{short description of image}  
 

SOVIET VOROSHILOV ACADEMY LECTURES
ARMY OPERATIONS

 

COMMITMENT OF ARMY SECOND- ECHELON INTO ENGAGEMENT

 

This is a sample exercise in planning for the commitment of the second echelon of an Army into combat


 
 

SITUATION OF 8TH GUARDS ARMY

 
 

The operational situation at 0600 19 June 1990:

The forces of the 8th Guards Army at 0600 on the 5th of June, after the conduct of the strategic air operation and preparatory fire, went onto the offensive. In the course of a four-day operation they repelled enemy counterattacks of the second-echelon brigade and counter strike of the second-echelon of the corps, broke through the enemy defense on the axis of the main attack, and moved 130 km into the depth of the enemy area. They fulfilled the army immediate mission on the main attack axis. On the secondary axis the army's forces did not develop the offensive in accordance with the plan, because the enemy strongly resisted. The enemy engineer obstacles turned out to be very strong and the enemy strongly defended them. So far they have not fulfilled the immediate mission. On the left flank the offensive of army forces is moving slowly. In some places the offensive of some army units has been stopped by the enemy. The current situation is shown on the map.

From the report of the chief of reconnaissance it is clear that the enemy uses the darkness of night to bring forward his operational reserves, which consist of motorized, tank, and artillery troops. On the axis from the south part of Frankfurt-on-Main toward the direction of Fulda the enemy is moving 6 columns. The march columns and their movements are shown on the map.

Also the operational reserves from the depth of Germany move from the north on the axis towards Bad Hersfeld in the zone of attack of the neighboring army (First Guards Tank Army). The situation of the enemy advance guard is shown on the map and his main forces move at a distance of 10-15 km behind the advance guard. The depth of each of the main forces columns is 25-30 km.

The Seventh Guards Tank Army in the second-echelon of the front is deployed at a distance of 200 km from the leading elements on the main axis of the army. At 0500 this morning, after the completion of a 150 km march, the deployment is shown on the map.

The enemy's air forces with wide use of radio electronic combat means delivered effective strikes during the course of the operation on army forces and rear service targets. The enemy strives to seize air supremacy. The enemy in future battles will widely use high accuracy weapons against our forces. We have also used reconnaissance strike complex, groups of deep reconnaissance, diversionary groups, and artillery fire and rocket and aviation strikes against his high accuracy weapons. But so far these weapons remain the most effective combat means available to the enemy. The losses of both sides are shown on the table.

 
 

Task:

1. Take the role of the army commander and chief of staff of the Eight Guards Army during the estimate of the situation and making deductions .

2. In accordance with the situation make the decision and show the decision on the map.

3. Write the combat instructions to the subordinates.

4. Organize interaction


(Before the commander's estimate of the situation he will ask the chief of reconnaissance, "how do you evaluate the enemy situation?")

 
 

Report and Suggestions of the chief of reconnaissance to the commander during the period of commitment of second-echelon and repelling counterattack:

1. during the army's offensive operation the enemy's forces on our main axis of advance were forced back due to the decisive nature of the combat of our forces. The enemy who is trying to block the further advance of our troops, makes use of organized defense along intermediate and alternate lines. He has his forward elements fall back to occupy these prepared positions and also is bringing forward reserve to reinforce them. Thus he is developing strong new defense lines. The enemy forces on our left flank are able to seriously resist us and they strive to completely stop the offensive of our forces. He has succeeded in stopping the forward movement of some of our forces. At the same time the enemy is moving his operational reserves with the aim of preparing a counterattack.

2. The grouping, character of actions of enemy forces on the axis of the main attack:

On the army's main attack axis the US 8th Mechanized Div. and the Vth Corps' armored cavalry regiment and several new units that have moved from the depth are defending. The enemy tries to make use of engineer fortifications along these intermediate defense lines that were previously prepared and create new fortifications and engineer obstacles in the depth of the defense. On these lines he creates trenches, bunkers, communications trenches, artillery and firing positions, covered positions, observation points, dugouts, shelters, (dug in positions for transport). Units of the 8th MD defend along the following line ___, ___.

The 2nd Brigade defends the line ___, ___, against the units of the 16th MRD.
The 3rd Brigade defends the sector from ___, ___, against units of the 111 MRR of the 16th MRD, and the 115 MRR of the 18th MRD.
The 1st Brigade defends along the sector from ___, ___, against units of the 11th MRD of the First Guards Tank Army.
The 8th division staff is located in the region ___,____.
The 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment of the Vth Army Corps is located in the second echelon and defends along a sector from ____, ___. It is completing the building of engineer fortifications and obstacles.
Almost a full reinforced brigade whose identification is not yet known is moving forward behind the armored cavalry regiment and will complete the defense lines behind the first echelon brigade.
The positions of the Pershing Rocket Bn have been located in the area ___, ___.
The positions of the Lance Bn are believed to be in the area ___, ___.
The 203mm artillery regiment occupies positions in the area ____.
On the axis of our main attack the enemy has :
___ nuclear weapons, ____ atomic artillery, ___ high precision weapons, ___ motor rifle division, ___ armored cavalry regiment, ___ tanks, ____ artillery and mortars, ____ ATGM and recoilless weapons, ___ PVO rockets, ___ combat helicopters.

