CUBAN GROUND FORCES TRAINING

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• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP91T01115R000100060002-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 26
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 2, 2012
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: February 1, 1984
• Content Type: REPORT

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Directorate of Secret
Intelligence
Cuban Ground Forces
Training (u)
An Imagery Research Paper
Secret
!A 84-10008C
February 1984
Copy
15
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Warning Notice Intelligence Sources
or Methods Involved
(WNINTEL)
National Security Unauthorized Disclosure
Information Subject to Criminal Sanctions
Dissemination Control
Abbreviations
NOFORN (NF)
NOCONTRACT (NC)
PROPIN (PR)
ORCON (OC)
REL...
FGI
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Derived from IPM
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?;aiE "`E+r Directorate of Secret
Intelligence
%_ 25X1
Cuban Ground Forces
Training (U)
An Imagery Research Paper
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Summary
Cuban Ground Forces
Training (U)
Analysis of photography shows that the Cubans are continuing to up-
grade the training of their ground forces, and the Cuban Army is better
prepared for combat now than at any time in its history. The Cubans
have the best trained Army in Central America and the Caribbean, due
in part to substantial improvements made to training facilities and
training programs since 1979, and to the thousands of Cuban troops
who have served in Ethiopia and Angola, thus giving the Army a
trained and experienced reserve manpower base nonexistent prior to the
1975 intervention in Angola.
Evidence of these improvements was noted in the following areas:
? Cuban units have been using the combined-arms training ranges more
often and on a larger scale in recent years, and are training at all
levels, from platoon through division.
? The large-scale exercises observed in Cuba since 1979 have been com-
bined-arms exercises, emphasizing the simultaneous use of tank,
mechanized infantry, artillery, engineering, airborne and, with the ex-
ception of their SA-6 surface-to-air missiles, self-propelled air defense
assets.
? Much of the newer equipment in the Cuban Army is seen regularly in
combined-arms training exercises. Such usage integrates the new
equipment into the maneuver units through realistic exercises.
? Three new live-fire ranges have been built since 1979. Although the
size of the Army has not changed since then, the increase from 11 to
14 ranges allows more units to train simultaneously while decreasing
the distances some units must travel to reach a live-fire range.
Despite these improvements, the Cuban Army's training program still
has the following shortcomings:
? Helicopters have not yet been integrated into the training. Cuba has
had an attack helicopter regiment of Hind Ds and Hip Fs for 18
months, and a second regiment is now forming; however, helicopters
have not been observed participating in combined-arms exercises.
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? Cuba's SA-6 SAM regiment, a ground force divisional asset that has
been in-country for 18 months, has yet to be integrated into a com-
bined-arms exercise.
This information is Secret
Secret iv
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Summary
iii
Basic Training
1
Tank Personnel Training
3
Infantry Personnel Training
3
Artillery Personnel Training
4
Chemical Defense Personnel Training
4
Engineer and Transport Personnel Training
4
Advanced Training
4
Garrison Training
5
Live-Fire Training
5
Army-Level Combined-Arms Training
5
National-Level Training
5
Reserve Personnel Training
5
Frequency of Training
5
Complexity of Training
6
Training for Overseas Deployment
6
Soviet Role in Cuban Training
10
Shortcomings in Training
10
Training Developments and Trends
11
Range Construction
11
Military School Construction
13
Equipment Integration
13
Prospects
14
Appendix
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Qperpt
Cuban Ground Forces
Training (U)
Basic Training
all Cuban males must register225X1
This photography provided suffi-
cient coverage for us to determine training activity
levels at all of the garrison training areas in Cuba's
nine regular army divisions, and at 11 specialized
(reserve, army-level, and live-fire) training areas.
Less comprehensive coverage of the 15 other
specialized training areas considerably lowered our
knowledge of training at these locations. (sF
Training areas were analyzed to determine what
types of conventional ground force training they
support, on what scale, and at what times of the
year. The appendix to this report provides a de-
scription of training areas which were examined in
this study, and figure 1 shows their locations along
with those of the Ground Forces Schools. The
training of Cuban troops stationed overseas is not
discussed; nor does this paper include the training
of foreigners in Cuba.' (s
for the draft at 16 years of age. They normally en-
ter service at 17, and either serve on active duty for
three years or go directly into reserve units. [Refer-
ences 1-3] Induction occurs twice yearly, in Januar325X1
and July. [4] (s ~~ 25X1
tryman to three months for a tank trainee. [2]
Basic training for all combat troops is standard and
includes marksmanship, drill and ceremonies, threat
education, political education, and limited chemi-
cal/biological warfare defense. The duration of the
basic training cycle depends on which arm of the 25X1
service a draftee serves in. Normally, basic training25X1
ranges from 45 days for a nonmechanized infan-
Basic training for service-support personnel varies
from no training at all to 45 days. [5,6] Apparently,
civilian experience is considered before placing a
draftee in a service-support unit. (CF__1 25X1
Although there is a large Soviet Military Advisory
Group in Cuba, we found no evidence on photo-
graphy that they are involved in the basic training
of Cuban troops, and we are unaware of evidence
from any other sources. (S 25X1
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For information on Cuban Special Troops, which train foreigners in
Cuba, see IA 82-10130, Cuban Airborne Forces, November 1982. (S NF)
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Tank Personnel Training
Basic and advanced basic training for tank person-
nel are conducted in two tank training regiments.
