SOVIET MANUAL ON THE COMBAT EMPLOYMENT OF AIRBONE TROOPS

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• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80T00246A030000450001-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 104
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 7, 2013
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: January 14, 1963
• Content Type: REPORT

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INFORMATION IN ORMA
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
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This material contains information affecting the National Defense of the United States within the meaning of the Espionage Laws, Title
18, U.S.C. Secs. 793 and 794, the transmission or revelation of which in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.
S-E-C-R-E-T
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COUNTRY
USSR
REPORT
SUBJECT
Soviet Manual on the Combat
DATE DISTR.
14
January 50X1 -HUM
(
Employment of Airborne Troops
NO. PAGES 86
REFERENCES RD
DATE OF
INFO.
PLACE &
DATE ACQ
THIS IS UNEVALUATED INFORMATION. SOURCE GRADINGS ARE DEFINITIVE. APPRAISAL OF CONTENT IS TENTATIVE.
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the Manual on the Combat
Employment of Airborne Troops, purrinTd by the USSR
qinistry of 6efense in 'Moscow in 1959. This document
was classified SECRET by the Soviets.
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MANUAL ON TWE COMBAT EMPLOYMENT
OF ATRBO1NT.1 TROOPS
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NOTE: Several Soviet Army terms used
do not have precise English
equivalents. The following are some of these terms
and an expl?n tion of their treatment in translation:
a. Soyedieeniye refers to a corps, division, or
brigade. The components may be of a single arm or
of v rious ,zrms and services. In this translation,
s yedineniye has been translated as "large unit".
b. Chast designat s a unit of regimental or smaller
size that is administratively self-contained and
separately numbered, e.g., a rifle regiment, the
engineer battalion of a rifle division, or a signal
battalion. In this tr nslation, chast has been trans-
lated as "unit".
c. Podr zdeleniye refers to a subunit of a chast. It
is a unit which cannot be identified numerically ex-
cept by reference to the unit of which it is a com-
p nent, e.g., 1= battalion, company, or platoon of a
rifle regiment, a batt lion or battery of an artillery
regiment, or a company of an engineer or signal batta-
lion. In thiei translttAon, podrazdeleniye has been
translated es "subtmit".
d. Obyedineni e refers to an army or front, and has
been rang ed?as "form tion".
e. Slay i sredstva refers to personnel and the equip-
ment or eapons associ tee with them, and has been
translated as "forces and means", "forces and equip-
ment", or "forces and weapons".
f. Voyska has been rendered as "troops", except in
the TEFEET sukhoputnyye vorka, which has been trans-
lated by the conventional Phrase "ground forces".
g. Komandir is generally used herein to refer to the
officer in command of oyedineniye, chastoor podraz-
delenim and has been translated "comma dineWiTrier".
Naahalak and komanduyushchly are used to identify the
officer in tnd of an otTedimeniye. Both words have
been translated 'eommandee% Whom nacha4ntk is used
to refer to the officers in aommand Of a dsmbat arm,
it has been translated t%aommander", and when it re-
lates to a service element, it has been translated
as "chief".
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MANUAL ON
THE COMBAT EMPLOYMENT OF
AIRBORNE TROOPS
MILITARY PUBLISHING HOUSE
OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE OF THE UNION OF SSR'S
MOSCOW,, 1959
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ORDER
OF THE COMNANDER-IN-CHTFF
OF THE GROUND FORCES
No. 081
9 November 1959 City of Moscow
The Manual on the Combat Employment of Airborne Troops
is hereby put into effect.
Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces
Marshal of the Soviet Union
A. GRECHKO
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Airborne troops,when fulfilling combat missions in the
rear area of the enemy, are guided by the statutes expounded in the
field and'- combat regulations of the Soviet Army, and by this
Manual which expounds instructions on landing of troops and special
features of conducting combat operations with them in the enemy rear
area.
When preparing and carrying out landings of large units,
units, and subunits of other arms of troops, it is necessary to be
guided by the requirements of this Manual.
The instructions contained in this Manual should be em-
ployed in strict conformity with the arising situation.
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Chapter One
THE BASIC PRINCIPLES
1. Airborne troops enter into the composition of the Ground
Forces. They are intended for combat operations in the enemy rear
area and, as a rule, they are employed in offensive operations for
performing operational tasks.
Airborne troops are able to appear quickly and suddenly in
the enemy rear area, to exploit the results of the employment of
atomic, missile weapons and other means of mass destruction, to
deprive the enemy of the opportunity to consolidate on favorable
lines, to pin down his reserves, to limit the freedom of maneuver,
to introduce disorganization into troop control and the work of his
rear services, and thus contribute to the conduct of modern offen-
sive operations at high speeds.
Subunits and units of the airborne troops, when perform-
ing combat tasks in the enemy rear area, must operate quickly,
decisively, and aggressively; they must possess a strong offensive
drive, stability and tenacity in defense, and great stamina when
conducting combat while encircled.
Personnel of the airborne troops are required to have
outstanding combat training and a high political-morale state,
resourcefulness, combat cooperation and mutual help, firm disci-
pline, endurance and readiness to perform the assigned task re-
gardless of any difficulties or danger to life.
2. Airborne troops are employed in operations of the ground
Forces, the Navy, and, in some individual cases, also independently.
Operating in the enemy rear area they can perform the following
tasks:
-- to seize and hold important areas, bridgeheads and
crossings at water lines and mountain passes and passes
in mountainous areas with the goal of denying the with-
drawal of enemy troops and the approach of his reserves
from the depth, to support their quick crossing by ad-
vancing troops, and to also assist in encircling and
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d-estroying-..enemy groupings;
-- to seize or destroy important objectives, such as
large headquarters, communications centers, airfields,
means of mass destruction, bases, road structures; to
attack enemy troops with the goal of disorganizing control,
disrupting rear services work and frustrating the employ-
ment of weapons of mass destruction by the enemy;
-- to seize and hold airfields to support the land-
ing of friendly troops and to base aviation;
-- to seize and hold sectors of the sea coast in the
area of the amphibious landing, as well as important lines
along the routes of approach of enemy reserves to the land-
ing area;
-- to seize and hold islands and strait zones along sea
routes.
Besides, airborne troops can carry out operations for the
capture of important areas in the deep rear area of the enemy with
their subsequent retention or the delivery of strikes against im-
portant enemy objectives from these areas.
Airborne troops may also be used to support and render
assistance to guerillas.
3. Successful employment of airborne troops is achieved by:
-- the suddenness of their appearance in the enemy rear
area;
-- the reliable neutralization of the enemy prior to the
landing (drop); the comprehensive support of the troop land-
ing, and necessary support of their combat operations;
-- the continuous cooperation of the airborne landing
force with aviation, missile units, large units and units
of the Ground Forces and the Navy;
-- the timely support of troops with necessary stocks
of materiel supplies.
4. Surprise in employment of airborne troops is achieved by:
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-- the concealment of preparation and the concentration
of airborne troops and military-transport aviation,for the
landing, in the departure area;
-- the deceiving of the enemy concerning the actual
landing areas;
-- the carrying out of the landing within a short period
of time, preferably at night;
-- the swiftness and decisiveness of the actions in
performing the task;
-- the dropping (landing) of units (subunits) of the
landing force as close to the objectives of their operations
as possible.
5. Airborne troops consist of airborne large units and separate
units. The basic combined-arms operational-tactical large unit of the
airborne troops is the airborne division. It is made up of Paratrapp',
(parabhyutpo-desantnaya), artillery, and assault-artillery units, as
well as units (subunits) of special troops,
An airborne division is usually employed at full strength.
In cases of necessity, paratroop units (subunits) from its composi-
tion may be assigned for the independent performance of combat tasks.
6. The paratroop regiment is a combined-arms tactical unit.
It is made up of paratroop battalions, regimental artillery subunits,
and other subunits.
The paratroop battalion is a combined-arms tactical subunit.
It is made up of rifle companies, a mortar and an artillery battery,
and other subunits.
The rifle company is a tactical subunit.
7. The artillery regiment consists of two battalions of tube and
rocket-launching artillery, and other subunits. As a rule, in combat,
it is attached to paratroop regiments and battalions by battalions or
batteries.
8. The assault-artillery battalion consists of assault artillery
batteries and other subunits. It may be used by batteries or at full
strength.
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In an offensive, a battalion (divizion) may be attached
to battalions (batla( (companies) by batteries, in the capa-
city of accompanying artillery.
In defense, the assault-artillery battalion is used to
create antitank reserves of divisions and regiments, and also to
reinforce the antitank defense of battalions (companies).
9. The antiaircraft artillery battalion is made up of anti-
aircraft artillery batteries and other subunits. It may be em-
ployed at full strength or by batteries to cover troops from
strikes of the air enemy, and also to destroy ground targets.
10. The sapper battalion is made up of sapper companies,
a sapper-technical company, and other subunits.
The subunits of a sapper battalion are used to reinforce
paratroop units(subunits), for operations as part of mobile obstacle
detachments, reconnaissance subunits, diversionary groups, and also
to perform other tasks.
11. The transport (perebrdska) of troops by military-transport
aviation into the enemy rear area for the performance of combat
tasks is called an airborne operation (desantirovaniye).
An airborne operation includes the loading (suspending)
of combat equipment and cargo, the boarding of the aircraft
(helicopters) by the personnel, the flight, and the dropping
(landing) of the airborne force.
Depending on the composition and the combat task of the
airborne landing force and the capabilities of military-transport
aviation, the airborne operation may be carried out in one or
several flights during any time of the year and day.
12. The large unit (unit, subunit), participating in the
airborne operation into the enemy rear area to perform combat
tasks is called the airborne landing force (vozdushnyy desant)fr
Airborne landing forces, depending on the missions being
performed and the combat composition, are subdivided into opera-
tional, tactical, and special purpose'. , forces.
Operational - usually not less than an airborne division -
employed to perform missions that result from the general concept
of the front (fleet) operation and directed toward successful
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achievement of the goal of the operation.
Tactical - usually at the strength of up to a reinforced
regiment - employed to perform various tasks mainly in tactical
cooperation with troops operating from the front.
Special :purpost0.3:J - usually in the composition of up
to a reinforced company - employed to performasks of a reconnais-
sance and diversioniry nature.
be:
13. Depending on the method of landing, airborne landings may
-- parachute - when the personnel, the combat equipment,
and the materiel supplies are dropped by parachutes from
aircraft;
-- landing - when the personnel, the combat equipment,
and the materiel suppliies are landed by airplanes or heli-
copters loy,?' the latter,s landing on airfields or landing
strips;
parachute-IleAdingi. when part of the landing force is
dropped by parachute, forming the paratroop group, and the
other part alights from airplanes or helicopters, forming
the landing group.
14. The duration of combat operations of an airborne landing force
separated from friendly troops is determined by the senior commander
and depends on the combat task, potentialities of materiel support,and
general development of the operation (combat)4
An airborne division provided with till necessary stocks of
materiel supplies, is capable of conducting combat operations in
the enemy rear area, separated from the troops of the front, for
several days.
15. An airborne operation departure area is assigned to
prepare troops for the airborne operation and combat operations,
and also for concentration of military-transport aviation. It
includes airfields (air strips) for military-transport aviation,
areas of unit (subunit) disposition during the time when they are
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prepared for the airborne operation, and also waiting areas
for the disposition of units (subunits) priortoetheir egress
on to the airfields.
16. The area of the terrain in the enemy rear where the air-
borne landing force is dropped and landed to perform combat tasks
is called the airborne operation area.
In the airborne operation area there must be sectors
of terrain (drop zones) (ploshchadka prizemleniya), suitable for
landing of paratroopers and (landing strips) (posadochnaya
ploshchadka) for landing of airplanes and helicopters.
The size of the airborne operation area and the number
of landing 'zones (ploshchadka) depend on the combat composition
and the task of the airborne landing or 4 words missine days,
tactical-technical data of the aircraft, and the adopted method and
order of the airborne operation.
When carrying out an airborne operation with a single flight,
airborne operation areas are designated: with 6 to 8 zones .fdr a
division and 2 to 3 zones for a regiment, the size of each area
being 1.5 to 2 by 2 to 3 kilometers. A paratroop battalion, and
in some cases a regiment, is landed on a single zone. In a night
landing-force drop the number of zones for the landing of para-
troopers is usually reduced.
17. An airborne division (paratroop regiment) may land and
operate in the enemy rear, in one or in several areas, depending
on the combat task. Having landed in.a single area, units and
subunits usually conduct combat operations with fire and tacti-
cal liaison between them.
Units and subunits that were landed in different areas
may find themselves without fire and tactical liaison but they
must operate according to the general plan of the senior com-
mander. A division (regiment) airborne operation may be carried
out simultaneously or consecutively.
The time of the drop (landing) of an airborne landing force
into the enemy rear area is determined by the senior commander, de-
pending on the goal of its employment, the task and combat composi-
tion of the landing force, and also on the situation that has
arisen at the front.
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18.
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The combat task of an airborne landing force
is determined
a series of
senior commander and i3 usually subdivided into
tasks that are carried out in sequence.
The immediate task of an airborne division(paratroop
regi-
ment) is
usually the destruction of the enemy in the
airborne opera-
tion area
and seizure of a selected area(objectives).
The subsequent task may be defense of the
seized area
(objective)
goal of
or the delivery of strikes against the
seizing new objectivescr destroying them.
enemy with the
The follow-up task may consist of the delivery of strikes
against the enemy jointly with troops advancing from the front.
The immediate task of a paratroop battalion consists
of
the destruction
of the enemy within the landing area and the
seizure
of a selected objective. Subsequently the battalion may defend an
assigned sector, or advance along an axis designated for it.
19.
The combat formation of an airborne division
(paratroop
regiment)
when operating in the enemy rear area must
satisfy the
concept of the forthcoming battle and must provide: the poten-
tiality of attacking the objectives being seized from several axes;
stability and aggressiveness in defense; the carrying out of
a broad maneuver and the gradual increase of the force of the
strike for swift and decisive action against the flank and rear
area of the enemy; tactical independence of units and subunits;
minimum vulnerability of troops to atomic weapons and other means
of mass destruction, as well as the best utilization of terrain.
20. The combat formation of an airborne division (regiment)
when operating in the enemy rear area, depending on the task and
the situation, usually consists of combat formations of regiments
(battalions) with means of reinforcement, operating, as a rule,
along separate axes, reserves, the mobile obstacle detachment,
the forward detachment if its employment is envisaged, the subunits
assigned for protection of flanks and rear area, and sometimes even
the artillery group.
The combat formation of a paratroop battalion is usually
formed as one echelon and consists of combat formations of rifle
companies, reserves, and fire weapons remaining under the direct
subordination of the battalion commander.
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The combat formation of a rifle company consists of combat
formations of rifle platoons, fire weapons, directly subordinate
to the company commander, and,in individual case5a reserve.
As a rule, there will be intervals between the units and
subunits in a combat formation, the size of which will depend on
the nature of the combat task and the terrain.
The intervals between units and subunits, the flanks, and.
the rear area of the landing force must be supported by continuous
reconnaissance, artillery and small arms fire, disposition of
reserves on the especially critical axes, and,in defense, also by
obstacles.
21. Atomic weapons are employed to ensure an airborne landing
and support the combat operations of the airborne landing force.
Antiair defense weapons and enemy reserves, that may be
brought in to combat an airborne landing force, in the airborne
operation area. and close to it, are destroyed with atomic weapons.
In the course of combat operations, atomic weapons are
employed against the enemy weapons of atomic attack, his approach-
ing reserves and combat formations.
Atomic weapons are employed prior to the airborne opera-
tion and in the course of combat operations at the decision and
with the means of the commander of the front (army) troops.
22. Aviation performs the following tasks in support of the
airborne landing force:
-- conducts aerial reconnaissance of the enemy;
-- covers the airborne landing troops and military-
transport aviation from strikes by enemy aviation in the
departure area for the airborne operation during the
airborne operation and during the course of combat op-
erations;
-- neutralizes the enemy in the airborne operation
area and close to it;
-- neutralizes the enemy weapons of antiair defense
on the flight path of the military-transport aviation
and in the airborne operation area;
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-- supports combat operations of the airborne landing
-- supports 'deIlvaryof ammunition, fuel and rations
and other materiel means to the airborne landing force,
as well as the evacuation of the wounded, the sick, and
of the equipment.
