense at the juncture of both armies during the artillery and aviation preparation and support them during the offensive operation as they fulfill their immediate and subsequent tasks.

Position the command post in the _____________ area, and the rear control post in the _____________ area.



B) The First Guards Tank Army reinforced with

Advances from the line __________ to launch the main blow in the direction Mulhausen - Marburg on der Lahn - and Marburg - Rmelskirchen, to destroy the enemy's main forces in the area _____________ at the end of the fourth day (D + 3) reach the line Marsberg - Medebach - Battenberg - Marburg on der Lahn. Subsequently advances in the direction ____________ to destroy on the march the enemy's arriving reserves and at the end of the operation's seventh day (D + 6) reach the line _______________. Allotted for the conduct of the operation are ___ nuclear, ____ chemical, and ___ conventional rocket warheads.

The following enemy sites in the army's attack zone are destroyed by the front's rocket brigades: ________, _____.

The army FUP area is Welberstadt - Nordhausen - Bad Langensand - Bielefeld - Lindau.

On the right is the Twentieth Guards Army

The boundary with them follows the line Belzig - Eglin - Osterode am Harz - Solling - along river to Marsberg - Meschede - Remelskirchen - Grevenbroun.

Organize a close coordination with them in breaking through the enemy's prepared defense at the juncture of both armies during the artillery and aviation preparation and support them during the offensive operation as they fulfill their immediate and subsequent tasks.

On the left is the Eighth Guards Army

The boundary with them follows the line Eilenburt - E 11^o 34' - Eisenach - Mast 2474 - N 51^o 13' - 1427 (E 80 26', N 50^o 8') - Rhine at Neuwied.

Position the command post in the _____________ area, and the rear control post in the _____________ area.

C) The Eighth Guards Army reinforced with

Advances from the line _______________ to launch the main blow in the direction Borndorf - Bad Hersfeld - Wetzlar - Simmern to destroy the enemy's main forces in the area _______________, __________. At the end of D + 3 reach the line Wetzlar - Bad Nauheim. Subsequently advance in the direction _______________ to destroy on the march the enemy's arriving reserves and at the end of the operation's _______ day reach the _______________. Allotted for the conduct of the operation are __ nuclear, __ chemical, __ conventional rocket warheads.

The following enemy sites in the army's attack zone are destroyed by the front's rocket brigades: ________, _____.

The army FUP area is 1352 - Gotha - Zelle - Seitz - Weissenfeld.

On the right is the First Guards Tank Army

The boundary with them follows the line Eilenburt - E 11^o 34' - Eisenach - Mast 2474 - N 51^o 13' - 1427 (E 80^o 26', N 50^o 8') - Rhine at Neuwied.

On the left is the twenty eighth Guards Army

The boundary with them follows the line Mittwelda - Kahla - 2425 (E 10^o 26' N 50^o 37') - Gersfeld - Bad Vilbel - Frankfurt - Rhine at Bingen - Trier.

Position the command post in the _____________ area, and the rear control post in the _____________ area.

D) Twenty eighth Guards Army reinforced with ________

Advances from the line ______________ to launch the main blow in the direction of Hildburghausen - Hassfurt - Wurzburg - Mosbach - Heidelberg - Bad Kreuzach, to destroy the enemy's main forces in the area _____________, and at the end of the fourth day reaches the line Gelnhausen - Aschaffenburg - Michelstadt - Mosbach, and subsequently advancing in the direction of _________ to destroy on the march the enemy's arriving reserves and, at the end of the operation's seventh day, reaches the line _______________.

Allotted for the conduct of the operation are __ nuclear, __ chemical and ___ conventional-rocket warheads.

The following enemy sites in the army's attack zone are destroyed by the front's rocket brigades: ________, _____.

The army FUP area is Suhl - Lausche - Plauen - Schwarzenhe -Karl-Marx Stadt - Gera.

On the right is the Eighth Guards Army

The boundary with them follows the line Mittwelda - Kahla - 2425 (E 10^o 26' N 50^o 37') - Gersfeld - Bad Vilbel - Frankfurt - Rhine at Bingen - Trier.

On the left is the ___________ of the Southwestern Front. Their main attack in the direction of ... , their immediate objective being the line ... and, subsequently, the line ...

The boundary with them follows the line 1848 - 2762 - Rebau - Hollfeld - 1634 - Hochmuhl - Landau in der Pfalz - Merlebach - Verdun - Mourmelon le grand - Viarmee.

Organize a close coordination with them in breaking through the enemy's prepared defense at the juncture of both armies during the artillery and aviation preparation and support them during the offensive operation as they fulfill their immediate and subsequent tasks.

Position the command post in the _____________ area, and the rear control post in the _____________ area.

Conduct close coordination with the ___________ for seizure of __________.

D) (Designate units and supporting airborne forces). The airborne assault landing force will seize a landing area between Bad Kreuznach and Mainz, link with the --- army and heliborne elements and take control of crossings on the Rhine River. The initial assault landing will be at D + 4. The landing force will be supported by fire from front rocket brigades. Air bombing strikes will be conducted at ____.


E) The Rocket Troops:  during the first nuclear strike are to destroy the enemy's nuclear means and nuclear stockpiles, air-nuclear forces, and destroy his main groupings, especially the groupings of tank troops; disrupt the enemy's military-state control system, such as command posts, means of communication and communications junctions, control posts and means of radioelectronic warfare; destroy his PVO; strike the enemy's rear sites and disrupt his economic potential.

Enemy sites are suppressed and destroyed in the following manner:  nuclear weapons - by a 10-kiloton air burst; a motorized infantry division or a tank division - by a 20-kiloton air burst; a control post or a nuclear stockpile - by a 100-kiloton ground burst; a communications junction, control post for PVO - by a 3-kiloton air burst; airfields and rear targets - by a 40-kiloton air burst.

- Launch preparation time is H-20, 20 minutes before launch time

- The time for allocating nuclear and chemical munitions is 3 hours. P-3 hrs.

- The time for allocating conventional munitions is 3 days.  Ch - 3 days.

- Conduct constant surveillance of the sites, which are to be destroyed by nuclear weapons, and refine the plan of the first nuclear strike..

- Insure the full combat readiness of the rocket troops and control means, and be ready to carry out combat tasks.

- Carefully organize the rocket-technical securing of the troops.

- Carry out the engineering preparation of the position areas, organize the camouflage of the combat units, and the protection of the rocket troops against mass destruction weapons.

- Organize the timely forward movement of the rocket troops during the offensive operation.


F) Artillery:

Organize the following artillery groups in the ob'edinenia, soedineniia and units:

a) army artillery groups - 8-10 battalions.

b) division artillery groups - 4-6 battalions.

c) regimental artillery groups - 3-4 battalions.

The artillery, in the beginning, and during the course of the operation, fulfills the following tasks:

a) the suppression and destruction of the enemy's offensive nuclear weapons;

b) defeating the enemy during his invasion;

c) defeating the enemy while crossing the state frontier and during the battle for the enemy's combat security zone;

d) reliably defeat the enemy during the breakthrough of his prepared defense;

e) suppress the enemy during the air fire support of the attack;

f) assist the troops fighting in the enemy's defensive depth;

g) defeat the enemy's counterblow grouping;

h) support the fronts' troops in forcing water barriers;

i) destroy the enemy's artillery and mortar batteries;

j) cover open flanks, spaces and breaches in the combat formation;

k) support the commitment of the front's second echelon into the engagement;

l) the artillery density in breaking through the enemy's prepared defense is to be no less than 100-120 guns and mortars per kilometer of front; the duration of fire support is 30-40 minutes, and the expenditure of shells is .8-1 unit of fire during the attack's fire preparation.

m) the fire support of the attack is conducted by the consecutive concentration of fire (PSO), the artillery barrage (OV), and the joint employment of PSO and OV at a distance of 3-4 kilometers in the enemy's defensive depth.

G) The Air Army

During the first nuclear strike, destroy the enemy's nuclear weapons, nuclear stockpiles and air-nuclear forces; defeat the main groupings, especially tanks; disrupt the military's and state control, such as command posts, communications means and communications junctions, control posts and radioelectronic means; destroy his PVO; attack his rear sites and disrupt his economic potential.

- Participate in the air operation to destroy the enemy's air grouping and securing air superiority (if it is conducted);

- During the aviation preparation and support of the attack and the aviation accompaniment, suppress and destroy the enemy's offensive nuclear weapons, artillery, tanks, command posts, defensive strong points and crossing sectors located beyond the range of the artillery;

- Suppress and destroy the enemy's reserves;

- Carry out air reconnaissance of the enemy;

- Cover the troops and rear sites against the enemy's air attacks.

Air Resources are to be distributed in the following manner:

a) ________ regimental sorties for each day of the operation for the armies attacking in the main directions;

b)____ regimental flights for each day of the operation for the armies attacking in other directions;

c) ____ regimental sorties in the reserve of the front commander

H) The Seventh Guards Tank Army (Second Echelon Army)

- _________________, artillery, SSM, PVO and helicopters. 

