Preparation of defense. Combat missions of motorized rifle units in defense.

Tactics - Combined Arms: ​Building a battle formation in defense​

Possible additions to the combat manual

Before talking about the additions, we will try to briefly outline the main provisions of the combat manual and comment on, at a minimum, controversial points, in our opinion.

So, let's begin (quotes from the combat manual are provided with our comments):

• — The motorized rifle squad defends a position up to 100 m along the front; gaps between positions - up to 50 m;
• — The positions of the squads are located, as a rule, in one trench in a line (i.e., they are extremely unstable to a flank attack);
• — The platoon defends a strong point up to 400 m along the front and 300 m in depth.
• The gaps between platoon strongholds can be up to 300 m (i.e., building a battle formation involves enemy penetration into the gaps between units);
• — Along the entire front of the MSV stronghold (first of all), a continuous trench is opened (i.e., significant forces and funds are spent on dubious (at least not primary) goals).
• - ... in the future (that is, not even in the second or third place, but sometime later), a communication line is opened from the strong point into the depths of the defense, which is equipped for firing in case the enemy penetrates into the depths of the defense. The communication line is used for covert maneuver by units, conducting combat with an enemy wedged into the defense... (The enemy will easily penetrate into the depths of our defense through the gaps between units. And l / s, in order to repel a predetermined penetration of the enemy, will be forced to maneuver under fire, take random positions, fire from these random positions without having previously prepared initial settings for shooting);
• - ... a continuous trench, trenches and communication lines should ensure that the enemy is misled regarding the formation of the platoon’s defense. (The enemy will be misled until the first attack, after which he will easily determine the location of our units based on the density of fire. That is, significant efforts to tear off a continuous line of trenches will be spent on a dubious target);
• — Immediately in front of the front edge, a zone of continuous multi-layered fire is prepared: the entire area in a strip up to 400 m in front of the front edge must be under actual platoon fire. (If we take this provision literally, or operate with the provisions of the Tactics textbook, then the ammunition consumption will be calculated by many railway cars. Our ammunition reserves are much more modest).

Information : the regiment has a stock of ammunition - 2 b/k per weapon, one of which is with the weapon (i.e. with the soldier or in the company), the other is in the regiment's warehouses. Another 1b/k is located in the division’s warehouses. 1 ammunition for a 5.45mm AKS, 7.62mmAKMS assault rifle is 450/300 rounds.

Taking into account the requirements of the Combat Manual, the Tactics textbook on conducting intense continuous multi-layered fire, this ammunition will be enough for the first (approximately 5 minutes) minutes of the battle.

And then a heart-rending cry: “Ammunition!!!” "Orphans!!!" “Back off!!!”

“The ammunition must be delivered,” they tell us. But we don’t believe this and dare to ask: “Who? How fast? Is it really in 5 minutes?

Information : The division has only two supply companies. And they will have neither the time nor the ability to provide ammunition to repel the enemy’s second attack with a first-echelon platoon.

But let's continue:

In the MSv stronghold, first of all (including in conditions of direct contact with the enemy, i.e. under fire):

• - wire and other barriers are installed in front of the front edge of the MSV stronghold. (I wonder where the platoon commander gets them? Does he make them himself? And from what?);
• — lines of sight and fire are cleared (the soldier only has a small sapper shovel); (Please note! The trenches have not yet begun to be equipped.)
• - ...a continuous trench is being constructed. (One soldier needs to dig about 100m of a trench in the platoon stronghold alone. How long will it take?)
• -...covered slots are installed for each compartment. (That is, shooters in trenches are not protected from shrapnel, needle and other shells, not to mention bad weather. In order for a soldier to take cover in a blocked gap, he needs to run along a trench for about 50 m. A dugout for a platoon to shelter a soldier from bad weather and for his rest and heating will be equipped “in the future”, i.e. not very soon). Secondly: ...a continuous trench is constructed in the battalion defense area (i.e. up to 5 km of trenches or another 100 m of trenches per soldier!!! Please note, not your own trench, but a trench “for your uncle”).

Reference : The division has two BTMs (high-speed trench vehicles) (For known reasons (they will equip the division command post, then the regiment, then...) they may not reach the first echelon platoon).

To prevent the enemy from spreading deep into the strong point, hedgehogs, slingshots, and other pre-prepared portable barriers are quickly installed in trenches and communication passages.

(It’s interesting to ask who installed them so quickly? L/s removed from firing positions?)

Second question. Where, I wonder, were these barriers stored? Of course, not in the trenches. Therefore, the soldier will have to jump out of the trench after them, i.e. under fire from a closely approaching enemy?