23.
The front (army) artillery ;%.s brought in
for the support of
the airborne
operation and combat operations of an
airborne land-
ing force, employing atomic, chemical munitions and munitions with
conventional charges to perform the following tasks:
-- neutralizes (destroys) personnel and fire weapons of
the enemy in the airborne operation area and in areas ad-
jacent to it;
-- neutralizes enemy antiair defense weapons along the
flightpath of military-transport aviation;
-- neutralizes enemy weapons of atomic attack, artillery,
tanks, an radar stations;
-- neutralizes enemy reserves which may endanger the
operations of the airborne landing force.
The artillery of the airborne landing force destroys enemy
weapons of atomic attack and tanks, neutralizes and destroys his
personnel and fire weapons. As a rule it is attached to paratroop
units and subunits and operates as accompanying artillery in bat-
talion centers of resistance, company- strong points, and in anti-
tank reserves.
When reinforcing a division with artillerya divisional
and regimental artillery group may be created in. it,
24. The antiair defense of ar. airborne landing force is car-
ried out:
-- in the depart.:le area for the airborne operation by.
troops of the antlair defese of the country or by troops
of the antiair defense of the groaad forces, in. cooperation
with fighter aviation of the front, covering the given, area;
the antiaircraft artillery of the airborne landing force may,
in, this case, be used for covering troops prior to the be-
ginning of :its egress onto the airfields for loading (board-
ing the planes);
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-- during the flight to the airborne operation area - by
specially assigned fighter aviation and by antiaircraft
artillery of the troops, in whose zone the flight of the air-
borne landing force is taking place, and located on sectors
adjacent to this zone.
-- in the airborne operation area and wnile conducting
combat operations - by fighter aviation assigned to cover
the landing force, and also by antiaircraft artillery units
and subunits of the landing force, and by small arms fire.
The landing force receives data on the air enemy from
antiaircraft defense radar posts, or from the army post of anti-
air defense (the main post of antiair defense of the front)
Within the landing forue the warning about an air enemy is
carried out through the use of all means of communications.
25. Political work in the airborne troops, in a combat situa-
tion, must be directed toward the successful performance of as-
signed combat tasks. It is organized taking into consideration
the nature and peculiarities of combat operations of an airborne
landing force in the enemy rear area. Moreover, special attention
must be given to:
-- the explanation to the personnel of the significance
of the combat task, the procedure and methods for perform-
ing it, the need to bring weapons and equipment into com-
bat readiness immediately upon landing, skillful orien-
tation in difficult situations, the decisive t5 or 4 words
missing7 ...independent operations in the enemy rear area,
the display of personal courage and military skill.
mutual support and help in combat, implicit execution of
the orders of the commanders,
?. the instilling in the military personnel of a sense
of responsibility for the exact execution of the rules
and requirements when packing parachutes, packing cargoes,
loading equipment and arms into airplanes (helicopters),
for the secure and qualitative execution of all other
measures to prepare troops for the airborne operation and
for the carrying out of the combat task in the enemy rear
area;
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-- the instilling in the military personnel of a faith
in the strength and might of their weapons, of a sense of
responsibility for the upkeep of arms, equipment, and
paratroop equipment, of the ability to use munitions,
fuel, and lubricants sensibly and economically, to skill-
fully use captured enemy arms, equipment, and other material
means in support of e combat;
the instilling in the personnel of a burning hatred
toward the enemy, high vigilance, discipline, an ability
to maintain military secrets, protect their own subunit
and unit from penetration by spies and diversionists; the
exposing of hostile propaganda and enemy provocations;
the barring of a panicky frame of mind and uncertainty
in the performance of combat tasks;
-- the maintaining of personnel in constant readiness
to repel:. strikes by enemy tanks and infantry, endure
staunchly and courageously all burdens and hardships of
combat situations in the enemy rear area, and perform
the assigned tasks with the full intensity of all moral
and physical forces, under any conditions and at any.
price, including self-sacrifice;
-- the manifesting of concern for maintenance of firm,
flexible, and uninterrupted control of troops of the air-
borne landing force and the maintenance of continuous
cooperation with aviation and. troops operating from the
front;
-- the establishing and maintaining of correct relations
of the personnel of the airborne landing force with the local
population;
-- the timely informing of personnel concerning combat
successes of units an snits of the airborne landing
force and.. troops operating from the front;
-- the manifesting of concern for the uninterrupted.
support of the landing force with all that is necessary-
for life and. combat, especiallyitth munitions and food,
of medical assistance to the wounded and sick, their
protection and timely evacuation from the combat opera-
tions area to the friendly rear area.
Political work In airborne troops must be conducted purpose-
fully, continuously, and it should become more aggressive as the
combat situation becomes more complex and tense.
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Chapter Two
THE CONTROL OF TROOPS OF AN AIRBORNE LANDING FORCE
26. Control of troops of an airborne landing force envelops the
entire activity of commanding officers and staffs, the preparation
of troops for landing, the combat operations, and their direction
in combat.
Control includes*
-- the maintenance of constant combat readiness of airborne
troops and the high political-morale condition.of.the personnel;
-- the ensurance of secrecy of troop preparation for the
airborne operation and combat operations and the surprise of
a drop (landing) in the enemy rear area;
-- the timely assignment of combat tasks to subordinates;
the organization and maintenance of continuous cooperation;
-- the continuous direction of troops and comprehensive
support of troop operations, as well as control over the ful-
filment-e.of issued orders and directives.
27. The special features of the control of airborne landing force
troops are:,,d,Oladitioned by their 'deployment alwtionnduct of combat opera-
tions along separate axes with units and subunits being considerably
removed from each other, frequent and abrupt changes in the situa-
tion, the rapid transition from one type of combat to another,
constant readiness to conduct combat when encircled, and also by
the complexity of supporting an airborne landing force during opera-
tions in the enemy rear area, by aviation and troop artillery operat-
ing from the front, and the difficulty of supplying material means
in combat. This requires continuity, firmness, and flexibility on
the part of all commanding officers in their control of the troops.
Continuity of control is achieved by the maintenance of
uninterrupted communications under any conditions, the dispersed
placing of the staff in several aircraft during the airborne opera-
tion, the immediate establishment of communications with subordinates
and the senior commander after landing, the provision for the possi-
bility of establishing communications to the next lower level, the
readiness of commanding officers of units (subunits) to take over
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control of the combat operations of the landing force (unit), the
timely reporting up the chain of comnand and the continuous inform-
ing down the chain of command: and of adjacent units on the situation.
Firmness of control consists of rigidly putting into
practice the decision adopted for the exact and complete perform-
ance of the combat task received.
Flexibilityitif control manifests itself in constant
knowledgeability of the situation, in the ability to foresee and
react to its changes in a timely manner, in defining a decision
made earlier or making a new decision in accordance with the situa-
tion that has arisen after the landing and during the course of
combat, in the need to exhibit intelligent initiative and make
bold decisions in complex situations.
28. The commanding officer of an airborne landing force (unit,
subunit) carries full responsibility for successful performance of
combat tasks by the troops subordinated to him. He controls units
(subunits) personally and through his staff, usually by means of
issuing verbal combat orders and commands, making extensive use of
technical means of communications, and also by dispatching staff
officers to the units (subunits).
Control of troops by means of personal contact of the
commanding officer with his subordinates has paramount signifi-
cance, especially during abrupt changes in the situation in the
enemy rear area.
29. The basic requirement when organizing control is the
centralization of the planning of the airborne operation and combat
operations, and also the secrecy of carrying out preparatory mea-
sures, and the expeditious informing of troops as td their missions.
Moreover the following are taken Into account: dispersed disposition
of troops in the departure area for the airborne operation, the com-
plexity of assembling and bringing units and subunits into combat
readiness after they land, the limited time available for the ela-
boration of combat tasks, and the vagueness of the situation in
the enemy rear area.
30. The basis of troop control is the decision of the command-
ing officer.
In the decision for an airborne operation and combat opera-
tions, the commanding officer defines:
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-- the plan of action; which enemy and in what sequence
he is to be destroyed, after the airborne operation and in
the course of subsequent operations; the axis (sector) of the
concentration of the principal efforts of the troops; thePgroup-
ing of forces and means along the axes (objectives) and also
the nature of the maneuver by the forces and means; the compo-
sition of the airborne operation and the order of its landing;
-- the enemy objectives that are neutralized by atomic
weapons and other means of destruction prior to the drop
laiii40t) 2) and in the course of combat operations;
-- the combat tasks for subordinate Units. (subunits) and
the order of their landing, as well as combat tasks of aviation
and artillery detached for the support of the airborne landing
force;
-- the troop cooperation procedure when performing assigned
tasks, and their control.
In order to ensure troop combat operations the commanding officer
plans measures for combat, engineer, materiel, technical, and medical
support to ensure the secrecy of troop preparation for the airborne op-
eration and the surprise of combat operations, and also on the organi-
zation of political work.
31. Before reaching a decision, the commander must size up the
assigned task, appraise the situation, and envisage potential changes.
When sizing up the assigned task, the commanding officer of
the division (regiment) must comprehend the concept of the senior
commander, the place and role of his large unit (unit) in the task
being performed by a higher formation (large unit), the procedure for
employing atomic weapons in Support of the airborne landing force and
its influence on the performance of the combat task, the duration of
combat operations in the enemy rear area, and conditions for coopera-
tion with aviation,missile units, and troops approaching the large
unit with the landing force.
Having sized up the task, the commanding officer determines what
preparatory measures for the airborne operation and combat operations
must be carried out immediately; calculates the time and issues the
necessary preliminary instructions in order to allow the troops more
time to prepare for the forthcoming operations.
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When appraising the situation the commanding officer studies:
-- the forces, the grouping, and the potential nature of
enemy operations in the airborne operation area and in areas
adjacent to it, especially his tank troops; objectives sub-
ject to seizure, and the nature of their defense; the nature
of antilanding obstacles; objectives which it is necessary to
neutralize and destroy prior to the airborne operation and
in the course of combat operations;
-- the condition and the composition of troops being
landed, their support and combat potentialities;
-- the tasks and the nature of the operations of troops
approaching the large unit with the landing force;
the composition and the potentialities of military-
transport aviation, and its distribution with the departure
area for the airborne operation;
-- the conditions of materiel, technical, and medical
support after the airborne operation;
-- the terrain from the standpoint of conditions for the
airborne operation and performance of the combat task;
-- the weather conditions, time of the year and day,
and their influence on th&-airborne: operatilon'nd the 'Combat
operations;
-- the economic and sanitary-epidemic conditions of the
area of forthcoming operations, social-political composition
of the population, and its mood.
In appraising the situation the commanding officer uses
01,1, recOnnatesance data, maps, aerial p4otographs:1-charts.)',
and descriptions of the area of the forthcoming combat operations.
While studying the situation, the commanding officer deter-
mines what measures have to be carried out to remove the causes that
complicate the performance of the task, or to reduce their negative
effect.
Incomplete data concerning the situation does not free the
commanding officer from reaching a timely decision.
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32. A combat order is issued concisely and clearly and usually
contains:
-- brief evaluation of the grouping and the possible
nature of enemy operations in the airborne operation area
and areas adjacent to it;
? the combat mission of the large unit (unit) subunit)
and the concept of the commanding officer;
^ the estimated time and axes of the egress of troops
advancing from the front to the area of combat operations
of the airborne landing force, or tasks of adjacent units,
and, when necessary, also lines of demarcation between them;
-- the order and time of employing atomic weapons and
other means of destruction in support of the landing force;
-- the combat tasks for the subordinate units (subunits),
landing areas (drop zones), means of reinforcement and support;
-- the tasks for artillery, including antiaircraft
artillery, and for special troops;
-- the tasks for aviation detached for the support of
the landing force;
-- the time of troop readiness for the airborne operation;
-- the locations of control points when performing combat
tasks.
The sequence of the setting forth of the order depends,
in each individual case, on the situation.
In a division a combat order is usually issued in written
form, and verbally in a regiment or battalion. A written combat
order may be issued in a regiment in those cases when there is an
adequate amount of time available to organize combat operations.
If a combat order is issued verbally, it must be written down, or
recorded on a map with a legend, and be distributed to units (subunits).
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After the airborne operation, and in the course of the
battleycombat tasks are assigned or elaborated by the commanding
officer's brief combat orders, transmitted through staff officers
or by means of communicationsyas well as by traveling to subordinates.
Tasks, on the combat, engineering, materiel, technical and
medical support, on the organization of communications, on the en-
suring of the concealed preparation of the airborne operation and
the surprise of combat operations, as well as on the political work,
are conveyed to the troops by means of separate directives and in-
structions.
33. When organizing cooperation of the airborne landing force
with aviation and troops operating from the front, the commander
(commanding officer), at whose order the airborne landing force is
being employed usually defines:
-- the objectives and procedure for employing atomic
weapons;
-- the enemy objectives subject to neutralization and
destruction by aviation and artillery prior to the airborne
operation,during the landing, and in the course of combat
operations;
-- the procedure for covering the airborne landing force
from strikes of enemy aviation;
-- the operations of the airborne landing force and troops
advancing from the front, during their approach and joining
together;
-- the procedure for supporting the airborne landing force
by the artillery of troops operating from the front, lines
(objectives) of artillery fire effect,and the procedure for re-
questing and controlling fire;
-- common signals for cooperation, methods and means of
communications and mutual information.
In addition, when organizing cooperation with an amphibious
landing and large units of the navy, a procedure is established for
joint operations of the airborne and amphibious landing forces, and
for the support of an airborne landing force with shipboard artil-
lery fire.
34. The commanding officer of an airborne landing force and com-
manding officers of aviation large units detached for the support of
the landing force, when organizing cooperation3elaborate:
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^ enemy objectives subject to neutralization and destruction
when seizing the airborne operation area and in the course of
combat operations;
a.. the procedure for calling in aviation for delivery of
strikes against the enemy in the area of combat operations of
the airborne landing force;
-- the composition of control groups of aviation large units
(tnits) being landed jointly with the landing force;
-- the procedure for transmitting reconnaissance data to the
landing force by aviation;
-- the signals of mutual recognition and methods of target
designation.
35. The commanding officer of the airborne landing force and the
commanding officers of large units of the naval and of the amphibious
landing force, when organizing cooperation,must:
-- define the missions to be carried out by the airborne
landing force in support of the amphibious landing force, the
tasks of the amphibious force, and the missions carried out
by large units of the navy in support of the airborne and am-
phibious landings;
-- determine the objectives for neutralization and the
procedure for requesting ahdadjustin"8.hipboarctarti1lery fire;
-- coordinate troop operations for seizing coastal objectives;
-- establish a procedure for the delivery of materiel means
to the airborne landing force by sea;
-- establish a procedure for mutual recognition, target de-
signation, communications and mutual information of the airborne
and the amphibious landing forces and the naval large units.
36. When organizing cooperation between units (subunits) of the
airborne landing force the commanding officer must:
-- coordinate actions of units (subunits) between them when
destroying the enemy and seizing objectives in the airborne
operation area, defending the seized area or capturing new ob-
jectives, and also when joining the troops advancing from the
front (the amphibious landing force);
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-- indicate the methods of action of units (subunits) for the
quick exploitation of the results of employing atomic and chemical
weapons;
-- indicate the procedure for supporting the actions of units
(subunits) by aviation and artillery when seizing the airborne
operation area, and in the course of combat operations;
-- indicate signals for requesting the shifting and cessa-
tion of fire, target designation, mutual recognition, with avia-
tion, with troops operating from the front, and other signals.
In order to ensure coordinated actions with troops operat-
ing from the front (amphibious landing force), the procedure for
cooperating with them is explained to commanding officers of
units (subunits); signals of mutual recognition and necessary
radio data for establishing communications when they approach
the airborne landing force are also established.
Cooperation is organized on terrain models with the use of
maps and aerial photographs of the area of forthcoming combat
operations.
37. The division (regimental) commanding officer and staff are
situated in the airborne operation departure area in such a posi-
tion as to ensure reliable communications with the senior com-
mander, the commanding officers of subordinate units (subunits),
and commanding officers of large units (units) ofctilitary-transport
aviation.
