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COMBAT EMPLOYMENT OF RECONNAISSANCE TROOPS
IN FRONT OPERATIONS
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Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance is one of the most important combat support measures. It is
organized under all conditions of combat. Reconnaissance is the acquisition,
collection, and analysis of the following information on the enemy:
------ his military and political situation;
----- - his armed forces, military, and economic potential;
----- - composition, location, characteristics of combat action and intention
of his groupings of forces;
----- - information on the TSMA;
----- - nature of his military support.
Reconnaissance is organized by commanders and staff at all levels.
In terms of scale, level, and missions, reconnaissance is divided into the
following groups:
----- - strategic reconnaissance;
----- - operation reconnaissance;
----- - tactical reconnaissance.
In terms of areas of action, nature of missions, and means of conduct,
reconnaissance is classified into the following:
----- - ground reconnaissance;
----- - air cosmic (space) reconnaissance;
----- - naval reconnaissance;
----- - special (spitsnaz) reconnaissance.
In terms of the nature of tasks, reconnaissance forces and means, targets, and
sources of information on enemy, reconnaissance is classified into the
following:
----- - agent reconnaissance;
----- - troop reconnaissance;
----- - radio and radio technical reconnaissance;
----- - artillery reconnaissance;
----- - engineer reconnaissance;
----- - air reconnaissance;
----- - radiation and chemical reconnaissance;
----- - biological reconnaissance, etc.
Reconnaissance in support of combat supporting measures is classified into the
following reconnaissance:
----- - topographic support;
----- - topogeodedic support;
----- - hydrometeorological support;
----- - rear service;
----- - medical support;
----- - technical support.
Reconnaissance information is acquired through the following:
----- - combat actions of troops;
----- - observations;
----- - photography;
----- - radio interception;
----- - radio direction (locating radio-electronic means);
----- - search-raid (zasad);
----- - ambushes;
----- - interrogating POWs;
----- - studying documents;
----- - weapons and equipment captured from the enemy;
----- - debriefing of the civilian population;
----- - other methods.
Reconnaissance must be continuous, active, and timely. Reconnaissance
information must be reliable and accurate.
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Strategic Reconnaissance
Soviet strategic reconnaissance is organized by high military and agent
intelligence agencies. It is continuously conducted for the following purposes:
----- - to determine the composition, situation, and location of enemy armed
forces garrisons in different TSMAs;
----- - to disclose enemy doctorine, character, and forms of conduct of war,
and his plans for the war;
----- - to disclose enemy military-economic potential, the posture and future
development of his armed forces, equipment, particularly mass-destruction
weapons;
----- - to disclose enemy measures for direct preparation for war and
installation and development of the TSMA.
The main effort of strategic reconnaissance is concentrated on the timely
disclosing of enemy groupings of strategic nuclear weapons and their levels of
combat-readiness for launching nuclear strikes. It is also concentrated on
detecting the initiation of enemy direct preparation for nuclear strikes.
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Operational Reconnaissance
Operational reconnaissance is organized by commanders and staffs of operational
formations in order to acquire reconnaissance information required for
preparing and conducting operations.
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Tactical Reconnaissance
Tactical reconnaissance is organized by commanders and staffs of large units,
units, and subunits of branches of arms, special troops and services of all
parts of the armed forces.
Tactical reconnaissance is conducted in order to acquire reconnaissance
information for preparing and successfully conducting battles.
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Reconnaissance Troops and Means and Their
Capabilities
Front Operational Reconnaissance Troops and Means
Fronts operating in the Western TSMA have or use the following means of
cosmic reconnaissance, means and sources of agent reconnaissance, radio
reconnaissance troops and means, radio technical, air and special purpose
(spitsnaz) reconnaissance troops and means:
----- - cosmic reconnaissance - the front uses information acquired by
cosmic reconnaissance conducted in support of front offensive
operations. Cosmic reconnaissance is a type of strategic reconnaissance;
----- - agent reconnaissance by GRU and KGB - This is an organ of strategic
reconnaissance which infiltrates enemy military and state agencies during
peacetime to provide vital information on the enemy. They conduct sabotage,
steal technology and conduct propaganda. Agent reconnaissance also operates in
support of the front as the war begins.