3. The grouping and character of actions of enemy on the left flank:

On the left flank of the army's attack zone the 3rd Armored Division is defending and units of a unidentified tank division: the enemy strives to block the advance of our forces into his depth of operations. The enemy makes use of engineer obstacles and fortification and conducts strong resistance. He has stopped the advance of some of our units.

The units of the 3rd Armored Div are in defense on the line ___, ___.

A brigade defense the sector ___, ___ against the units of the 18th MRD.
The 2nd Brigade defense on the sector ___, ___ against units of the 19th MRD.
The 3rd Brigade is located in the second-echelon and concentrates in the region ___, ___,___. It is preparing positions along a line ____, ___. This brigade has suffered heavy losses.
The division staff is located at ___, ___.
Units of the unidentified tank div are in defense along line ___, ___.
the 2nd Armored Brigade defends the sector ____, ___ against units 121 MRR of the 19th TR of the 19 MRD and the 21st TR of the 21st MRD.
The 3rd Armored Brigade defends the sector ____, ___ against 125th MRR of the 21st MRD and units of the 40th MRD
The 1st Armored Brigade defense the sector __, ___ against units of the 11th MRD of the First Guards Tank Army. This brigade is split far from the rest of its parent division.
The division staff is located in the area ___.
The positions of the 155mm arty is located in area ___.

In the composition of this grouping they have ___< nuclear rocket, ___ atomic artillery, ___ high precision weapons, ____ motor rifle division, ___ tank division, ___ tanks, ____ artillery and mortars, ___ rockets PVO, ___ combat helicopters.

4. Operational reserves:

The operational reserves that consist of tank and motorized and artillery forces are moving on the axis from southwest of Frankfurt-on-Main in the direction of Fulda. This formation has six march columns. The head of the columns' advance guard has reached the line ___, ___. The composition and nationality of this forces is not yet known. From the composition and depth of the march columns it is clear that this force may include up to two divisions.
In the composition of this force it is possible that they have up to ___, nuclear rockets, ___ atomic artillery, ___ high precision weapons, ___ motorized division, ___ tanks, ___ artillery and mortars, ____ PVO rockets, ____ combat helicopters.
Also, reconnaissance has determined the movement of other enemy forces of operational reserves from the depth of Germany on the axis toward Bad Hersfeld. In the zone of our neighboring army in the right. The head of these columns of advance guards have reached the line ___, ___. The number of depth of the columns make it clear that this grouping also may have up to 2 mechanized or tank divisions.

5. Possible enemy concept of operations:

The operational situation that has been created in the area of the 8th Guards Army and the First Guards Tank Army on our right and the arrival of enemy operational reserves coming along two axes on our flanks make clear that the enemy strives to strengthen his defense on the axis of the main attack and stop the movement of our forces into his depth of rear area. He plans to conduct two converging counterattacks from the line ___ and axis ____ and from the line ___ and axis_______. He plans to encircle and destroy the main forces of the Central Front, 8th Guards Army, and First Guards Tank Army and restore his defense to the state border. After that with the arrival of his strategic reserves and regrouping of his forces he will go over onto the counter offensive in the territory of the Warsaw Pact. The arrival of his main forces into the combat area is possible after five hours.

The mission of reconnaissance during this time period will be the following:
----- reconnaissance against enemy nuclear and chemical weapons;
----- determine the composition, nationality, of the moving operational reserves, their lines of deployment, and axes of their main attacks;
----- determine the grouping of forces and means and combat capability of enemy in the zone of the commitment of our second echelon into the engagement;
----- determine the character of enemy engineer fortifications in the area where we will commit the second-echelon;
----- determine location of enemy command posts;
----- watch the movement of his operational reserves and organization and mobilization by enemy of more forces in his rear areas;
----- determine composition, grouping, and bases for air forces, PVO, and their command posts;
----- determine enemy rear services, supplies of material, depots, airfields, resupply, and communications routes.



 
 

Report and suggestions of the chief of rocket troops and artillery of the army during the commitment of the second echelon and repulse of counterattack.

1. Estimate of enemy nuclear weapons, atomic weapons and high precision weapons and artillery:

The Pershing Bn is located at ___, ___. The Lance Bn. may have its positions in the area ___, ___. The 203mm Arty Bn is located in areas ___, ___. The positions of 155mm are located at areas ___, ___. These artillery positions of direct support battalions are located at ___, ___, ___.

2. The situation, grouping and character of actions of artillery forces of the 8th Guards Army:

The army rocket brigade prepares start positions in areas ___, ___, ___, ____. The brigade has had losses in personnel of 3% and in launchers of 25%. The brigade has nuclear, chemical, and conventional rockets to norms.

The rocket battalion of the 16th MRD is located at ___,___. The battalion has 25% losses of launchers.
The rocket battalion of the 18th Division is located at ____, ___. The rocket battalion of the 21st Division is located ___. These two battalions have 25% losses.
The rocket battalion of the 20th MRD is located ___, ___. It has 25% losses in launchers.
The rocket battalion of the 19th MRD located in ___, ___. It has not suffered losses.
The rocket battalion of 17th Tank Div is located ___, ___. It has not suffered losses.