These take up their positions at their jumping-off points in the areas of Treuenbreitzen - Wittenberg - Torgau - Finsterwalde - Sperenberg.  Fit out the jumping off point for the offensive in the full engineering sense to protect the troops from the enemy's mass destruction weapons.

The army's zone of responsibility for combatting airborne landings, reconnaissance and diversionary groups are determined by ______________________.

- From the beginning of the offensive the army moves up along the following seven routes:

Rte. 1 one division

Rte. 2

Rte. 3 - army staff and staff units

Rte. 4 second division

Rte. 5

Rte. 6 third division

The army is committed to the engagement from the line Gondershausen - Wachtberg - Mendig on the Mosel river; or on the line Prum (1610) - Bitburg - Trier on the Mosel River; and launches its main attack in the direction of Bitburg - Trier - Luxembourg - Longwy - Sedan - Rethel - Laon - Abbeville, having as its immediate task the seizing of the line Rocroi - Rethel - Sammery.

When being committed into the engagement, the army is reinforced by an artillery division and an anti-tank-artillery brigade, and is supported by three flights (sorties) by the aviation groups.  While being committed to the engagement, the army is supported by the front's nuclear weapons and an air army, and launches nuclear strikes against enemy sites so as to support the armies in its zone of attack.

I - PVO Troops

Front PVO concentrates its main efforts for covering the main tank and motorized rifle groups of the ob'edinenie attacking in the main directions, the most important rear sites, as well as the covering of the front's troops in carrying out important tasks such as seizing the forward zone, airborne landings, forcing water obstacles, and repulsing the enemy's counterblows.

The fire system for the guided-rocket and antiaircraft troops of the front should be coordinated with the fire system of army and division PVO in accordance with a unified plan as to directions and combat methods of actions so that they are able to repulse the enemy's massed air attacks.

Organize the coordination of the guided rocket and anti-aircraft troops with fighter aviation and the PVO troops of the Warsaw Pact countries in seizing the jumping-off point and during the offensive, so as to repulse the enemy's massed air attacks.

Maintain the majority of the shock army's fighter aviation on duty at the airfields and, at threatening times, 1/6 in the air over the most important directions so that the area for intercepting the enemy aviation is within the bounds of our anti-aircraft fire.

Maintain all soyidineniia and units of PVO in full combat readiness and outfit the fire and reserve positions in their starting points for an advance, and be ready to repulse the enemy's massed air attacks.

Carry out the transfer of units during the offensive so that all PVO weapons are ready to repulse enemy strikes in carrying out the front's most important tasks.

J Airborne Landings

One airborne landing consists of the _______________ and the other of the __________________.

The starting points for the landings are ________________. The landing across the Rhine between Bad Kreuznach and Mainz takes place on D + 4. The landing across the Rhine between Kerpen and Duren - Erftstadt takes place on D + 5. These are carried out by the _______ military-transport divisions.

The mission of the airborne landings is to complete the encirclement of the NATO corps east of the Rhine River, seize crossings over the river for exploitation by front armies and to secure its forcing by the front's main forces on the march.

Before the landing, grouped nuclear strikes or intensive conventional bombings are carried out in the landing area and in the operating area of the military-transport aviation, so as to suppress and destroy the enemy's reserves and anti-aircraft defense.

For suppressing the enemy's PVO, fighter and fighter-bomber aviation, radioelectronic suppression means, tactical and tactical-operational rockets are employed.  Covering the troops and aviation in their starting points for the landing is carried out by the forces of the national PVO (strany) and of the countries of the Warsaw Pact.

Organize coordination with the troops of national air defense and of the Warsaw Pact countries in the jumping-off point for the landing.  During the flight coordinate with the front PVO, the air army, the troops of the front and long-range aviation.  During the landing and combat activity, coordinate with the armies of the first echelon, front aviation and long-range aviation.

The departure area for the landing is ________________, and the time for seizing the forward area is seven hours before takeoff.

Fueling and material supply areas for transport aviation are in _______________, _______________, _________________, etc.

The organization of landing control is carried out from a command post in the area of ________________, a forward command post in the area of __________________, and an auxiliary command post in the area of __________________.

K Combined Arms Reserves

The combined-arms reserves consists of the _______ and the ________, and they are to be prepared to carry out assignments which arise unexpectedly during the operation.

Billeting areas are as follows:  _____ at ____________, the ______ in _________,

During the offensive operation the combined arms reserve moves up along the following directions:

_________along _________________

_________ along _________________

The distance between the combined-arms reserve and the troops of the first echelon should not exceed 70 kilometers during the operation.

L Anti-Tank Reserves

The ______ helicopter regiment, as part of the front's anti-tank reserve, is billeted in the area of _______________, to fight the enemy's tanks in the front's main directions of attack.  Direction no. 1 is __________________, and direction no. 2 is _____________________.

The anti-tank reserve is moved forward during the offensive operation in the direction of _______________.

M Front Engineering Reserves

The 75th engineering-sapper regiment, the _____________ engineering obstacle battalion, and the _______________ pontoon-bridging battalion, after carrying out their assigned tasks while preparing the operation, become part of the front engineering reserve and are ready for carrying out engineering tasks arising unexpectedly during the offensive operation.

The front engineering reserve is billeted in the area of _________________, and during the offensive operation, moves forward in the direction of __________________.

N Chemical Reserves

In the front's chemical reserve are included the 245th separate special decontamination battalion, the _________ separate chemical defense battalion, and the __________ separate decontamination battalion.

The chemical reserve carries out chemical tasks arising unexpectedly while conducting the offensive operation.

The chemical reserve is billeted in the area of __________________, and during the offensive operation, moves up in the direction of ___________________.

5 Front Troop Control:

The command post is in the area of _________.

The forward command post is in the area of __________________.

The rear control post is in the area of ___________________.

The command post, forward command post and the rear control post move forward in the direction of _________________.

Deputies: the front chief of staff, the first deputy commander of the front, and the chief of the political directorate.

Communications are organized with all control points through radio, radio-relay, telephone-telegraph, with subordinates, neighbors and units interacting with yours.

Signatures:
1.  Chief of the Operational Directorate
2.  Front Chief of Staff
3.  Front Commander

VG1- Introduction outline of Lesson V

VG2- Outline of Lesson V (cont)

VG3 - Main measures for preparation of front offensive

VG4 - Initial data constituting the basis for preparation

VG5 - Time of preparation for offensive operations

VG6 - Making the decision

VG7 - Contents of the clarification of the mission

VG8 - Content of the assessment of the situation

VG9 - Organization of the decision

VG10 - Operation plan on map

VG11 - Operation plan on map cont

VG12 - Written instructions

VG13 - Written plan

VG14 - Plan annexes

VG15 - Plan for FUP areas

VG16 - Written plan for FUP area

VG17 - Preparing the troops and FUP areas prior to the initiation of military action

VG18 - Organization of interaction

VG19 - Security distances

VG20 - Exercise 1

VG21 - Exercise 1 Answer

VG22 - Exercise 3

VG23 - Exercise 4

A. Organization for offensive operations at the front level

duties and responsibilities of front commander, chief of staff, and operations chief with respect to making decisions and planning operations.

procedures used by Soviet command and staff in preparing for operations including receipt of directives, issuing initial instructions, clarifying the mission, estimating the situation, making the decision, developing plans, and issuing directives and instructions.


B. Practical exercises in organization (making decisions, preparing plans, and issuing directives) at front level

clarification of the mission;

initial instructions;

calculations of available time and preparation of calendar plans

combat readiness and mobilization;

determining the width of breakthrough sector and requirements for artillery;

calculating correlation of forces and means

suggestions of the chief of operations and the chief of staff to the front commander;

the front plan map.

aim and concept of the operation;.

the operations directive.

1. Making the decision and planning the operation

2. Conveying missions to the troops and organization of interaction

3. Preparation of attack staging areas, command posts, and signal communications systems

4. Procurement and stockpiling of material supplies

5. Organization and conduct of political affairs

6. Organization of all types of supporting measures and troop control

7. Preparation of troops for combat action under whatever initial conditions may occur

8. Maintaining constant high combat readiness in troop units

1. Aim of the operation and missions of the front in the directive from higher headquarters

2. Actual composition of troops and means

3. Assessment and evaluation of all situation information

1. The front prepares the initial offensive operation during peacetime

2. Preparation for subsequent operations during war is conducted during the course of the first front operation

3. All measures related to preparation must be carried out with strict observance of secrecy

The front commander's decision constitutes the basis for all measures related to preparation and conduct of the operation. The commander must concentrate all his talent, ability, foresight, and art to make a rational decision. This is achieved only through a clear understanding of the concept of the superior commander, a close and accurate study of the aims and missions of the front's operation, an all around assessment, and evaluation of the situation, and well formed operational forecasting.