During the airborne operation flight the commanding offi-
cer, the chief of staff, and the deputy commanding officer are
located in different airplanes, and each has a group of staff
officers wtth means of communications attached to him capable
of providing control of troops after the landing if necessary.
38. For control of troops in the area of combat operations,
a command post and a rear area control point are usually organ-
ized in a division; a command post in a regiment or battalion.
To provide the division commanding officer with control
of troops operating along the main axis, a forward command post
may be set up.
Locations for control points are selected in such a
way as to ensure convenience of troop control, concealment of
their disposition, and protection from enemy attack.
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39. The communications of the airborne landing force commanding
officer (staff) in the airborne operation departure area, with the
commander (staff) of the front (army) troops, commanding officers
(staffs) of cooperating troops and the military-transport aviation
headquarters,are organized and maintained by the order and means of
the frOnt (army) headquarters.
--TThg communications of the commanding officer (staff) of
the airborne landing force with commanding officers(staffs) of sub-
ordinate units (subunits)are ensured:
-- in areas of their disposition by the forces and
means of the airborne landing force, and on communica-
tions lines allocated by order of the front (army) head-
quarters;
-- upon arriving at the waiting areas and the air-
fields (landing strips)-- through signal centers of
military-transport aviation, and by mobile means.
,
Use of radio communications fort control of troops in the air-
borne operation departure area is forbidden.
40. Communications,of the airborne landing force commanding officer
with commanding officers of subordinate units (subunits) and with the
commanding officer of the military-transport aviation large unit (unit),
in flight,are maintained through radio stations of the airplanes (heli-
copters), in which they are located.
41. When conducting combat operations in the enemy rear area, the
communications of the commanding officer (staff) of the airborne land-
ing force and the commanding officers (staffs) of subordinate units
(subunits), headquarters of the front (army), headquarters of coop-
erating troops and materiel supply airfields egt maintained by radio,
airplanes, and helicopters.
In combat the basic means of communications of airborne
_
landing force troops is the radio.
When organizing communications with subOrdinate units (sub-
units) the possibility of maintaining communications is envisaged:
in a division-- with regiments, battalions, and independently operat-
ing companies; in a regiment-. with battalions (companies) and some-
times with independently operating platoons. Besideslregimental
headquarters (battalion headquarters in case the landing force is
employed in regimental strength) ahcatlitihiave the,,opPortunity6t0LeStablish
communications with the commander employing the airborne landing
force.
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Communications with aviation allocated for support, and the
large units (units, ships) of the navy is carried out through officers of
Aircooperating large units (units) being landed jointly with the
airborne landing force. Besides, communications with the navy are
set up on special radio networks.
Communications with motorized rifle, and tank large units
and troop artillery operating from the front are effected by order
of the front (army) headquarters or special cooperation radio net-
works and also by reciprocal entry of radio stations into the radio
networks of akypropriate, large units (units, subunits). Besides,
communications of the airborne landing force with the supporting
artillery 4W carried out through the radio stations of fire adjust-
ment groups (fire adjustment posts) landed together with the air-
borne landing force.
42. For the communications of the airborne landing force with
the front (army) headquarters and cooperating units (large units)
specially prepared documents (dokumentA of secure troop control
are used.
Plain text radio transmissions are permitted in units and
subunits of the airborne landing force when transmitting commands,
orders, and reports in battle, and also when warning about an air
enemy and about the danger of his atomic and chemical attack.f:
1016in a division,plain text transmission of certain orders is
permitted at the order of the division commanding officer when
the situation is such that use of documents of secure control may
lead to the untimely transmission of orders and reports.
In all cases of plain text transmission, numbers and
designations of units (subunits), duty assignments and names of
commanding officers, areas and terrain features must always be
coded.
43. The commandant's service is organized by the airborne
landing force headquarters for the purpose of maintaining general
order during disposition and movement of troops, traffic control,
control of troops in regard to observing camouflage, and also
for maintaining necessary controls over the local population both
in the airborne operation departure area and in the area of combat
operations.
Commandant's .SaliriCel:frin the area of combat operations is
planned before the airborne operation and is elaborated after the
drop (landing).
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Chapter Three
TBE....TREPARATIONIOF TROOPSCFOR 'THE'LAIRBORNE .OPERATIONI'AND COMBAT 'OPERATIONS
44. Preparation of airborne large units (units) for the airborne
operation and combat operations is carried out on the basis of the
assigned combat task. When a mission is assigned to the commanding
officer of an airborne landing force, the following are usually in-
dicated:
? the airborne operation area and data on the enemy in it
and in the adjacent areas;
-- the mission of the airborne landing force, and procedure
for cooperation with troops advancing from the front;
-- the composition of the military-transport aviation
allocated for the landing operation;
-- the airborne operation departure area, airfields
(4101,W;Utiatimd si;nd the procedure for concentrating the-airborne
landing force and military-transport aviation in it;
-- the objectives and the procedure for employing atomic
weapons and other means of destruction in support of the
airborne landing force;
-- the tasks of aviation and artillery of the front in
ensuring the airborne operation and support of combat opera-
tions of the airborne landing force;
-- the procedure for maintaining communications with the
airborne landing force;
-- the measures for materiel, technical, and medical
support;
-- time of readiness for the airborne operation.
45. Preparation of troops for the airborne operation and combat
operations includes:
-- study of the enemy in the airborne operation area and
areas nearest to it;
^ reaching a decision concerning the airborne operation
and combat operations, planning of same, and the assignment
of combat tasks to the troops;
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^ the organization of cooperation between units (subunits)
of the airborne landing force, and also the elaboration of the
procedure for cooperation with aviation allocated for support,
and troops operating from the front (amphibious landing force);
-- the organization of control and communications;
-- the organization of combat, engineer, materiel, techni-
cal, and medical support;
^ the readying of personnel, combat equipment and materiel
for the airborne operation and the performance of the combat
task;
-- the concentration of troops and materiel means toward the
airfields of the airborne operation departure area,
The sequence of troop preparation for the airborne operation
and combat operations is determined by the commanding officer of the
airborne landing force in accordance with the situation and time al-
lotted for these purposes. The division (regiment, battalion) staff
selects the basic airborne operation and combat operation measures
giora.:mis-.8ih'etfor'preparation and execution.
46. Measures for preparing troops for an airborne operation and
combat operations are conducted in secrecy with all camouflage mea-
sures being observed. For this, it is necessary to:
-- use a limited group of personnel for the planning of
the airborne operation and the combat operations;
-- issue instructions and orders concerning the organiza-
tion of the airborne operation and troop combat operations
mainly by personal contact or through staff officers;
-- issue topographic and special maps, charts, aerial
photographs, descriptions, and other documents on the area
of the forthcoming combat operations within time limits necessary to
prepare troops for the performance of combat tasks;
-- isolate the troops from the local population and from
personal contact with servicemen not belonging to the compo-
sition of the landing force;
-- move the troops to the airfields and disposition areas
during the night or under other conditions of limited visibility;
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when the troops are disposed in the airborne operation
departure area, carefully fulfil necessary measures of camou-
flage, take full advantage of concealing and protective features
of the terrain, and also make extensive use of organic as well
as improvised means of camouflage;
-- transport parachute-landing equipment, covered and pre-
ferably during the nightoand carry out packing of parachutes,
and loading of materiel Supplies, -into_paravalOte containers in areas
concealed from aerial observation. . .Z 1 to 3 words missing7;
-- reduce to a minimum the amount of time the troops have
to spend in the waiting areas and at the airfields (landing
strips).
When landing in the enemy rear area, it is forbidden to take
along operational and combat documents which would disclose the plan
of the operation in which the airborne landing force is employed.
The carrying out of special measures to camouflage, and to
mislead he enemy is.(effected in,adcordanc6 with vie plan of Ithw u.
front (army) troop commander.
47. Study of the enemy in the airborne operation area and in
areas adjacent to it is carried out systematically during the entire
preparation for the airborne operation and the combat operations.
Prior to the airborne operation, the large unit (unit) staff files
requests with the higher headquarters for the conduct of reconnais-
sance. Immediately prior to the beginning of the airborne operation,the
staff of the airborne landing force receives precisely defined data
on the enemy and the meteorological conditions.
With the beginning of the drop (landing), reconnaissance is
conducted by the forces and means of the airborne landing force.
Reconnaissance tasks are assigned prior to the beginning
of the airborne operation and are elaborated in the course of com-
bat operations. Subunits assigned to reconnaissance may be dropped
in the immediate vicinity of the objectives of their operations,
or dispatched from the airborne operation area.
48. Reconnaissance in support of the landing force, during pre-
paration for the airborne operation and combat operations, is organ-
ized and conducted at the order of and with the means of the front
(army) troop commander.
Reconnaissance must establish:
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-- the forces, composition, grouping, and nature of enemy
operations in the airborne operations area and areas adjacent
to it, especially of tank troops;
-- the forces and means of enemy antiair defenses, their
grouping along the flightpath of military-transport aviation,
and in the airborne operation area;
-- the nature of the terrain and the condition of roads,
the availability of airfields and landing strips suitable
for a drop (landing) of an airborne landing force, the pre-
sence and nature of antilanding obstacles;
-- the political mood of the population, the medical-
epidemic condition, the conditions of water supply, the
availability of foodstuffs, fuel, lubricants and transporta-
tion in the airborne operation area and in areas adjacent
to it.
Besides, the commanding officer of the airborne landing force
is furnished data on weather conditions and expected changes of same
in the area of the airborne operation and combat operations.
49. In order to study the enemy and the terrain, large-scale
aerial phttography of the area of the airborne operation and combat
operations is carried out at the request of the airborne landing
force staff calculated to have the aerial photographs reach the
company (artillery battery) commanding officer.
For artillery units and subunits2photomaps and rectified
aerial photographs with grids are prepared.
In cases of necessity the airborne landing force is also
provided with oblique and stereoscopic aerial photographs.
50. Planning of the airborne operation is carried out by the
staffs of large units and units of the airborne landing force with
the participation of the staffs of large units and units of
military-transport aviation. Planning of the landing operation
is based on the decision of the airborne landing force commanding
officer.
While planning the airborne operation the staff of the
airborne landing force, jointly with the staff of the large unit
(group) of military-transport aviation, works out an airborne
operation timetable which is signed by the commanding officers
and chiefs of staffs of the airborne landing force and the large
unit (group i of military-transport aviation, and confirmed by the
frorr,t (army) troop commander.
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The airborne operation timetable indicates: which wave in
the composition of which group (paratroop, landing); from which air-
fields, in which large units (units)of military-transport aviation
(indicating the number and type of airplanes, helicopters); into
which area (on which strips/zones); in what combat composition,the
units (subunits) are landed; take-off time; drop altitude; beginning
and end of drop (landing) of units (subunits) on each strip/zone.
Subordinate units (subunits) may be given excerpts from the
airborne operation timetable of the airborne landing force.
When working out the airborne operation timetable,a planned
landing schedule, the boundaries of drop zones (landing strips) and
the disposition of units and aubunits of the airborne landing troops
and military-transport aviation in the airborne operation departure
area, are elaborated.
In all cases, aviatioh reserves and emergency airfields
are provided.
51. The landing of artillery is planned for those landing
strips/zones of those paratroop units and subunits that it is at-
tached to, or that it supports.
In some cases, landing of artillery by the parachute method
is permitted, during which the control platoons with the means of
reconnaissance and communications are dropped by parachute on the
zones of the paratroop units (subunits), and the personnel of fire
platoons and the combat equipment 4-e landed on other landing strips
(airfields) by the landing method.
Commanding officers of artillery batteries always land
together with the combat equipment of their batteries.
52. For the airborne operation, communications ::Subunitsare dis-
tributed akong the airplanes (helicopters) by sections (teams, crews)
with communications equipment and are landed on the same strip as
the large unit (unit, subunit) staff.
Radio stations of commanding officers, chiefs of staffs
and chiefsiearks of troops and services are located in the same
airplanes (helicopters) that these persons land in.
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53. When organizing an airborne operation in several waves, the
composition of troops for each wave is determined by the combat task
of the airborne landing force, the situation, and the capabilities
of military-transport aviation.
The composition of the first wave usually includes paratroop
units (subunits), reinforced by antitank and antiaircraft artillery
and engineer subunits, capable of seizing the airborne operation area
.a4demiudiagthe landing (drop) of troops of the second wave.
The commanding officer and staff, the artillery commander,
and chiefs of the airborne division services are, as a rule, landed
with the first wave. To control landing of troops, of the second
and subsequent waves, a group of staff officers is appointed,usually
headed by the deputy commanding officer of the division, which is
landed in the last wave.
As a rule, troops of the second wave are scheduled to land
in the seized area. Emergency strips/zones are provided in case of
an abrupt change in the situation, which may be outside the boundaries
of the area seized by the units (subunits) of the first wave.
As a rule, units (subunits) of the second wave become air-
borne from other airfields.
54. In the case when an airborne operation is carried out fol-
lowing a nuclear strike, it is necessary to take into account:
-- the presence of radioactive contamination of the
terrain in the area of the atomic burst and along the path
of movement of the radioactive cloud with high levels of
radiation;
-- the sharp change in the outward appearance of the
terrain;
-- the creation of centers of fires, obstructions,
floods, and landslides.
Drop zones (landing strips) of units and subunits are selected
at the distances from ground zero of the atomic burst which would en-
sure levels of radiation at the landing strips, so that, at the start
of the drop (landing) of the airborne landing force, the levels of
radiation at the strips/zones would not exceed permissible norms.
Reserve strips/zones are designated in case of deviation of ground
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zero of the atomic burst.
The elapsed time between the atomic burst and the beginning
of the drop (landing) of the airborne landing force must be the mini-
mum permissible.
55. The follawingare determined in accordance with the airborne
operation timetable by commanding officers of units and subunits of
the airborne landing force jointly with commanding officers of units
of military-transport aviation for each airfield:
-- the .16cation_on.15arking.apronsofairplanea_andAaelicopters,
when loading personnel, combat equipment ahd cargo;
-- the initial positions for boarding of personnel and
loading of combat equipment, and cargo, and measures for their
camouflage;
-- the procedure and signals of loading and boarding;
-- the organization of the commandantts service.
Besides, commanding officers of units (subunits) of the air-
borne landing force conduct reconnaissance of the waiting areas and
routes of troop movement to airfields (strips), to the initial posi-
tion for the boarding (loading).
The initial position for the boarding (loading) is designated
in the immediate proximity of the airplane (helicopter) parking aprons
within the boundaries of the airfield (strip).
The loading and boarding plan for units and subunits at each
airfield is formulated in the form of a diagram with a legend.
56. When planning the airborne operation and combat Operations,
the time is calculated from the established time of the beginning of
the drop (landing) of the airborne landing force (H-hour).
The starting of the drop or landing (H-hour) is determined
by the commanding officer of the troops of the front (army) and is
reported to the commanding officer of the airborne landing force
taking into account the time necessary for the movement of troops
to the airfield for the loading (suspending) of combat equipment
and cargo, for the boarding of personnel, and the flight of the
military-transport aviation to the airborne operation area.
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57. After the airborne operation timetable has been worked out,
the staff of the airborne landing force compiles a chart for the move-
ment of troops to the waiting areas. The chart shows the routes for
movement of units and subunits, the order for proceeding, the measures
for combat support of troops, tommandant's service measures, and the
time for concentration in the waiting areas.
58. The order and the time for concentration of military-transport
aviation at the airfields of the airborne operation departure area
%'e determined by the front (army) troop commander. Moreover, the dura-
tion of the presence of aviation on airfields, prior to the airborne
operation, must be an absolute minimum.
The responsibility for the timely and concealed concentration
of military-transport aviation is assigned to the commanding officer
of the military-transport aviation group (large unit).
59. The military-transport aviation flight plan and profile for
an airborne operation are determined by the commanding officer of
the military-transpOrt aviation group (large unit), taking into account
the nature of the terrain, the enemy groupings, his means of antiair
defense, the distribution of drop zones and their removal from the
front line, the weather conditions along the flight path and in the
airborne operation area, and also the altitude of the drop. The flight
plan and profile are confirmed by the front (army) troop commander.