----- "apparat" of agent reconnaissance - The apparat is dropped in
the rear of the enemy or infiltrates through gaps in border areas to enemy
territory. Apparat of agent reconnaissance is capable of acquiring required
information on the activity and intention of the enemy and pinpoints locations
and accurate coordinates of important targets in the rear of the enemy.
----- - special reconnaissance (spitsnaz) - The special purpose reconnaissance
is conducted by special reconnaissance groups and detachments operating in the
rear of the enemy. These groups are assigned to find the exact location of
enemy nuclear delivery means, radio technical means, and to destroy important
targets or render them inactive.
The front's separate special purpose (spitsnaz) battalion can detach all
at once thirty-five to forty groups of special purpose (spitsnaz)
reconnaissance. Each group is assigned two missions. They begin to transmit
reports five to six hours after insertion (drop).
----- - radio and radio technical reconnaissance - separate front radio
OSNAZ regiment - It is assigned to acquire reconnaissance information through
interception of radio communications and direction detection of radio and radio
relay. The regiment includes the following elements:
----- - command post;
----- - two interception battalions;
----- - five radio direction finding companies;
----- - one radio relay reconnaissance company;
----- - reconnaissance helicopter laboratory.
The regiment is capable of detaching the following number of posts:
----- - radio interception posts: 97 conducts reconnaissance up to 2,000 km;
----- - radio direction finding posts: 28 conducts reconnaissance to a distance
of 2,000 km and width of 500 km;
----- - total: 125 posts.
front's separate radio technical OSNAZ regiment - It is assigned to
detect targets of nuclear weapons, tactical and strategic aircraft, air defense
means, ground and naval forces by radio interception, radio direction finding
through radio remote control radars. The regiment includes the following
elements:
----- - command post;
----- - two radio technical battalions;
----- - one radio interception battalion;
air reconnaissance flight (includes two aircraft equipped with radio technical
means);
laboratory.
The regiment is capable of detaching the following number of posts:
----- - radio technical posts: 46;
----- - radio interception posts: 50.
The regiment conducts reconnaissance to a depth of 500-2,000 km.
----- - front air reconnaissance means - front air reconnaissance
means are grouped in the front's air army and include the following:
----- - one to two separate operational reconnaissance aviation regiments each
consisting of three operational air reconnaissance squadrons. The regiment has
a total of thirty-three bomber type aircraft which can conduct air
reconnaissance to a depth of 800-1,000 km;
----- - one to two separate tactical air reconnaissance regiments each
consisting of three tactical air reconnaissance squadrons. The regiment has a
total of forty fighter type aircraft which can conduct air reconnaissance to a
depth of 400-500 km;
----- - two to three tactical pilotless (drone) reconnaissance squadrons;
----- - in each bomber, fighter-bomber and bomber regiment one aviation
squadron of ten to twelve aircraft is specially prepared to be employed when
required as reconnaissance aviation An air army composed of five aviation
divisions and three separate air reconnaissance regiments will have 287
aircraft with 377 pilots for reconnaissance to include 63 aircraft and 81
pilots for operational reconnaissance.
If fifteen percent of air aircraft sorties of aircraft are employed for air
reconnaissance on the first day of the operation there will be 500-700 aircraft
sorties available for reconnaissance. The reconnaissance aircraft crew can
detect (reconnoiter) 2-3 targets in an area off 10-15 km(?) during one flight.
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Army Reconnaissance Troops and Means
Army Separate Special Purpose (Spitsnaz) Reconnaissance Company
This company is employed to conduct reconnaissance and special tasks in the
rear of the enemy. These tasks are locating the position of nuclear delivery
means, radio technical means, and destruction of important targets. The company
is composed of the following elements:
----- - four groups each consisting of two squads;
----- - signal platoon;
----- - supply squad.
The company can detach eight special purpose reconnaissance groups. They can
conduct communications at a depth of 400-500 km. Each group can reconnoiter 2
targets a day in an area of 40-50 km.