Okay, the barriers are in place. And how, interestingly, should maneuver units when repelling a flank, i.e. a foregone blow? Overcoming your hedgehogs and slingshots?)

An armored group (i.e., an uncoordinated unit of a battalion (company) under the command of a random commander) is created from several tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers (usually without landing troops), allocated from platoons of the first and second echelons (seriously weakening them), defending outside the direction of concentration main efforts (And who is guaranteed to be able to accurately indicate the direction of the enemy’s strike?).

Having received the task of occupying a firing line, the armored group commander removes tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and armored personnel carriers from cover (i.e., under enemy fire). The armored group must forestall the enemy in occupying an advantageous position (And if it doesn’t have time? This means fighting on the move, without pre-prepared data for firing, outside prepared positions, under fire from a superior enemy. Why not occupy this advantageous position in advance?).

The battalion defends an area up to 5 km along the front and up to 3 km in depth.

The company defends a strong point up to 1500 m along the front and up to 1000 m in depth, the gaps between company strong points are up to 1500 m. (The enemy will penetrate into them without much difficulty and easily deliver a flank (rear) attack on units located, as a rule, in line. And it will be extremely difficult for these units to repel this blow.)

The company's combat formation is formed in one or two echelons. In the intervals between the strong points of the companies (platoons), reserve positions, false trenches and communication passages are equipped.

(This requires significant effort. The benefits are doubtful, especially from false trenches, since they are unlikely to be able to seriously prevent us from delivering a flank attack).

Let's sum it up

1. The basis of modern defense is the strongholds of platoons (companies).

2. The commander, when organizing the defense, must take into account that, ultimately, the stability of the defense of a division, regiment, or battalion depends on the stability of the defense of the strong points of the platoons (companies).

How the strength of a building ultimately depends on the strength of the bricks from which it is made! Even an outstanding architect cannot construct a strong building from weak bricks. It will simply fall apart.

Therefore, linear placement of squads (platoons) is not permissible, because having passed through the gaps we left between the units “REMINDER - up to 1500m!” (by entering their flank), the advancing enemy seriously threatens the defense of the platoon’s strong point and the company as a whole. And with statements like: “But we must hit the enemy on the approaches to the defense!!!” “Yes they should. But can we?” - we cannot be taken seriously.

3. Having critically examined the battle formation of the division - regiment - battalion - company - platoon, especially paying attention to the gaps between units, reaching:

• — between departments — 50 m;
• — between platoons — 300 m;
• — between companies — 1500 m;

We come to the conclusion that by building a defense, we allow the enemy to penetrate in advance into the gaps between the strong points of platoons (companies) in order to fragment his offensive impulse and strike him not only from the front, but also to the flank and even to the rear.

However, successful resistance to an enemy attack, including one that has passed through the gaps we left between units and entered the flank, is possible if the platoon (company) strong point is actually prepared in advance, and not during the battle, for all-round defense.

Envelopment and bypass do not mean defeat for the defender; this is the norm in modern warfare.

The resistance of a defense to a flank (rear) attack is equally important to its resistance to a frontal attack!!

4. Change your position during the enemy’s attack, under his fire - doom yourself to defeat! An attempt to maneuver by squads (soldiers), especially platoons, under enemy fire in order to organize the reflection of a flank (predetermined) attack from the line of communication (i.e., a poorly equipped random position, without prepared data for firing), which is also not equipped or blocked by portable barriers - utopia!!

5. Continuous intense multi-layered fire over areas is pointless at best!

6. Weakening the first echelon units in order to create an armored group seems doubtful to us. The organization of company and battalion fire bags will have a much greater effect.

Conclusion one

The stronghold of a platoon (company) does not have serious resistance to a flank (rear) attack.

Conclusion two

The stability of the regiment's (division's) defense is seriously undermined by the instability of platoon (company, battalion) strongholds against flank (rear) attacks.

Conclusion three

It is worth admitting that the idea of ​​“intensive continuous multi-layered fire”, that is, not aimed shooting at areas, is vicious, since after a few minutes (about 5 minutes) of such a battle the defenders will run out of ammunition, and the defense will simply cease to exist!!!

Conclusion four

You should also not delude yourself about continuous cover of the front, flanks, gaps, etc. mine-explosive barriers. There simply aren’t that many mines.

Reference:

The division has an engineering defense company, which includes:

• — tracked minelayer — 3 pcs. — trailed minelayer — 3 pcs. Ammunition: PTM - 200 pcs. PPM - 1000 pcs. Mining speed of PTM/PPM - up to 5 km/h / up to 2 km/h;
• The length of a row of PTM/PPM mines is up to 1 km/up to 2.5 km;

As you can see, these mines are simply not enough for the platoon commander.