One is Military Unit Number (MUN) 3075 Train-
ing Regiment at La Charca (figure 2). The second
is MUN 2058 Tank School at Cantel. Both of these
units maintain large tracked-vehicle driver training
areas and tank firing ranges, and high levels of
training activity have been observed at both loca-
tions.
Tank unit draftees report directly to one of the
training regiments for a three-month individual ba-
sic training period. A three-month advanced basic
training period, consisting of live-fire and small-
the culmination of the six months of training is a
regimental level field training exercise at one of the
major combined-arms training areas. [8] Because of
the frequency and duration of training observed at
Two mechanized infantry divisions, MUN 1973 at
Sabana and MUN 1410 at Cardenas, have collo-
cated driver training areas and assault and live-fire
ranges. These units, which are frequently observed
the tank training regiments, personnel serving in
tank units appear to be the most thoroughly train-
ed soldiers in the Cuban Army. (s(( 25X1
Infantry Personnel Training
Although the mechanized infantry battalion is the
primary maneuver element in the Cuban Army, no
large infantry or mechanized infantry schools have
been identified on photography. (MUN 3075 at La
Charca does have a mechanized infantry training 25X1
battalion; however, a single battalion is of insuffi-
cient size to support national mechanized infantry 25X1
training requirements.) 25X1
infantry draftees are trained by the NCOs 'ani25X1
officers in the units to which they are permanently
assigned, and they receive only 45 days of training
in individual basic skills and political indoctrina-
tion. [3] (s 25X1:1
[7]
Secret
SC 628399/84
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using the training ranges, probably have skills supe-
rior to the other five mechanized infantry divisions,
which lack ranges. Units of these five other divi-
sions must travel up to 40 kilometers to conduct
range training. Some units apparently undergo no
combined-arms training. One battalion each from
MUN 3234 and MUN 1270 Mechanized Infantry
Divisions in the Havana area are equipped with
SU-100 assault guns, but these weapons have not
been seen at the Western Army's combined-arms
training area since August 1980. (s
The levels of training activity observed at the Cu-
ban mechanized infantry units indicate an uneven
level of combat capability in mechanized units. The
capability of mechanized units appears to be lower
overall than that of the tank units. (S NF)
Artillery Personnel Training
One artillery training regiment and three artillery
training battalions have been identified on photog-
raphy. These artillery units have been identified as
training units because they have a mix of weapons
types, whereas each of Cuba's line artillery battal-
ions is equipped with a single type of weapon.
One apparent mission of the artillery training regi-
ment, which is located at Matanzas, is to train
draftees assigned to the independent artillery bri-
gades, as the regiment possesses several 130-mm M-
46 artillery pieces. The M-46 is unique to Cuban
independent artillery brigades. The three artillery
training battalions-one in each army-each have a
variety of smaller caliber weapons. These units ap-
parently train draftees assigned to regular army di-
visions. (S
basic training of artillery personnel lasts 45
days and consists of standard drill and marksman-
ship training, and political indoctrination. [9] Be-
cause very few garrison areas have artillery firing
ranges, most artillery units must travel up to 50 kil-
ometers for live-fire weapons training. The logisti-
cal problems of moving an entire artillery unit to a
live-fire training area limit the number of exercises
in which the units can participate. These limitations
probably have a negative effect on the overall com-
bat capability of Cuban artillery units. (S
Engineer and Transport Personnel Training
No engineer or transport training unit has been
identified on photography, or through other
sources. It is likely, however, that draftees with re-
lated civilian experience are assigned to such units.
the length of basic
training varies from none to 45 days. [6] We believe
that the length of the training which a draftee un-
dergoes depends on his civilian experience. Trans-
portation and combat engineer equipment are regu-
larly observed on photography of combined-arms
ranges during major field training exercises. The
presence of this equipment indicates that these units
are fully integrated into the advanced training cy-
cle. (s
Advanced Training
After completing basic and advanced basic training,
Cuban Army personnel are integrated into their as-
signed units. Advanced training continues within
the unit and in conjunction with other units, and is
conducted at four types of training facilities. Indi-
vidual training continues in the garrison training
area and includes physical and small-arms training.
Weapons qualification and platoon-level tactics and
firing exercises take place at live-fire ranges. Ad-
vanced weapons qualification and unit training
from the platoon- through division-level is con-
ducted at army-level combined-arms ranges. Final-
ly, large-scale, multi-battalion exercises take place
at Cuba's national-level combined-arms range. (s
NF)
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Garrison Training
Most garrisons have obstacle courses, physical
training areas, running tracks, and baseball fields.
Small-arms and grenade ranges, assault courses,
subcaliber ranges, and driver training areas are also
common, especially in newer divisional garrisons.
The only garrisons that have tank and mechanized
infantry live-fire ranges, however, are the two new
divisional areas at Cardenas and Sabana and the
two tank training regiments at La Charca and Can-
tel. Two other divisional areas, San Jose de Las La-
jas and Holguin, have live-fire ranges available
within a few kilometers; however, these ranges may
not be associated exclusively with these units. (S
Live-Fire Training
Live-fire ranges are used by tank, mechanized in-
fantry, and artillery units for weapons training,
weapons qualification, and platoon-level assault
and firing tactics training. There are six live-fire
ranges in the Western Army, three in the Central
Army, four in the Eastern Army, and one on the
Isle of Youth. Two of the ranges in the Western
Army are used heavily; all the others are used infre-
quently. All live-fire ranges are well-maintained.