Army Separate Radio OSNAZ Reconnaissance Battalion
This battalion is employed to acquire reconnaissance information by radio
interception and radio direction finding processes.
The targets of radio reconnaissance are enemy operational and tactical rockets,
command posts and signal centers of brigades, divisions, corps, command posts
and signal centers of army aviation. The battalion is composed of the following
elements:
----- - command post;
----- - first radio interception and direction finding company which includes:
----- - short wave (KV) radio interception platoon;
----- - VHF (UKV) radio interception platoon;
----- - radio relay interception group.
----- - the second and third radio interception and direction finding companies
have identical composition consisting of the following elements:
----- - radio interception platoon;
----- - radio direction finding platoon.
The battalion is capable of detaching the following number of posts:
----- - short wave (KV) radio interception posts: 8;
----- - VHF (UKV) radio interception posts: 12;
----- - radio direction finding posts: 10;
----- - radio relay interception posts: 3;
----- - total: 33 posts.
Army Separate Radio Technical OSNAZ Reconnaissance Battalion
This battalion is assigned to acquire reconnaissance information on the enemy
through radio interception, and radio direction finding, radars and radio
remote control systems.
The targets of reconnaissance of radio technical battalions are enemy nuclear
weapons units, enemy army aviation troops, airfields, air defense rockets, and
air defense artillery units. The battalion is composed of the following
elements:
----- - command post;
----- - three radio technical companies;
----- - maneuver groups;
----- - VHF (UKV) radio interception groups;
----- - reconnaissance special helicopter.
The battalion is capable of detaching the following number of posts:
----- - radio technical posts: 24;
----- - VHF (UKV) radio interception posts: 3;
----- - radio interception posts for radio relay communications: 3;
----- - total: 35 posts.
The battalion conducts reconnaissance to a depth of 60-120 k on the ground and
to a depth of 300-350 km in the air.
Army Artillery Reconnaissance Regiment
This regiment is assigned to acquire reconnaissance information for the
artillery. The regiment is composed of the following elements:
----- - the first battalion includes:
----- - one sound reconnaissance battery;
----- - one radio technical battery;
----- - one optical reconnaissance battery.
=----- - the second battalion consists of:
----- - one photogrametric battery;
----- - one topogeodedic battery;
----- - one meteorological service battery.
Tactical Pilotless Reconnaissance (TBR-1) Squadron
This squadron is employed for air reconnaissance. The squadron (organic to the
front) is attached to the army for the operation. The squadron is
composed of the following elements:
----- - troop control detachment;
----- - three "start" (launch) detachments (each including four
launch systems with a total of twelve launchers in the squadron). Each launch
system is allocated 3-4 pilotless reconnaissance devices (drones) with a total
of 36-48 launches of drones. The flight radius of the system is as follows:
----- - at 600 m altitude: 80-100 km;
----- - at 3,000 m altitude: 150-170 km;
----- - at 7,000 m altitude: 200-250 km.
The time of flight is 45 minutes, the width of the area of photography is 5 km
and the overall length of the photography area is 75 km.
In addition to the aforementioned reconnaissance means the following
reconnaissance units and subunits are available in the army's branch of arms
and special troops:
----- - separate reconnaissance battalion of the army's gun artillery brigade;
----- - engineer reconnaissance company of the army's engineer regiment;
----- - separate radiation and chemical reconnaissance company;
----- - radiation reconnaissance helicopter flight;
----- - radio technical reconnaissance battery of the army's artillery
regiment.
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Division's Reconnaissance Troops and Means
Division's Separate Reconnaissance Battalion
This battalion is assigned to conduct troops reconnaissance and radio and radio
technical reconnaissance in the interest of the division's combat action. The
battalion is composed of the following elements:
----- - 2 reconnaissance companies each consisting of 3 platoons of 3 BRDMs
with a total of 10 BRDMs (combat reconnaissance patrol vehicle) in the company;
----- - 1 motorcycle company composed of 3 platoons of 10 motorcycles in each
platoon with a total of 21 motorcycles in the company. It can detach up to nine
reconnaissance groups;
----- - one radio and radio technical company which includes:
----- - three radio interception and radio direction finding platoons;
----- - one radio technical platoon.