3. The situation, grouping and character of action of artillery units.

The army reactive artillery group is located in area ___, ___. It has 18% losses in weapons.
The subgroup 1 of the artillery group is located ___. It has 20% losses in weapons.
Subgroup 2 army artillery group located in area ___. It has 18% losses.
Anti-tank reserve of army is located on the march and head of column has reached location ___. It has 20% losses in ATGM and antitank guns.
Arty group of 16th MRD located in area ___ and has 20% losses in weapons.
Arty group of 18th MRD located in area ___ and has 22% losses.
Arty group of 19th MRD located in area ___, and has 18% losses.
Arty group of 21st MRD is deployed in general areas ___. It has 17% losses;
Arty groups of 17th and 20th Tank Divisions are located in assembly areas of these divisions. They have 8-10% losses.

4. Support of the commitment of the 17th Tank Division:

The commitment into the engagement of the 17th Tank Division, because the enemy has a very deep defense in front of the line of commitment of this division, requires creation of density of artillery up to 50 guns and mortar per km of breakthrough and conduct of 25 fire preparation in three fire strikes. The expenditure of ammunition will be 0.7 BK. The fire support will be conducted by successive concentration fire on two or three lines to the depth of defense of enemy first echelon battalions. The accompanying fire will be conducted during the battle with use of massive fire and concentration fire.

The 17th Tank Division will be reinforced with three artillery battalions from the subgroup of army artillery #2. and one artillery battalion from the 16th MRD and another one from the 18th MRD. The aim is to create a division artillery group and regimental artillery groups. the division artillery group is organized with 4 battalions and the regimental artillery groups on the main axis with 3 artillery battalions. The regimental artillery operating on the other axis will have 2 artillery groups.

The commitment of the division will be supported by subgroup 1 and army reactive artillery group and subgroup artillery #2 and artillery of the 16th and 18th MRD.

5. Combat employment of artillery during repulse of enemy counterattack will be conducted in the following manner.
----- conduct of aviation and rocket strikes on the moving enemy counterattacking groupings
----- conduct of massive fire and concentration fire during deployment of enemy forces into attack;
----- repulse of enemy attack by use of standing and rolling barrages and massive and concentration fire, which will be conducted by all the artillery and by the tanks and anti-tank weapons.
----- when enemy penetrates into the depth of the defense, by conduct of counterattack of second-echelon;

This counterattack will be supported by strong artillery preparation for a short period and support of counterattack by successive concentration fire on two or three lines; and also by massive and concentration fire.

6. With this objective I suggest the creation of the following artillery groups in divisions and regiments:

----- division artillery group of 3 battalions and regimental artillery group for the regiment holding the main defense sector of 3 battalions and the other regiments groups of 2 battalions.
----- with the aim of creation of these groupings reinforce the 20th Division with 3 artillery battalions from the 21st MRD.
----- antitank reserve of army and mobile obstacle battalions also will operate on this axis. They will move from their column locations, so they can create a strong anti-tank defense in interaction with the anti-tank reserves of the division and regiments.
----- for this purpose reinforce the division with one anti-tank battalion from the composition of the anti-tank reserve of the 21st MRD. This way the anti-tank reserve of the division will have one anti-tank battalion and the anti-tank reserve of the regiments of first echelon will have 2 anti-tank batteries.

7. The number and shortages of nuclear, chemical, and conventional rocket warheads.

 
 
QUANTITY ON HAND AND SHORTAGES OF ROCKET WARHEADS
Type of rocket # launchers Nuc warheads Chem warhead Conv. warhead
SCUD on hand 9 18 9 18
SCUD shortage - - - -
FROG required 18 54 36 90
FROG on hand 45 40 80
Frog shortage 9 - 10

SHORTAGES OF AMMUNITION IN ARMY
Location Small arms Tank Arty & mtrs MRL PVO
Army rear 0.1 0.3 .01 .02 .03
16th MRD 0.4 1.2 0.4 0.5 0.8
18th MRD 0.2 0.5 0.2 0.3 0.4
19th MRD 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2
21st MRD 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.4
17th TD -- -- -- -- --
20th TD -- -- -- -- --

 
 

Estimate of the situation by commander 8th Guards Army:

1. estimate of enemy

The following are enemy results of offensive operations of our forces, which started at 0600 5 June with the forward detachments, which were sent out from each first-echelon division. From the first the enemy used heavy massive air strikes against our main forces and rear service targets. The battle began in the covering force area when our forward detachments fought against the armored cavalry regiment of the 5th US Corps and forces of the second-echelon of the first-echelon division. As a result of the effective actions of our forces in the afternoon the enemy covering force troops retired into the depth and our forces came in contact with the enemy main forces along the forward edge of their battle position. The enemy had already previously organized a main line of resistance and at 0530 on 6th June the offensive of our main forces began in order to break through the forward line of enemy resistance. The enemy used engineer fortification and obstacles in defense and strongly defended them in front of our attacking forces. During the combat actions, while our forces were breaking through the defense, the enemy mounted counterattacks with the second-echelon brigades of the first-echelon with the aim of restoring his positions on the forward edge, but these counterattacks did not succeed in stopping our attacks and our offensive continued into the enemy depth. During the development of the offensive into the depth the enemy mounted counterattacks from the second-echelon division with the objective of destroying our forces in the enemy defense. These counterattacks also did not have their intended result.