I suggest:

• — Build the platoon’s battle formation in advance in readiness for all-round defense, for example, in the form of a “three-rayed star” measuring 300 x 300 m, the rays of which are located at 60°, 180°, 300° to the main direction of the platoon’s strong point. The gaps between platoon strong points can be up to 300m. Each ray of the star is a squad position, consisting of a line of paired trenches (or rather bunkers), prepared for firing at almost 360°. The distances between paired trenches are up to 30 m. The front of the squad position is up to 120 m. At the tops of the beams and in the middle of the “star” (platoon strong point), equip paired trenches for machine gunners. At the tops of the rays are the positions of the RPK light machine gun (RPKS), in the middle of the star is the position of the PKM company machine gun. Cover their positions with explosive barriers (mine-explosive barriers) and wire barriers. In the middle of the squad position (star beam) place an infantry fighting vehicle position prepared for 360° firing.
• — Place personnel in the trenches in pairs to increase their psychological stability and provide each other with mutual assistance in battle.
• - Equip a double semicircular paired trench for firing towards the front, flank and rear. The trench should be equipped with a front bulk parapet 50 cm thick for protection from frontal enemy fire (the shooter fires with the right or left hand somewhat to the flank, hiding behind cover), with a ceiling at least 50 cm thick on top for protection against shells with arrow-shaped lethal elements and grenade collectors for neutralization enemy hand grenades. Grenade containers must be torn off along the entire length of the trench along its walls with a depth of 20 cm.
• — For the correct rebound of hand grenades (into the grenade collector) and the collection of rainwater, make the bottom of the trench sloping towards the grenade collectors.
• - Carefully camouflage the trench, including from the air. When camouflaging a trench and clearing a sector for shooting, it is necessary: ​​- do not overdo it and leave some vegetation for camouflage;
• - in the forest, cut off only the lower branches, without leaving stumps or twigs;
• - on the enemy side, mask the places where the branches were cut off;
• - strengthen the walls of the trench with boards, fascines, metal mesh, etc.

The dimensions of the trenches are deliberately not determined, since each shooter tears it off according to his own dimensions.

• — The main direction of fire from a paired trench is shooting at the flank, the secondary direction of fire is shooting at the front. In such a trench, the shooter fires from behind cover and is almost constantly protected from frontal fire and air strikes. The l/s must be able to fire with both hands, covering himself with a parapet from frontal enemy fire.
• — A paired trench can be used to rest personnel and protect them from bad weather. For example, by covering both entrances with a raincoat - tents, you can hide from the rain and wind and rest in a sleeping bag, eat food, including heating it on an individual primus stove, and at the same time not unmasking the trench.
• — It is necessary to target lines and places of possible enemy concentration in advance (during the day), fixing the position of the weapon with pegs, which will allow you to successfully fire at night, even without night sights.
• — As a rule, there are not enough forces and means to equip a continuous trench (communication trenches) along the entire front, therefore, the main attention should be paid to equipping high-quality paired trenches. This will allow you to create a stable stronghold in the shortest possible time. Moreover, the presence of a soldier in an individual bunker, sheltered from enemy fire and bad weather, will make the defense not only strong, but also relatively comfortable, which will preserve the strength and morale of the soldier.
• - FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE OF DEFENSE - a soldier can leave his trench only to attack or when ordered. This must be achieved with maximum cruelty. Any maneuver under fire, especially a chaotic flight, especially through the snow in winter, is like death! A soldier who is outside the trench, running with his back to the enemy, and not shooting accurately (back to front) is doomed.
• — The company's battle formation should be built in two echelons, forming a company fire bag.
• — The main directions of the first echelon platoon strongholds should be located with an offset of 30? (i.e. at 30? and 300?) to the main direction of the company's strong point.
• — In the intervals between platoon strong points, equip false strong points, not forgetting to first properly equip the main strong points.
• — Place observer-spotters in the spaces between platoon strongholds.
• — Each commander (squad, platoon, company) must be able to direct aviation and adjust artillery (mortar) fire personally, or transfer requests for aviation (artillery) support for his unit through the company commander.
• — At a strong point, it is useful to lay traces of military equipment in the wrong direction, leave sources of thermal radiation in false positions that imitate the exhausts of combat vehicles, and carry out other measures to mislead the enemy.
• — Movement in a company (platoon) strong point should be carried out along laid out routes, which are equipped with vertical (horizontal) masks for shelter from enemy observation and guide ropes for movement at night without lights.
• — It is useful to lay a telephone communication line between the paired trenches of a squad (platoon).
• - The battalion's battle formation is to be built in two echelons, forming a battalion fire bag.
• — Fire in defense should only be aimed, usually with single shots. Along pre-targeted lines. Automatic fire (usually in short bursts) should be used at short distances (up to 50m) at the enemy trying to reach the trenches with a throw. For example: the average shooter, while the enemy is overcoming 400 m of the line, firing at a speed of one aimed shot in 2-3 seconds, is capable of using 2 magazines of 30 rounds of ammunition (10-15% of ammunition) to hit over 50 enemy soldiers.

