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SOVIET VOROSHILOV ACADEMY LECTURES
FRONT OPERATIONS

 

CHAPTER II-10


 

COMBAT EMPLOYMENT OF RECONNAISSANCE TROOPS IN FRONT OPERATIONS

 
 

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.


 
 

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.



 
 

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.



 
 

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.



 
 

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.



 
 

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.



 
 

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.



 
 

Motorized Rifle and Tank Regiments

These regiments have one reconnaissance company each.



 
 

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.



 
 

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.



 
 

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.



 
 

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.



 
 

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.



 
 

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.


 
 

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.



 
 

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.



 
 

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.



 
 

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.



 
 

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.



 
 

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.



 
 

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.



 
 

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.