With the continuing movement of our forces in the depth of the enemy defense he mounted a counterstrike by the second-echelon of the army corps on two axes. As a result of the violent battle of the enemy counterattack, it was only stopped after great difficulty and with heavy losses. The offensive of our forces continues.

In the course of four days of operations the enemy forces on the main attack axis were forced to retreat and continue combat actions on the lines shown on the map. The enemy strives to reinforce the defense on the main axis of our forces in order to stop further advance of our forces into his depth. With this objective the enemy decided to withdraw his main forces a short distance and build a strong defense line; and also to bring forward new forces to reinforce this line.

The enemy on the left flank defends with strong resistance and prevents the advance of our forces into the depth. In some locations he has stopped our offensive. On the right flank some units of the First Guards Tank Army, during the course of the four days, only with difficulty managed to advance 30 km.

 
 

The situation and condition of enemy forces:

On the main axis of the army the enemy forces operate in the following manner:

8th Motorized Division;
----- 2nd Brigade 8th Motorized Division; defends on the line ___ to ___ against units of the 16th Motor Rifle Division;
----- 3rd Brigade of 8th Motorized Division defends on the line __ to ___ against units of the 11th Regiment of 16th Motor Rifle Div and the 115 Regt of the 18th Motor Rifle Div.
----- The 1st Brigade of 8th Motorized Division conducts combat action in the area ___. ___. In front of the unit is the 11th Motorized Rifle Div of the adjacent army (1GTA);
----- The staff of the 8th Division is located in the area ___. ___.
----- The armored cavalry regiment is located in the second-echelon and organizes defenses on the line ___ to ___.

The enemy forces of almost of a brigade move from the depth to the combat area and part of its forces organize defense along the line ___. ___.

Third Armored Division:
----- 1st Brigade - 3AD defends on the line ___ to ___. Against the units of the 18th division.
----- 2nd Brigade 3AD defends on line ___ to ___against units of the 19th MRD.
----- 3rd Brigade of 3AD assembles in the area ___, to ___. This division has had heavy losses.

The division staff located in areas ___.

Second-echelon armor division of Vth Corps:
----- This division conducts counterattack with aim of destruction of army main forces on main attack axis. As a result of strenuous fighting the division was thrown back. Now units of the division act in the following areas ___. ___
----- 3rd Armor Brigade defends on the line ___ to __ against 121 MRR and 19th Tank Regiment of 19th MRD. and 21 Tank Regt of 21 MRD.
----- 3rd Brigade defends in the area ___ against 125 MRR of 21 MRD and units of 40th MRD.
----- 1st Brigade of this division defends __- to __- against units of 11th MRD. This division is located far from the main forces.

The division staff is located in area ___, ___.

Corps Pershing Battalion located in area ___.
Corps Lance Bn located in area ____.
Corps MLRS Bn located in area _____.

Positions of atomic artillery 203.4mm are likely located in area ___, ___.
Firing positions of 155mm regiment are located in area ___.

In the composition of enemy forces located in contact with our army it is possible that they have ___ nuclear rockets, ___ atomic artillery ___, high accuracy weapons, ____ artillery and mortars, ___ tanks, ____ motor rifle divisions,____ PVO rockets, ___ combat helicopters.

Enemy losses are shown on the tables.

Operational reserves consist of tank, motorized, and artillery forces. They are moving in 6 columns on the axis toward Fulda. At their head are advance guards that have reached a line of Kirchgell to Erbach and Lautertal. It is possible that they have up to 2 divisions. So far their nationality and composition are not known. In this force it is possible that there are ___ nuclear rockets, ___ atomic artillery, ___ high accuracy weapons, ___ artillery and mortars, ___ PVO rockets, ___ combat helicopters.

Also reconnaissance confirmed the movement of the enemy reserves from the depth of German territory from the north on the axis toward Bad Hersfeld. In the area of attack of our neighbor army on the right (1st Guards Tank Army) the enemy advance guards reached line of ___, ___. 3 km south west of Zierenberg, Wolfhagen, Korbach.

From the composition of the march columns and their length we believe that the composition of the grouping may be up to 2 motorized and tank divisions and their content and nationality is not clear.

 
 

Possible aim of enemy actions

From the enemy operational disposition and their strong resistance on the left flank and on the right flank in the regions ___, ___, ___, and movement of operational reserves from the depth, it is clear we estimate that enemy strives to deliver two flanking convergent blows; from the line ___, ___ on axis ___ and from line ___, __ on axis ___. He strives to encircle and destroy the main forces of the 8th Guards Army and First Guards Tank Army in the area of West of Kassel, Bad Hersfeld, Fulda and Wetzlar, Laspge, Frankenberg. He wants to restore the line to the state border. With the arrival of strategic reserves from depth he will go over onto the decisive offensive into WP area.

The start of the enemy counterattack is possible from 0500 in areas ____._____,______. (It is 100 km away, at rate of advance of 25 km hr the movement will take 4 hrs and if our forces deliver air and artillery strikes they may delay it one hour).