Text of the book “Tactical Training”

When performing combat missions, motorized rifle and tank units can be supported by fire and strikes from the forces and means of destruction of the senior commander: grenade launcher and anti-tank platoons; artillery units; flamethrower units of radiation, chemical and biological defense troops; aviation.

When performing assigned tasks, a motorized rifle platoon (squad), depending on the situation, operates in marching, pre-battle and combat formations, a tank platoon - in marching and combat formations, and a machine gun platoon (platoon of tank firing points) - only in combat formation.

When performing combat missions, a platoon (squad, crew) fires from weapons of infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers) and tanks, from machine guns, machine guns, sniper rifles, grenade launchers, uses hand grenades, and in hand-to-hand combat - blows with a bayonet, butt and infantry shovel.

Fire from weapons of infantry fighting vehicles and tanks destroys tanks, other armored vehicles, fire weapons and manpower of the enemy, destroys its fortifications, and hits low-flying aircraft, helicopters and other air targets. The fire from armored personnel carriers destroys manpower, fire weapons and other targets.

Machine guns and machine guns are used to destroy enemy personnel and firepower. In addition, they can be used to destroy low-flying air targets.

A sniper rifle is used to destroy important single targets (officers, observers, snipers, fire crews, low-flying helicopters) of the enemy.

Anti-tank missile systems, anti-tank grenade launchers and rocket-propelled anti-tank grenades are used to destroy tanks and other armored vehicles, and other grenade launchers and hand grenades are used to destroy enemy personnel and fire weapons located outside shelters, in open trenches, trenches and behind shelters (in ravines , ravines and on reverse slopes of heights).

5.2. Motorized rifle (tank) platoon in defense

Stability and activity of defense are achieved:

• endurance, stamina and tenacity of the defending troops when repelling enemy attacks, their high morale; skillfully organized defense and fire system;

• rapid destruction of an enemy that has penetrated the defense; skillful use of favorable terrain conditions, its engineering equipment and careful camouflage;

• implementation of measures to protect against incendiary weapons;

• training of personnel to conduct combat in contaminated areas for a long time, clear interaction, comprehensive support for combat and skillful management of units.

The goal of defense can be achieved if each soldier skillfully equips and camouflages his trench, shows restraint, stamina and perseverance, and skillfully uses his weapon to destroy the attacking enemy.

The defense formation of a motorized rifle (tank) platoon includes:

• order of battle;

• strong point;

• fire system.

The platoon commander must build the defense in such a way that the platoon's efforts are concentrated on the likely main direction of the enemy's attack and holding the most important area of ​​the terrain. The construction of such a defense of a strong point will prevent the enemy from breaking through, and will create the preconditions for its destruction by fire and counterattack by the forces and means of the senior commander.

Order of battle.

The order of battle of a platoon (squad) in defense is the placement of its squads (fire weapons) and reinforcement means on the terrain chosen by the commander for conducting a defensive battle (Table 5.1).

He must meet the task assigned to the platoon and provide:

• full use of its combat capabilities, insurmountable defense, reliable defeat of the advancing enemy to the greatest possible depth of its battle formation;

• maximum use of favorable terrain conditions;

• the ability to maneuver during the battle;

• the least vulnerability of units from attacks of all types of weapons;

• maintaining continuous interaction and ease of management of squads (tanks) and reinforcement means.

Table 5.1

Tactical standards in defense

Control and fire support group

created to control motorized rifle squads during battle, support them with fire, as well as to carry out comprehensive support tasks. It consists of a sniper, a machine gun crew and all units assigned to the platoon (fire weapons).

The order of battle of a motorized rifle squad

can be built on the basis of combat groups:
maneuver
and
fire.
The composition of combat groups is determined by the squad commander. In addition, the squad's combat formation may include a combat vehicle.