60. When time is available, while preparing the airborne landing
force for the performance of its forthcoming combat task, the carry-
ing out of training and instruction with commanding officers, staffs,
and troops is envisaged, based on the nature of the forthcoming com-
bat operations.
In order to conduct exercises and instruction in the air-
borne operation departure area, sectors of terrain, similar to the
area of the forthcoming combat operations, are selected and prepared,
or models and large-scale relief maps of the terrain are prepared.
61. Preparation of subunits for the airborne operation includes:
-- the issuing of equipment to personnel;
-- the packing and fitting of parachutes, equipment and
gasr masks;
-- the packing of cargo parachutes;
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-- the checking of the serviceability of combat equipment
and preparing it for loading and suspending;
-- the packing of the armament and materiel means into air-
drop containers and the marking of the containers;
-- the loading of combat equipment and munitions into
cargo compartments (onto cargo platforms), and the rigging
of parachute systems (montazh parashyutnykh sistem);
-- the carrying out, when necessary, of training exercises
for the loading (suspending) and unloading of combat equipment
and materiel means, and the boarding of personnel into airplanes
(helicopters);
-- the jump training of personnel designated for parachute
drops.
62. The commanding officer of an airborne landing force subunit,
when preparing for the airborne operation and combat operations, is
guided by the instructions in para. 35 through 39). In conformity
with these articles he must:
-- study the enemy and the terrain in the area of the
landing strip and the combat operations;
-- determine the combat formation of the subunit;
-- select the objectives of the operations for the
subordinate subunits and the order and axes of their ad-
vance from the landing strip;
-- select the tasks for the fire weapons;
-- determine the cooperating procedure of subunits when
performing the assigned task, as well as measures of combat
support;
-- determine his own position in the combat formation,
signals for assembly after the landing, organize control of
subordinate, attached, and supporting subunits;
-- distribute personnel, weapons, and ammunition among
the airplanes (helicopters), appoint supervisors (jumpmasters)
in each airplane, and crews for loading arms and cargo.
The company commanding officer issues a combat order prior to
the departure for the airfield.
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63. NCO's and enlisted men are usually informed of the combat
task in the waiting area prior to the departure of the unit (subunit)
for the airfield to board the airplanes (helicopters).
The combat task must be explained on models of the terrain,
on maps, and plans. NCO's and enlisted men must study the terrain
and landmarks in the area of the drop zone, the signals and the order
of assembly, the data concerning the enemy, and the section, platoon,
and company combat task.
64. Engineering preparation of the airborne operation departure
&lea includes: constructilap of slit trenches for personnel and shelters
for combat equipment, munitions, and other materiel means; construction
of water supply points and headquarters structures; preparation of roads,
and the camouflage of troops.
65. Local security is organized by the units (subunits) of the
airborne landing force when located in the airborne operation departure
area. In case of a threat of an enemy attack, sentry security is or-
ganized in the form of individual sentry outposts and outguards dis-
patched along the most probable axes of enemy movement toward the dis-
position area of the airborne landing force.
66. The readiness of an airborne landing force for an airborne
operation is determined by the completion of the preparation of
troops for the performance of as0;gned combat tasks in the enemy
rear area and their concentration in the waiting areas.
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Chapter Four
THE AIRBORNE OPERATION
67. The airborne operation of the airborne landing force is car-
ried out by military-transport aviation capable of dropping (landing)
airborne landing forces in the enemy rear area within short periods
of time and of supplying them by air with everything necessary for
conducting combat operations) as well as evacuating the wounded and
sick.
Operations of the military-transport aviation must be re-
liably supported by other arms of aviation, mi.aaile weapons, and the
forces and means of antiair defense.
68. Success of an airborne operation is achieved by:
? designating a departure area for the airborne operation
which provides the necessary conditions for basing military-
transport aviation large units, ensures concealment of troop
preparation for the airborne operation and concealment of
boarding and loading;
-- reliable air cover for the airborne operation departure
area, especially from the time that military-transport aviation
is concentrated in it, and along the path of its flight with
the landing force;
-- neutralizing enemy means of antiair defense along the
military-transport aviation flight path;
-- neutralizing the enemy in the landing area and in areas
nearest to it;
-- establishing the drop (landing) procedure of the landing
force that ensures its combat readiness immediately after the
landing, for performing its combat task in accordance with the
commanding officer's decisim;
-- timely and precise boarding (loading) of the landing
force and its equipment into the airplanes (helicopters) and
the quick release (unloading) of same during the drop (land-
ing);
-- organizing uninterrupted communications between the
large units (units) of military-transport aviation and the
airborne troops, and within them in the airborne operation
departure area.
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69. The commanding officer of military-transport aviation is
responsible for the proper loading of airplanes (helicopters), the
precise and timely drop and landing of units and subunits of the
airborne landing force at the designated speed and altitude oft,the
drop onto designated strips/zones. The commanding officer of the
airborne landing force is responsible for the timely and concealed
movement of troops to the airfields and for well organized and
timely boarding and loading.
70. Units (subunits) of the airborne landing force move out of
the waiting area to the departure area for loading and boarding at
the order of the airborne landing force commanding officer after
they are given the time (H-hour) of the start of the drop (landing).
Units and subunits of the airborne landing force, upon ar-
riving at the airfields (strips) and until the moment when they leave
the airplanes (helicopters) during the drop (landing), in respect to
I.
2 or 3 words missine behavior at the airfields and in airplanes i
helicopters), obey the orders of the commanding officers of
military-transport aviation.
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71. Loading (suspending) of combat equipment, transport vehicles,
munitions, and other materiel means begins at the signal of the com-
manding officer of the military-transport aviation large unit (unit)
and is carried out by teams or specially allocated subunits of the
airborne landing force under the supervision of the crew chiefs (kom-
andir ekipazha).
Parachutes are put on by personnel at the command of the com-
manding officer of the unit (subunit) of the airborne landing force,
taking into account the time necessaryiito check the fitting of para-
chutes, the fastening of arms and equipment, and to move personnel to
the airplanes (helicopters) for boarding.
The boarding of personnel into airplanes (helicopters) begins
at the signal of the commanding officer of the military-transport
aviation large unit (unit) "Board the aircraft" ("Po samoletam"). At
this signalssubunits go to the airplanes (helicopters) and execute
the boarding.
Upon completion of the boarding of personnel, the crew chief,
jointly with the commanding officer of the subunit of the airborne
landing force, checks to see if the personnel and cargo are properly
distributed in the aircraft, and gives the members of the airborne
force a practical demonstration of the signals: "Ready" ("Prigotovitsyal),
"Jump" ("Posher), and the order of the drop.
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72. The airplanes (helicopters) take off at the signal of the
military-transport aviation unit (subunit) commanding officer after
he receives the crew chief reports that the loading (boarding) has
been completed.
73. The military-transport aviation proceeds to the airborne
operation area along one or several pathsIdepending on the number
of airplanes (helicopters) participating in the airborne operation,
the situation, and the adopted decision.
74. The airborne operation of an airborne landing force begins
with the drop of the paratroop group at the head of which paratroop
subunits are dropped.
When dropping arms and cargo from the same aircraft-as
personnel, at the "Ready" signal the personnel prepare cargo for
the drop near the doors (hatches) opened by order of the crew chief,
and approach-the doors(h4tches) n.accordance with the established
procedure.
At the "Jump" signal the cargo is dropped from the airplanes,
and immediately after the paratroopers jump.
75. Landing of airplanes (helicopters) is usually carried out
right after the landing ,of the parachute group onto seized airfields
and landing strips cleared of the dropped equipment, cargoes, and
parachutes. Helicopters can land on the fringes of the landing strips
or in places cleared of parachutes.
Unloading of combat equipment and materiel means from air-
planes (helicopters) is carried out by crews (teams) immediately
after their landing.
76. Units (subunits) of the subsequent waves are usually dropped
(landed) in the area seized by the units of the first wave. In condi-
tions where this is not possible due to the existing situation, the
airborne operation may be carried out outside the boundaries of the
seized area in places that ensure the landing of troops beyond ef-
fective enemy fire. In this case the airborne operation areas (drop
zones) of units (subunits) are elaborated by the commanding officer
of the airborne landing force prior to the takeoff of the military-
transport aviation.
In order to ensure organized and expeditious assembly of units
(subunits) landed in the second wave and their movement to the designated
areas, the staff of the airborne landing force allocatesguides and in-
dicates routes of movement.
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77. In the case when the airborne operation is effected in an area
against which atomic weapons are employedIthe data concerning the results
of the atomic strike are received by the commanding officer of the air-
borne landing force from the senior commander.
Radiation reconnaissance during the flight of the landing force
is conducted by specially assigned aircraft. Radiation reconnaissance
data a..t transmitted by radio to the commanding officers of military-
transport aviation units and to the units (subunits) of the airborne
landing force.
When high-level radiation is detected at the drop zones (land-
ing strips), the subunits assigned for the drop (landing) on them are
landed on reserve zones/strips.
Means of antichemical protection, except for gas masks, are
put on by the personnel prior to' boarding the airplanes (helicopters)
and gas masks are put on at the command of the airplane (helicopter),
crew chiefs when approaching the drop zones (landing strips), and also
with the detection of Z. 2 to 5 words missine.
78. During the airborne operation the aviation and artillery al-
located for the support of the landing operation neutralize enemy
means of antiair defense along the flight path, destroy and neutralize
personnel,fire means, and other important objectives in the airborne
operation area, and also denies approach of enemy reserves to the area.
Fighter aviation provides cover for the columns of the military-transport
aviation carrying the landing force.
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Chapter Five
COMBAT OPERATIONS
1. The Principles of Combat Operations
79. Combat operations of an airborne landing force in the enemy
rear area are characterized by high combat activity, independence of
units and subunits when they perform combat tasks, rapid transition
from one type of combat to another, when called for by the situation,
with the carrying out of a daring maneuver for strikes against enemy
flanks and the rear area.
Determined and sudden strikes against the enemy in an of-
fensive,tenacity and firmness in defense, ability to conduct combat
in encirclement against superior enemy forces, are the fundamental
qualities of the airborne landing force units and subunits.
Combat operations of an airborne landing force take place
on enemy territory; therefore, the personnel of the airborne landing
force are required to have strict discipline,display initiative, bold
actions, and unswerving desire for victory.
80. When operating in the enemy rear areaanits and subunits of
the airborne landing force must:
^ quickly bring themselves to a state of readiness for
conducting combat after the landing;
-- skillfully exploit the results of atomic strikes against
the enemy;
-- attack and destroy the enemy swiftly and suddenly;
-- defend the seized areas and objectives tenaciously
and firmly and conduct combat in encirclement;
-- operate from ambushes, put up obstacles, and carry out
demolition work;
-- carry out surprise raids against enemy objectives and
destroy them;
carry out concealed and swift movements in the enemy
rear area during day and night and on any kind of terrain;
-- employ weapons and equipment seized from the enemy in
combat.
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81. The airborne landing force (units and subunits of the airborne
landing force), depending on the task and the situation, employs an
offensive or a defense, and also carries out raids against enemy objectives
and sets up ambushes.
82. The offensive of an airborne landing force is conducted with the
goal of destroying the enemy in the airborne operation area, seizing
favorable lines, bridgeheads, water crossings, mountain passes (passes)
and other important objectives.
Deep,as well as close, envelopments effected for delivery of
strikes against the enemy flanks and rear area are the most typical opera-
tions of units and subunits of the airborne landing force.
Units and subunits of an airborne landing force mainly advance
along separate axes, with intervals in the combat formation, with the
goal of carrying out a maneuver when attacking and destroying designated
objectives or strong points.
An offensive in the enemy rear area is organized within atskrort
period of time; as a rule, the attack is carried out from the march.
83. Speed in bringing the troops tit? combat readiness after the
landing and the immediate start of combat operations by them has
decisive significance in tie performance of the combat task by the air-
borne landing force. This is achieved by:
-- the dropping (landing) of airborne landing force units
(subunits) on drop zones designated for them at the prescribed
time;
-- the immediate establishment of communications between
commanding officers of units and subunits;
-- the swift bringing of weapons and combat equipment into
combat, especially the antitank weapons;
-- the organized assembly of subunits, combat equipment and
cargo, and the swift assuming of combat (approach march) forma-
tions by subunits (units);
-- the timely movement of the reconnaissance and the security
detachment (covering force) (into the threatened axes.
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84. Upon landingothe subunits and units of the airborne landing
force operate according to the plan outlined prior to the airborne
operation, taking into account the situation that has arisen.
The personnel of the subunits quickly bringrthemselves to com-
bat readiness and assembles at the signals of battalion and company
commanding officers. While assembling, subunits assume combat (ap-
proach march) formations, with security and reconnaissance measures,
from the march and move out to selected objectives.
Subunits allocated to cover the airborne operation area are
immediately moved out to threatened axes and assume advantageous posi-
tions.
Armament and combat equipment dropped by parachutes is col-
lected by crews, is brought into combat readiness, and are sent to
their subunits and units.
Subunits and units, landed by airplanes (helicopters) quickly
unload and assume their positions in the combat (approach march) forma-
tions from the march.
On those strips/zones where the enemy offers resistance,
platoons and companies, after landing, without waiting for ordem:from
the senior commanders independently attack and destroy centers of re-
sistance nearest to them, after which they witch to the performance
of previously assigned tasks.
In order to conceal the zones from enemy observation from the
air, the parachutes and parachute drop containers must be camouflaged
after the landing.
85. After the landing the subunits designated for reconnaissance
must first of all establish the strength, composition, and the nature
of enemy operations in the landing area, andciii3colver2 the approach of
his reserves, especially tanks, in a timely manner.
Reconnaissance in the airborne operation area is conducted
by separate reconnaiisance patrols, sent out;:from the paratroop regi-
ments and battalions.
For reconnaissance of the nearest enemy reserves and weapons
of mass destruction, independent reconnaissance patrols, reconnaissance
groups, and,in individual cases, reconnaissance detachments are dispatched
(dropped) from the airborne division (regiment) along the major axes.
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Besides, reconnaissance is conducted by observation, radio-
technical posts, and from helicopters.
86. Combat with enemy tanks after the landing of the airborne
landing force is first conducted by the weapons that are being landed
on the drop zones of the paratroop subunits and units. Artillery and
assault guns are employed in combat with tanks as they are unloaded
from aircraft (compartments, helicopters).
Unit and subunit commanders must take all necessary measures
for bringing the landed antitank weapons J_Ito combat readiness and
moving them to the threatened axis as promptly as possible.
87. Objectives (lines) in the airborne operation area of the sub-
units (unit) are seized directly from the drop zones or after approach-
ing them.
The enemy must be approached rapidly and secretly, with re-
connaissance and security measures, and along the axes leading to the
flank and the rear area of the enemy. As a rule, the subunits move
in combat formatiohn. Part of the subunits, with the goal of envel-
oping the enemy or forestalling his assumption of a defense, may be
moved forward in motor vehicle transport or borne on assault guns.
The combat tasks for subunits are elaborated as they ap-
proach the objectives to be seized.
The leading detachments establish slightly manned or unmanned
sectors of defense by aggressive actions, seize the tactically import-
ant objectives, and hold them until the arrival of the main forces.
The main forces of the airborne landing force, exploiting the
success of leading detachment operations swiftly move forward toward
the selected objectives and with the support of artillery fire and
aviation strikes, attack them from the march.
The attack is usually carried out from different axes.
In the course of the attack, units and subunits destroy per-
sonnel, fire weapons, and combat equipment of the enemy and move for-
ward to objectives or to lines designated for them.
In the course of the offensive the res4rves (second echelons)
are used to gradually increase the forces of the strike and the devel-
opment of the success, in order to secure the open flanks and the
rear area of the advancing aitborne troops, to repel enemy counter-
attacks, and for the performance of other tasks.
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In order to secure the operations of the main forces, along the
route of possible movement of the enemy onto the flanks and into the rear
area of the landing force, cover subunits are sent out. As the main
forces of the landing force move forward, the cover subunits move to
new lines.
The cover units and subunits are reinforced by tank-destroyer
artillery, assault guns, and mortars.