 
 

Assessment of our forces:

Our forces at 0600 morning of 5 June, after conduct of strategic air strike of the TVD scale, with forward detachments of each first-echelon division composed of one reinforced motor rifle regiment went onto the attack. After conduct of battle in the covering force area, during the afternoon they came in close contact with the enemy main line of resistance. After detailed analysis of enemy defense, by using night time to move artillery, PVO and command posts close to enemy forward edge of defense, with the artillery calculating firing requirements and occupying positions, the army main forces launched the attack on the enemy defenses from the march, after artillery preparation, at 0530 6 June.

With our forces moving into enemy defense they were attacked by the second-echelon of enemy brigades and then by second-echelons of the enemy divisions with the aim of destroying our forces and restoring the main line of defense. After a strong fight these counterattacks were repulsed. The army main forces moved into the depth of defense. At that time the enemy launched a counterattack of the second-echelon of the Vth Corps on two axes. After desperate fighting and with great difficulties and losses the counterattack was also repulsed and the main forces of 16th and 18th MRD's moved into enemy defense.

The army main forces during four days operations moved 130 km into the depth of the enemy defense in accordance with plan and fulfilled the immediate mission, but the offensive of the army on our left flank did not have success and could not fulfill its immediate mission because of strong enemy defense. In some locations the offensive of our forces was stooped by enemy and some units of the 21st MRD during four days time moved only 30 km forward.

Forces of the second-echelon divisions so far have not been committed into combat. The situation of our forces at 0600 9th June is shown on the map.

 
 

The situation and status of our forces:

The 16th MRD:
----- 112th MRR attacks on the line ___, ___. against subunits of the 2nd Brigade of enemy 8th Div;
----- 16th Tank Regt attacks on the line __, __- against subunits of 2nd enemy Brigade;
----- 111th MRR attacks on line ___, ___ against subunits of 3rd Brigade;
----- 110th MRR is located in division 2nd echelon and moves forward; the head of column reached line ___, ___.
The division losses are shown in the table.

The 18th MRD:
----- 115 MRR attacks on the line __-, ___ against subunits of the 3rd Brigade 8th Motorized Division.
----- 116th MRR attacks on the line ___, ___ against subunits of the 1st Brigade 3rd Armor Div.
----- 117th MRR regt attacks on the line ___,___against subunits of 1st Brigade of 3rd Armored Division.
----- 18th Tank Regt concentrates in region ___ and it comprises the division 2nd echelon.
The division losses are shown in the table.


The 19th MRD:
----- 120 MRR slowly attacks against subunits of the 3rd Brigade of enemy on line ___. ___;
----- 121st MRR attacks and reaches line __-, __- against subunits of 1st Brigade of enemy and moves with difficulty.
----- 19th Tank Regt has been stopped by subunits of 2nd Brigade of enemy armored division.
----- 122 MRR assembles in area ___, ___ and composes division second-echelon.
The division losses are shown on the table.

The 21st Motor Rifle Division:
----- 21st Tank Regiment attacks but is stopped by units of 2nd Brigade of enemy armored division on line___, ___.
----- Attack of 125th MRR also stopped by units of 3rd Brigade of armored division on line ___, ___.
----- 126th and 128th MRR surround enemy in region ___, ___, ___ and conduct battle with aim of destroying this encircled enemy force.
The division losses are shown on the table.

The 17th Tank Division:
----- At 0500 the division completed its march of 150 km and assembled in area __-, ___, __. Division losses and shortages from full strength are shown in the table.

The 20th Tank Division:
----- At 0430 after completing 40 km march concentrated in area __-, ___, ___. Division's losses and shortages are shown in the table.

The army artillery subgroup 1 :
----- Occupies it positions in area __-, __-; and interacts with the 16th MRD. Losses in personnel 3% and in guns and mortars 18%, and tractors 13%.

The army artillery subgroup 2:
----- Occupies their positions in area ,_--, __- and interact with 18th MRD. Losses in personnel 3% and in guns and mortars rocket launchers 16%,

The antitank reserve:
----- Repelled enemy counterattack and moved forward and the head of the column has reached line of __-, __-. Losses of personnel 3% and of ATGM and AT guns 18%.

The mobile obstacle detachment of army:
----- Also repelled enemy counterattack and moves forward and head of column has reached line __-, ___. Losses in personnel 2.5% and loses of equipment 12%.

The army rocket brigade:
----- Occupies firing positions in area __-, ___. and losses in personnel 3% and in launchers 25%.

The PVO rocket brigade:
----- covers army main forces on the main axis its situation is shown on the map. Its losses in personnel are 3.5% and in combat equipment 18%.

Material supplies for army forces:
----- The separate material support battalion of the 16th MRD lost 40% of supplies. Separate material support battalion of 18th and 21st MRD's have 20% losses in supplies. The separate material support battalion of the 19th MRD completely lost transport company for POL. and of other supplies it has 15%.

The separate material support brigade of army:
----- Has reported the following losses: 35% supplies of POL, and 25% in ammunition, 20% of food, and 18% of clothing and supplies. For replacing losses of transport and other material the front rear service is acting to accomplish it.