Maneuverable group

designed to carry out tasks of destroying the enemy, firmly holding occupied positions and objects, and capturing his objects, weapons and equipment. As a rule, a senior gunner and one or two gunners are assigned to a maneuver group.

Fire team

designed to support with fire the actions of a maneuver group and carry out, together with it, tasks to destroy the enemy, firmly hold occupied positions and objects, and capture his objects, weapons and equipment. The fire team typically includes a squad leader, a grenade launcher, a grenade launcher assistant shooter, and a machine gunner.

Depending on the assigned task and situational conditions, the composition of battle groups may be different.

The order of battle of the MSR in defense is:

• from the first echelon;

• artillery unit;

• units and fire assets remaining directly subordinate to the company commander.

Depending on the terrain and the task being performed, the MSR is located either in a line or at an angle forward (backward), or with a ledge to the right (left). Companies of the first echelon prepare firing positions in the first and second trenches, and a company of the second echelon prepares firing positions in the third, and in some cases, the fourth trench.

The order of battle of the MSV in defense is:

• from the battle formations of squads located in positions;

• control and fire support groups;

• assigned fire weapons located at firing positions. The platoon forms its battle formation in one echelon (Diagram 2).

Scheme 2.

MSV order of battle in defense

Depending on the position of the platoon in the company’s battle formation, the importance of the direction being covered, and the presence and position of neighbors, the squads in the platoon can be built in a line, located in the same trench, or with a ledge to the right (left). This formation of a platoon is carried out if there is no neighbor on the flank or its position on the ground does not fully provide cover for the flank. In the most likely direction of the enemy’s attack, with a small platoon defense front and the presence of a sufficient number of forces and means, one of the squads can be located in the depths of the platoon’s defense at a distance of 100–200 m from the front edge.

This formation increases the density of forces and assets in the platoon’s defense and helps achieve greater stability when repelling enemy attacks.

Infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers) and tanks in platoon combat formation are located along the front and in depth at intervals and distances of up to 200 m.

This makes it possible to exercise reliable control and maintain interaction between them, to create the necessary density of fire and stability of defense, both in front and on the flanks, to quickly maneuver both forces and means, and fire to any threatened direction or area.

A grenade launcher platoon, flamethrower unit and other fire weapons are used in full force in the direction of concentrating the main efforts, to cover the flanks, ensure counterattacks, and occupy positions in the strong point, in the intervals between squads.

The squad's order of battle in defense is:

• from a maneuver group, fire group and assigned fire assets located at firing positions and shooting areas;

• infantry fighting vehicle (armored personnel carrier).

The basis for the defense of the squad's position is the infantry fighting vehicle, since it has powerful weapons, armor protection, and high maneuverability.

An infantry fighting vehicle (armored personnel carrier), depending on the terrain, firing conditions and the importance of the direction being covered, can be located in the center of the battle formation, squad, on the flank or behind at a distance of up to 50 m from the front trench in such a way that the infantry fighting vehicle (armored personnel carrier) is provided with fire covering the squad in position.

An infantry fighting vehicle without landing troops in defense can be allocated for operations in a fire ambush, as a nomadic fire weapon and as part of an armored group of a battalion (company).

The machine gun, as the most powerful anti-personnel weapon of a squad, is usually located next to the squad commander in such a way that its fire capabilities can be used flexibly and quickly in battle.

The grenade launcher, in addition to the infantry fighting vehicle, is the squad's main weapon of fire against tanks and other enemy armored vehicles. His place in the battle formation is determined in a tank-dangerous direction in front of the squad's front. Next to him, as a rule, a shooter - an assistant grenade launcher - is located and fights.

The position of the senior rifleman is usually next to the squad leader, since in battle he must always be ready to replace him in the event of death or injury. Taking into account the fact that the squad's combat formation is located on the ground at a front of up to 100 m, and no more than 5–6 people act directly in it, the intervals between them in a defensive battle can reach 15–20 m, and sometimes more.

strong point

The MSV is an engineering-prepared section (region) of terrain with a frontal width of up to 400 m and a depth of up to 300 m, in which a platoon with reinforcement means places its battle formation to conduct a defensive battle.

It must comply with the commander’s decision to fight and ensure:

• stability, activity and all-round defense;

• hidden placement of battle formation;

• the ability to maneuver, both by forces and means, and by fire, protection from all types of enemy weapons;

• maintaining continuous interaction and control, maximum use of the combat capabilities of the firepower platoon commander at his disposal.

The support point consists of:

• from the positions of branches,

• firing positions of infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers), as well as tanks and other fire weapons located in a strong point and performing tasks according to the plan of the senior commander (Diagram 3).