Army-Level Combined-Arms Training
Each of the three Cuban armies has a combined-
arms training area.' All three training areas have
tank and APC firing ranges, as well as large ma-
neuver areas. San Pedro in the Western Army and
Puerto Padre in the Eastern Army each have from
30 to 35 tanks stored at the range which are used
by reservists during their annual 45-day training pe-
riods. Corralillo in the Central Army has no tanks.
Training has been observed from the platoon level
up through the regimental level at all three ranges,
and through the division level at San Pedro. San
Pedro serves the largest of the three armies and is
the most active training range; photography shows
that it is in use more than 330 days each year.
'A fourth military area in Cuba is the Isle of Youth. It is much smaller
than the three Armies, and it has only minor units and small training
ranges. Details on the Isle of Youth training areas are contained in the
appendix. (S F__1
Puerto Padre and Corralillo are in use much less,
probably because the armies in which they are lo-
cated are much smaller than the Western Army.
National-Level Training
Cuba's only national-level training area is at Cama-
guey in eastern Cuba. Used as a ground force ma-
neuver area, it consists of a combined-arms training
range and a bombing range. Cuban aircraft deploy
annually to nearby Ignacio Agramonte Airfield to
use the bombing range at Camaguey, possibly in
conjunction with army maneuvers. There are no
tank or APC firing ranges, and no training units
are permanently stationed at this training area. 25X1
Units from as far away as Havana, including the
BMP-equipped regiment from Santiago de Las Ve-
gas Military Camp Number I and an airborne unit
from Playa Baracoa Airfield, have been observed
on imagery at Camaguey. Such observations con-
firm the Camaguey area's national-level training
role. (s
Reserve Personnel Training
Reserve units are reportedly manned by draft-eligi-
ble personnel not called to active duty, and those
who have fulfilled their three-year active duty re- 25X1
quirement. [4] reserv- 25X1
ists train 45 days a year at a combined-arms range,
and use equipment permanently stationed at the
ranges. [3] T-34 and T-54 tanks are permanently
stationed at the San Pedro and Puerto Padre train-
ing areas-there are no APCs or field artillery
pieces-and personnel observed using these tanks
probably were from reserve units, because regular
army units bring all of their own equipment. Re-
serve and regular arm units also train separately
on these ranges. (s
Frequency of Training
For a large maneuver unit such as a regiment or a
division to be effective, it is essential that all the
subunits be well trained, and evidence indicates that
the Cuban Army emphasizes training at all unit lev-
els. Considerable training is conducted in the garri-
son training areas. The activity normally observed
at this level includes driver training, subcaliber
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weapons training, and maintenance. Extensive
physical training is not regularly observed, because
the photographic coverage occurs several hours af-
ter the early morning physical training period.
However, the condition of the physical training ar-
eas at most regular army garrisons indicates that
1979 have been combined-arms exercises (figure 4).
This training emphasizes the simultaneous and co-
ordinated use of tank, mechanized infantry, artil-
lery, air defense, and engineering assets. Other ex-
amples of the increasing complexity and sophistica-
tion of Cuban combined-arms training include:
they are in regular use. (s
Live-fire training is an important element of train-
ing, and is conducted throughout the year. The
ranges are often vacant for several months at a
time, however, with the heaviest periods of live-fire
training apparently in May and June, and October
through December, just before new draftees are
called up. (s F__1
An essential phase of training is the multi-battalion
combined-arms exercises, conducted at the na-
tional-level training area or at the three army-level
ranges (figure 3). Training at this level is more pro-
tracted but less frequent. Units spend anywhere
from two weeks to two months at a combined-arms
range during these exercises. (s F___]
Cuban units are apparently participating in more
combined-arms training this year than previously,
judging from the increased level of training ob-
served at the San Pedro army-level combined-arms
range in the Western Army. San Pedro was not
used during parts of January, April and July 1982,
but during the first seven months of 1983 this range
was used continuously, excepting a one-week period
at the beginning of February. There is no evidence
to indicate that the Western Army has undergone
any expansion during the last two years; therefore,
we believe the additional range use reflects an in-
creased amount of training. Similar increases may
have occurred in the Central and Eastern Armies,
but there was insufficient photographic coverage of
their level ranges to confirm this. (s7
Complexity of Training
? The use of airborne units in field training exer-
cises, observed on at least three occasions.
? The integration of self-propelled air defense artil-
lery assets into combat exercises, first seen in Oc-
tober 1979.
? The use of mock battles between Cuban units in
a maneuver area, which was first observed in
January 1980 (figure 5). (SF__1
Training For Overseas Deployment
There is some photographic evidence that reserve
units called to active duty for assignment overseas
undergo a period of training at one of the three
army-level combined-arms ranges prior to their de-
parture. Identification of these units is possible be-
cause their organization, and some types of equip-
ment they possess, differ from other units in Cuba.
For example:
? Tank battalions in Cuba have 22 tanks, but tank
battalions serving with the Cuban brigades in
Ethiopia have 31 tanks. Battalions of 31 tanks
each have been observed at least twice at San Pe-
dro, in January and December 1980, and once
each at Corralillo, in December 1982, and Puerto
Padre, in January 1981. This evidence suggests
that these units were training in preparation for
deployment to Ethiopia.