 
 

Conclusion from estimate of own forces:

The offensive of the 16th and 18th MRD's is continuing slowly and their second-echelons have some losses in personnel and combat equipment. But the offensive of the 19th and 21st MRD's are partly stopped and cannot fulfill their combat missions in accordance with the operations plan. The second echelon of the 19th MRD is changing its location and occupying a new location and the second echelon of the 21st division already has be committed into battle and the division does not have a second echelon.

The army second-echelon divisions so far have not been committed into combat and their strength after completion of 40 and 50 km march are concentrated in new areas.

The operational situation of the Eight Guards Army and the First Guards Tank Army:

During the course of four days of offensive on the axis of the main attack the offensive has reached into the depth of the enemy defense but on the flanks of both armies the enemy uses engineer fortifications and strong resistance and was not broken through. In some locations the offensive on the flanks is stooped by enemy. The attack has created a dangerous salient conducive for conduct of enemy counterattacks by operational and strategic reserves. This creates good conditions for the encirclement and destruction of the main forces of both armies. The enemy knows the situation and decides to use the darkness of night to move reserves of 4-5 divisions on both flanks and strives to conduct encircling strikes against the main force of the forces and surround and destroy them. In this way the enemy strives to stop the front offensive operation.

With the aim of support of the concept of operation of the front and fulfill the given army mission we must on the one side repel enemy counterattacks and on the other hand develop the offensive into the enemy depth of defense. Therefore this objective requires that the 20th Tank Division take up the defense in the region __-, ___; and in interaction with the 28th CAA on left flank repel enemy counterattack in place, inflict losses on enemy, stop the counterattack, and after that return to the offensive against the main strength of the counterattacking group and 3rd Armor Division. The 20th Tank Division will coordinate with the forces of 28th CAA and by using flank attacks together they will destroy enemy forces on our left flank.

The 17th Tank Division, after completion of its 80 km march, will commit into the engagement on the line ___, ___ on the axis ___, ___ and develop the offensive into the depth of enemy defenses.


Making a new decision:

The correlation of forces and means are the following:

CORRELATION OF FORCES - TOTAL FOR FRONTAGE
Item Own forces Enemy Correlation
MRD 4 3
TD 2 2
Operational rkts 9
Tactical rkts 18
Arty and mtrs 1176
ATGM and recoilless 542
Tanks 1200
PVO - high 43
PVO - medium 96
Helicopters 150

CORRELATION OF FORCES - MAIN AXIS
Item Own forces Enemy Correlation
MRD 2 1.3
TD 1
Operational rkts 9
Tactical rkts 9
Arty and mtrs 1012
ATGM and recoilless 480
Tanks 886
PVO - high 43
PVO - medium 53
Helicopters 103

CORRELATION OF FORCES - SECONDARY AXIS
Item Own forces Enemy Correlation
MRD .3
TD 1
Operational rkts 0
Tactical rkts 5
Arty and mtrs 146
ATGM and recoilless 70
Tanks 314
PVO - high --
PVO - medium 17
Helicopters 18

 
 
LOSSES FOR SOVIET FORCES
Formations and units Losses
Per Tks APC ATGM Gun & mtr Rkts PVO Rkt Helo PVO arty
16 MRD 5 25 13 22 20 25 12 10 -
18 MRD 5.2 27 15 23 22 50 13 12 -
19 MRD 4.8 22 12 20 18 0 11 10 -
21 MRD 4.5 20 11 19 17 50 10 9 -
17 TD 1.0 10 6 8 8 0 5 - -
20 TD 1.2 12 7 9 9 25 6 - -
91 Sep TR 1.0 10 5 - 8 - 5 - -
87 SS-23Bde 3 - - - - 25 - - -
81 A Arty Bde 3 - - - 20 - - - -
87 MRL Regt 2.5 - - - 18 - - - -
72-73 SA12 Bde - - - - - - - - 20
43 AT Regt 3.1 - - 20 - - - - -
Trans Helo R 3 - - - - - - 5 -
Cbt Helo R 4 - - - - - - 1.0 -
Arty Div 3 13 - 20 18 - - - -
Hvy Arty Bde 3 12 - - 20 - - - -

 
 
LOSSES FOR BLUE FORCES
Formations and units Losses
Per TKS APC ATGM Arty & mtr Rkts PVO rkts Helo
8th MD 3 15 8 16 18 18 10 7
3 AD 2.5 14 7 15 16 15 10 7
2nd Ech AD 1 6 5 5 5 15 5 4
Pershing Bn 2 - - - - 15 - -
203mm Regt 2.5 - - - 15 - - -
155 Regt 3 - - - 18 - - -
Arm Cav Regt 4 18 15 - 20 - - -
Helo 2.5 - - - - - - 10
Ops Reserve

 
 

Estimate of adjacents

Neighbor on the right, the First Guards Tank Army:

The offensive of this army during the course of the first four days of the operation developed along the axis of the main attack in accordance with the plan. But the offensive of the army on its secondary axis did not have such success. During the four days they only moved forward 40-60 km into the enemy defenses. The nature of the line of the forward positions of the front line has come to create a dangerous situation in that the enemy has the opportunity to launch a counterattack that would encircle the main forces of the army. The enemy understands this situation and makes use of darkness at night to move his forces forward with a total of 3 divisions from the depth of his territory. He strives to mount a counter-strike from the line of ___, ___ on an axis of ___, ___. In interaction with the moving forces coming on our left flank the enemy seeks to encircle both our army and the First Guards Army and destroy both armies.