The dispersion between military personnel in a position, as well as between squads and fire assets in a strong point, should ensure their mutual fire support in a defensive battle, speed and freedom of maneuver, both along the front and in the depth of a strong point, minimal damage from a shell explosion, ease of control .

tactical standards meet these requirements

• intervals between military personnel – 15–20 m;

• between departments – up to 50 m;

• between infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers), tanks - up to 200 m in front and in depth.

Scheme 3.

MSR stronghold

The firing position (place for shooting) must be convenient, provide a wide view and fire, cover the weapon (shooter) from enemy observation, exclude the presence of dead spaces in the firing sector and ensure maneuvering. After firing several shots (bursts) from one firing position (shooting location), in order to prevent the enemy from conducting aimed fire and deceiving him, it is changed.

The battle formation in platoon strong points on the most likely direction of the enemy's attack can be built in two lines, while the position of one of the platoon sections, in order to enhance the stability of the defense, can be equipped in the depths of the strong point (on the second line) 100–200 m behind the first trench .

The squad leader controls his subordinates, being in a place from where it is more convenient to control the squad, observe the terrain and the signals of the platoon commander.

Prohibited

select and take a firing position (place for shooting) on ​​the crests of heights (hills, hills), in front of local objects, against which the silhouette of the shooter will be clearly visible.

The department's position is:

• from the main, reserve (temporary) firing positions;

• infantry fighting vehicle;

• a machine gun, a grenade launcher, as well as places for firing from machine guns, allowing you, together with your neighbors, to destroy the attacking enemy with fire in front, on the flanks and in the depths of the platoon strong point.

The distance between the firing positions of motorized riflemen and the main and reserve firing positions of a machine gun and grenade launcher must be at least 5 m. The fire weapons of senior commanders may be located at the squad position. If there is time, a shelter can be equipped for an infantry fighting vehicle (armored personnel carrier).

At the squad position, combat groups (riflemen, machine gunners and grenade launcher) are positioned so that all approaches to it in front of the front and on the flanks are under actual fire, especially flanking and cross fire, and barriers and obstacles are clearly visible and shot through. The fire system is built in accordance with this.

MCO defends a position up to 100 m along the front,

having on it the main and reserve (temporary) positions for fire weapons, allowing, together with neighboring squads, to destroy the enemy with fire in front of the front and on the flanks of the platoon strong point (Diagram 4).

Scheme 4.

MCO Defense position

In the department position first of all

The area is cleared to improve observation and firing, single (paired) trenches placed forward to Yum, 2-3 rifle cells for a light machine gun and a grenade launcher, and a trench for an infantry fighting vehicle (armored personnel carrier) are opened. Then single trenches are connected to each other into a squad trench, which is brought to full profile, and in case of unstable ground, in addition, it is reinforced with steep clothing and connected by a continuous trench with the trenches of neighboring squads; a closed gap is equipped for personnel.

Secondly

at a distance of up to 50 m, a trench is opened at a reserve (temporary) firing position for an infantry fighting vehicle (armored personnel carrier) and a communication path to it, as well as to the command and observation post (COP) of the platoon commander. In the branch of the communication passage, niches for ammunition and a field toilet are arranged. Also, a communication line can lead to the rear from the squad position (Table 5.2).

In the trench, a dugout, niches for ammunition are equipped for the squad, and other work is being carried out to improve it in combat and economic terms in order to ensure a long stay of personnel in defense.

The squad leader is usually in a position in a place from which it is more convenient to control the squad and observe the terrain and signals from the platoon commander.

The squad must be ready to maneuver in a threatened direction, fire at night and in other conditions of limited visibility.

In the platoon's strong point and on its flanks, anti-tank weapons and tanks can take up firing positions according to the plan of the senior commander. The platoon leader must know their missions and communicate with them.

Depending on the formation of the battle formation, the positions of the squads in the platoon can be located in a line or in a ledge. In the most likely direction of the enemy’s attack, in order to strengthen the stability of the defense, the position of one of the squads can be prepared in the depths of the strong point (in the second line) 100–200 m from the first trench. The gaps between adjacent positions of squads in a platoon can be up to 50 m, which ensures freedom of maneuver for squads, eliminates crowding, and also increases resistance from enemy artillery fire.

The grenade launcher compartment occupies a firing position of up to 20 m, and the anti-tank one – up to 50 m along the front.

The position of the grenade launcher (anti-tank) squad includes the main and reserve positions of fire weapons and infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers). At the main positions of fire weapons, trenches with anti-fragmentation canopies are equipped, and for firing in additional sectors (at deployment lines) - trenches without canopies. The location of firing positions must ensure mutual fire communication with neighboring fire (anti-tank) weapons.