Sudden, daring and bold operations, even by small subunits, and
the display of great initiative by all commanding officers, acquire,
special significance in an offensive.
88. When an airborne landing force is advancing against the enemy
from the rear in cooperation with troops advancing from the front, the
axis of the airborne landing force's main strike is usually determined
by the senior commander.
In this case, the commanding officer of the airborne landing
force is given:
-- the tasks, axes, and time of the operations of troops
advancing to meet the airborne landing force;
-- the targets (objectives) to be neutralized by troop
artillery advancing from the front prior to the drop (landing),
and in the course of the offensive, and also the procedure and
the methods for requesting and ceasing fire;
the signals for cooperation and procedure of mutual
recognition and identification of the lines that have been
attained;
-- the nature of the airborne landing force operations
after joining with the troops operating from the front, and
the procedure for shifting the airborne landing force to a
new command.
The commanding officer of the airborne landing force, in his
decision for the offensive, determines:
-- the forces and means designated for the offensive, and
the combat tasks of the units (subunits);
-- the composition of the leading detachments(if they are
detached) and the order of their operations;
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-- the forces and means designated for covering the flanks
and the rear area of the landing force cover positions, and the
order for assuming them;
-- the order of using artillery and aviation .for support
of the advancing cover (security) units and subunits;
-- the composition of reserves, their disposition areas,
axes of probable operations, and lines of deployment.
89. After the airborne 16,:maing,_1 and assembly, artillery subunits
move forward to their designated firing position areas and deploy in
combat formation.
A large part of the artillery batteries operate in the combat
formations of paratroop subunits and units and destroy the enemy by
direct fire.
Artillery designated for conducting fire from concealed fire
positions neutralizes personnel and fire means of the enemy in centers
of resistance. Observation must be all-around. Fire positions are
prepared for firing with large deflection shifts from the basic axis.
Fire control and the artillery maneuver are organized within
a short space of time and must ensure timely performance of fire tasks.
Artillery units and subunits must, in all cases, be ready to neutralize
new targets.
90. Assault gmb-zulagpits.areused for.tha dittetcaapani-
ment of the offensive of infantry subunits, the reinforcement of their
antitank defense, and in the composition of antitank reserves. Part
of the assault guns may be allocated for reinforcement of the leading
detachments and subunits operating in the covering force.
91. After the airborne operation,antiaircraft artillery subunits
move out to their designated areas and cover units and subunits operat-
ing along the main axis, and command posts. In those cases when the
airborne operation is carried out in several waves, the antiaircraft
artillery subunits may deploy in areas of drop zones (airfield) to
cover troops that are being landed in the subsequent waves.
92. Sapper subunits conduct engineer reconnaissanceomake passages
through enemy obstacles, set up mine-demolition barriers and carry out
demolitions along the most probable routes of enemy movement toward
the combat operations area of the airborne landing force, prevent
demolition of objectivesoby the enemy, which may be used by the air-
borne landing force or the troops advancing from the front. In cases
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of necessity, special demolition groups are formed from sapper subunits.
93. Protection from atomic weapons and other means of mass destruc-
tion after the airborne operation is ensured by rapid and concealed dis-
persal of units, by use of protective features of the terrain and means
of protection, by camouflage, by conducting radiation and chemical re-
connaissance, and the timely warning of troops.
Partial sanitary processing of personnel, decontamination and
degassing of weapons, equipment and clothing is carried out at the or-
der of the subunit commanding officera2 without interrupting the per-
formance of the combat task.
94. Control of units (subunits) of the airborne landing force
after the airborne operation is effected from command posts, which are
usually deployed in the disposition areas of reserves or second
echelons.
Upon landingIthe commanding officer of the large unit (unit,
subunit) immediately establishes radio communications with the senior
commander and commanding officers of subordinate units (subunits),
organizes assembly of personnel and cargo, brings the units (subunits)
into combat readiness, clarifies the situation, organizes reconnais-
sance and security, and elaborates the combat tasks.
During an offensive the division commanding officer maintains
control from a cbmmand or forward command post deplbyed on the axis
of the main strike.
During the course of combat operations, the commanding offi-
cer of the airborne landing force elaborates on the area and the tasks
for the support of landing of troops of the second wave.
95. The airborne operation and the dombat operations of an air-
borne landing force at night are its usual type of combat operations.
Night is conducive to the sudden appearance of the landing
force in the enemy rear area and to confusing him concerning the
actual airborne operation area and the strength of the landing force,
and also to the fulfilment of tasks with fewer casualties.
At the same timelnight complicates the assembly and orienta-
tion of the members of the landing force on the terrain after they
land.
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The airborne operation and combat operation's at night require
that the personnel be highly rkilled, especially thorough'.training and
organization, and the support of the continuous cooperation of the
troops, and the skillful Riternating of combat operations of subunits
and unitr: of the landing forme with rest periods.
The use of the techntcal means of reconnaissance) observe-
wal:ning, and target designation. under night conditions, when
operating in the enemy rear area, acquires special significance,
96. When carrying out the airborne operation at night, as a
rulepthe units and subunits move to the assembly areas after the
landing.
The assembly areas are selected near the drop zones of the
subunits on the axis of their movement toward the Objectives subject
to attack and, when possible, in places where there are landmarks
that are clearly Visible at night.
The assembly of personnel and equipment is carried out with
the use of radio-technical means and means of night vision (sredstvo
nochnogo videniya)'and also by using light and audio signals.
Route markers visible at night may be set out to indicate
the routes of movement.
In the assembly areas battalion and company commanding offi-
cers bring the subunits aato combat readiness, elaborate the tasks
and dispatch the reconnaissance and the covering force. The pre-
sence of subunits in the assembly areas must be of short duration.
The subunits move toward.the objectives of attack under the
cover of the security detachment, with the observation of camouflage
measures.
During the course of the attack the subunits must strictly
adhere to their designated axes, making extensive use of night vision
devices.
97. Defense is employed by the airborne landing force to hold
seized areas, lines, bridgeheads, mountain passes and passes, air-
and also important objectives in the enemy rear area until
the arrival of friendly troops. It is based on holding
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the most g or 3 words missine sectors of terrain, favorable in the
tactical sense, and intercepting the major axes, in combination with
aggressive operations of diversionary groups, separate subunits from
ambushes, and by counterattacks against the enemy flanks and rear area.
The defense of a landing force must be of an all-around nature;
it must be of a sustained nature, capable of repelling enemy strikes,
especially of his tanks, from any axis; at the same time, the main ef-
forts are concentrated on the most important axes.
Maneuver by fire of all weapons and by subunits, as well
as the speed of setting up mine-demolition obstacles on the threat-
ened axes arethe most important conditions that ensure the stability
of the landing force defense.
98. For defense, the airborne landing force is assigned an area
or a line, The length of the frontage of the defense, along the
forward -edge, of the , defended area (line), and the depth of the
combat formations, are determined by the task of the landing force,
its composition, the nature of the terrain, and other conditions
of the situation,
As a rule, in defense, the combat formation of a division
or regiment is one echelon with the allocation of strong reserves.
The reserves and the artillery must be prepared to carry out
a broad maneuver.
99. The defense of an airborne landing force is usually organ-
ized as separate battalion centers and company strong points with
intervals between them.
A battalion defense center is composed of company and some-
timeslalso,separate platoon strong points.
A company strong point is composed of platoon positions and
positions of antitank weapons, adapted to all-around defense.
In order to create defense centers and strong point com-
manding heights, road junctions and other objectives important
from a tactical standpoint are used. Each defense center and
strong point must be adapted to the all-around defense, and,when
possible, be located in fire coordination with the neighboring
defense centers (strong points).
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100. The size of the intervals between the defense centers and
strong points is first of all determined in accordance with the
task and the nature of the terrain.
The intervals, depending on their sizes, are covered
by rifle and artillery fire. They may be occupied by small sub-
units. Besides, obstacles are arranged in these intervals,
and ambushes and patrolling are organized.
101. The transition to defense is effected under conditions of
limited time for its organization. This requires that the command-
ing officers brief their units (subunits) on the final details of
the combat tasks and carry out combat security measures while or-
ganizing defense.
Initially the defense is established by a part of the land-
ing force that, immediately after landing, seizes tactically important
lines and points of terrain. Subsequently, as the enemy in the air-
borne operation area is destroyed and the designated objectives are
seized, the remaining forces of the airborne landing force pass to
the defense.
The selection of the forward edge takes into account all
natural lines, in order to reduce the amount of time expended for
engineer preparation of the positions and local features that
facilitate the organizing of a system of fire and observation.
102. The antitank defense constitutes the basis of defense;
therefore its organization is one of the most important duties of
all commanding officers. It is organized throughout the entire
depth of the area defended by the landing force.
Units and subunits on the defensive along the tank-
threatened ("tankoopasnoye") axes are reinforced by gun artillery
and assault guns.
The basis of the antitank defense is made up of artillery
fire and aviation strikes against enemy tanks on the approaches to
the defense, antitank fire in front of the forward edge and in the
depth of the defense in combination with antitank obstacles and
natural obstructions, maneuver by fire, by antitank reserves, and
by obstacles in the course of combat.
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The antitank defense system of the airborne landing force
usually includes: separate company antitank strong points; company
antitank strong points organized into battalion antitank centers; anti-
tank reserves and mobile obstacle detachments; artillery and assault
guns, placed along tank-threatened axes; and antitank obstacles.
Fire positions of gun artillery batteries are selected
on the tank-threatened axes. Mine-demolition antitank obstacles
are set up in front of the forward edge and in the depth of the
defense.
Division and regiment antitank reserves are primarily made
up of assault guns and tank-destroyer artillery. They are located
near disposition areas of the reserves, on the tank-threatened axes.
Mobile obstacle detachments are usually located together with anti-
tank reserves and operate either jointly with them or independently.
103. In order to gain time and wear down the enemy along the axes
of his possible approach to the defensive area, forward detachments,
usually in the composition of a reinforced company, may be dropped,
at the order of the commanding officer of the landing force, from
airplanes,in the course of the airborne operation, as far as 10 km
from the forward edge, or sent out after the landing.
The forward detachments, with the approach of the enemy,
operating from ambushes, by raids, and by defending tactically ad-
vantageous lines, deliver strikes against the approaching enemy and
wear him down on the approaches to the landing force defense.
104. In defense, control points are set up in areas that are
difficult of access for tanks, and are thoroughly camouflaged. The
forward division command post is deployed at a point that provides
control of troops on the axis of the main enemy strike.
The division (regimental, battalion) command post is usu-
ally deployed in the disposition area of the reserve.
For 5ne word missine of control points, depending on the
situation, alternate sites are prepared from an engineer standpoint
in advance.
Control of troops is effected primarily by radio, personal
contact of the commanding officers and also with the aid of mobile
means of communications. Only radio is used for communications with
reconnaissance, security detachments, forward detachments, and for
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artillery fire control, as well as for transmitting warning signals.
105. The following tasks are assigned to the landing force
artillery in defense:
-- neutralization and destruction of the enemy on
approaches, in areas of concentration, during his deploy-
ment and assumption of the departure area for the offensive,
as well as during his attack against the forward edge and
combat in depth;
-- destruction of tanks and armored personnel carriers
by direct fire;
-- neutralization of observed enemy artillery and mortars;
-- covering intervals, joints, and flanks of the paratroop
units and subunits with fire;
-- supporting the combat of forward and combat security
detachments;
-- support of counterattacks.
Antiaircraft artillery in defense covers units and subunits,
operating on the main axis, and control points. It assumes fire posi-
tions taking into account the possibilities of conducting fire against
ground targets.
106 . Engineer preparation of terrain begins immediately upon pass-
ing to the defense and goes on continuously in a sequence that ensures
constant readiness of troops for combat and their protection from
atomic and chemical weapons. The sequence of engineer works and their
completion schedule are determined by the commanding officer of the
landing force, depending on the situation, and availability of forces,
equipment, and time.
First of all, mine-demolition obstacles are set up along the
most threatened axes in front of the forward edge of the defense, on
flanks, and in the intervals; demolition is carried out on the ap-
proaches to the defense; local features are adapted for defense;
separate trenches are dug, which are then connected by communications
trenches to platoon positions, trenches for guns, mortars, and as-
sault guns; and structures are set up for control points and medical
posts.
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Subsequently, positions of rifle subunits and fire positions
of artillery and assault guns are developed and improved; alternate
trenches for machineams and recoilless guns are prepared; personnel
shelters, alternate positions for artillery and assault guns and
lines of the antitank reserve deployment are prepared; water supply
points are set up; a system of obstacles is developed; outfitting
of the control point is improved, and routes are prepared for the
maneuver of troops.
)
The camouflage of rifle subunits positions and fire positions
of artillery is carried on from the moment that the troops pass to
the defense, and is carried on continuously in the course of fulfil-
ment of all engineer work.
When preparing positions, maximum use is made of the protective
features of the terrain, of local fefitutes, of the defensive structures
of the enemy-land also seized materiel and engineer means.
107. Combat against the enemy approaching the defensive area of
the airborne landing force usually begins on distant approaches, with
aviation strikes, fire of artillery of troops advancing from the front,
and, under favorable conditions, also by fire of the airborne landing
force artillery.
Leading detachments, by successive seizure and holding of
advantageous positions, must delay as much as possible the advancing
enemy, force him to deploy, wear him down and inflict losses.
When withdrawing, the leading detachments, using part of
their forces, organize ambushes along the routes of enemy movement
and carry out raids against his columns.
108. It is the duty of the commanding officer of the airborne
landing force to take timely measures to frustrate enemy attempts
to break into the defense from the march.
For this it is necessary to:
-- conduct ground and air reconnaissance continuously,
and discover in good time the axis of the main enemy strike;
-- deliver strikes against enemy columns preventing their
simultaneous approach to the airborne landing force defense;
-- reinforce security of intervals, junctions
and flanks;
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-- prevent the deployment of the enemy for an attack from
the march by aviation strikes, artillery and mortar fire, and
also by atomic and chemical w6apons;
-- inflict losses and frustrate the enemy attack by the
fire of all weapons against his combat formations;
-- carry out measures for preparation of maneuver by forces
?
and weapons to the threatened axes.
109. With the beginning of the enemy attack the main mass of fire
by all weapons is first of all concentrated to repel enemy tanks.
Artillery and the supporting aviation deliver strikes against
the combat formations of the advancing enemy, his second echelons, and
reserves.
Infantry destroys enemy tanks with all.weapons, isolates
the enemy infantry from the tanks, and destroys it by fire.
. In case the enemy breaks into the landing force defense, tile
commanding officer must stop, by fire of all weapons and by obstacles,
his spreadirig along the front and into the depth', ecure his own flanks,
and preyent the approach of reserves.
The enemy that broke into the defense is destroyed by fire
and counterattacks.
.110. Units and subunits of the airborne landing force must be
ready to conduct sustained combat in encirclement, supporting the
performance of the common combat task by their aggressive operations.
The great stamina of the personnel, initiative and decisive-
ness of all commanding officers, firmnes, tenacity, and aggressive-
ness in operations,are the decisive conditions for the success of
combat in encirclement.
When part of the airborne landing force is encircled by' the.
enemy, the .commanding officer of the landing force supports it with
'artillery fire and aviation strikes. In cases .of necessity, troops
break out of the encirclement. The procedure'for troops to break
out, of the encircleTent. is determined by the commanding officer of
the airborne landing force and is carried out mainly at night.
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111. The airborne landing force uses nighttime for carrying out
counterattacks against the enemy forces that broke through, for re-
grouping, for conducting reconnaissance And for diversionary opera-
tions in the rear areas of enemy combat formations, for supplying
materiel means and for the evacuation of the wounded.
112. Subunits of the airborne landing force, when conducting
combat operations in the enemy rear area, make extensive use of
raids and ambushes.
The raid is a sudden short strike against the enemy,
delivered with the goal of inflicting personnel losses, combat
materiel losses, and destroying objectives.
It is advisable to carry out the raid at night or under
other conditions of limited visibility.
Platoon to company strength subunits armed with light weapons
are usually allocated to carry out aliraid.
The combat formation of the subunit when carrying out a
raid may consist of attack groups, support groups and a reserve.