? The standard artillery weapon for Cuban units in
Africa is the D-30 howitzer, but no D-30s have
been identified at any Cuban garrisons in Cuba.
They have, however, been identified once at San
Pedro, suggesting that artillery reservists were be-
In order for a combat unit to be effective on the
battlefield, all available combat and combat sup-
port assets must be integrated into an efficient unit.
Most large-scale exercises observed in Cuba since
ing trained for overseas duty. (S
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The experience gained from overseas duty in a
combat zone, especially in Angola, is also a form of
training that probably has upgraded the overall ca-
pability of the Cuban Army. As more reservists ro-
tate through the overseas duty cycle, the combat-
experienced manpower pool available to the regular
army in a national emergency will continue to in-
crease. (S F_~
Soviet Role in Cuban Training
Soviet influence on Cuban training practices is evi-
dent in the types of training facilities used, from the
style of obstacle courses to the type of live-fire
ranges. Furthermore, photography of training exer-
cises shows that the Cuban Army closely adheres to
Soviet tactical doctrine emphasizing frontal attacks,
breakthrough, and pursuit operations. (s
The presence of a 2,500-man Soviet Military Advi-
sory Group (MAG) in Cuba suggests that the
MAG is involved in some phases of Cuban train-
ing.' There is, however, no photo-derived evidence
that Soviet brigade elements train Cuban soldiers.
Although analysis of photography confirms that
Soviet and Cuban units sometimes occupy training
areas at the same time, a deliberate effort appar-
ently is made to keep the units separated. Some of
these training areas include:
? Alquizar Military Training Area, where a Cuban
BMP platoon has been observed training at the
firing range while a Soviet platoon is also present
(figure 6). The training appears to be competitive
firing exercises, and equipment from the two pla-
toons is never mixed on the range.
? Mariel Training Center and AAA School
Granma Base, where Soviet and Cuban mobile
air defense assets have occupied the range simul-
taneously. All Cuban and Soviet equipment and
tents are kept separated from each other; no
mixing of the units has been observed on image-
San Pedro Military Training Area, where the So-
viet brigade trains twice yearly. Cuban units are
often present at the same time, but they stay in
separate camps and do not train on the sections
of the combined-arms range where the Soviets
are training. (S
Shortcomings In Training
Although the Cuban Army's training program is a
good one, a few shortcomings are evident. The Cu-
bans formed their first attack helicopter regiment in
early 1982 and are currently forming a second, but
no helicopters have been observed participating in
combined-arms exercises. Only gunnery exercises
have been noted. The Cuban Army emphasizes mo-
bility-seven of eight infantry divisions are mecha-
nized-and the failure to integrate helicopter assets
into training exercises is an unexplained shortcom-
ing. It is anticipated, however, that the helicopter
regiments will become more active in combined-
arms training as the pilots gain experience. (S F
The Cubans also place great importance on surface-
to-air missile defense, as evidenced by the number
of surface-to-air missile sites throughout Cuba.
However, no elements of the 18-month-old SA-6
regiment-a system designed to operate as a divi-
sion-level air defense asset-have been observed in
combined-arms exercises.' SA-9s have been ob-
served in field exercises, but they are a heat-seek-
ing, fire-and-forget missile. The SA-6, on the other
hand, is a radar-guided missile, and SA-6 crews
need extensive training, including field exercises, to
become proficient. As with the helicopter assets, it
is likely that once the SA-6 personnel achieve a suf-
ficient level of equipment familiarization, they will
begin to participate in sophisticated field training
exercises. (S
The SA-6 in Cuba probably is a divisional asset, because during its first
year in Cuba it was housed at the divisional garrison at Cardenas. Dur-
ing the past six months it has been stored in a SAM support depot.
Although this system has not been deployed around a strategic target,
such as an airfield, it is possible that som ventually may be
used for point target defense in Cuba. (S
'For more information on the Soviets in Cuba, see IA 83-10118J, The
Soviet Military Presence in Cuba, November 1983. (S NF)
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Training Developments and Trends
In addition to increasing the use of combined-arms
ranges, the Cuban Army is enhancing its training
program by constructing additional training facili-
ties and officers schools. Since 1979, three firing
ranges and two schools have been built, and a third
school is currently in the mid-stages of construc-
tion. Systematic introduction of several new types
of equipment into combined-arms exercises has fur-
ther aided the Army's training program. (Sn
Range Construction
Three live-fire ranges have been constructed since
1980. A major live-fire range and driver training
area, the Antonio Maceo Military Training Area
East, were completed by late 1982 outside Santiago
de Cuba (figure 7). A possible divisional garrison
training area was built near San Jose de Las Lajas
in mid-1980. A new artillery firing range at Las
Nuevas, near Puerto Padre, was first observed in
1982. The addition of these training areas brings
the number of live-fire ranges in Cuba-excluding
the four combined-arms ranges-to 14. This in-
crease enables more units to train more often, and
decreases the distance some units must travel to
reach a range. (s
In addition to the new ranges, Cuba's other
ranges-including the four combined-arms ranges- 25X1
are well-maintained. The army-level facilities have
permanent maintenance and support units which
perform regular upkeep on the various firing and
maneuver ranges. Combat equipment stationed at
San Pedro and Puerto Padre undergoes regular
maintenance to ensure its availability for use in
training (figure 8). (S F--]
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Military School Construction
Of Cuba's seven military schools, three were
opened or were nearing completion between 1979
and 1983. Cuba's fourth officer candidate school,
the General Jose Maceo Interservices School, is re-
ported by the Cuban military magazine Verde Olivo
to train officer cadets in weapons systems use and
maintenance, and in tactical command of platoon-
and battery-size units; it was completed in 1980 in
Santiago De Cuba (figure 9). [11] This is the first
officer's school to be built outside the Havana area.