Table 5.2

Standards for military engineering training

Fire system.

The strength of defense lies in its fire. In order for it to be as effective as possible and to make fullest use of the capabilities of the firepower available to the commander, a fire system must be created.

Defense fire system

is a combination of prepared fire from weapons of all types in a unit, organized according to a single plan, in accordance with the decision of the platoon commander, as well as taking into account the nature of the terrain and engineering barriers to defeat the enemy.

The platoon fire system includes:

• areas of concentrated fire prepared in front of the front line of defense;

• zones of anti-tank fire of infantry fighting vehicles (tanks) and continuous multi-layer fire of all other fire weapons of the platoon in front of the front edge, in the gaps, on the flanks and in the depths of the defense;

• prepared fire maneuver of infantry fighting vehicles (tanks) and other fire weapons in threatened directions.

The basis of the MSV fire system in defense is:

• fire from infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers);

• fire from anti-tank grenade launchers and machine guns;

• fire of assigned fire weapons.

In addition, as a component element it includes the fire of machine guns, sniper rifles, sub-caliber anti-personnel grenade launchers, as well as hand fragmentation and anti-tank grenades.

The MSO fire system consists of:

• from the fire zone of the duty fire weapon,

• zones of continuous multi-layered squad fire in front of the forward edge and on the flanks,

• prepared fire maneuver in threatened directions.

Platoon concentrated fire area

is a clearly visible limited area of ​​terrain located within the target firing range of guns of infantry fighting vehicles (tanks) or small arms of a platoon, on which high-density fire is prepared and conducted with the enemy entering it.

When organizing a fire system, a platoon is usually assigned one or two areas of concentrated fire. Moreover, one of them can be prepared only for infantry fighting vehicles (tanks), the other - for small arms of a platoon.

Concentrated fire area for infantry fighting vehicles

is usually selected within the limits of visual visibility, allowing effective firing from cannons. A distance of 2–2.5 km from firing positions meets these requirements. When firing high-explosive fragmentation incendiary shells, each BMP-2 gun is usually given up to 25 m along the front. In this case, the width of the area of ​​concentrated platoon fire can be up to 75 m. Its depth usually reaches 20 m due to the natural dispersion of shells during firing.

Area of ​​concentrated fire from small arms of the platoon,

as a rule, it is assigned to a range of up to 600 m. If we take into account that a squad can create fire with a density of 10 bullets per 1 m of front per minute in an area up to 50 m wide, then the width of the platoon’s concentrated fire area will be up to 150 m.

A motorized rifle platoon operating defensively on armored personnel carriers can conduct concentrated fire from heavy machine guns at a range of up to 2000 m, and from PKT machine guns - up to 1500 m.

A tank platoon can conduct concentrated fire from cannons at a range of 2.5–3 km.

5.3. The work of the commander of a motorized rifle squad during the organization of defense

In the absence of contact with the enemy, the MCO commander, having understood the task received, is obliged to:

• understand the given task;

• bring the squad to the specified position;

• organize surveillance, fire system;

• indicate the main and reserve firing positions for an infantry fighting vehicle (armored personnel carrier);

• indicate firing positions for machine gunners, grenade launchers and shooters;

• give a combat order;

• organize engineering equipment and camouflage of positions;

• determine the distance to landmarks;

• prepare data for firing day and night;

• make a fire card;

• completes training, checks the squad's readiness for combat and reports to the platoon commander at the appointed time.

In the combat order, the squad leader indicates:

• landmarks;

• composition, position and nature of the enemy’s actions;

• platoon and squad mission, position, firing line and additional sector of fire;

• the procedure for observing and firing at ground and air targets, places in areas of concentrated platoon fire at which the squad should fire;

• neighbors' tasks;

• tasks for personnel:

a) the gunner-operator (gunner of the armored personnel carrier machine gun), machine gunner and grenade launcher - main and reserve firing positions,

b) shooters – places for shooting, the sequence of their equipment and shifts during the battle,

c) the gunner-operator (gunner-machine gunner of the armored personnel carrier), the machine gunner, in addition, the main and additional sector of fire from each position,

d) the driver - the route to the reserve (temporary) firing position, the procedure for observing and adjusting fire;

• warning, control, interaction signals and the procedure for them;

• time of readiness for defense and deputy.

After receiving the task, the squad personnel begin clearing the line of sight and fire, as well as separating and camouflaging trenches.