1. Proper and accurate understanding of the front's aim and mission

2. The role and place of the front in the TVD strategic operation

3. Missions of adjacent fronts, operational formations, and others

4. Conditions for interaction with adjacents

1. Enemy forces

2. Friendly forces including adjacents

3. Terrain and geographic situation

4. Radiation, chemical and biological situation

5. National and class composition of the population and other economic and political factors

6. Economic situation

7. Hydro-meteorologic situation, weather, season, daylight and other factors

Planning of the operation is conducted by front staff on the basis of the front commander's decision and his instructions. During planning all issues and details of the commander's decisions are thoroughly organized as follows:


Sequence and form of execution of each operational mission;

Effort of troops and consumption of supplies in each mission and on each direction of the attack;

Method of coordination (interaction) among the troops during the mission;

Issues relating to political and party affairs;

Combat support measures;

Troop control.

When the plan of the operation is prepared in a graphic form (on the map) it is shown on a 1/500,000 or 1/200,000 scale map. The map-form plan shows the following:


Enemy groupings of forces and means and the character of his likely actions;

Operational formation (deployment) of the front forces in the FUP (staging--starting) area;

Front's immediate and long-range missions, their contents, their depth, time of accomplishment, and speed of attack;

Direction of the main and other attacks;

Penetration areas to breakthrough enemy defenses;

Missions and targets of nuclear weapons during the initial nuclear strike conducted by front rocket troops and the front air army;

The boundary separating areas of nuclear strikes delivered by strategic weapons and front means;

Directions of attacks and missions of armies (corps) showing times of their accomplishments and boundaries;

Method and form of commitment of second-echelon troops into combat;

Composition, missions, areas, and times of dropping (landing) of airborne and seaborne assault troops;

Deployment of command posts of the front and armies at the beginning of the operation and their movement (relocation) during the operation;

Boundaries with adjacent armies of other fronts and missions of these armies;

Moreover, the scope of the operation is shown on the map.

All other information, calculations, and guiding data are described in written instructions.

Written instructions and details usually include the following:

Assessment of the enemy situation, capabilities, and intent;

Combat composition of the front and its capabilities;

Correlation of forces and means;

Aim and concept of the operation;

Availability, time of delivery, and distribution of nuclear, special rounds, and material supplies;

Distribution of forces and means;

Distribution of aircraft sorties among missions and armies;

Method of providing security for friendly troops during nuclear strikes;

Method of conduct of attack preparatory, supporting fire, and other related instructions.

When the plan of the offensive operation is prepared in written form, the contents and order of their presentation are as follows:

Deductions from the clarification of the mission and assessment of the situation;

Aim and concept of the operation;

Missions and methods of the use of nuclear and conventional means of destruction;

Missions of first-echelon armies, missions of second-echelon troops, airborne and seaborne assault troops, reserves, and method of their action;

Missions and forms of combat employment of rocket and artillery troops;

Missions and methods of combat actions of the air army;

Missions of air defense troops and methods of repelling enemy air attacks;

Method of coordination (interaction) among troops;

Measures for all-around support of the operation;

Missions and methods of the conduct of party and political affairs;

Organization of troop control and signal communication.

The annexes to the plans of front offensive operations include the following:

Plan of the initial strike of the front;

Plan for preparation and occupation of the FUP areas for the attack (staging--departure areas);

Plan of operational Maskirovka;

Plan of employment of airborne (seaborne) assault troops;

Other plans and documents;

Plan of political affairs.

The plan should be prepared on a 1/200,000 scale map with a written annex and a graphic of the arrival of troops at FUP areas. On the map portion of the plan of preparation and occupation of the FUP areas, the following matters are graphically depicted:

Location of permanent military posts (assembly areas occupied at the alarm signal by the troops) of formations and headquarters;

FUP areas (staging area and departure areas);

Directions of arrival (movement) of troops to FUP areas;

Composition of forces and means assigned to cover troops and directions of their approach (movement) to specific covering lines and positions;

System of engineering fortifications at lines, areas, and positions;

Areas and lines of establishment of engineer obstacles and demolitions;

Other details.

The written portion of the plan includes the following:

Assessment of likely enemy actions and the most probable directions of his attack;

Composition and mission of covering troops;

Mission of troops in the main groupings of forces on repulse of enemy surprise invasions;

Principal measures on engineer support in the FUP and approach areas;

Engineer troops assigned to conduct such measures;

Time and method of arrival (movement) of formations and units to the FUP areas.

Along with the decision and working out the plan of operation, a great deal of organizational work, requiring a lot of time, must be conducted by the commander, staff, and field command and control organs of the front. This involves the following:


Preparation of generals and officers;

Conveying missions to the troops and organization of coordination (interaction) among them;

Conduct of reconnaissance;

Conduct of combat, political, and operational preparation (training) of the troops and staff;

Conduct of engineer work (establishment of engineer fortifications) in the FUP areas;

Preparation and deployment of the rear services;

Measures on preparation (readiness) of troop control and all-around combat supporting measures, in the interest of troop combat actions during the operation.

The organization of interaction in the offensive operation must provide for the coordination of the following actions during the accomplishment of assigned missions:

Nuclear strikes of front rocket troops and front aviation;

Strikes launched by the means of the Supreme High Command and adjacents;

Actions of armies and formations organic to the front;

Actions of combat and combat support arms and air forces in terms of objectives, times, and places. Action of front air defense troops are coordinated with actions of national air defense forces. The principal measures on establishment of all-around support in the interest of the combat action of the troops must be confirmed.

Coordination (interaction) in terms of targets between the strategic rocket forces, long-range aircraft, adjacents and front's means, can be established in three ways. One is by specifying the boundaries to separate the destruction areas of the enemy targets assigned to each one of them. The second is by assigning specific targets to each element in the same area. The third method is a combination of both forms can be used. The form to be used is determined by the general staff.

The security distance of the attacking troops from the center of nuclear bursts depends on the following:

Yield of nuclear rounds to be used;

Types of bursts;

Direction and speed of wind;

Time of day (during hours of darkness the light radiation of nuclear bursts is two times more effective than during the daylight hours).

The security distance of attacking troops (personnel in the open and in top-open APCs in the daylight) from the center of explosion (burst) is as follows:
----- 5 kilotons -- 2.5 km
----- 10 kilotons -- 3.0 km
----- 20 kilotons -- 3.8 km
----- 30 kilotons -- 4.4 km
----- 40 kilotons -- 5.2 km
----- 100 kilotons -- 6.5 km
----- 200 kilotons -- 8.2 km
----- 300 kilotons -- 9.4 km

If friendly troops are not warned the security distance for 5 and 10 kilotons increases 4.5 times, for 20, 30, 50, and 100 kilotons 3.5 times, for 200 and 300 kilotons 2.5 times. At night these distances double.

Exercise 1

In the initial instructions received by the front commander, the front is assigned a mission for offensive operation with the following:

Scope:
----- overall depth: 640 km
----- depth of immediate mission: 280 km
----- depth of long range mission: 360 km
----- width of the front 340 km
----- duration of operations 14 days

The front is composed of four combined arms armies on D day, a tank army will join the front on D + 2. During the clarification of the mission determine the following:
----- number of attack directions and breakthrough areas;
----- number of armies in the first echelon;
----- rate of advance, and required correlation of forces for such rate of advance.

Answer:
Since the direction of the main attack is determined by the superior commander, the front is to facilitate the establishment of the appropriate grouping of forces and means and support of the axis. However the front will most likely have a choice to determine the number of supporting attacks and forces allocated to them.

1. On the basis of initial data the front has one direction of main attack. According to theory a major part of the forces should be allocated to this direction: two armies with a frontage of not more than 60 km in a European type of terrain (60 x 2=120 km of front). Now what is left is 340 - 120 + 220 km. Therefore this 220 km is to be covered by two more armies.

If the front launches a supporting attack with one army, it cannot give the army a sector of more than 80 km.
-----(therefore: 220 - 80 + 140 km).

Now if one army is assigned this 140 km front, it cannot attack; but only will hold the line or it may attack in a narrow sector merely to support the main attack of the supporting attack directions like the following example:

The alternative will be to have the forces in contact (if any) to hold part of the front line in the front's sector in order to enable the front to launch the attack by four armies with the following variations.

These are preliminary deductions based on the clarification of the mission. These variants can be further developed during the estimate of the situation.

The determination of the number and overall width of the breakthrough areas depends on the number of armies and divisions in the first echelon. This is again a tentative and rough assessment, while the more detailed calculation can be conducted later, on the basis of artillery capability and number and type of enemy targets.


Penetration areas:
----- main direction: 2 armies each 12 km=24 km
----- supporting direction: 1 army 10 km - 10=total of 34 km

2. Rate of advance:
----- a. 640 ÷ 14=45 km/day

This is the average rate of daily advance which should be maintained. In order to see if this rate of advance can be maintained, an overall and summary correlation of forces and means is taken into consideration. A 3:1 correlation supports an average rate of advance of 40 to 60 km/day.

----- b. To find out the required correlation of forces and means (basically on the main direction) the formula/nomogram of ("Correlation of forces needed for rates of advance") can be used:
f (factor)=D ÷ KTV _max;
f=correlation factor;
k=terrain factor (1.25 for open terrain);
V_max=theoretical speed in km/day.
F=640 ÷ (1.25 x 14 x 70)=0.56

On the nomogram we read that a correlation of 4.6 to 1 is required to achieve the accomplishment of the mission in 14 days. This is a rough calculation and the enemy's detailed capabilities are not taken into consideration. This correlation mostly applies to the axes of main attack, while on axes with holding attacks a lower correlation can be accepted.