Based on a comparison of its size to the older offi-
cer candidate school, it could increase the number
of tank, mechanized infantry, and engineer officers
that enter the Army by about 25 percent. The Cu-
ban Army's war college, a tactical command school
for mid- and upper-level officers known as the
General Maximo Gomez Academy, probably
moved into a new complex in Cojimar in early
1979. [12] The Escuela Superior de Guerra
to be a West Point-type
academy, is currently in the late stages of construc-
tion outside Havana. [13] The previous locations of
the academy and of the war college have not been
positively identified. Therefore, we have been unable
to determine if the new schools are larger. (sa
Equipment Integration
Much of the newer equipment in the Cuban Army,
such as the BMPs, the BM-21 multiple rocket
launchers, and the ZSU-23/4 self-propelled antiair-
craft artillery, is regularly observed at training
ranges taking part in combined-arms exercises. The
SA-9 SAM system was first confirmed in the Cu-
ban inventory when it was observed participating in
an extended combined-arms exercise at San Pedro
in April 1983. The Army thus ensures that the new
equipment is integrated into maneuver units
through realistic exercises. Two exceptions, how-
ever, have been the integration of the SA-6 SAM
system and the Hind helicopter. (s
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Prospects
The emphasis in line units over the last four years
has been on increasing firepower and mobility
through the introduction of the T-62, BMP, ZSU-
23/4, SA-9, SA-6, M-1974 self-propelled howitzer
(in small numbers), and attack helicopters. As larg-
er numbers of these systems enter service, and the
need to coordinate ever more mobile units becomes
crucial, combined-arms training will become more
important. To date, the Cuban Army has followed
a trend of improving and expanding the training of
its forces, there is no evidence to suggest that this
trend will change. As training requirements in-
crease, the primary range at San Pedro will reach
its maximum capacity and the large and currently
underused ranges in eastern and central Cuba, such
as Corralillo and Camaguey, should become more
active. (s F_~
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Appendix
Cuban Training Facilities
Western Army
San Cristobal Military Camp 2
(22-40-05N 83-17-39W)
Infantry or the Special Troops were observed train-
ing at San Cristobal during February and March
1983. [14] This facility was originally a Soviet-
manned SS-4 missile site, and may now be a Cuban
reserve infantry division headquarters. (sF--]
Candelaria Military Area (22-48-28N 82-56-16W)
This area, surrounding the Special Troops garrison
at Candelaria Military Camp San Antonio but ap-
parently not associated with it, has been used for
artillery, communications, infantry and airborne
training. Infantry units, possibly reserve, were ob-
served being transported to the area by bus in May
1980. (sF_~
San Pedro Military Training Area
(22-38-40N 82-30-05W)
San Pedro Military Training Area is the Western
Army's training center. It is the second largest, and
the most active training area in Cuba. Facilities in-
clude a large combined-arms range, four tank firing
ranges and an APC firing range. A training regi-
ment, equipped with T-54 and T-34 tanks, and a
range support company, are garrisoned at the tank
ranges. (S F_~
Activity levels are high at San Pedro except in June
and early July, and field training exercises up to
divisional size have been observed. Weapons quali-
fication is carried out for tank and APC crews on
the firing ranges. San Pedro is also used by the So-
viet brigade for its semiannual exercises. (s F_
New equipment in the Cuban Army is often seen
first at San Pedro. On two occasions Cuban tank
battalions with 31 tanks-rather than the standard
22 tanks-have been observed, possibly indicating
training of troops prior to their deployment to Cu-
ban brigades in Ethiopia. (s F--]
Mariel Training Center and AAA School Granma
Base (23-01-OON 82-49-54W)
Granma Base is the primary air defense training
area in Cuba, with a secondary function as an artil-
lery training area. The firing ranges extend into the
Gulf of Mexico west of Mariel Port. (S
Both Cuban and Soviet air defense units train at
Mariel Granma; the most active periods for Cuban
units are December throw h February, May, and
July through August. (s
A caretaker unit of company size is housed at
Granma Base. Construction in the last two years
has included vehicle sheds, vehicle revetments, and
concrete bunkers. (sF_1
Playa Baracoa Military Training Area Punta Forola
(23-01-54N 82-39-10W)
This training area is on the north coast of Cuba. It
consists of a small-arms range, and a possible vil-
lage mockup built in 1981. Platoon-size infantry
training is conducted at Punta Forola ear round,
with the heaviest period in June. (s 7
Playa Baracoa Training Area Playa Del Salado
(23-01-53N 82-37-10W)
Playa Del Salado, located next to Punta Forola,
has an APC firing range, a tank firing range, a
small-arms range, and an automatic weapons range.
All face the sea. This training area is used for indi-
vidual weapons qualification and tank gun firing.