The operational situation demands that the First Guards Tank Army reliably repel the enemy's counter-strike in place and also develop the offensive on the main axis. Fulfillment of the mission depends on successful repelling of the counter-strike. The success of the First Guards Tank Army will have a decisive effect on the entire operation of the Central Front and our army as well. This requires of us that we attentively watch the actions of the First Guards Army. And this demands that we organize the closest possible interaction with that army.


Neighboring army on the left - 28th CAA:

Because this army had to attack on its main axis across several water barriers and conduct its attack on a wide front, it was not able to make full success in its offensive. In the course of the four days of the operation its offensive developed only 60-70 km into the depth of the enemy's defenses. Also, on several sections of its front the army was actually stopped by the enemy. During the conduct of the enemy's counterattacks on our left flank, if this army is able to launch its own second echelon forces into the flank of the enemy attack, the enemy's forces will come into great difficulty. During the enemy's counterattack on this flank we must organize tight interaction with the 28th CAA. This is especially true during the repelling of the enemy's counterattack, during the time of establishing the defense of the 20th Tank Division, and during the following battle to resume the offensive.

Forces of the front second-echelon:

The 7th Guards Tank Army, that is located in the front second echelon, this morning at 0500 after completing its 150 km march assembled in the region ___, ___, ___. The assembly area is 200 km from the forward edge of our battle line of the forces on the main attack axis. If the enemy conducts his counterattack on the two converging axes on our flanks with the objective of encircling our main forces, despite this dangerous situation, the 7th Army can, after a 100 km march, enter into this engagement. In this way the flanks and rear of our forces can be supported by this army.

 
 

Concept of decision of the commander of the 8th Army for the commitment of second-echelon and repulse of counterattack

Conduct of nuclear strikes and artillery fire strikes of rocket troops and artillery and aviation strikes on the enemy moving columns to the southwest of Frankfurt-on-Main toward Fulda and also inflict losses on enemy forces during their deployment and breakup of organized deployment and disrupt the planned counterattack against our forces. Take up the defense with forces of 20th Tank Division in the area __ Birstein, Salmunster, west of Bad Bruckeneu, Flieden, in interaction with formations of the 28th CAA. Prevent penetration and forward movement of enemy forces on the axis Salmunster, Fulda and make unsuccessful enemy counterattack and deliver decisive destruction to the enemy in place in interaction with 28th CAA and with improved conditions surround and destroy enemy counterattacking forces.

At the same time deliver destruction with nuclear, aviation, and artillery and rocket strikes against the defending enemy on the axis of the main attack in the sector Weilrod, Weilburg, Limburg and commit into the engagement the 17th Tank Division on the line Kuhbett, Wirbelau, and in direction Villmar, Mittel and destroy enemy forces in area Cramberg, northwest of Runkel, Mittel. The immediate mission to seize the line Daisbach, Mittel, Cramberg. The main forces of the army will develop the offensive on both axes to Villmar, Miehlen, Simmern and from the march force the Rhine River and in interaction with the 28 CAA encircle and destroy main forces of Vth and VIIth US Corps.

By June 9th 1990 seize the line of the line of the long range mission. After the repelling of enemy counterattack and destruction of the counterattacking grouping, the 21st MRD will go into the army second-echelon.


 
 

Missions for army formations and forces:

1. 20th Tank Division:
With three artillery battalions and one antitank battalion and 2 engineer companies of mobile obstacles with aim of repulse of enemy counterattack take of defense on line Birstein, Salmunster, Wernatz, Filenden. The forward edge of the defense go along the rivers between the following points:
-----Burgbtracht, Herfersdorf, Schlierbach, Samunster, Mernes, Mergob. Jassa, Jewitlafs, Wernarz.
The main forces of the division on defense will be concentrated on retention of the sector Bad Saden, Jossa, Flieden. Prevent enemy breakthrough on the axis Samunster to Fulda.
The division with its second-echelon and means of PVO will prevent enemy airborne landings in the area of the encircled enemy force in their rear area. They will prevent interaction between air assault or landing forces, the counterattacking forces and the encircled forces of the enemy.
Division with its second echelon and in interaction with the units of the 21st MRD will conduct the following counterattack :
----- 1. from line Halzmul, Wetiges on the axis Rudmuhl, Bad Saden
----- 2. from line Herolz Sannerg on the axis Ahlersbach to Salmunster

For conduct of battle the division is given 12 nuclear rockets , 8 chemical rockets, and 15 conventional rockets. The use of chemical and nuclear weapons is allowed only on the signal of the army commander. The division command post will be one km west of Ulmbach and rear control post will be in the area of Frienhausen.

The defense will be prepared by 1030 hrs on June 9th.


Instructions on interaction:

With receipt of combat orders quickly organize and take up the defense for repelling enemy counterattack. Seize the designated forward line of defense area and create personnel positions, positions for tanks, and APC's and BMP's and engineer obstacles on likely axes of enemy advance. During the battle develop the engineer fortifications and obstacles.