Exercise 2:

On the basis of the clarification of the mission issue initial instructions to the armies regarding the upcoming operations.

Answer:
See prepared text of the front's initial instructions to armies.

Exercise 3:

Prepare the calculation of time available for the preparation of the operation and develop the calendar plan of the preparation of the operation, when the mission is received at 0800 June 10 and the time to be prepared for the attack 0500 June 14.

Answer: (See the prepared calendar plan).

The calendar plan for the preparations of the operation is based on time available generally speaking 1/3 of total time available to prepare for the operations should be taken by front and 2/3 left for subordinates; 1/3 of the time taken by front includes:
----- making the decision;
----- conveying the decision to subordinates;
----- participation of subordinates in planning and coordination at the front level.

Exercise 4:

Given the location of the front forces and means determine the time to mobilize and establish the grouping of forces and means in the departure area.

Answer:
Calculation of time is based on current data about the location of troops, distance to the departure area and simple movement formulas for the following:
----- covering troops;
----- first echelon divisions of armies;
----- armies and front's support elements;
----- front's air army;
----- rear service installations;

Exercise 5:

Assume that the four divisions attacking on the right flank and the three divisions attacking in the army adjacent to it to the south are the main direction.

On the supporting direction three divisions attack in the first-echelon with one division of the adjacent army to the north participating in the breakthrough. Determine the overall breakthrough area and number of artillery pieces required.

Answer:

1. Main direction: 4 divisions + 3 divisions=7 divisions: the norm for the width of the breakthrough area per division is 4 km. Therefore 7 x 4=28 km. General norm for number of artillery pieces required per km of breakthrough area is 100 (90-110). Therefore 28 x 100=2800 artillery pieces.

2. Supporting direction: 3 divisions + 1 division=4 divisions: 4 x 4=16 km (width of breakthrough area): 16 x 100=1600 artillery pieces.

Exercise 6:

Calculate the correlation of forces and means in the holding area when overall correlation of forces and means is 3:1 and as discussed in exercise 1, the width of the main sector is 120 km, of supporting attack sector 80 km, and overall width of front's operation area is 340 km. The required correlation of forces and means on the main direction as discussed in exercise 1 is 4.6 to 1 and in the supporting direction is 4 to 1.

Answer:
Use the following formula:

1. Main sector versus the entire front:

120=340 (3 - C_s) ÷ (4.6 - C_s)
552 - 120 C_s=1020 - 340 C_s
220 C_s=468 ÷ 220
C_s=2

Therefore in the rest of the frontage (out of the main sector and overall correlation of 2:1 is required.

2. Supporting sector versus the rest of the front (340 - 120=220 km)
80=220 (2 - C_s) ÷ (4 - C_s)
320 - 80 C_s=440 - 220 C_s
140 C_s=120; C_s=120 ÷ 140=.85
C_s=.85

It means that if we establish a 4:1 correlation of forces and means in the supporting attack sector, the overall correlation of forces and means in the rest of the front (excluding the main and supporting attacking sectors) cannot be more than 0.8:1 which will support only defensive action.

3. Suppose that the army which will be assigned in this 140 km sector between the main sector (120 km) and supporting attack sector (80 km) decides to launch attack by one division in a 20 km sector with a 3:1 correlation to support the flank of the main or supporting attack sectors. In this case the overall correlation of forces and means in this sector will further drop from its original 0.85:1. Here is how it calculates using the same formula above.

20=140 (0.85 - C_s) ÷ (3 - C_s)
60 - 20 C_s=119 - 140 C_s
120 C_s=59; C_s=59 ÷ 120
C_s=0.5

This means that if the army launches a division size attack in part of its sector (20 km) then the correlation of forces and means in the rest of the sector will drop to 0.5:1 or the enemy will have a superiority of 2:1 in this sector. If a temporary defensive action can be acceptable to the front commander in this sector, then the army can choose this course of action.

Exercise 7:

Given the composition of the front and the enemy's order of battle shown on the map (table) prepare the table of correlation of forces and means for the following areas:
----- start of the operation (all front, main sector, and supporting attack sector);
----- at the end of first day;
----- end of armies immediate mission;
----- end of front's immediate mission;
----- end of front's long range mission;

Answer:
(see prepared table). To fill the tables use the following qualitative factors
----- Soviet Division 1.0
----- US Division 1.1
----- UK Division 0.9
----- FRG Division 1.0
----- Belgium Division 0.8

Exercise 8:

Prepare the suggestions of the chief of operations and the chief of staff to the front commander.

Answer: (See prepared text)

Exercise 9:

Studying the terrain on the map determine the following and show them on overlay:
----- armies' boundaries;
----- armies' missions;
----- deployment of front's grouping in departure area;
----- line of commitment of second echelon army and its mission;
----- command posts and their relocation;
----- dispersion airfields of front's air army ;
----- airborne (sea-Borne) assault landings;
----- rear service establishments;

Answer:
(See prepared map [diagrams] and discuss the solution focusing on subjective evaluation based on simple terrain analysis from map data and norms of suitability.

Exercise 10:

Write the aim and concept of the operation for the front commander.

Answer: (See prepared text)

Exercise 11:

Using the blank of front's operational directive fill in the blank from the data marked on the map of the front's plan for offensive operation.

EXERCISE 1

In the initial instructions received by the front commander, the front is assigned a mission for offensive operation with the following:

Scope:
----- overall depth: 640 km
----- depth of immediate mission: 280 km
----- depth of long rang mission: 360 km
----- width of the front 340 km
----- duration of operations 14 days

The front is composed of four combined arms armies on D day, a tank army will join the front on D + 2. During the clarification of the mission determine the following:
----- number of attack directions and breakthrough areas;
----- number of armies in the first echelon;
----- rate of advance, and required correlation of forces for such rate of advance.

EXERCISE 1 ANSWER:

Since the direction of the main attack is determined by the superior commander, the front is to facilitate the establishment of the appropriate grouping of forces and means and support of the axis.

However the front will most likely have a choice to determine the number of supporting attacks and forces allocated to them.

1. On the basis of initial data the front has one direction of main attack.

According to theory, a major part of the forces should be allocated to this direction:

two armies with a frontage of not more than 60 km in a European type of terrain (60 x 2=120 km of front). Now what is left is 340 - 120 + 220 km. Therefore this 220 km is to be covered by two more armies.

If the front launches a supporting attack with one army, it cannot give the army a sector of more than 80 km.
-----(therefore: 220 - 80 + 140 km).

Penetration areas:
----- main direction: 2 armies each 12 km=24 km
----- supporting direction: 1 army 10 km - 10=total of 34 km


2. Rate of advance:
----- a. 640 ÷ 14=45 km/day

This is the average rate of daily advance which should be maintained. In order to see if this rate of advance can be maintained, an overall and summary correlation of forces and means is taken into consideration. A 3:1 correlation supports an average rate of advance of 40 to 60 km/day.

b. To find out the required correlation of forces and means (basically on the main direction) the formula/nomogram of ("Correlation of forces needed for rates of advance") can be used:
f (factor)=D ÷ KTV_max;
f=correlation factor;
k=terrain factor (1.25 for open terrain);
V_max=theoretical speed in km/day.
F=640 ÷ (1.25 x 14 x 70)=0.56

On the nomogram we read that a correlation of 4.6 to 1 is required to achieve the accomplishment of the mission in 14 days. This is a rough calculation and the enemy's detailed capabilities are not taken into consideration. This correlation mostly applies to the axes of main attack, while on axes with holding attacks a lower correlation can be accepted.

EXERCISE 3

Prepare the calculation of time available for the preparation of the operation and develop the calendar plan of the preparation of the operation, when the mission is received at 0800 June 10 and the time to be prepared for the attack 0500 June 14.

Answer: (See the prepared calendar plan).

The calendar plan for the preparations of the operation is based on time available generally speaking 1/3 of total time available to prepare for the operations should be taken by front and 2/3 left for subordinates; 1/3 of the time taken by front includes:
----- making the decision;
----- conveying the decision to subordinates;
----- participation of subordinates in planning and coordination at the front level.

EXERCISE 4

Given the location of the front forces and means determine the time to mobilize and establish the grouping of forces and means in the departure area.

Answer:

Calculation of time is based on current data about the location of troops, distance to the departure area and simple movement formulas for the following:
----- covering troops;
----- first echelon divisions of armies;
----- armies and front's support elements;
----- front's air army;
----- rear service installations;

EXERCISE 5:

Assume that the four divisions attacking on the right flank and the three divisions attacking in the army adjacent to it to the south are the main direction.

On the supporting direction three divisions attack in the first-echelon with one division of the adjacent army to the north participating in the breakthrough. Determine the overall breakthrough area and number of artillery pieces required.

Answer:

1. Main direction: 4 divisions + 3 divisions=7 divisions: the norm for the width of the breakthrough area per division is 4 km. Therefore 7 x 4=28 km. General norm for number of artillery pieces required per km of breakthrough area is 100 (90-110). Therefore 28 x 100=2800 artillery pieces.