The company can detach the following number of radio and radio technical posts:
----- - radio interception posts: 5;
----- - radio direction finding posts: 3;
----- - radio technical posts: 3;
----- - total: 11 posts.
The company can conduct radio reconnaissance to a depth of 25-30 km and radio
technical reconnaissance to a depth of 60 km.
Division's Special Purpose Deep Reconnaissance Company
This company detaches nine groups of deep reconnaissance.
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Motorized Rifle and Tank Regiments
These regiments have one reconnaissance company each.
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Aims and Principle Tasks of Reconnaissance in
front Offensive Operations
Aims of Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance conducted in front offensive operations at the beginning
of the war is aimed at acquiring the following information:
----- - timely detection of enemy preparation for attack with nuclear,
chemical, and bacteriological weapons or only with conventional means;
----- - disclosing the concept of the enemy's upcoming action (when, where,
with which forces, on which directions, and for the accomplishment of which
missions, the enemy is like to operate);
----- - disclosing the groupings (primarily groupings of nuclear weapons) of
enemy ground, air and naval forces and their preparation for launching attacks
using mass-destruction or conventional weapons;
----- - timely detection of changes in composition, groupings, actions, and
aims of the enemy facing the front during the conduct of the operation.
This aim can be achieved only through the accomplishment of a number of
reconnaissance tasks to acquire the following information on the enemy:
----- - composition, area of deployment, and character of actions of enemy
nuclear forces, and his units and large units of ground, air, and naval forces;
----- - the direction of their combat and operational training and preparation;
----- - the status of the morale of enemy personnel;
----- - changes in composition of the groupings, actions, and equipment of the
enemy's armed forces in the TSMAs (developed during peacetime);
----- - measures taken by the enemy regarding the development of installations
in the TSMA which leads to the direct preparation of the enemy for war.
As a result of the conduct of the reconnaissance during peacetime, the military
districts and groups of forces may have a lot of information on the potential
enemy, his combat and operational preparation, and measures taken by the enemy
to support his surprise attack. Such information may not be complete and may
not be considered sufficient for making appropriate decisions. Some information
looses its value over a period of time and some units will change their
location at the beginning of the war to avoid enemy strikes. These facts
require that reconnaissance constantly and closely follow enemy actions and
with the initiation of war, reconfirm the following facts:
----- - changes in composition and groupings of rocket, ground, air, and naval
forces;
----- - areas for stockpiling nuclear rounds and means of delivery of nuclear,
chemical, bacteriological, and conventional weapons; location of enemy
operational reserves, command posts, large depots, and other important targets;
----- - composition, bases, and actions of the fleet and air force in the area
of front operations;
----- - shifting of enemy forces and means (particularly nuclear weapons) from
other directions;
----- - enemy capabilities to mobilize, activate, and deploy enemy air defenses
in the TSMA and changes in the composition of enemy groupings of forces and
means to upgrade enemy air defense systems.
With the detection of enemy preparations for war, targets which are to be
destroyed during the initial nuclear strike are re-reconnoitered. The numbers
of such targets reach the hundreds. They are mostly mobile.
During the preparation of the operation the most important reconnaissance tasks
are conducted by the following without crossing the border:
----- - operational agent reconnaissance forces and means;
----- - radio and radio technical reconnaissance;
----- - air reconnaissance.
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Reconnaissance At the Initiation of War
At initiation and during war the following facts must be assessed:
----- - results of use of nuclear and conventional weapons;
----- - detection of changes in the composition of nuclear rocket, ground, air,
and naval forces, as well as changes in the system of troop control;
----- - detection of time and direction of movement of strategic and
operational reserves, their composition, assembly areas, and lines of
deployment;
----- - detection of enemy measures regarding his preparation to launch
seaborne and airborne assaults in the front;
----- - timely detection of enemy preparations to prevent the advance of
front attacking troops (establishment of defensive lines, concentration
and deployment of counterstriking groupings, establishment of obstacles and
destruction).