With the forces of the rifle and tank division of the neighboring 28th Army: \
----- establish defense on the axis of enemy's main attack and repulse the enemy in place
----- deliver fire strikes on the enemy columns during their deployment for the attack
----- inflict losses on the enemy as he is going into the attack in interaction with the division artillery
----- repulse the attack of tank and motor rifle forces of enemy with combat helicopters and Anti-tank means.
----- if enemy penetrates into the defense, conduct counterattack in interaction with neighbor division forces.
----- during repulse of enemy counterattack, conduct coordinated counterattack into the enemy flank and rear, encircle the enemy counterattacking forces, and completely destroy them in interaction with the forces of the neighbor division. After that go over onto the offensive.

With army rocket forces:
----- deliver nuclear, chemical, and conventional strikes on the enemy approaching columns, nuclear weapons, and command posts;
----- using strikes of rocket forces hit the enemy main forces during their final deployment into the attack;

With air forces and combat helicopters:
----- deliver air strikes on the approaching columns;
----- conduct air strikes on the enemy main forces as they deploy into attack and disrupt organized attack;
----- combat helicopters disrupt enemy tank and rifle forces in front of the defense line.
----- air forces and helicopters prevent the enemy penetration into our depth

With army anti-tank reserves:
----- the army anti-tank reserve comes to the defense area of the division and deploys in areas ___. it prepares and plans lines for repelling enemy tanks in the depth of the defense area. It prevents the movement of tanks into the depth of the area.

Mobile obstacle detachment:
----- the mobile obstacle arrives in the defense area of the 20th Tank Div and deploys sets of obstacles in the area ___>.
----- the detachment creates mine field obstacles in front of the forward edge of the defense on the axis of probable enemy main attack and in the depth of defense. The detachment interacts with the army antitank reserve.



 
 

Combat instructions to the 17th Tank Division for commitment into battle

 
 

Secret
Serial No

Combat instructions for commitment of the 17th TD into battle

CP, at ___ on ___ at__-: Map ___edition


The 17th Tank Division with 37th, 45th, 53rd, 22nd, and 33rd artillery battalions, the 92nd antitank battalion, 8th engineer battalion, at 1130 9th June on the line Kuhbett to Wirblau is committed into battle to develop the offensive on the axis Villmar to Mittel and destroy enemy forces in the area Camberg, northwest of Runkol, Mittel, and seize the line of the immediate mission of Daisbach, Mittel, Cramberg. and develop the offensive on the axis Mittel Patersburg.

The division is assigned 12 nuclear rockets, 8 chemical rockets and 15 conventional rockets. use of the nuclear and chemical rockets is allowed in accordance with the order and signal of the army commander..

The aim of movement and commitment of the second-echelon division it will use three march routes. (one per regiment)
----- route 1: __ to___.
----- route 2:
----- route 3:

The division command post during the commitment is located at ___, then ___. The rear control posts is located in area ___, ___.

Organizing interaction:

With the 16th and 18th MRD:

During arrival of forces of 17th Tank Div in the area of operations of these divisions, they cover it against air attacks.
----- nuclear, chemical and conventional rocket strikes strike enemy in area ___, ___;
----- with artillery fire support the commitment of the 17th Tank Division ;
----- antitank reserves and mobile obstacle detachments cover the open flanks of the 17th Tank division against attacks and strikes from enemy

With army rocket forces:
-----Nuclear, chemical, and conventional rockets in single and group strikes destroy these enemy targets __-, ___ ,___ in area ___, ___.

With army artillery group:
----- During commitment into combat of the 17th Tank Division, the army artillery group provides 25 min long preparatory fire on targets __-, ___, ___. The expenditure of ammunition 0.7 BK.
----- conduct of artillery support up to the depth of enemy first echelon battalions with successive concentration fire on 2 or 3 lines.
----- support the combat action of division during the battle with 2 artillery battalions from the artillery group of army
----- during commitment of 17th Division, reinforce it with 2 artillery battalions from the sub-group of army number 2.

With army PVO forces:
----- conduct of aerial reconnaissance and warning of 17th Division against enemy air strikes;
----- cover second echelon forces in the concentration area, during movement forward, and during deployment into attack order.
----- cover second-echelon forces during commitment into combat and in battle in depth of enemy area.

With air forces and combat helicopters:
----- conduct of air reconnaissance in the area of the commitment of the 17th Tank Division from 0800 hrs ___ June to 1800 hrs _____ June;
----- conduct of air strikes during commitment of division into engagement from 0800 hrs on ___ June to 1400 hrs ___ June and from ____ hrs to ____ hrs on ___June with air forces and combat helicopters against most important enemy targets that are located behind the range of artillery fire;
----- conduct air support and air accompanying strikes during the course of the offensive
----- combat helicopters repel counterattacks and counterblows of enemy tank and motor rifle forces.

With army engineer forces:
----- With objective of improving the movement of the division on three march routes the army engineer forces, repair the designated routes or create routes. The column routes for deployment of forces into battalion column are developed by division engineer troops.
----- create passages lanes in enemy mine fields on the line of the commitment of second-echelon;
----- conduct of commandant's service at the lanes in mine fields.