2. Supporting direction: 3 divisions + 1 division=4 divisions: 4 x 4=16 km (width of breakthrough area): 16 x 100=1600 artillery pieces.

EXERCISE 6:

Calculate the correlation of forces and means in the holding area when overall correlation of forces and means is 3:1 and as discussed in exercise 1, the width of the main sector is 120 km, of supporting attack sector 80 km, and overall width of front's operation area is 340 km. The required correlation of forces and means on the main direction as discussed in exercise 1 is 4.6 to 1 and in the supporting direction is 4 to 1.

EXERCISE 6 - ANSWER

Use the following formula:

1. Main sector versus the entire front:
120=340 (3 - C_s) ÷ (4.6 - C_s)
552 - 120 C_s=1020 - 340 C_s
220 C_s=468 ÷ 220
C_s=2

Therefore in the rest of the frontage (out of the main sector and overall correlation of 2:1 is required.

2. Supporting sector versus the rest of the front (340 - 120=220 km)
80=220 (2 - C_s) ÷ (4 - C_s)
320 - 80 C_s=440 - 220 C_s
140 C_s=120; C_s=120 ÷ 140=.85
C_s=.85


3. Suppose that the army which will be assigned in this 140 km sector between the main sector (120 km) and supporting attack sector (80 km) decides to launch attack by one division in a 20 km sector with a 3:1 correlation to support the flank of the main or supporting attack sectors. In this case the overall correlation of forces and means in this sector will further drop from its original 0.85:1. Here is how it calculates using the same formula above.
20=140 (0.85 - C_s) ÷ (3 - C_s)
60 - 20 C_s=119 - 140 C_s
120 C_s=59; C_s=59 ÷ 120
C_s=0.5

This means that if the army launches a division size attack in part of its sector (20 km) then the correlation of forces and means in the rest of the sector will drop to 0.5:1 or the enemy will have a superiority of 2:1 in this sector. If a temporary defensive action can be acceptable to the front commander in this sector, then the army can choose this course of action.

EXERCISE 7:

Given the composition of the front and the enemy's order of battle shown on the map (table) prepare the table of correlation of forces and means for the following areas:

----- start of the operation (all front, main sector, and supporting attack sector);

----- at the end of first day;

----- end of armies immediate mission;

----- end of front's immediate mission;

----- end of front's long range mission;

VG1 - Main components of the front headquarters directed by and commander in chief of front forces

VG2 - Elements which compose the front staff

VG3 - Elements which compose the front staff part II

VG4 - Elements which compose the chiefs of combat arms branches

VG5 - Elements which compose the chiefs of special troops

VG6 - Elements which compose the rear services staff

VG7 - Elements controlled by the deputy/chief of front technical and armament services

VG8 - Other chiefs of services

VG9 - Members of the front higher military council

VG10 - Units which provide guard, service, engineer, construction, and air transportation support to the front headquarters

VG11 - Signal troops assigned to establish signal centers

VG12 - Elements included in radio communication's nets and directions

VG13 - Elements included in mail stations, installations, and combined signal aviation regiments

VG14 - Stations responsible for the flow of mail

VG15 - Elements which compose signal supply and repair units

VG16 - Duties of the troop control system of front aviation

VG17 - Control points established in the front aviation combat troop control system

VG18 - Control points established in the front aviation combat troop control system part II

VG19 - Duties accomplished by the commander

VG20 - Duties accomplished by the chief of staff

VG21 - Duties accomplished by the chief of operations

VG22 - Duties accomplished by the chief of reconnaissance

VG23 - Duties accomplished by the front chief of missile troops and artillery

VG24 - Duties accomplished by the front chief of missile troops and artillery part II

VG25 - Duties accomplished by the front chief of air defense

VG26 - Duties accomplished by the front chief of air defense part II

VG27 - Duties accomplished by the chief of engineers

VG28 - Duties accomplished by the chief of engineers part II

VG29 - Duties accomplished by the chief of engineers part III

VG30 - Duties accomplished by the front chief of chemical troops

VG31 - Duties accomplished by the front chief of chemical troops part II

VG32 - Duties accomplished by the front chief of chemical troops part III

VG33 - Duties accomplished by the front chief of signal troops

VG34 - Duties accomplished by the front chief of signal troops part II

VG35 - Duties accomplished by the front chief of signal troops part III

VG36 - Duties accomplished by the chief of radio-electronic combat

VG37 - Duties accomplished by the chief of radio-electronic combat part II

VG38 - Duties accomplished by the chief of armament and technical services

VG39 - Duties accomplished by the chief of armament and technical services part II

VG40 - Duties accomplished by the deputy commander for rear services

VG41 - Duties accomplished by the deputy commander for rear services part II

VG42 - Duties accomplished by the front aviation commander

MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE FRONT HEADQUARTERS DIRECTED BY AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF FRONT FORCES

first deputy C-IN-C;

front staff, controlled by the front chief of staff.  He is the principal organizer of the front field operations;

deputy C/S;

chiefs of combat arms;

chiefs of special troops;

chiefs of services.

ELEMENTS WHICH COMPOSE THE FRONT STAFF

operations directorate, which consists of the following elements:

operations division;

information division;

hydro-meteorological department;

special department;

reconnaissance directorate, which consists of the following departments:
----- 1st department - military reconnaissance;
----- 2nd department - clandestine reconnaissance;
----- 3rd department - special reconnaissance;
----- 4th department - information;
----- 5th department - signal reconnaissance;
----- special communications department;
----- special department;

communications directorate, which is composed of the following departments:
----- 1st department - radio communications;
----- 2nd department - radio relay communications;
----- 3rd department - cryptology secret automatic (computer) control;
----- 4th department - communications for forward and alternate command post;
----- 5th department - mail communications;
----- 6th department - supply;
----- special department.

organizations and mobilization directorate, which organizes and manages enlisted military personnel of the front;

services of the front staff, which provide special support to all directorates of the front staff and is composed of the following departments:

political department of staff;

topographical service;

8th department of special communications;

radio-electronic combat department;

inspectorate of measuring instruments;

military censorship department;

printing office;

department of commandant's service;

department of troop services (morale and discipline).

ELEMENTS WHICH COMPOSE THE CHIEFS OF COMBAT ARMS BRANCHES

chief of missile and artillery troops, who is assisted by the staff of missile and artillery troops to command the following departments:
----- operations department;
----- reconnaissance department;
----- special department.

chief of air defense troops commands the following departments:
----- 1st department - operations;
----- 2nd department - radar reconnaissance;
----- 3rd department - communications and automatic guidance systems;
----- 4th department - utilization of equipment;
----- special department.

ELEMENTS WHICH COMPOSE THE CHIEFS OF SPECIAL TROOPS

chief of engineer troops commands the following departments:
----- operational reconnaissance department;
----- engineer-technical department;
----- engineer equipment;
----- secret documents.

chief of chemical troops commands the following departments:
----- reconnaissance and estimates of radiological fallout department;
----- chemical equipment department;
----- operations department;
----- special department.

ELEMENTS WHICH COMPOSE THE REAR SERVICES STAFF

food service directorate;

POL directorate;

uniform/clothing directorate;

medical service directorate;

veterinary service directorate;

combat supplies directorate;

troop billeting department;

special department.

ELEMENTS CONTROLLED BY THE DEPUTY/CHIEF OF FRONT TECHNICAL AND ARMAMENT SERVICES

chief of armor equipment;

chief of missile and artillery armament;

chief of motor transport equipment.

OTHER CHIEFS OF SERVICES

chief of cadre - for officers and career NCOs only;

chief of finance.

MEMBERS OF THE FRONT HIGHER MILITARY COUNCIL

(1) deputy C-IN-C/chief of political affairs;

(2) 1st deputy C-IN-C;

(3) chief of staff;

(4) deputy C-IN-C/chief of rear services;

(5) chief of missile and artillery troops;

(6) deputy C-IN-C/ chief of technical and armament services;

(7) two or three additional officers, as designated by front C-IN-C.

UNITS WHICH PROVIDE GUARD, SERVICE, ENGINEER, CONSTRUCTION, AND AIR TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT TO THE FRONT HEADQUARTERS

guard and service regiment guards and protects the front headquarters and provides electrical, chemical defense, and engineer support to the wartime front command post;

engineer battalion constructs front command posts sites and improves the immediate areas;

mixed aircraft courier regiment provides air transport and courier service for the staff officers of front headquarters.

SIGNAL TROOPS ASSIGNED TO ESTABLISH SIGNAL CENTERS

Signal regiment: assigned to establish and operate the communications network of the front's command post. The regiment can establish signal communications for the front's main command post (KP) in two locations. The regiment is composed of two battalions each establishing the (CP) communication in one location.

Front's forward command post (PKP) signal communication battalion: assigned to establish the communication of the front's forward command post (PKP). It is able to provide communication in one location.

Signal regiment for rear service control points (TPU): establishes, in two locations, the communications for rear service control point (TPU) with the rear service units and installations and with the lower echelons. The regiment is composed of two battalions.