Most training occurs in April, June, October and
November. (S 1
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Alquizar Military Training Area
(22-44-05N 82-34-22W)
Alquizar is the most sophisticated firing range in
Cuba. It consists of a tank firing range, a BMP fir-
ing range, a tank subcaliber range, an artillery sub-
caliber range, and three APC firing ranges. It is
used by the Soviet brigade as well as by Cuban
units. Most of Alquizar's ranges are equipped with
concrete hardstands, and with both pop-up and
moving targets. Seven tanks (a three-tank Cuban
platoon and a four-tank Soviet platoon), seven
BMPs (a three-BMP Cuban platoon and a four-
BMP Soviet platoon) and an engineering platoon
are garrisoned behind the tank range. (sl
Most training exercises involve the seven tanks and
seven BMPs only, although larger deployments are
also seen. Cuban activity levels at Alquizar are
highest from May to July and from November to
January, with emphasis on platoon-level firing exer-
cises. (S F-1
San Antonio De Los Banos Training Area
(22-53-OON 82-31-45W)
This area is adjacent to San Antonio De Los Banos
Airfield and is used by Soviet and Cuban air de-
fense units for battery- and battalion-level training.
Personnel using the radar acquisition and tracking
systems on the ZSU-23/4 self-propelled antiaircraft
equipment probably practice against Cuban aircraft
from the airfield. There are no training aids other
than lined parking areas for the equipment. The pe-
riod of heaviest use is in December and January.
(S
Batabano Tank and Tracked Vehicle Firing Range
(22-43-OON 82-22-50W)
Batabano consists of two tank firing ranges, one
tank subcaliber range, and one APC firing range.
This training area is well maintained and capable of
supporting company- to battalion-size weapons
qualification exercises. (s~~
Although photographic coverage is infrequent,
training has been observed at Batabano on several
occasions. Batabano is probably one of the major
training installations for tank and APC units in the
Western Army. (S
La Flora Military Area (22-52-28N 82-33-23W)
The training area at La Flora supports MUN 1270
Mechanized Infantry Division, which occupies the
adjacent garrison. The extensive training aids here
include an infantry assault course, a tracked vehicle
driver training course, a wheeled-vehicle driver
training course, and an artillery subcaliber range.
An artillery training battalion is garrisoned at La
Flora. (sl
Training activity levels at La Flora have remained
low. Equipment sightings are most common be-
tween January and April and in August and Sep-
tember. (s F--]
La Habana Vehicle Park El Chico Number 1
(23-00-25N 82-26-16W)
El Chico Number 1 has a small training area which
supports MUN 3234 Mechanized Infantry Division,
which is garrisoned in the El Chico area. Training
aids are an infantry assault course, two wheeled-
vehicle driver training courses, an artillery subcali-
ber range, and various physical training areas.
(S
Training at El Chico is limited primarily to small-
arms qualification and individual tank and APC fa-
miliarization training. Communications and chemi-
cal defense training have also been observed here.
The heaviest levels of training activity have been in
April, June, August and September. (s
Managua Barracks and School Area
(22-57-53N 82-16-29W)
The Barracks and School Area has training facili-
ties belonging to MUN 1011 Armored Division.
Facilities include one tank subcaliber range, one
APC range, one infantry assault course, and a large
tracked-vehicle driver training course. (S
All the training observed on photography has been
at the platoon level (three tanks) or lower. Most
activity occurs from September to March, and in
May and July. Low training levels here indicate
that most training, including basic tank training for
the division, is done elsewhere. (s
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La Habana Training Area Cojimar
(23-09-39N 82-15-10W)
Cojimar housed the Cuban Army's tank training
regiment through October 1979, when the unit relo-
cated to La Charca in the Central Army. This
training area is no longer active. (S
San Jose de Las Lajas Military Camp Cueto
(22-56-17N 82-09-08W)
This facility is probably subordinate to MUN 2721
Infantry Division, garrisoned in nearby San Jose de
Las Lajas and its environs. Constructed since 1980,
Cueto consists of one tank firing range and two
APC firing ranges, and it is used by tank and APC
crews for weapons qualification. (s
Central Army
Matanzas Military Barracks (23-01-36N 81-30-57W)
Matanzas Military Barracks houses an artillery
training regiment and a signals training unit. Based
on the small numbers and different types of artil-
lery pieces seen here, the sole function of the regi-
ment at this facility appears to be training. The
most commonly seen artillery piece is the M-46, an
artillery brigade weapon, indicating that Matanzas
is used to train draftees for the Army's independent
artillery brigades. Artillery training (except in 1982)
is seen year round. Training aids include an artil-
lery subcaliber range, artillery training positions,
mortar training positions, and an infantry assault
course. The nearby Matanzas Tank Training Area,
no longer used by tanks, may be used for live-fire
exercises into Matanzas Bay. (S
Signals exercises occur each November and may in-
volve signals equipment permanently housed at this
military barracks. (s F__]
Cantel Military Camp and Training Area
(23-02-42N 81-19-14W)
According to special intelligence, Cantel Military
Camp houses the MUN 2058 Tank School. [7] The
training area consists of a tank firing range, an
APC firing range, a tracked-vehicle driving range,
and a tank subcaliber range. The size of the train-
ing area, the high level of activity at the ranges,
and the similarity to La Charca, substantiates the
special intelligence. (S F___-]
Most range training occurs between January and
February, and May and July. Trainees utilize the
tanks housed at Cantel Military Camp. (s F_
Cardenas Military Camp and Ammo Storage Area
(23-00-27N 81-14-30W)
The training area at Cardenas is subordinate to
MUN 1410 Mechanized Infantry Division, located
outside Cardenas. It is equipped with a tank firing
range-where a tank training platoon is permanent-
ly housed-and an APC firing range. An artillery
training battalion is housed at Cardenas. Because it
is within 5 kilometers of the Cantel Training Area,
MUN 1410 has better and more immediate access
to training facilities than any other Central or
Western Army division. Most training is carried
out from April to June, and from October to De-
cember. (SF_~
Limonar Military Training Area
(22-54-33N 81-21-50W)
At one time Limonar was used for both tank and
infantry training, but since 1979 there has been very
little training activity. Signals training was observed
in 1980, and an air defense deployment occurred in
1982. Although an artillery brigade is housed
nearby, no artillery training has been observed.