Special attention is paid to the movement of nuclear attack means, armored
forces, and airborne assault troops.
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Organization of Reconnaissance in
front Offensive Operations
\ Organization and planning reconnaissance for front offensive
operations is conducted in advance during peacetime. It is updated (adjusted)
at the time of reception of the directive from higher command for the offensive
operation. The initial data for organization of reconnaissance is the
following:
----- - front's missions;
----- - front commander's decisions for the offensive operation;
----- - instructions from higher echelons on reconnaissance;
----- - available information on the enemy;
----- - status and situation of reconnaissance troops.
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Contents of Measures for Organization of
Reconnaissance Conducted by the front Staff for Offensive Operations
Operational reconnaissance in support of offensive operations is conducted at
the beginning of the war. It is organized during peacetime in the entire depth
in accordance with concepts of operations, missions, and the actual situation.
Front reconnaissance is conducted in interaction with the following:
----- - strategic and naval reconnaissance;
----- - reconnaissance conducted by ground forces, air defense, border forces,
armies, and adjacent.
Interaction among different reconnaissance levels and among various
reconnaissance organs and reconnaissance troops and means is provided by the
following measures:
----- - coordinating reconnaissance efforts in terms of missions, directions,
targets, times, and forms of actions;
----- - determining lines (areas, zones) of reconnaissance responsibilities;
----- - organizing and conducting exchange of information, maintaining
continuous communications among reconnaissance organs and staffs.
The main effort of reconnaissance is concentrated on directions of actions of
front main forces and for disclosing enemy nuclear weapons locations and
other important targets located on directions of front main attacks.
The actual (direct) organizer of reconnaissance in the front is the
chief of front reconnaissance directorate. He is responsible for
organizing and conducting reconnaissance.
The front commander and chief of staff issue necessary instructions on
reconnaissance in accordance with requirements for reconnaissance information
and concepts of the operations.
Based on operational aims, missions of troops, and assessments of available
information, the front commander specifies the following:
----- - the aims and the most important reconnaissance missions;
----- - where an at which targets (areas, directions) the main effort of
reconnaissance must be concentrated;
----- - what information on the enemy must be acquired at what time;
----- - what reconnaissance forces and means are allowed to be employed in
acquisition of reconnaissance information prior to the initiation of combat
actions.
The front commander listens to suggestions from the chief of staff and
chief of reconnaissance directorate on organization of reconnaissance. He also
specifies additional means for the conduct of reconnaissance.
Chief of Staff
The front chief of staff is charged with the task of direct control of
reconnaissance. He is directly responsible for organizing reconnaissance. He
issues the following instructions on reconnaissance:
----- - concretely specifies the details of reconnaissance missions assigned by
the front commander and higher command, and the method of their
execution;
----- - confirms targets and areas and directions where the main effort of
reconnaissance is being concentrated;
----- - specifies reconnaissance forces and means to be employed for the most
important reconnaissance tasks;
----- - specifies reserve of reconnaissance forces and means;
----- - determines the principle measures for preparing reconnaissance units
(subunits) and measures on support of their action;
----- - determines interaction among different types of reconnaissance;
----- - specifies the time for preparing reconnaissance plans and combat
instructions on reconnaissance.
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Principle Measures for Organizing
Reconnaissance
Based on the decision of the front commander and his instructions and
instructions of the chief of staff, the chief of reconnaissance organizes
reconnaissance. The principle measures for organizing reconnaissance are as
follows:
----- - specifying aims and missions of reconnaissance and allocation of forces
and means for their execution;
----- - planning reconnaissance and conveying missions to executing elements;
----- - coordinating interaction among all types of reconnaissance in terms of
missions, targets, and times;
----- - preparing units and subunits (groups) assigned to conduct
reconnaissance and their all-around support;
----- - control of execution of issued instructions and orders and extending
practical assistance to staff and commanders of units and subunits regarding
the accomplishment of assigned missions;
----- - organizing continuous communications with units and subunits (groups)
assigned for reconnaissance, as well as with the staffs of subordinate
formations and large units;
----- - receiving reconnaissance reports from aircraft crews;
----- - receiving reconnaissance information from cosmic (space) reconnaissance
means;
----- - organizing and conducting measures on issuing security of
reconnaissance units and subunits (groups) in regards to the use of
mass-destruction weapons;
----- - organizing timely collection and analysis of reconnaissance information
and reporting it to the front commander, and their communication within
the front staff and control organs and to the superior commander and
staff;
----- -briefing subordinate commanders and staffs, adjacent and interacting
formations on acquired reconnaissance information.