Signal battalion for auxiliary signal centers (VUS): establishes six auxiliary signal centers.

Signal cable and line battalion: assigned to establish communication lines within command posts. The battalion is capable of establishing up to 500 km of communication lines.

Radio control center (traffic surveillance): is designated to monitor the observation of radio and radio-relay communication security rules and regulations for secrecy of troop control in formations and large units organic to the front.

ELEMENTS INCLUDED IN RADIO COMMUNICATION'S NETS AND DIRECTIONS

Two radio-relay line battalions: assigned to establish the front's radio-relay axis and the front's rokad. (lateral lines) They are capable of installing up to 1,000 km of axis and rokad lines.

Two remote (long-range) communication battalions: assigned to establish (install) the front's rokad. Each battalion is capable of installing lines up to 480 km.

Two battalions for installing-exploiting of cable lines, that is exploiting existing communications or installing new wire: assigned to establish permanent aerial (overhanging) lines and cables. Each battalion is capable of installing 320 km of cable and 100 km of aerial (overhanging) communication lines.

Communication line battalions: assigned to install and establish line communication of armies. Each battalion is capable of installing up to 400 km of communication lines. The number of such battalions in the front corresponds to the number of armies organic to the front.

Missile brigade line communications battalion: assigned to install and establish line communication for the front's missile brigades. Each battalion is capable of installing up to 280 km of communication lines. The number of such battalions in the front corresponds to the number of missile brigades organic to the front.

Underground line communication company: assigned to install underground communication cables.

The signal company for communications with civilian centers operates communications between front and civilian centers in the front area of operations.

The rear services long-range signal battalion provides distribution points for classified documents and messages.

ELEMENTS INCLUDED IN MAIL STATIONS, INSTALLATIONS, AND COMBINED SIGNAL AVIATION REGIMENTS

forward field mail center;

rear field mail center;

field mail stations.

STATIONS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FLOW OF MAIL

Field mail centers of the front's bases and state mail agency: assigned to deliver personal and state (government) mail.

Combined signal aviation regiment: assigned to transport staff officers and deliver documents to specified points. The regiment is composed of two squadrons:

helicopter squadron which consists of 10 Mi-4 or Mi-8 helicopters and 6 Mi-1 or Mi-2 helicopters;

fixed-wing squadron which consists of 6 AN-2 aircraft and 6 Yak-12 aircraft.

ELEMENTS WHICH COMPOSE SIGNAL SUPPLY AND REPAIR UNITS

four signal supply and repair depots;

two mobile signal repair bases.

DUTIES OF THE TROOP CONTROL SYSTEM OF FRONT AVIATION

control the front aviation in the air and on the ground;

provide interaction between front aviation troops and ground forces including the issue of mutual identification;

control movement, operation, flights, and provide flight security of all flying means in the areas of responsibility of front aviation.

CONTROL POINTS ESTABLISHED IN THE FRONT AVIATION COMBAT TROOP CONTROL SYSTEM

Front aviation command post (KPBA) is established ten to fifteen kilometers from the front command post.

Forward command post of front aviation (PKPVA) is established in the area of the front forward command post.

Rear command post of front aviation (TPUVA) is established ten to fifteen kilometers from the front aviation command post.

Airborne command post of front aviation (VKPVA) is established on a helicopter or aircraft at the closest airfield.

Combat troop control center of front aviation's fighter aircraft (TSBUIAVA) is established at the front air defense command post (KPPVO) and is designated for control of fighter aircraft during covering of troops and rear services installations against enemy air strikes, particularly during the repelling of mass flights, and for the conduct of interaction of fighter aircraft with air defense means.

Combat control centers of front aviation (TSBUVA) are deployed at the command posts of first-echelon combined arms and tank armies and, depending on the number of first-echelon armies, they may number from two to three. These centers are designated to conduct interaction of aviation troops with army troops, control of front aircraft and control of action of all aviation units and various aircraft in the operational areas of the combined arms and tank armies.

Guidance and target designation points (PNTS); Two to three of these points are established in each combat control center of the air armies (TSVUVA). These points are designated to insure the arrival of aircraft on the ground targets, guidance of fighter aircraft to air targets, provide interaction with air defense missile units, insure mutual identification between aircraft and ground forces, and provide flight security for the aircraft.

Combat control groups (GBU) are established at the command posts of first-echelon motorized rifle and tank divisions, and in the combined arms armies; They may number six to nine. These groups are designated for coordination of aviation troops with motorized rifle and tank divisions, and airborne assault troops, to provide mutual identification between aircraft and ground forces and guidance of aircraft to ground targets.

Target definition posts (PTS) are attached to combat control groups (GBU) and are deployed to show targets to the aircraft. These posts are established on helicopters, small aircraft, infantry combat vehicles (BMP), or armored personnel carriers (APC).

Radio navigation points (RNP) are assigned to guide aircraft and to support the flight of aircraft in the area of combined arms and tank armies and to designate for friendly aircraft the flight corridor from the front line into the enemy area. There may be two to three of these.

Air observation posts (PVN) are established in motorized rifle and tank divisions to observe and perform visual reconnaissance of the air situation and for observation of air targets at low altitude, which cannot be covered by radar.

Command posts (KP) are established for fighter, fighter-bomber, and bomber aviation divisions.

Forward command posts (PKP) are established for fighter, fighter-bomber, and bomber aviation divisions.

Aviation regiment command posts (KP) are established for the different aviation regiments.

DUTIES ACCOMPLISHED BY THE COMMANDER

conduct of training to insure high combat readiness of the troops, combat arms and services and troop control organs of the front to accomplish likely combat missions in the future;

control and supervision of the procedures used to bring the front to full strength in terms of personnel, weapons, equipment, technical and material requirements, and other supplies.

DUTIES ACCOMPLISHED BY THE CHIEF OF STAFF

he is responsible for all duties to be accomplished by the staff;

the chief of staff briefs the deputy commander, chiefs of staff directorates, and chiefs of combat and combat support arms and services about the mission and gives instructions about the preparation of preliminary warning orders, calendar plans, and calculations for the decision-making process. He sets the deadlines for their preparation;

the chief of staff is constantly obliged to know the situation and to predict likely changes in the situation and to be prepared to report the following items to the commander:
----- (1) situation and status and character of friendly and enemy forces' operations;
----- (2) deductions from his estimate of the situation and his proposed decision;
----- (3) measures on organization of troop control, coordination, and support of the combat action of friendly troops.

DUTIES ACCOMPLISHED BY THE CHIEF OF OPERATIONS

Preparing warning orders, calendar plans, and sometimes personally writing the combat directives and preparing other important documents.

Preparing calculations required for the commander to make the decision.

Planning the front operation and preparing the annexes to the plan such as the plan of the initial nuclear strike, operational concealment plan, plan of protection of troops against mass destructive weapons, plan of restoration of troop combat capabilities. The plan of employment of air assault operations, plans of movement and deployment of front troops and FUP's etc.

Issuing and conveying combat missions to subordinate operational formations and large units.

Collecting, studying, and analyzing situation information.

Timely presenting and dispatch of information about the situation and regular situation reports to higher headquarters, dispatch of information to subordinate unit staffs, the combat and combat support arms and services, the headquarters of coordinating elements and adjacents about all changes in the situation.

Organizing and maintaining continuous coordination and preparing documents on interaction.

Organizing and deploying command posts and controlling their relocation during the course of the operation.

Organizing signal communications and designating the troop control signals.

Monitoring the preparation of troops for combat operations.

Monitoring accomplishment of combat missions by subordinates and extension of required assistance to them-prepare combat documents about troop control.

DUTIES ACCOMPLISHED BY THE CHIEF OF RECONNAISSANCE

Collection, study and analysis of the derivation of deductions about reconnaissance information about the enemy and terrain and timely presentation of the important information to the chief of staff and higher commander and staff.

Derivation of the aims and tasks of reconnaissance and the allocation of required troops and reconnaissance means to accomplish these.

Preparation of the reconnaissance plan and issuance of missions to the reconnaissance directorate staff. The reconnaissance plan is signed by the chief of staff and approved by the commander.

Coordination of all efforts of different reconnaissance means in terms of their missions and objectives.

Preparation of units and sub-units (groups) (GRG from SPETZNAZ) at army level which has two sections each with 4 groups. The front level battalion has 35 to 40 groups operating up to 800 km deep.

Preparation of unit and sub-units assigned to conduct reconnaissance and insuring their all-around support.

Control of the execution of assigned instructions and orders and practical assistance to staffs and commanders of units and sub-units in accomplishment of reconnaissance missions.

Organization of continuous communications with units and sub-units (groups) assigned to combat reconnaissance and also with the headquarters of subordinate operational formations and large units.

Reception of reconnaissance reports from aircraft.

Organization and conduct of actions about the protection of reconnaissance units, sub-units, and groups against mass-destruction weapons.

Communication of reconnaissance information inside the staff and to subordinate, adjacent, and coordinating headquarters.