The raid is preceded by thorough reconnaissance of the
objective and of the concealed approaches to it.
The commanding officer of the subunit, when organizing the
raid, must determine: the axes of approach to the objective;
the composition, the tasks of attack and support groups, and also
the order of their operations; the axes and the procedure for moving
to the assembly area, and the signals.
The ambush is the timely and concealed placing of a subunit
on the most probable routes of enemy movement for a surprise attack
against him. The purpose of an ambush is to destroy enemy personnel
and equipment, and to disorganize his movement.
Ambushes are organized by subunits in the composition of a
squad, a platoon, or company, reinforced with recoilless weapons,
assault guns, and engineers with means for installing obstacles.
The commanding officer of the subunit, when organizing the
ambush, must determine the locations for setting up the ambush and
the obstacles, the order for opening fire, the axis and the procedure
for withdrawal, the assembly point after the performance of the cOmbat
task, and the signals.
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Locations for setting up ambushes are usually selected in
areas of defiles, near sections of roads where a detour is difficult.
They must provide good conditions for observation and for conducting
fire on flanks and crossfire, concealed disposition from enemy ground
and air observation, and also for. concealed withdrawal after perform-
ing the task. Alternate positions are selected for maneuver.
While waiting for the enemy, the subunit must not allow it-
self to be discovered in any way. In case the ambush is discovered
by the enemy, the subunit must immediately change its position,
Fire is opened suddenly at the commanding officers command
(signal), at a minimum range. Having performed its taskIthe subunit
which operated in the ambush secretly withdraws to the designated
assembly point.
When effecting assaults and ambushes, it is-necessary to try
to capture prisoners and documents.
113. With the approach of troops operating from the front, the
commanding officer of the airborne landing force establishes communi-
cations with commanding officers of units and large units arriving
at the combat operations area of the landing force, elaborates the
combat tasks, the time and the procedure for meeting them, and mutual
recognition signals.
After joining the fyont troops, the landing force performs
the tasks assigned by the senior commander.
2. Seizureand Retention of Bridgeheads at Water .Barriers
114. Bridgeheads at water barriers are seized and held with the goal
of assisting the troops, advancing from the front, to overcome them
abruptly.
In conditions when the enemy has not assumed a defense at the
water barrier, the landing is made on a sector of the terrain adjacent
to it, and if:thecenemy has assumed the defense beforehand, the landing
is made at some distance from it, with the subsequent delivery of a
strike against the rear area and flanks of the enemy defending the
water barrier.
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In the case when atomic strikes are delivered against the
enemy assuming the defense of the water barrier prior to the drop
(landing) of the airborne landing force, all the forces of the land-
ing force or part of them may be landed directly on the bridgehead.
115. The area of the bridgehead to be seized is determined on the
basis of its intended use, the conditions of terrain, the composition
of the airborne landing force, the duration of independent combat
operations, and the possibility of supporting the airborne landing
force with troops advancing from the front.
The size of the bridgehead must ensure protection of troops
from direct fire of enemy artillery and enemy machine gun fire, and
ensure their deployment for carrying out combat operations.
The terrain in the bridgehead area must be conducive to or-
ganization of stable defense, and the water barrier sector must be
convenient for organizing crossings.
When there are crossings at the water barrier, the drop and
landing of the landing force is, as a rule, carried out on both its
banks; moreover the main forces are dropped to seize the bridgehead.
Forward detachments may be dropped (dispatched) from the
airborne landing force Onto the probable axes of enemy approach to
the bridgehead.
In order to seize existing crossings at the bridgehead and
to prevent their destruction by the enemy, subunits are dropped (landed)
in the immediate proximity of the crossings.
116. The division (regimental) commanding officer, in his decision
to seize and hold the bridgehead, in addition to the usual matters,
determines:
-- the units (subunits) designated to seize objectives at
the bridgehead and crossings;
-- the composition of forward detachments dropped (dispatched)
on threatened axes, and theirlasks;
-- the contour of the forward edge of the bridgehead and
the procedure for passing to the defense;
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?
-- the measures to prevent the enemy from blowing up the
crossings, and to combat his flotilla;
-- the water crossing means needed by the airborne land-
ing force, and the landing procedure.
117. In the course of combat operations, when seizing a bridgehead,
the main efforts of the airborne landing force are concentrated for
the expeditious capture of commanding heights, dams, stone structures,
and defense installations which are situated along the bank the
loss of which will deny the enemy the possibility of keeping the
crossings under fire.
When attacking the enemy, the landing force must strive to
break through to the water barrier at least on a limited sector. Strong
centers of resistance,are, as a rule, blockaded and by-passed; they are
destroyed after the landing force subunits reach the water barrier.
As the tasks of destroying the enemy are being completed, the
landing force units and subunits pass to the defense of the bridgehead in
areas assigned to them.
After landingIthe subunits assigned the task of seizing the
crossingsAwiftly break through to them, attack and destroy the security
guards, seize bridges, moorings, ferry boats, and other amphibious means,
consolidate, and prevent their destruction by the enemy.
118. The defense of a bridgehead, when no crossings exist, is usually
organized on one bank of the water barrier. When there are crossings in
the area of the bridgehead, bridgehead positions are set up on both banks
of the water barrier.
When defending a bridgehead and bridgehead positions, special
attention is given to antitank defenseland also to flank security. In
order to increase the stability of the defense, the flanks must ad-
join the water barrier and be protected by Obstacles.
The most important condition of successful combat to retain
the bridgehead is great troop aggressiveness, availability of strong
mobile reserves, and swift maneuvering with subunits and fire weapons
to the threatened axes.
119. The system of fire when defending a bridgehead and a crossing
must ensure the destruction of the enemy before the forward edge of
defense of the bridgehead, especially on flanks adjoining the water
barrier, and also on the approachea to the bridgehead positions.
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In order to combat ships of the enemy navy flotilla.osubunits of
gun artillery are assigned, and the creation of flOating and underwater
obstacles and the employment of antitank reserves is providei.for.
Antiaircraft artillery takes up fire positions at the bridgehead,
calculated in such a way as to ensure cover for the main grouping of the
landing force, and for the crossings.
120. Engineer subunits, besides performing their usual tasks in sup-
port of combat operations of an airborne landing force, perform the fol-
lowing:
-- participate in the seizure of existing crossings, prevent
their demolition by the enemy, and maintain them in serviceable
condition;
^ conduct engineer reconnaissance of the water barrier and
its approaches fot the purpose of discovering sites where cross-
ings by troops advancing from the front may be arranged conveniently;
-- prepare and mark approaches to the water barrier and pre-
pare the banks to set up crossings;
- collect local means of crossing for the needs of the air-
borne landing force and to send the troops advancing from the
front across;
-- organize security and protection of bridges from floating
mines and other means of destruction.
When the enemy has a navy flotilla at its disposalythe engineer
subunits are assigned tasks to arrange obstacles in the river.
121. Prior to the approach of the troops advancing from the front,
the commanding officer of the airborne landing force gives them infor-
mation concerning the enemy, the nature of the water barrier and its
approaches, the condition of the seized crossings, and local means of
crossing, sectors convenient for arranging crossings, including under-
water crossings for tanks, and routes of approach to them.
As the leading units of the advancing troops reach the bridge-
head, the airborne landing force assists them in their crossing and sub-
sequently, depending on the situation, takes part in expanding the
bridgehead or performs other tasks assigned by the senior commander.
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3. Seizure
of Crossings at Water Barriers
122. Water barrier
them until the arrival
on the
nature
crossings are seized with the goal of holding
of friendly troops, or of destroying them.
The composition of the airborne landing force is determined
basis of the purpose of the seizure, the significance, and the
of the crossing, the enemy system of defense and his strength.
The combat formation of the landing force operating with the
goal of seizing the crossing consists of seizure, cover and reserve
groups.
In order to destroy a crossing, if this is necessary, a demo-
lition group is appointed.
123. When making his decision for landing on and seizure of the
crossing, the commanding officer of the airborne landing force takes
into account the strength and composition of the enemy, the organiza-
tion of the crossing defense, the nature of defensive structures and
obstacles and the disposition of reserves, the organization and pre-
paration of the crossing, the terrain, the nature of the water barrier
and of the hydrotechnical structures.
In his decision the commanding officer of the airborne land-
ing force determines:
-- the composition of the seizure, cover, and reserve groups,
and their tasks;
.--the routes and the procedure for moving subunits from the
landing strip to the attack objectives;
-- the cooperation procedure for subunits (groups);
-- the measures to prevent destruction of the crossing by
the enemy;
-- the organization of the defense of bridgehead positions.
When performing the tasks of destroying a crossing, the com-
manding officer of the airborne landing force assigns demolition groups,
determines the procedure for demolishing the crossing and for withdraw-
ing after the performance of the task.
124. Depending on the situation, the drop (landing) of the airborne
landing force is carried out either in the immediate proximity of the
crossing or to the side of it on one or on both banks.
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In order to achieve surprise it is expedient to carry out
the 4top (landing) of the airborne landing force at night.
125. Upon landing, the seizure group subunits move toward the
crossing secretly, suddenly attack the guards, and seize the crossing.
It is advisable tollaunch the attack against the crossing from both
banks. The subunits assigned to the cover group first destroy the ex-
ternal means of communication of the crossing and assume positions'along
the routes of enemy approach, isolating the troops guarding the b?idge.
During the course of combat, engineer reconnaissance is con-
ducted and meanuree are taken with the goal of forestalling demolition
of the crossing by the enemy.
After seizing the crossing, the subunits, depending on the
assigned task, either pass to the defensive or destroy the crossing.
126. When organizing defense, bridgehead positions are created,
taking into account the repulsion of enemy attacks both from the
front and from the flanks. The distance between bridgehead positions
and crossings must secure the crossing from ground observation and
from the fire of enemy infantry.
In defense, enemy defensive structures are extensively used
and local features are adapted.
Destruction of a crossing is carried out by specially as-
signed engineers under the cover of rifle subunits. After the task has
been performed, the subunits arrive at the assembly area (point) in a
concealed manner and operate in accordance with the assigned task.
4. Support of Amphibious Landings and Seizure of Islands
127. When supporting an amphibious landing, the airborne
landing
force, depending on its composition, the nature of enemy coastal
antilanding defenses, and the disposition of his reserves, may perform
the following tasks:
-- seize knd hold sectors of the seacoast in the area de-
signated for the landing of the amphibious landing force;
-- deny the approach of enemy reserves to the amphibious
landing area.
The drop (landing) of the airborne landing force is carried
out simultaneously with the beginning of the landing of the first
echelon subunits of the amphibious landing force,
to it.
or immediately
prior
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128.
airborne
When seizing sectors of the seacoast, the objectives of the
landing force attack are:
-- the strong points and defensive installations located
on shore;
-- the mooring points for ships;
-- the control points and communication centers;
-- the positions and individual tactically important points on
the approaches to the landing area of the amphibious landing force;
-- the positions of the launching mounts and coastal artillery.
129. When reaching the decision to seize and hold a sector of the
coast, the commanding officer of the airborne landing force takes into
account:
-- the nature of the enemy coastal defense and the grouping of
his nearest reserves;
-- the tasks of navy large units to neutralize enemy coastal
and antiair defense and to support combat operations of the air-
borne landing force;
-- the procedure for employing atomic weapons in support of
the landing force;
--? the tasks of aviation delivering strikes against the sec-
tor of the coast being seized by the airborne landing force, and
against objectives in the depth;
-- the tasks and landing points of the amphibious landing
subunits of the first echelon;
-- the tasks of the amphibious landing force and the procedure
of joint action with it as it is landing.
130. When performing the task of seizing a coastal sector, the air-
borne landing force swiftly attacks enemy strong points with its main
forces, first of all destroying the fire means impeding the landing of
the amphibious landing force.
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Simultaneously, part of the airborne landing force seizes and
holds lines that cover the approaches to the landing sector of the am-
phibious landing force.
Seizure of coastal launching mounts, missile weapons, coastal
artillery batteries, and permanent enemy defense installations is car-
ried out by subunits reinforced with assault guns, self-propelled -, -
guns, and also by engineers with explosives and incendiary means.
131. In order to ensure the approach of amphibious landing force
ships to the designated landing points the airborne landing force may
be assigned the task of installing reference markers (orientir) and
coastal navigation aids (stvor-). In this case, the commanding officer
of the landing detachment assigns hydrographic groups ato the compo-
sition of the airborne landing force.
132. The artillery of the airborne landing force, jointly with the
shipboard artillery, neutralizes enemy coastal defenses, combats ap-
proaching reserves, and repels enemy strikes from the sea.
Artillery support ships may be brought in f9r support of
the airborne landing force at the order of the senior commander. As-
signment of tasks and requests for shipboard artillery fire are handled
by the senior artillery commander of the airborne landing force through
fire adjustment points of artillery support ships that are landed in
the composition of the landing force.
133. The aviation, prior to the beginning of the drop of the air-
borne landing force, neutralizes enemy launching mounts and batteries
of coastal and antiaircraft artillery, his strong points and reserves
that endanger the landing of the airborne landing force; subsequently,
in accordance with the situation, it supports the combat operations
of the airborne and the amphibious landing forces.
Fighter aviation covers combat formations of the airborne
landing force from strikes by the air enemy.
134. Engineer subunits conduct engineer reconnaissance, make
passages in enemy obstacles on shore at the landing points of the
amphibious landing force first-echelon subunits, participate in the
seizure of objectives, and also install obstacles along the routes
of movement of enemy res6rves.
135. After the landing of the amphibious landing force first-echelon
subunits on the shore, the airbornellanding force continues to hold the
seized sector of the coast, supporting the landing of subsequent echelons,
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or performs other tasks assigned by the senior commander.
136. Prohibition of the approach of enemy reserves to the landing
sector of the amphibious landing force is effected by seizing and hold-
ing lines in the depth of the coast on the main enemy movement routes.
For this purpose the commanding officer of the airborne landing force
determines:
-- the sectors of terrain for the retention of which the
main efforts of the airborne landing force are concentrated,
and also the forces and means for their retention;
-- the axes of operations and the composition of the forward
detachments dispatched (dropped) on the probable routes of approach
of enemy reserves, the procedure for supporting them with aviation
and artillery, and the axes of withdrawal;
-- the measures for installing obstacles along the approach
routes of enemy reserves, and the procedure for the demolition
of road and bridge structures;
-- the procedure for using reserves for countering enemy
deep envelopment actions.
137. Seizure of islands is accomplished by the airborne landing
force either jointly with an amphibious landing force or independently,
depending on their size, the strength of the ene7wiand the nature of
his defense.
When operating jointly with the amphibious landing force, the
airborne landing force is used to seize individual commanding heights
and road junctions in the depth of the island or on its coast with
the goal of preventing the maneuver of enemy reserves, and also to
support the landing of the amphibious landing force.
138. When seizing an island, the grouping of forces and means of the
airborne landing force must first of all provide for the quick seizure
of the most important objectives, the lass of which by the enemy may
substantially disorganize his defense as a whole.
When dropping (landing) units (subunits) to seize the main
objectives of the island, it is expedient to simultaneously land small
subunits (groups) with the task of disrupting communications, demolish-
ing road structures, creating panic, and for other diversionary and
reconnaissance actions.
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139. In the course of combat operationsto seize the island,the
commanding officer of the airborne landing force effects a broad
maneuver by forces and means. He must strive to separate and isolate
individual enemy garrisons (groups) on the island and subsequently
destroy them piecemeal.
As the airborne landing force seizes objectives and destroys
the enemy on the island it passes to the defense. The defense of
those areas where landing of enemy amphibious and airborne landing
forces is most probable is organized first and is made the strongest.
On coastal sectors that are difficult of access, security
and continuous observation are organized.
Special attention is devoted to the preparation of the
maneuver by forces and means in order to destroy enemy airborne and
amphibious landing forces.
Positions prepared directly on the coast, may be occupied,
prior to the disclosure of enemy intentions, by only part of the forces.
In this case, the main forces of the landing force are located in the
depth of the island, ready to assume a defense on sectors of probable
landing of enemy landing forces, and to execute counterattacks.
Patrolling and observation are organized on sectors that are not oc-
cupied.