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Planning Reconnaissance in front
Offensive Operations - Nature and Content of Reconnaissance Plans
The planning of reconnaissance is the logical distribution of reconnaissance
forces and means and their coordinated actions to insure full accomplishment of
reconnaissance missions. One necessary condition of planning is determining the
important reconnaissance tasks and concentrating the main effort to accomplish
them. The planning of reconnaissance includes the following:
----- - determining specific reconnaissance tasks and their distribution among
the executing elements;
----- - determining times and forms of conduct of reconnaissance missions;
----- - determining areas of deployment and actions of reconnaissance forces
and means of all types of reconnaissance;
----- - determining (specifying) airfield for reconnaissance aircraft;
----- - specifying the reconnaissance reserve;
----- - specifying methods of relocation of reconnaissance troops and means
during the offensive operations;
----- - specifying times and forms for acquiring reconnaissance information.
During the planning the chief of reconnaissance directorate must closely study
and assess the enemy. On the basis of available information on the enemy, the
chief of reconnaissance determines the groupings of enemy ground, air, and
naval forces with the numbers of their mass-destruction weapons. He can also
determine important enemy targets on the basis of which he specifies areas of
special reconnaissance attention and enemy mass-destruction weapons.
Reconnaissance is planned in more detail up to the immediate mission of the
front.
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Reconnaissance Plan
Depending on the situation the reconnaissance plan can be worked out in written
form with the map annex or it can be prepared in graphic form with written
instructions. The plan or the map annex is prepared on a 1/200,000 or 1/500,000
scale map. The following points are to be reflected in the reconnaissance plan:
----- - reconnaissance sectors (areas, directions), missions, and specific
targets;
----- - times for conducting missions oh times for acquiring needed information
from higher headquarters;
----- - reserves of reconnaissance forces and means;
----- - organizing control of reconnaissance force and means and the methods of
sending reconnaissance reports;
----- - other information regarding preparing and conducting reconnaissance.
Since the front staff is the principle organizer of air reconnaissance,
it specifies the following points on air reconnaissance:
----- - missions and boundaries of areas of air reconnaissance;
----- - allocating aircraft sorties and their number to air reconnaissance
tasks;
----- - the most important targets of air reconnaissance;
----- - methods and times for reporting reconnaissance information.
On the map annex of the reconnaissance plan the following are normally marked:
----- - groupings and unit numbers of enemy forces, likely enemy aims and
intentions, locations of enemy nuclear weapons, artillery, air defense means,
aircraft, command posts, etc.;
----- - boundaries of the front and armies;
----- - targets, directions, and areas where special attention of
reconnaissance must be concentrated;
----- - special purpose (spitsnaz) reconnaissance units, subunits, groups
(detachments), and agent reconnaissance sources;
----- - the main directions of air reconnaissance, areas (places) and scale of
plane and oblique air photography, and airfields for reconnaissance aircraft;
----- - main and alternate areas and times of deployment of front
reconnaissance forces and means and the method of their relocation during
operations;
----- - lines of the extent of the conduct of all types of reconnaissance prior
to the initiation of the operation.
In the written instructions of reconnaissance plans, which are graphically
prepared, the following items are reflected briefly:
----- - aims and main tasks of reconnaissance and times for their
accomplishment;
----- - calculating reconnaissance forces and means in terms of missions, days
of the operation, and directions;
----- - instructions on signal communications;
----- - instructions on material support;
----- - instructions on interaction;
----- - other information.