DUTIES ACCOMPLISHED BY THE FRONT CHIEF OF MISSILE TROOPS AND ARTILLERY

organizes, plans, conducts, and inspects measures for achieving higher levels of combat and operational preparation of the artillery forces of the front;

organizes, plans, conducts, and inspects special operational, combat, and political training of the forces and staff of the missile troops and artillery of the front and of subordinate formations;

prepares operational and combat calculations on the employment of artillery during the commander's decision making process;

suggests operational and combat employment of missile troops and artillery.

must know the manning level, situation, conditions, and combat capability of the units and sub-units of missiles and artillery;

reports on the situation and operational and combat use of these units during the decision process.

organizes the actions and plans the combat use and operational activities of the MT&A in response to the front commander's decision and the instructions from higher staff on artillery;

issues combat missions and combat instructions to the MT&A troops of the front and to the MT&A staffs of the subordinate formations;

organizes and plans the grouping of the artillery forces and their preparation of FUP areas;

also insures preparation of firing positions for missiles and artillery 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;

insures preparation of missile troops and artillery for accomplishment of their assigned missions;

plans and conducts all-around combat support measures in the interest of MT&A;

provides constant support and assistance for the front forces with various kinds of ammunition, artillery supplies, weapons, and missiles;

creates 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 forces during the operation;

organizes interaction of missile troops and artillery with other front operational elements and the forces of the front operating in the front area during the conduct of the operation, especially in accomplishment of the most important missions;

constantly inspects the accomplishment of orders and instructions by subordinate forces;

renders necessary assistance to front MT&A forces and to subordinate formations and units.

DUTIES ACCOMPLISHED BY THE FRONT CHIEF OF AIR DEFENSE

organizes, plans, conducts, and inspects the high combat readiness of the PVO forces with the aim of covering the front forces and rear service targets from enemy air strikes (blows);

organizes, plans, conducts, and inspects the special, operational, combat, and political training of the air defense forces and staffs and of PVO units and formations of the subordinate formations;

prepares calculations and recommendations on the operational and combat employment of air defense forces during the commander's decision making and during the forthcoming combat;

must know the situation, status, manning level, and combat capabilities of the formations and units of air defense at any time and stage of the operation and give his suggestions on their operational employment to the front commander;

organizes the combat and operational actions of the air defense forces and he prepares the plan of their operational and combat actions during the operation in accordance with the front commander's decision;

issues combat decisions and instructions to front air defense forces and to the staffs of the subordinate formations;

accomplishes the regrouping of the air defense forces, prepares them for the operation, maintains their constant combat readiness for repelling the enemy's air blows, creates the system of air defense reconnaissance, and establishes a reliable fire system of air defense.

organizes uninterrupted technical preparation of the guided missiles (missiles) of air defense before and during the course of the operation;
organizes all-around operational and combat support measures of the PVO forces during the preparation and during the course of the operation;

organizes interaction between formations and units of air defense of the front and fighter aviation of the front and the PVO means of the formations and units of the front and PVO of the front and adjacents;

organizes and controls the establishing of the air defense center for combat control - reconnaissance and notification - the center for signal communications and organization of reliable and constant communications;

performs reliable and constant inspection of the execution of instructions and directives that have been issued to the forces and provides necessary assistance to subordinate formations and units of air defense and their staffs.

DUTIES ACCOMPLISHED BY THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS

organizes, plans, conducts, and inspects high combat readiness and operational preparedness of the engineer forces of the front and the engineer units of the formations and units and their staffs for fulfilling support of the forces of the front for operations;

organizes, plans, conducts, and inspects the special, operational, combat, and political training of the engineer forces of the front and of the formations and units and their staffs;

prepares operational and combat calculations in support of the commander's decision and for the operational and combat employment of the engineer forces;

must know the situation, composition, combat capability, and manning level of the formations, units, and sub-units of engineer forces;

prepares and gives his recommendations on the operational and combat employment of engineer forces to the front commander, during the commander's making the decision;

organizes the operational and combat employment and the planning for the engineer forces in accordance with the front commander's decision and orders and the instructions received from the senior headquarters staff;

conducts the grouping and deployment of the engineer forces during the preparation phase and according to mission during the conduct of the operation;

prepares, issues, and transmits combat orders (missions) to the front engineer forces and instructions on the use of engineers to the staffs of subordinate formations and units;

organizes and conducts engineer reconnaissance of the enemy and terrain during the preparation phase and during the course of the operation and organizes the interaction of engineer reconnaissance with general reconnaissance;

provides engineer support for preparation of FUP areas for the first-echelon formations and for the covering forces on the border and of deployment areas for the second-echelon forces and reserves;

prepares positions for the missile troops and artillery and the PVO forces;

takes engineer measures on blocking enemy surprise attacks during the preparation phase and during the course of the operation;

prepares movement routes for the relocation and maneuver of the second-echelon, missile troops, PVO forces, and command posts;

prepares engineer construction (fortification) of deployment areas, and front command posts during the preparation phase and during the course of the operation;

participates in the planning for operational maskirovka and in taking measures to accomplish it in accordance with the front plan;

participates 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 operation;

provides engineer support for the movement and deployment of front 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 formations;

provides engineer support for front forces during the forcing of water obstacles;

provides engineer support for the movement and commitment into the engagement of the front second-echelon forces;

prepares the engineer forces for the fulfillment of all operational and combat missions;

plans and conducts all-around combat support for the engineer forces;

provides support of front forces during the preparation phase and the course of the operation by engineer forces and means, weapons, and technical equipment and establishes the proper reserves of engineer materials up to the prescribed norms;

organizes the interaction of engineer forces with other forces and elements of the operational formation of the front during the fulfillment of the most important missions;

organizes troop control and the creation of reliable and constant signal communications with the engineer forces and other elements of the operational and combat formation of the front with whom they have organized interaction;

conducts constant, reliable control (inspection) of the fulfillment of all orders and instructions that are sent to subordinates and renders them assistance to fulfill their missions.

DUTIES ACCOMPLISHED BY THE FRONT CHIEF OF CHEMICAL TROOPS

organizes, plans, conducts, and inspects the high combat readiness and operational preparedness of the chemical forces of the front and the chemical units of the formations and units and their staffs for fulfilling support of the forces of the front for operations;

organizes, plans, conducts, and inspects the special, operational, combat, and political training of the chemical forces of the front and of the formations and units and their staffs;

prepares operational and combat calculations in support of the commander's decision and for the operational and combat employment of the chemical forces;

must know the situation, composition, combat capability, and manning level of the formations, units, and sub-units of chemical forces;

prepares and gives his recommendations on the operational and combat employment of chemical forces to the front commander, during the commander's making the decision;

organizes the operational and combat employment and the planning for the chemical forces in accordance with the front commander's decision and orders and the instructions received from the senior headquarters staff;

conducts the grouping and deployment of the chemical forces during the preparation phase and according to mission during the conduct of the operation;

prepares, issues, and transmits combat orders (missions) to the front chemical forces and instructions on chemical support to the staffs of subordinate formations and units;

organizes and conducts radiation and chemical reconnaissance and participates in bacteriological reconnaissance during the preparation phase and during the course of the operation and organizes the interaction of chemical reconnaissance with general reconnaissance;

issues combat orders (missions) and instructions to the front chemical forces and prepares combat instructions on chemical support for the formations and units of the front;

prepares the area for deployment of the front chemical forces with engineer construction (fortification) and insures their cover and maskirovka;

prepares his forces for the fulfillment of operational and combat missions;

establishes the system for defining and determining the coordinates and parameters of nuclear bursts;

organizes and conducts special and field cleaning of personnel (decontamination);

organizes and conducts disinfection, and decontamination of weapons, equipment, material means, locations, roads, and other items as required;

conducts inspection of the level of radio active and chemical contamination of personnel and combat equipment, weapons, locations, supplies, and installations;

inspects for changes in the level of contamination and conducts analysis of the radiation and chemical situation;

controls the preparation and employment of chemical weapons, bacteriological weapons, smoke means, and fire weapons;

participates in interaction with the operations directorate, engineer directorate, and other responsible chiefs of arms and services and the rear staff in organizing and planning for the protection of front 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;

plans for the all-around combat support of chemical forces;

provides constant support for chemical forces and for formations and units of all arms and services and special services and rear installations of the front with various chemical weapons, supplies, chemical protective gear, ammunition, and chemical technical means. establishes chemical supply depots to the required stock level norms;

organizes interaction with other arms and services of the front combat structure during the fulfillment of the most important front missions;

organizes troop control and establishes constant, reliable signal communications with subordinate chemical units and other elements of the front operational order with whom the chemical forces interact;

conducts constant inspection for the fulfillment of orders and instructions issued to subordinate forces and renders assistance.