In order to hold the seized island the airborne landing force
may be reinforced with coastal artillery and by means of antiair de-
fense.
140. Navy units and large units may perform the following tasks
in support of the airborne landing force:
-- neutralize coastal defense objectives of the enemy
during the landing and combat operations of the airborne land-
ing force;
cover seized coastal sectors (island) from strikes by
naval forces and amphibious landing forces of the enemy;
blockaae ports not occupied by the landing force, ship
anchorages and sectors suitable for the landing of enemy land-
ing forces;
-- render assistance to paratroopers in cases of emergency
jumpt from planes over the sea (rescue service);
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-- deliver materiel means and combat equipment to the air-
borne landing force and to evacuate the wounded and the sick.
5. Seizure of Airfields
141. Seizure of enemy airfields by an airborne landing force is
effedtdiwith the goal of ensuring the landing of troops, transported
by air, for basing aviation, or demolishing airfield structures and
destroying aircraft.
142. The composition of the airborne landing force is determined
in accordance with the goal of the airfield seizure, the enemy forces,
the nature of the defenseland the terrain adjacent to it. To seize
and hold an airfield, an airborne landing force of paratroop battalion
to paratroop regiment strength may be used. Landing forces of lesser
strength may be used for demolition of airfield structures and des-
truction of aircraft.
143. The operating method of the airborne landing force for seiz-
ing an airfield depends on the condition of its ground and antiair
defense, as well as on the degree of its neutralization prior to the
landing. Correspondingly, airfields may be seized by:
-- units (subunits) dropped (landed) directly on the airfield;
-- units (subunits) dropped (landed) at a distance from the
airfield with a subsequent approach;
-- units (subunits) dropped (landed) simultaneously both
on the airfield as well as at some distance from it.
144. When seizing an airfield, subunits for attacking objectives
at the airfield, cover subunits,and reserves are allocated; their
strength is determined in accordance with the situation.
The most important objectives when seizing an airfield are:
means of ground and antiair defense of the airfield, aircraft, control
points, communications centers, radiotechnical means, flight-technical
personnel, and ammunition and fuel dumps.
145. When reaching the decision to seize an airfield, the commanding
officer of the airborne landing force takes into consideration:
-- the nature of the defensive structures, disposition of
fire weapons, and the strength of the 'airfield garrison;
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-- the composition, disposition, and routes of possible
movement of enemy reserves which may offer resistance to the
landing force during the seizure of the airfield;
-- the size of the airfield, the number of aircraft and
their hard stand, as well as locationsof other airfield objec-
tiyes;
-- the nature of terrain adjacent to the airfield.
146. Prior to the drop (landing) of the airborne landing force,
aviation and artillery deliver strikes, at the order of the senior
commander, against antiaircraft artillery, areas of disposition of
personnel, strong points of the airfield ground defense, and enemy
reserves.
147. Subunits allocated to seize the airfield, immediately upon
landing move forward to designated objectives and quickly seize
them by an all-out attack.
When seizing airfields, assault gun subunits operate as
platoons and as individual guns in combat formations of rifle subunits.
The main attack objectives of assault guns are enemy fire means and
aircraft.
Subunits assigned for cover seize advantageous points of the
terrain along the approach routes of enemy reserves to the airfield.
148. When organizing the defense of a seized airfield, maximum use
is made of enemy defense installations Lqirca 7 words missine .
On the most probable axes of enemy apprbach?battalion defense
centers and company strong points are created.
Removal of subunits on the defensive from the airfield must
ensure the safety Of the2takecaoff-andlanding of aircraft from enemy
machin,gun.lire.
149. The commanding officer of the airborne landing force allocates
engineer and rifle subunits with the necessary means to carry out the
preliminary work to prepare the airfield for the landing of friendly
aircraft.
First, the filling-in of small shell holes, the clearing of
the runway of damaged materiel, the erecting of barriers and the mark-
ing of large shell holes, etc, are carried out.
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Further work on restoration of the airfield and its mainten-
ance in a good 1::d1,eaLr e. e::fected. by the forcesand means of engineer-
airfield unj5 (inziAcuccno- orodromnaya chast).
150 When an airfielJ is seized with the goal of destroying it,
the cc: ianding officer of the airborne landing force indicates the
order and methods for destroying (demolishing) the Objectives, areas
for the assembly of units (subunits) after the performance of tasks,
and the order of subsequent operations
At airfields, depending on the task received, control points,
means of communications, radio-technical means, enemy aircraft, runways,
and fuei and ammunition dumps are destroyed or rendered unserviceable.
In order to destroy (demolish) objectives at the airfield, in
subunits allocated for. ..L1 line missing7 destruction)Ithe composi-
tion of which includes rifle subunits (squad, platoon) and engineers
with explosive and incendiary means.
6. Seizure and Destruction of Atomic Weapons and Other Means
Of Mass Destruction
151. The seizure and destruction of atomic weapons and other enemy
means of mass destruction may be carried out by airborne landing forces
specially allocated for this purpose, and also by landing forces per-
forming other tasks in the enemy rear area. Destruction of atomic
weapons and other means of mass destruction must be envisaged in all
cases when airborne landing forces are dropped or landed.
Operational objectives of airborne landing forces may be:
-- artillery means of atomic attack, guided and free nuclear
missiles, delivery aircraft, and cruise missiles.
-- depots and bases for the assembly and storage of atomic
munitions and other means of mass destruction, fuel components
for missiles, and also launching pads (mounts) for missile
weapons;
radiotechnical means to control missile weapons.
152. The composition of an airborne landing force for seizing and
destroying atomic weapons and other means of mass destruction is deter-
mined on the basis of the nature of the objective, its defense, its
location and distance from /2 to 4 words missing7 ... and also on the
degree of enemy neutralization by supporting aviation and artillery.
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It is necessary to include specialists on dismantling (destroying)
atomic munitions in the composition of units (subunits) allocated for the
destruction of atomic weapons.
"7-1 order to achieve simultaneous or consecutive destruction of
enemy moans of atomic attack, the airborne landing force, depending on
its composition, may be assigned one or several objectives.
153. In the decision to seize and destroy enemy means of atomic at-
r,?ack,t1-e commanding officer, besides the usual questions, determines the
composition of the seizure and destruction groups, the cover groups, and
the reserves, as well as their tasks, and also the assembly points
(areas) a2ter performing the task and the order of subsequent operations.
154. Upon landing subunits, designated for seizure and destruction
of atomic armament objectives, swiftly and secretly move toward the de-
signated objectives and attack the enemy from the march. The seized
materiel of atomic artillery, launching mounts, fuel components, launch-
ing pads and atomic charges, is rendered useless or is blown up in case
there is no possibility of saving it and turning it over to friendly
troops.
Upon landing,subunits designated for cover seize advantageous
lines (points) along the possible routes of approach of enemy reserves.
After destroying the objective the subunits move to the assembly
areas (points) on their own.
The airborne landing forces effect the seizure and destruction
of atomic weapons and other means of mass destruction while being moved
(transported) by sudden actions from ambushes and by raids.
7. Seizure and Destruction of Enemy Command
Posts and Means of Control
155. Destruction of command posts, headquarters, -_,de,rn,,1 centers,
aviation and missile weapon control points, as well as of various enemy
radiotechnical means, is effected by airborne landing forces specially al-
located for this goal or by landing forces performing other combat tasks.
156. The strength and composition of airborne landing forces for
destruction of enemy command posts and means of control are determined
depending on the significance of the objectives, their defense system,
and the nature of the terrain.
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Airborne landing forces up to rifle company strength may be
small control points, signal centers, radiotechnical
and missile weapon control points.
Airborne landing forces up to battalion strength, and some-
times larger, may be assigned for destruction of large control points.
157. Indicated, when assigning a combat task to the commanding
officer of the airborne landing force, are:
-- the areas of combat operations;
-- the objectives and the sequence of their destruction
(demolition);
-- the procedure for cooperating with other landing forces
operating in the enemy rear area;
-- the methods for supporting combat operations of the
airborne landing force;
-- the procedure for materiel support when performing tasks
in the enemy rear area;
-- the nature of subsequent operations or the procedure for
joining friendly troops.
158. Seizure and destruction of enemy command posts and means of
control are organized and effected depending on their significance,
composition, disposition, security, and defense.
In his decision the commanding officer of the airborne land-
ing force determines:
-- the objectives subject to seizure and destruction;
-- the composition and the tasks of subunits allocated
for the seizure and destruction;
-- the composition of the subunits allocated for cover,
for the reserve, and their tasks;
-- the order of movement of subunits from the landing
strips to the objectives, and cooperation between them;
-- the order of movement to the assembly area (point) after
fulfilling the task, and the nature of subsequent
operations.
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troying
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Depending on the situation, in order to perform tasks of des-
enemy control points and means, the airborne landing force
either near the objectives or to the side of them.
Ih Order to achieve greater surprise, airnurnb landing force
are, as a ruLe, dropped by night or during twilight.
160. A command post is seized by a surprise simultaneous raid on
its security guard and its basic objectives from different axes. After
the landing,the subunits that participate in the raid on the command post
arrive at the designated enemy objectives in a concealed manner and
suddenly attack them. First, external communications are destroyed)
and measures are employed to separate the individual elements (objectives)
of the control point and to destroy them individually. Specially allo-
cated groups break into the :dutyec quarters in order to destroy (cap-
ture) the enemy and seize documents.
During the operation of subunits inside dugout shelters,
blindages, and other duty buildings of the headquarters, it is
necessary to leave part of the forces outside to repel a possible enemy
attack.
Silent weapons (kholodnoye oruzhiye) and grenades are used -
extensively for destruction of the enemy inside the buildings.
After performing the task the groups and subunits move to the
assembly areas (points), on their own, or at the directive of the com-
manding officer.
8.
Disruption of the Work of Enemy Rear Services
161.
Disruption of the work of enemy rear services is ainonstant
task in all types of combat operations of airborne landing forces. In
some cases, primarily in offensive operations, airborne landing forces
may be dropped (landed) with the special task of disrupting the work
of enemy rear services.
The strength and composition of airborne landing forces is
determined on the basis of the significance of objectives, the nature
of the enemy defense, and conditions of the terrain.
Combat operations of an airborne landing force for the dis-
ruption of the work of enemy rear services are characterized by high
maneuverability and extensive use of nighttime.
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162. Disruption of the work of enemy rear services is achieved by
the destruction (demolition) of the most important objectives of his
rear services, depots, materiel supply bases, railroad centers,
bridges; by damaging railroads and highways, lines of communications,
industrial enterprises, power installations, pipe lines, fuel and
lubricant dumps and other objects, as well as by disrupting the move-
ment of traffic along enemy communications routes.
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163. When reaching a decision to seize and destroy rear services inptal-
latijart-c.*)13e commanding officer of the airborne landing force takesc,
into account the nature of the significance of each objective, the or-
ganization and composition of the security guard (defense), the loca-
tion of the objective on the terrain, and the availability of concealed
routes to approach it.
When organizing an attack, subunits are usually allocated to
seize (destroy and demolish) the objective, the order of their approach
from the landing strips and operating methods are established. The
procedure for destroying external communications and for isolating the
garrison of the objective are determined and areas (points) of assem-
bly after performance of the task are designated.
The composition of the units assigned for destruction and
demolition includes engineers with explosive and incendiary means.
164. Depots with explosives or ammunition are usually blown up.
Depots with chemical, engineer, quartermaster and various technical
materiel, fuel and lubricants are destroyed by burning or by damag-
ing the seized materiel.
A seized depot is blown up or burned at the signal of the
commanding officer of the airborne landing force after the subunits
are removed to a safe distance or into a shelter.
165. Disruption of the work of a railroad center (station) is
achieved by destroying its most vital objectives.
Destroyed first are:
-- the entry and exit switches, frogs, and rails adjacent
to them;
-- the railroad bridges, viaducts, drain pipes, and tunnels;
-- the communication, control and signalling equipment;
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-- the power networks and electric substations;
-- the water pumping station, the water tower and traveling
hydraulic cranes.
In order to put a railroad station out of commission for a longer
period of time, simultaneously with destruction of its main objectives,
its service structures and tracks are mined with delayed-action mines.
Depots and rolling stock, depending on the eqUipment found in them,are
either blown up or burned.
166. War industry enterprises and power installations are put out of
commission by means of destroying or damaging power plants, basic mechan-
isms, and other vitally important units.
Destruction of pipelines is achieved by first of all destroy-
ing the pumping and distributing stations, and by damaging the pipes
of the main lines.
167. On super highways and surfaced roads, bridges, drain pipes,
gasoline reservoirs, fueling points, stations, repair shops, lines and
means of communications, and other structures are demolished. Sectors
of surfaced roads subject to destruction must be selected in narrow
spots that hinder their repair and detour.
In order to disrupt enemy traffic along the roads, units and
subunits of the airborne landing force must set up ambushes and carry
out raids against his troops and transport: as well as to preclude
the repair of damaged sections of the roads.
9. The Maneuver of the Airborne Landing Force in
the Enemy Rear Area
168. The maneuver of an airborne landing force (its units and sub-
units) in the enemy rear area is usually carried out with the goal of:
-- performing new tasks that arose in the course of conduct-
ing combat operations;
-- leading troops out from under an enemy strikejor forced
quitting of an occupied area;
-- joining troops operating from the front.
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A maneuver for performing new tasks is effected ?.5 or 6
words missine depending on the situation, at the decision of the
commanding officer of the airborne landing force.
Leading of subunits and units of an airborne landing force
out from under an enemy strike is employed in those cases when it is
necessary to avoid losses from atomic weapons and other means of mass
destruction, or to lead friendly troops out from under the strike of
superior enemy forces and to abruptly change a situation that has be-
come unfavorable for the airborne landing force.
The maneuver for joining troops operating from the front iS
effected when there is no possibility of the latter reaching the com-
bat operations area of the airborne landing force. It is carried out
at the order of the senior commander, who determines the time and the
axis of the movement, and also organizes its support by aviation and
artillery.
The maneuver, depending on the situation, the combat task,
and the composition of the airborne landing force, may be carried out
by all the forces of the airborne landing force or by part of the
forces.
169. The maneuver must be executed rapidly, secretly, as a sur-
prise to the enemy and, as a rule, at night and in conditions of
limited visibility. It may be carried out in conditions of contact
with the enemy, or without it. In case of contact with the enemy,
the maneuver begins by the disengagement of troops from combat.
Withdrawal from combat is carried out under the cover of
specially allocated units (subunits) which remain in the positions
that they occupy for the length of time designated by the commander
of the airborne landing force.
170. The grouping of forces and means when carrying out a man-
euver must ensure independence of units and subunits in case of an
encounter with the enemy while on the move.
The movement is, as a rule, carried out along several routes,
by-passing large road junctions and inhabited localities, making use
of natural terrain features and natural cover.
In order to speed up the movement, all types of available
transport are used, including that seized on enemy territory, and
also, when possible, airplanes and helicopters, especially for rapid
transfer of leading detachments and subunits allocated for reconnais-
sance and security guard.
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171. When organizing a maneuver the commanding officer of an air-
borne landing force determines:
-- the grouping of forces and means to execute the maneuver;
-- the composition and tasks of the reconnaissance detachment
(separate reconnaissance patrols) and subunits allocated for
security guard and cover;
? the tasks of units and subunits, routes of movement, lines
of deployment, and time of arrival at the designated area;
-- measures to protect troops from weapons of mass destruction.
Besides, the commanding officer indicates the procedure for
mutual cooperation of troops in case of deployment and in combat when
encountering the enemy, and also issues instructions concerning the
comprehensive support of the maneuver and the organization of control
and communications.
172. By the start -Of the maneuver ,reconnaiasance must,establith:the
location, strength, and_makeup aU_Ileenemy grouping and the nature of
his operations on the axis that the airborne landing force is moving On.
When carrying out a maneuver, subunits and units organize
security guard and protection from the front, the flanks, and the rear
area.
The composition of the security guard depends on the nature of
enemy operations, the adapted procedure for movement and conditions of
the terrain.
173. Sapper subunits conduct engineer reconnaissance of roads,
crossings, bridges, and gorges in the zone of movement, ensure the
passage of troops over sections of roads and terrain that are diffi-
cult of passage, organize water crossings, install obstacles, and
carry out demolition along the routes of enemy movement, especially
on the flanks.