(S F_~
La Charca Military Headquarters and Barracks
(22-46-10N 80-36-20W)
La Charca is the home of MUN 3075 Training
Regiment, which moved here from Cojimar, in the
Havana area, in 1979. This regiment, along with
MUN 2058 at Cantel, is responsible for training all
Cuban Army tank personnel. A six-month course
in all aspects of tank familiarization, maintenance,
operation, and small-unit tactics is conducted at La
Charca. The training areas consist of a tracked-ve-
hicle driving range, a wheeled-vehicle driving range,
two tank firing ranges, one APC firing range, an
assault course, and various vehicle mock-
ups. (S F__]
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Training occurs on a year-round basis. The entire
regiment appears to be dedicated to the training
role, and contains a variety of equipment, such as
T-62s, T-55s, SU-100s, PT-76s, BTR-60s, and some
combat engineer vehicles. (s
Corralillo Tank and Tracked Vehicle Firing Range
(23-01-59N 80-39-08W)
Corralillo is the combined-arms training center for
the Central Army. It has a combined-arms maneu-
ver area, three tank firing ranges, and an infantry
automatic-weapons firing range. There are no per-
manent combat units stationed at Corralillo, al-
though there is a maintenance company for range
upkeep. (s
Field training exercises of regimental size occurred
in the training area in December 1982. The normal
periods of high usage, based on limited imagery,
are December and January, and March and April.
Eastern Army
Camaguey Combined-Arms Training Area
(21-34-OON 77-53-30W)
Camaguey, the largest combined-arms range in the
country, is the only national-level training area in
Cuba; it consists solely of a combined-arms maneu-
ver area and an extensive bombing range. SR-71
outlines and a full-scale airfield mockup make
Camaguey's bombing range unique. (S F___~
Training exercises at regimental level have been ob-
served at Camaguey, involving a Western Army
mechanized infantry regiment-the only unit
equipped with BMPs-and an airborne unit from
the Havana area. The training area is located near
Ignacio Agramonte Airfield, where elements of a
new attack helicopter regiment have been stationed.
Most training occurs between September and De-
cember. (s fl
Puerto Padre Military Camp and Headquarters
(21-11-26N 76-38-OOW)
Puerto Padre is the combined-arms training center
for the Eastern Army. It consists of a combined-
arms range, two tank firing ranges, one APC firing
range, and a tracked-vehicle driving course. The
area is supported by a regiment currently equipped
with at least a T-55 tank battalion. At one time
small numbers of T-34s, JS-2s, and SU-100s were
also stationed at the range. (S F__1
Training exercises up to regimental level occur here,
and weapons qualification for tanks is regularly ob-
served at the firing ranges. Most training occurs in
December and January, and between May and Au-
gust. (S F_~
Las Nuevas, located on the north coast of Cuba, is
a training area for artillery. There are 12 field artil-
lery firing positions facing the ocean. Insufficient
photographic coverage makes it difficult to tell
when training is heaviest or if there are permanent
units at Las Nuevas. (S
Holguin Training Area West (20-54-45N 76-20-15W)
This training area may support MUN 1640 Mecha-
nized Infantry Division, garrisoned in and around
the town of Holguin. MUN 1640 has an artillery
training battalion. Training facilities include a tank
firing range, an infantry assault course, a tank and
tracked-vehicle driver training range, and a field ar-
tillery firing position. The heaviest training period
is in March, although significant levels of small-
arms training occur here at other times of the year.