DUTIES ACCOMPLISHED BY THE FRONT CHIEF OF SIGNAL TROOPS

organizes, plans, conducts, and inspects high combat readiness and operational preparedness of the signal forces of the front and the signal units of the formations and units and their staffs for fulfilling support of the forces of the front for operations;

organizes, plans, conducts, and inspects the special, operational, combat, and political training of the signal forces of the front and of the formations and units and their staffs;

prepares operational and combat calculations in support of the commander's decision and for the operational and combat employment of the signal troops;

must know the situation, composition, combat capability, and manning level of the formations, units, and sub-units of signal forces;

prepares and gives his recommendations on the operational and combat employment of signal forces for the creation of reliable and constant communications to the front commander, during the commander's making the decision;

organizes the operational and combat employment and the planning for the signal forces in accordance with the front commander's decision and orders of the chief of staff and the instructions received from the senior headquarters staff;

organizes timely, reliable, uninterrupted, and secret communications with forces, staffs, control organs, and subordinate staffs and neighbors;

plans signal communications in peacetime and during the preparation phase and course of the operation;

conducts the grouping and deployment of the signal forces during the preparation phase and according to mission during the conduct of the operation;

prepares, issues, and transmits combat orders (missions) to the front signal forces and instructions on signal matters to the staffs of subordinate formations and units;

prepares his forces for the fulfillment of operational and combat missions in providing reliable and uninterrupted signal communications during the preparation phase and the course of the operation;

sends in a timely manner the signals and commands for raising the forces to various higher levels of combat readiness;

sends the warning signals (alerts) on the enemy's preparations to employ nuclear strikes;

sends the signal ordering the missile troops to fire their nuclear strike;

provides support with reliable and uninterrupted signal communications for the commander, chief of staff, and troop control organs with the commanders and staffs of subordinate forces starting from the first combat alert signal to the fulfillment of the subsequent mission (i.e all the time;)

provides signal support for interaction with front forces, large units, and formations of all arms and services, elements of the front combat order, second-echelons, reserves, and interacting forces of the front who are operating in the front area and with adjacents;

provides support by sending warning signals, data, and commands on the air situation, radiological, chemical, and bacteriological contamination, and meteorological situation in a timely manner;

provides signal support to the rear services with communications between rear service units and installations and the rear of subordinate formations and units;

establishes the main and alternate signal centers and organizes radio, radio-relay, and telephone nets and directions to provide reliable and uninterrupted signal support;

provides mobile signal (courier) service on directions and circular routes between the command posts and other points;

plans and conducts all-around combat support of the signal forces themselves;

organizes and conducts replenishment and supply of signal means and their timely repair;

organizes and conducts constant inspection over the orders and instructions sent to subordinates and their constant control in observation of secrecy of troop control;

offers assistance to subordinates.

DUTIES ACCOMPLISHED BY THE CHIEF OF RADIO-ELECTRONIC COMBAT

Organizes, plans, conducts, and inspects measures for achieving higher levels of operational and combat readiness of radio-electronic warfare forces.

Organizes, plans, conducts, and inspects special, operational, political,and combat training of his forces and staffs.

Prepares detailed operational and combat calculations on all aspects of radio-electronic combat, especially of enemy radio-electronic targets and their capabilities for electronic combat, during the decision process. During the operation he prepares operational calculations for the employment of the combat arms, special forces, and especially the forces of radio-electronic combat.

Also makes detailed calculations on the capabilities of his units for radio- electronic combat with respect to reconnaissance, jamming, and destruction of the signal system, radio- electronic combat means, reconnaissance means, and others.

Must know the situation, conditions, and manning level of units and sub-units of his forces.

Makes recommendations on combat missions and enemy targets, during the commander's decision making process.

Issues the combat directive and combat instructions on radio-electronic combat to the radio-electronic combat forces and to the subordinate staffs.

Prepares the deployment areas (FUP areas) for radio-electronic forces from the point of view of engineer preparation (fortification) and camouflage.

Prepares the radio-electronic combat forces for fulfillment of operational and combat missions.

Plans all-around combat support measures for these forces.

Organizes interaction with other front forces and the operational elements of the combat formation to fulfill the most important operational missions.

Organizes and inspects the establishment of un-interrupted and robust communications with subordinate units.

Conducts constant inspection of fulfillment of orders and instructions that were sent to subordinates and renders assistance for them to fulfill their missions.

DUTIES ACCOMPLISHED BY THE CHIEF OF ARMAMENT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES

organizes, plans, conducts, and inspects measures for bringing these forces to higher combat readiness;

organizes, plans, directs, and inspects measures for special, combat, operational, technical, and political training of his forces and subordinate staffs;

must know the situation, condition, capabilities, and manning level of these units and sub-units and also the status of the front's large units and units with technical equipment, armament, spare parts and maintenance supplies, ammunition, and technical instruments;

prepares recommendations on the use of technical equipment during the commander's decision process;

prepares and conducts calculations on technical support of front forces during the operation;

insures timely supply of forces with armaments, military technical equipment, ammunition, and instruments in accordance with the table of organization and equipment and creates supply depots filled to approved norms at all echelons of the forces;

provides for constant delivery of these items to the forces. In accordance with the situation, if necessary, he establishes supplies above the norms;

organizes the technical support service and the security of weapons and technical equipment at a high level of combat readiness for fulfillment of operations. During combat he secures their high effectiveness in all conditions and situations.

must constantly know the technical situation of technical means;

organizes battlefield collection, evacuation, and repair of technical equipment and weapons that are damaged in the operation;

organizes maintenance training on weapons, combat technical equipment, and other technical instruments and its tactical-technical characteristics, for crews, drivers, and others and raises their experience by training;

organizes actions for security, defense, and protection of technical and maintenance bases, repair shops, and supply depots;

organizes technical reconnaissance and observation of the battlefield and movement of units and sub-units of the evacuation, repair, and support troops with the aim of timely evacuation and repair of damaged combat equipment and weapons during the operation;

organizes interaction of front technical support forces with rear service support forces during the preparation phase and during the operation;

organizes and lays out points of technical support services and insures their effective operation, constant uninterrupted communications, and their movement during the operation;

issues timely technical reports to higher headquarters on a daily basis;

constantly inspects the fulfillment of issued orders and instructions by technical units and offers them assistance.

DUTIES ACCOMPLISHED BY THE DEPUTY COMMANDER FOR REAR SERVICES

organizes, plans, conducts and inspects high combat readiness and mobilization preparedness of the formations, units, and institutions of the rear services for fulfilling support of the forces of the front for operations;

organizes, plans, conducts, and inspects the special, operational, combat, and political training of the rear services staffs, formations, units, and installations;

prepares recommendations with the aim of rear services support during the commander's making the decision;

prepares and conducts calculations for accomplishment of rear service support for the offensive;

organizes, makes the decision, and plans rear service support;

prepares the operational directive on rear services and orders on rear service and insures their timely issue to the formations, units, and installations of the rear services and the staffs of subordinate formations;

supports front forces with all types of material supplies and creates supply dumps of materials filled to the approved norms at all levels of preparation and combat;

provides uninterrupted transport of supplies to the combat forces;

prepares lines of communication for supply and evacuation and support of reliable movement of transport on these roads and organizes the commandant's service on the designated front roads;

oversees collection, evacuation, in some conditions repair of damaged front means and weapons;

renders assistance to wounded and sick, their evacuation from the battlefield, their medical treatment in the separate medical detachments, and their evacuation to the front hospital bases and provides antiepidemic and sanitary measures with the aim of limiting the spread of epidemics in the forces;

organizes security, protection, and defense of front mobile bases and missile technical bases, depots, and rear installations as well as the complete operational activity in the rear area of the front so that all will be in order;

organizes veterinary support and quartering service and also exploitation of local supplies and captured materials;

conducts maneuver and movement of front mobile material support brigade, supplies of materials, transport means, and formations, units, and installations of the front rear, engineer road units, units for evacuation and repair, medical units, and others in a timely manner in accordance with the movement (advance) of the front during the operation;

organizes establishment of the rear control post and its high quality operation, movement, defense, security, and protection in the FUP area and during the operation;

establishes reliable communications with formations, units, and installations of the rear service and rear control posts of the subordinate formations and units;

insures timely preparation and issuing of periodic reports on rear service status and activities and data on the situation to higher headquarters;

conducts constant inspection of the fulfillment of issued directives and instructions on rear services and renders required assistance to subordinate units and formations.

DUTIES ACCOMPLISHED BY THE FRONT AVIATION COMMANDER

Conducting training and insuring high combat readiness of the troops, special troops, and services, and for troop control of front aviation to accomplish likely future missions.

Insuring the full strength of front aviation in terms of flight crews, professional and technical personnel, and organic cadres of the large units, units, and service installations.

Insuring full strength of front aviation in terms of aircraft, helicopters, weapons, ammunition, technical equipment, material supplies, and timely repair of aircraft, helicopters, and technical equipment.

Raising the experience, skills, and combat capability of troops.

Personally or jointly with chief of staff and chief of the political directorate, clarifying the combat mission and issuing instructions to the chief of staff on preparing the troops, special troops, services, staff, and installations for combat, and giving the time of preparations for attack or combat actions.

Instructing the chief of staff and the chief of reconnaissance on preparing reconnaissance information required for making the decision and conduct of combat actions. The front aviation commander personally estimates the situation, or he may assemble the chiefs of staff directorates and related commanders in an appropriate place in order to listen to their detailed suggestions about the employment of troops, or he may listen to suggestions of the chief of staff of front aviation about the conclusions of the estimate of the situation and decision, and make his decision accordingly.