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Sequence for Reconnaissance Plans
The sequence for working out reconnaissance plans may be as follows:
----- - marking available information about the enemy on the map;
----- - marking boundary lines of the front and armies;
----- - marking areas and directions of special attention for reconnaissance;
----- - determining reconnaissance information which is required to be
confirmed, reviewed, and controlled;
----- - calculating capabilities reconnaissance forces and means and their
distribution among reconnaissance targets and directions;
----- - determining areas of deployment and action of reconnaissance organs and
specifying their missions;
----- - specifying methods of conduct for reconfirming reconnaissance of
targets of initial nuclear strikes;
----- - assessing likely enemy actions, his groupings of forces and means prior
to initiating the attack and at the beginning of combat actions;
----- - specifying reconnaissance tasks prior to initiating combat actions and
during combat;
----- - determining the time for acquiring reconnaissance information for the
initial nuclear strike, for initiating attacks by troops, for committing
attacks by troops, for committing second-echelon troops into battle, for
assault crossing over water obstacles, for fighting enemy reserves, etc.;
----- - determining measures for reinforcing and vitalizing and for further
activating reconnaissance during the initial phase of war and at the beginning
of combat actions.
In working out reconnaissance plans the following also participate:
----- - chief of reconnaissance of the air army;
----- - chief of artillery reconnaissance;
----- - reconnaissance officers of other arms and services who share
reconnaissance responsibilities.
Reconnaissance plans are considered a combat document. They are signed by the
chief of front reconnaissance directorate and the chief of staff. The
plan is approved by the front commander.
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Some Specifications for Reconnaissance in
Army Offensive Operations
Contents of Instructions From the Army Commander on Reconnaissance
Based on combat missions and assessments of available information on the enemy,
the army commander specifies the following:
----- - aims and most important tasks for reconnaissance;
----- - where and at what targets (areas, directions) the main efforts of
reconnaissance must be concentrated;
----- - what information must be acquired at what time;
----- - what reconnaissance forces and means are allowed to be used in
acquisition of reconnaissance information prior to the initiation of combat
actions.
The army commander listens to suggestions from the chief of staff and chief of
reconnaissance directorate on issues of organizing reconnaissance, as well as
during the conduct of the most important tasks.
Responsibilities of the Chief of Staff on Organizing Reconnaissance
The army chief of staff directly controls reconnaissance activities in the
army. He has direct responsibility for establishment, continuity, activeness,
and sustainability of reconnaissance. The chief of staff is obliged to know the
following:
----- - the enemy in the area of the army's attack;
----- - to forecast likely changes in the situation;
----- - to be constantly ready to answer commander's questions about the
situation.
Responsibilities of the chief of staff are the following:
----- - he should always be ready to repeat his deductions and suggestions to
the commander;
----- - specify concrete details of reconnaissance missions assigned by the
higher commander and staff, specify the order (priority) of conduct of
reconnaissance missions, confirm targets on which the main reconnaissance
effort is to be concentrated, specify forces and means for conducting the most
important tasks, and specify reserve of reconnaissance troops and means;
----- - issues instructions on principle measures regarding preparation of
reconnaissance forces and means to accomplish assigned missions, instructs
times for signing reconnaissance plans and combat instructions on
reconnaissance.
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Nature of Reconnaissance Planning for Army
Offensive Operations
Planning of reconnaissance for army offensive operations is conducted in
advance during peacetime. The plan is reconfirmed after receiving the
operational directive for the offensive operation.
Planning Reconnaissance
Planning of reconnaissance includes the following:
----- - proper specification of reconnaissance aims and reconnaissance tasks;
----- - logical distribution of forces and means in terms of missions (targets)
and directions;
----- - specifying required amounts of time for preparing reconnaissance forces
and means to conduct their assigned missions and upcoming actions;
----- - selecting main and alternate positions (areas) directions for deploying
reconnaissance forces and means;
----- - coordinating efforts of all types of reconnaissance, reconnaissance
organs and staff;
----- - specifying methods for reporting reconnaissance information;
----- - organizing other measures directed toward full accomplishment of
assigned missions.