(S F__1
Sabana Military Camp and Headquarters
(20-26-36N 75-57-37W)
The Sabana training area surrounds the MUN 1973
Mechanized Infantry Division garrison and is one
of the most modern military facilities in Cuba. Por-
tions are still under construction. The ranges in-
clude a tank firing range, an APC firing range, two
artillery subcaliber ranges, and a small maneuver
area/tracked-vehicle driver training range. The
training areas are heavily used, although most
training takes place between August and December,
and March and May. (S F_~
Training at Sabana appears to be primarily weap-
ons qualification and driver training. The division
at Sabana is probably the best trained in the Cuban
Army, because of its easy access to the training
area and relatively high activity levels. (S ~
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Santiago Military Training Area North
(20-04-11N 75-50-43W)
This is a small training area with an assault range
and equipment mockups. Activity levels have been
low at Santiago during the last four years, with
some activity being observed in March, May and
November. (S F__1
The Antonio Maceo Training Area supports the
Jose Maceo Interservices School in Santiago, and
probably units of the Santiago Army Corps. This
new training area, constructed since mid-1980, con-
sists of one tank firing range, two APC firing
ranges, two tracked-vehicle driving ranges, a small-
arms range and three artillery training positions. A
tank platoon may be permanently assigned to this
facility. (SF---]
Company-level APC and tank training has been ob-
served at Antonio Maceo, suggesting that the train-
ing was unrelated to the interservices school, since
the school's function is to teach basic tactics. Train-
ing is heaviest between October and April. (s F_
El Jigue Vehicle/ Personnel Training Area
(20-00-18N 75-02-17W)
This facility, in the vicinity of the US Navy Base at
Guantanamo, is used to train Frontier Brigade per-
sonnel. Included in the training area are a border
fenceline mockup and an infiltration course. No
training has been observed at the facility. (s F_
The Isle of Youth Military Region is under the di-
rect control of the central government in Havana.
[15] All the Cuban Army units identified on the is-
land are reserve units. The Isle of Youth is primar-
ily an educational and training area for foreign stu-
dents. Analysis of photography indicates that as
many as 20 schools for foreign students are on the
island. It is possible that foreign students are being
trained at the Cuban Army facilities by Cuban
troops. (s
Santa Fe Military Camp Lumumba
(21-42-25N 82-49-15W)
This garrison houses a tank battalion and has a
tank subcaliber range, an assault course, and an an-
tiaircraft artillery training site. (SF_~
Santa Fe Military Camp East
(21-44-30N 82-44-02W)
This facility probably supports artillery training for
Cubans. Very little activity, aside from construction
in 1981 of the artillery training area and a wheeled-
vehicle driver training area, has been observed
here. (s F-1
Santa Fe Tank Training Range
(21-44-20N 82-38-15W)
Santa Fe Tank Training Range is the largest train-
ing area on the Isle of Youth. It includes a tank
firing range and a combined-arms maneuver area.
Tank training has been observed in January and
October on very limited photographic coverage.
Military Ground Force Schools
General Antonio Maceo Interservices School
(22-51-27N 82-38-21W)
This is the largest officer candidate school in Cuba.
The school has a regiment comprised of a tank bat-
talion, a mechanized infantry battalion, an engineer
battalion, and a support unit, all of which are used
by cadets at the school. A Cuban military maga-
zine, Verde Olivo, reports that the school's cirricu-
lum includes courses in the tactical command of
mechanized infantry, tank, and engineering units; in
military intelligence; in support services; in mechan-
ical engineering; and in weapons systems mainte-
nance. [11] This school is about three times larger
than the officer candidate school in Santiago de
Cuba. (sl 7
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and an infantry assault course. There are no live-
fire ranges. Training is conducted on a year-round
basis, and the ranges are well maintained. (sF-
General Jose Maceo Interservices School
(20-02-OON 71-45-40W)
This officer candidate school teaches many of the
same courses as the Antonio Maceo School, but
has about one-third as many students. Jose Maceo
houses a battalion-sized unit equipped with tanks,
APCs, engineering equipment, and support vehicles.
According to Verde Olivo the school offers courses
in the tactical command of tank, mechanized infan-
try, artillery, and engineering units, and in military
intelligence. [11] (s ~~
The Jose Maceo School, which opened in late 1980,
uses a training area located 7.5 kilometers to the
south. Training facilities at the school and in the
training area include one tank firing range, two
tracked-vehicle driving ranges, two APC ranges, a
small-arms range, and three artillery training posi-
tions. Training is probably conducted year round.
(S F__1
Major Camilo Cienfuegos Artillery School of The
Ground Forces of the Revolution
(23-08-49N 82-20-56W)
This officer candidate school trains cadets in ground
and air defense artillery. The school also teaches
courses in systems maintenance for artillery. [11]
(S F_~
The Camilo Cienfuegos Artillery School is collo-
cated with an independent artillery brigade, and
probably draws some equipment from the brigade's
inventory to use for training. Training facilities in-
clude a live-fire range extending into the ocean, two
artillery subcaliber ranges, and four artillery train-
ing positions. Training is conducted year
round. (s
General Maximo Gomez Revolutionary Armed
Forces Academy (23-09-45N 82-15-08W)
An emigre source reports that this school is the
equivalent of the US National War College, and
open sources have since confirmed its location and
function. [12] Cuban and Angolan officers of the
rank of major or above attend this school. The fa-
cility consists of classrooms and billets, and the
only military feature is a combination parade
ground and landing strip in front of the complex.
(S F_~
Escuela Superior de Guerra (23-00-45N 82-28-18W)
This facility has been identified as a military acade-
my by emigre reporting. [13] Under construction
since 1979, the building was nearing completion in
mid-1983. No training facilities have yet been iden-
tified at this complex. (S 71
Pepito Mendoza Mechanics School
(22-57-53N 82-16-29W)
This facility is used to train personnel in APC
maintenance and repair, and may double as a re-
pair depot for BTR-60 and BTR-152 APCs. The
school was identified by analyzing the flow patterns
of APCs through the facility, and by the identifica-
tion of a divisional maintenance building in a non-
divisional area. Also, shrubbery in front of this
school has been manicured to spell the name, Pep-
ito Mendoza. (sl
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Document references are available upon request. (u)
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