174. When carrying out a maneuver the commanding officer and the
staff of the airborne landing force proceed with the main forces.
Moreover, special attention is given to ensuring communications with
subunits assigned to reconnaissance, security guard, and cover.
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Chapter Six
SEECIAL EEATURES OF EMPLOYING AIRBORNE
LANDING FORCES DURING THE WINTER,
IN MOUNTAINS, AND IN DESERTS (PLAINS)
1. Employment of Airborne Landing Forces During the Winter
175. When preparing troops for an airborne operation and combat
operations during the winter, besides the usual measures, the follow-
ing ateenvisaged:
providing the entire cOmpleM0A;with special warm
clothing;
-- preparing heated shelters for the warming up of personnel
and shelters for equipment in the airborne operation departure
area;
-- measures to protect personnel from frostbite;
-- providing units and subunits with special camouflage means
and the painting of combat equipment to match the color of the
terrain;
-- providing armored , and tractor equipment with means
of increased cross?country ability and heating (insulation);
-- measures to maintain constant combat readiness of arma-
ment, combat equipment, and .../2 to 6 words missing7.
-- providing units (subunits) with skis and ski mounts for
transporting armament and munitions.
176. Deep snow cover hampers assembly of personnel, combat equip-
ment and cargo; therefore, the airborne operations of artillery sub-
units must be effected near roads or directly in the areas of their
fire positions.
Upon landing, rifle subunits usually put on skis, assume combat
formations while moving, and with a swift attack seize the designated
enemy objectives.
Support of the attack by rifle subunits is effected by the fire
of mortars, recoilless weapons, and assault guns operating in the combat
formations of advancing subunits, as well as by the fire of artillery as
it assumes readiness after the landing.
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Long winter nights, snowfalls, snow storms, and fogs should be
exploited for aggressive operations with extensive use of deep and close
envelopment and diversionary-reconnaissance operations.
177. Eli the defense of an airborne landing force, wide-scale use
is made of obstacles that are difficult for enemy infantry and tank's
to surmount (deep snow, ravines, steep banks of water barriers). The
defense is organized on the basis of holding the points that intercept
roads and tank-threatened axes.
A large part of the artillery is located as close to the roads
as possible, making wide-scale use of fire maneuver.
During engineer preparation of the terrain, trenches and fire
positions, that are thoroughly camouflaged, are dug in the snow/and
also buildings and other structures are prepared for the defense.
2. The Employment of Airborne Landing Forces in Mountains
178. In mountains, airborne landing forces are employed primarily
for seizing and holding important mountain passes, defiles (gorges),
commanding heights, and other tactically important areas (points) in
the enemy rear area, with the goal of assisting the troops advancing
from the front in their rapid surmounting, and also to deny the ap-
proach (withdrawal) of the enemy through them.
Subunits of the airborne landing force, when operating in
mountains, must be capable of performing combat tasks independently
for a prolonged period of time. For this purpose they are reinforced
by sappers and artillery and are provided with additional stocks of
materiel means.
Besides, units (subunits)_ designated for the seizure of moun-
tain passes and defiles are usually provided with special mountain
equipment and clothing.
179. The drop (landing) of an airborne landing force in the moun-
tains is_effedted on .6, limited number of, drop zones. Gentle mountain
slopes, mountain .plateaus, valleys,and in winter conditions also
frozen lakes, may be used as landing strips.
When the drop zones are below the area of combat operations,
heavy cargoes may be dropped directly into the area being seized,
after the landing force subunits have entered it.
In mountains, landing forces landed by helicopters will be
employed extensively.
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180. The landing of an airborne landing force to seize a mountain
pass (defile) is effected directly on it or in areas adjacent to it.
After landing, subunits (units) quickly bring themselves into
combat readiness and without delay seize designated commanding heights
in the area of the mountain pass (defile).
181. Defense in the mountains is organized on the basis of holding
the commanding heights adjacent to mountain passes and defiles,,tnd the
approaches to them,by means of creating a system of strong points,
setting up obstacles and carrying out demOlition along the routes of
possible enemy movement.
When organizing defense it is necessary to have the flanks of
the units (subunits) of the airborne landing force rest against sectors
of mountainous terrain that are difficult of access. Intervals between
strong points are protected by obstacles and, in addition)during the
night combat outposts are set up and ambushes are created. In addition,
ambushes are widely employed in narrow places, along the routes of
enemy movement.
182. Helicopters may be widely employed in the course of combat
operations for maneuvering of individual subunits to important axes,
for communications between isolated areas for supplying landing force
units and subunits with materiel means and for the evacuation of the
wounded.
183. Use of artillery during combat operations in the mountains
depends on the possibility of its landing and deployment in the area
of combat operations.
As a rule, artillery subunits are landedldirettlyin the areas
of designated fire positions.
Advancing units (subunits) are supported mainly by the fire
of weapons allocated for fire .by direct?laying and by mortar fire.
In defense a large part of the artillery is located in the
combat formations of rifle subunits.
When organizing the artillery fire system, special attention*
is allocated to flanking and cross?fire in front of the forWard_
and in the intervals between centers of resistance (strong
points), and to covering entrances and exits of defiles and gorges.
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With this goal,part of the platoons (weapons) are placed on
peaks of commanding heights and on slopes facing the enemy.
3. Employing Airborne Landing Forces in Deserts (Plains)
184. In deserts and plains, airborne landing forces may be employed
both to perform ordinary tasks as well as to seize, hold or destroy
wells, water reservoirs and oases, and also hydrotechnical structures.
The flat terrain in deserts and plains permits extensive use
of both parachute landings and aircraft landings.
185. The airborne landing force personnel designated for combat
operations in deserts and plains must be able to:
-- set up artificial orienting points for target designation;
^ strictly observe water discipline;
? prevent sunburns, heat and sun strokes, and give medical
first aid to the stricken;
-- find sources of water by local indicators.
186. It is most expedient to carry out the landing operation and
the seizure of objectives in deserts and plains at night.
Nighttime is widely used for maneuver, regrouping of troops,
and also for supplying materiel means and for the evacuation of the
wounded. In order to facilitate orientation at night troopsmove
on roads and paths.
187. When organizing and conducting defense, special attention
must be devoted to all-around observation, reliable support of flanks
and gaps by fire, and the organization of maneuver by antitank means.
It is necessary to take into account covering of gaps between
the centers of resistance and the strong points of subunits when locat-
ing reserves. Supplies of ammunition, water, and food are created
in the subunits.
Reconnaissance is organized and conducted on a broad front
and to a great depth.
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188. During operations in deserts and plains a large part
of the artillery is attached to the rifle subunits. Strong
antitank reserves are created in units and large units.
All artillery is readied for maneuver to the
threatened axes.
189. The flat nature of the terrain, lack of natural
camouflage, and looseness of the ground, increase, to a con-
siderable degree, the volume of engineer work, and require
additional support of the troops with the necessary amount
of camouflage means.
The problems of engineer support of defense in
deserts and plains, besides the usual one, are:
-- reconnaissance for and the obtaining of under-
ground water, and distilling of salt water;
-- preparation and marking of routes for maneuver;
-- setting up of additional orientation points;
-- reinforcement of trench slopes, connecting trenches,
other structures and their protection from drifting sand.
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Chapter Seven
SPECIAL IlEATURES OF EMPLOYING TACTICAL AIRBORNE LANDING
FORCES LANDED BY BELICOPTERS
190. Tactical airborne landing forces landed by helicopters
are employed to assist advancing troops in the simultaneous break
up of the enemy defense over its entire depth, to ensure high
tempos of the offensive, for rapid surmounting of large areas
of radioactive contamination, and also to support the landing
of amphibious forces.
Tactical airborne landing forces, when breaking
through enemy defense, can perform the following tasks:
-- prevent the enemy from closing gaps formed as
a result of atomic strikes;
-- seize and hold important sectors, commanding
heights, and other objectives in the depth of the enemy
defense until the arrival of the advancing troops;
-- deliver strikes against the enemy in the direction
of advancing friendly troops;
-- seize and hold important objectives along the route
of enemy withdrawal (road junctions, gorges, individual
sectors at intermediate defense lines, bridgeheads, crossings
and bridges over water barriers, mountain defiles, pases,
and various narrow spots);
-- destroy control points, radar posts, and signal
centers;
-- disrupt the work of the enemy rear services.
In addition, tactical airborne landing forces can fore-
stall the enemy seizure and advantageous lines (objectives) in a
meeting engagement and hold them until the arrival of the main
forces of the advancing large units.
In some cases tactical airborne landing forces are
employed for the seizure and destruction of enemy weapons of
mass destruction and their means of delivery.
Usually motorized rifle subunits (units) of advancing
large units, and in some cases subunits (units) of airborne troops,
are used as tactical airborne landing forces. As a rule, in the
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tactical depth of the enemy defense, motorized-rifle subunits
are used as airborne landing forces.
191. Tactical airborne landing forces are usually employed
at the decision of the army commander or corps (division)
commanding officer who has the necessary number of helicopters
placed at his disposal.
During the landing of a tactical airborne landing force with
employment of atomic weapons against the airborne operation areas
or areas adjacent to them, the take-off of helicopters must begin
after the shock wave of the atomic burst has passed.
192. The airborne operation departure area is selected in
locations concealed from enemy observation.
The airborne landing force moves to the landing strips
immediately prior to the boarding and loading of the heli-
copters. Helicopters are called in with the calculation that
they be located on the landing strips only long enough to
refuel and have the landing force board them.
Personnel and combat materiel are distributed among the
helicopters in accordance with the decision of the airborne
landing force commanding officer and the plan of forthcoming
operations after the landing.
193. The time of the landing of the airborne landing force
depends on the reliability of neutralization and destruction of
the enemy in the flight path and in the airborne operation area,
the capability of the landing force to conduct combat operations
independently until it joins the troops advancing from the front,
and also on the weather conditions. It is advantageous to carry
out the landing of the landing force in a sector against which
atomic weapons have been employed as soon as possible after the
moment of the atomic strike.
In breaching the enemy defense, a landing force usually
lands at the initiation of the attack against the forward edge.
194. The flight path to the airborne operation area is
selected with consideration for the terrain, the nature of the
enemy defense, and the degree of its contemplated neutralization.
It is plotted along landmarks that are easily visible from the
air, and over enemy dispositions it is also marked to smoke
shells (mortar shells) and other means.
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195. The artillery of the army and corps (division) performs
the following tasks with the goal of supporting the flight, landing,
and combat operations of the airborne landing force:
-- neutralizes (destroys) and blinds enemy fire means
in the flight zone and in sectors adjacent to this zone;
-- neutralizes (destroys) enemy personnel and fire
means in the airborne operations area, and also his reserves
located close to that area;
-- supports combat operations of the airborne landing
force by fire.
The artillery fire is conducted in such a manner as to
avoid striking the helicopters.
For this purpose a definite order for conducting fire
and signals for lifting and renewing fire, while the helicopters
pass, is established.
For direct support of combat operations of the landing
force, artillery is assigned from the composition of army (corps)
and divisional artillery groups.
196. Aviation delivers strikes prior to and during the landing
against the nearest enemy reserves and also against his antiaircraft
artillery batteries.
Fighter aviation in accordance with the plan of the
front (army) headquarters covers the landing in the airborne
operation departure area, along the flight path, and in the area
of the airborne operation and of combat operations.
197. When organizing cooperation between the landing force,
the troops advancing from the front, and aviation allocated for
support of the landing force, the following are determined:
-- the objectives against which (one word missing :7
delivers a strike in the airborne operation area, and the
procedure for delivering the strike;
-- the operations of the airborne landing force after
the landing;
-- the flight path of helicopters, their altitude and
duration of their flight over the combat formations of
friendly and enemy troops, and coordinating.signals between
artillery and aviation;
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-- the procedure for covering helicopters during their
flight for the airborne operation and back;
-- the installations of the enemy defense which are
neutralized (destroyed) by artillery and aviation in the
flight path of helicopters, in the airborne operation area
and in areas adjacent to it, and the procedure for calling
for andatftlng fire;
-- the axes of operations of forward detachments and
units of the advancing troops, the estimated time of
departure and the procedure for conducting fire when
approaching the combat operations area of the airborne
landing force;
-- the procedure for employing smoke to screen enemy
observation and strong points, and the blinding of his fire
means in the course of the airborne operation and the combat
operations;
-- the mutual recognition signals and the procedure
for maintaining communications.
For timely calling and adjustment of artillery fire
and for delivery of strikes by aviation, the commanding officer
of the landing force must have with him, officers with means of
communications, from the artillery subunits and aviation units
designated for the support of the landing force.
198. Helicopters fly to the airborne operation area in combat
formation which ensures the simultaneous landing of the landing
force subunits (-one line missing].
During the flight and the landing, the rocket launchers
and machine guns of the helicopters conduct fire against the enemy,
and primarily against his antiaircraft means.
In case the enemy opens fire against the landing force
while the helicopters are landing, the fire means of the helicopters
support the landing and the deployment of the airborne landing Eorce
for combat operations.
199. The commanding officer of the airborne landing force
and the commanding officers of subunits, after disembarking from
the helicopters, must spellout the reconnaissance and security
guard tasks, take energetic measures for the rapid assembly of
personnel, armament, combat equipment, and cargoes, and for
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bringing them to combat readiness. Combat tasks are elaborated on
the terrain during the course of moving toward the designated ob-
jectives of the attack.
Upon landing, the airborne landing force subunits carry
out assembly and deploy into combat formation at once. They boldly
exploit breaks and gaps in the enemy combat formation, and by
attacking his flanks and his rear area, destroy him. After being
unloaded, artillery andmmortar subunits attached to the rifle com-
panies are moved into the combat formations of the rifle subunits
and support the seizure of objectives.
The artillery of the troops advancing from the front
supports the combat operations of the landing force, neutralizes
enemy reserves, and ensures the consolidation of captured lines.
Aviation neutralizes (destroys) enemy reserves, especially
tanks, hinders their approach to the landing area of the landing
force, neutralizes artillery and covers the landing from enemy air
strikes.
When landing in the zone of an atomic burst the airborne
landing force subunits may enter into combat with the approaching
enemy in the course of their advance. In this case the commanding
officer of the airborne landing force must forestall the enemy in
oCcupying advantageous lines and prevent the enemy from closing the
gap formed as the result of the atomic strike.
200. Operations of the airborne landing force having the
goal of preventing the enemy from closing a gap that was formed
as the result of an atomic strike must be bold and decisive. Sub-
units of the landing force, exploiting the results of the atomic
strike, swiftly seize the designated lines (objectives) from the
march and organize their defense.
When organizing defense, remaining enemy defense
structures are used first, and local features are adapted for
defense. Special attention must be devoted to the organization of
a system of fire, especially antitank fire.
201. When advancing toward friendly troops with the goal of
assisting them in breaking through the defense or forcing a water
barrier, the airborne landing force must act swiftly, boldly and
decisively, delivering strikes against the enemy flank and rear area.
The axis of the main efforts of the airborne landing force must en-
sure the swiftest joining of the troops advancing from the front,
at least in a narrow sector.
With the arrival of troops advancing from the front, the
landing force operates at the direction of the senior commander.
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Chapter Eight
MATERIEL, TECHNICAL, AND MEDICAL SUPPORT
202. Materiel, technical and medical support of airborne
landing force large units and unit t is organided by order of the
commander who is employing the aibborne landing force. Their supply
is carried out: when preparing for an airborne thperation--from the
nearest front (army) or central depots; in the course of combat
operations--from depots deployed in the area of materiel support
airfields (aerodrom materialnogo obespecheniya).
203. The expenditure quotas of munitions and other materiel
means are established by the senior commander. A rigid rate of
expenditure of all types of materiel means, and first of all
munitions, is determined. All commanding officers must take
measures for economical expenditure of munitions and for the maxi-
mum use of captured combat equipment, munitions, goods and materiel
means.
The supply of materiel means required by the airborne
landing force to perform a combat task must, as a rule, be landed
directly with it. Besides, in order to replace losses suffered
during the airborne operation and also to supply...
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