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Contents and Forms of Reconnaissance Plans
The contents of reconnaissance plans include the following:
------ - the aims, tasks, targets of reconnaissance, and reconnaissance forces
and means assigned for the conduct of missions;
----- - the method of reconfirming reconnaissance of targets of initial nuclear
strikes, areas where special attention of reconnaissance must be concentrated,
reserve of reconnaissance forces and means;
----- - the method of reporting reconnaissance information;
----- - the method of reconnaissance to detect enemy main groupings of forces,
his air forces, air defense systems, and command posts.
The plan is prepared in written form with the map annex. The map reflects the
following points:
----- - groupings of enemy forces and numbers of his units, enemy's aims and
intentions, positions of his nuclear weapons, artillery, air defense means, air
force, command posts, etc.;
----- - army and division boundary lines;
----- - targets, sectors, directions, and areas of special reconnaissance
attention;
----- - the reconnaissance troops, then main and alternate areas, time of
deploying reconnaissance troops, sectors, areas and directions of their
actions, methods of their relocation during offensive operations;
----- - limit lines of conduct of reconnaissance for all types of
reconnaissance.
The plan is signed by the chief of staff and chief of reconnaissance
directorate. It is approved by the army commander.
In addition to the general reconnaissance plan, plans for employment of
separate radio OSNAZ and radio technical OSNAZ battalions, and separate special
purpose (spitsnaz) companies are worked out.
The plans of reconnaissance conducted by branches of arms and special troops
are reflected on plans of combat employment of their respective forces.
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Specifications of Reconnaissance in Army
Defensive Operations
The principle difference in organizing reconnaissance in the defensive from the
offensive operation are the following:
----- - in defense (initiated after an offensive operation) reconnaissance
forces and means are mainly located in the rear of the enemy and conduct their
missions;
----- - reconnaissance troops would have suffered losses;
----- - missions are reassigned to reconnaissance forces and means;
----- - limit time is available for defending forces to acquire reconnaissance
information.
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Reconnaissance Aims and Tasks in Defensive
Operations
Aims of Reconnaissance in Defensive Operations
The aims of reconnaissance in defensive operations are timely detection
(disclosure) of likely enemy concepts of operations for his possible initiation
of offensive (counteroffensive) operations.
Reconnaissance Tasks in Defensive Operations
Reconnaissance tasks in defensive operations are the following:
----- - detecting likely enemy concepts of actions and likely directions of his
strikes;
----- - detecting areas for deployment of enemy nuclear rocket systems and
other mass-destruction weapons and their preparation for action;
----- - detecting assembly areas and composition of striking groupings of enemy
forces assigned to launch strikes;
----- - detecting groupings of enemy aviation forces and airfields from which
the enemy flies missions to launch nuclear strikes and supports actions of his
troops;
----- - detecting enemy systems of air defense and antirocket systems and his
command posts;
----- - detecting depots and bases of POL and ammunition supplies;
----- - detecting enemy measures directed toward deceiving friendly forces.
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Character of Organization and Conduct of
Reconnaissance in Army Defensive Operations
The specifics of organization of reconnaissance emerge from the circumstances
under which the army assumes the defense. Defense is normally assumed in the
course of the attack when the aim of the offensive operation is achieved, or to
repel enemy counterstrikes. The defense is also deliberately assumed at the
beginning of war.
Therefore, the characteristics of organization and conduct of reconnaissance in
defense are the following:
----- - all of the army's reconnaissance troops may have passed through to the
enemy's rear (including special purpose and troop reconnaissance elements);
----- - forces and means may have suffered losses in personnel and equipment
and therefore, they may need to be augmented with personnel, equipment, and
weapons and assigned to new tasks;
----- - the depth of reconnaissance in defense can be less than in offensive
operations. Therefore, the main effort of all types of reconnaissance will be
directed toward disclosing enemy striking groupings of forces, times of their
initiation of attacks and their likely concept of action for the conduct of
combat actions.
The reconnaissance plan in army defensive operations is worked out to cover the
entire preparation period and five to six days of combat actions. At the same
time, conduct of reconnaissance tasks in the interest of future initiation of
attack by the army must be anticipated. because defense is a forced but
temporarily accepted form of combat action.
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