After organizing engineering work, the squad leader draws up a squad fire card,

on which it is applied:

• landmarks, their numbers, names and distances to them;

• enemy position;

• squad position, firing line and additional sector of fire;

• main and reserve firing positions of infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers), grenade launchers, main and additional sectors of fire from each position;

• the positions of their neighbors and the boundaries of their fire lines on the flanks of the squad;

• areas of concentrated fire;

• barriers located near the squad's position and covered by its fire.

The fire card is drawn up in the form of a diagram on a sheet of paper and is presented to the platoon commander to develop on its basis a diagram of the platoon strong point (Diagram 5).

MCO tactics in defensive combat

In defense, each soldier, skillfully using his weapon, fortifications and favorable terrain conditions, can destroy a large number of enemy soldiers, as well as successfully fight his advancing tanks and other armored vehicles.

Scheme 5.

Squad fire card

Individuals and small groups of the enemy trying to conduct reconnaissance are captured by the squad, and if capture is impossible, they are destroyed by fire, as a rule, from reserve (temporary) firing positions.

To repel a sudden attack by the enemy and destroy his small groups conducting reconnaissance or trying to make passages in our barriers, a machine gunner is assigned, who is usually located in a reserve (temporary) firing position.

At this time, the squad personnel are in readiness to repel the enemy’s attack and at the same time improve the engineering equipment of firing positions (places) for shooting and carry out maintenance of an infantry fighting vehicle (armored personnel carrier).

Until the enemy goes on the offensive, an observer is constantly on duty at the squad positions. Reports the results of the observation to the commander.

To call personnel on combat alert, a simple alarm system is installed from the observer to the resting place.

During fire preparation and an enemy attack, the squad leader and observer conduct observation, and the rest of the personnel take cover in the gap and other shelters in readiness to quickly take up a firing position (place for shooting).

When the enemy goes on the attack, at the signal of the observer or the command of the commander, the soldier takes a firing position (place for shooting) and prepares for battle. He opens fire on the attacking infantry at the command of the commander, when the infantry reaches the range of actual fire. Before this, artillery, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, ATGMs and other fire weapons fire at the enemy.

The main task of every soldier is to prevent the enemy from entering the position.

When approaching the front line of defense from a line of 400 m, from machine guns with under-barrel grenade launchers, at the commands of squad commanders, personnel hit the advancing enemy infantry with grenades.

As enemy infantry approaches at a distance of 30–40 m, the squad pelts it with hand grenades, but if the enemy approaches the position, he is destroyed by point-blank fire and in hand-to-hand combat.

When repelling an attack by enemy infantry with tanks, the grenade launcher destroys tanks and other armored vehicles, and the machine gunner and machine gunner cut off the infantry.

When the enemy delivers a nuclear strike, the soldier takes protective measures following the flash of an explosion: when in a trench, he lies down on its bottom, face down, covering his eyes with his hands; when in an infantry fighting vehicle, he closes the doors, loopholes, hatches, blinds, and the driver turns on the protection system against weapons of mass destruction.

If the enemy uses toxic substances, the soldier quickly puts on personal protective equipment.

Tank platoon in defense

The battle formation of a tank platoon in defense consists of

from tanks located in firing positions and reinforcement equipment directly involved in the conduct of defensive combat in accordance with the decision of the platoon commander.

The tank platoon's stronghold consists of:

• from tank firing positions,

• attached assets and assets located in a strong point, but performing tasks according to the plan of the senior commander.

Main, reserve, and, if necessary, temporary firing positions are prepared for tanks at the strong point.

When tank units are reinforced with motorized rifles, according to the plan of the senior commander, the front edge of the strong point can be defended by motorized rifle squads. The tank platoon commander must know their tasks, organize and maintain close cooperation with them.

The width and depth of the strong point must correspond to the combat capabilities of the platoon and ensure the repulsion of attacks by enemy tanks and infantry in front of the front edge, their destruction when driven into depth, the dispersal of squads and fire assets in order to achieve the least vulnerability from fire from all types of conventional weapons, the ability to maneuver, both by units and by fire.

In a tank platoon, the fire system

is based on the fire of tanks and machine guns. It also includes the fire of attached fire weapons.

The fire system is built taking into account the fire capabilities of standard and assigned fire assets, in their close interaction, as well as in interaction with the fire of assets performing tasks according to the plan of the senior commander. It must be combined with engineering barriers and natural obstacles, which, like the approaches to them, must be clearly visible and can be shot through.

Chapter 8. Positional defense

117. To conduct defense using a continuous front line and echelon troops in depth, positional defense is used.

118.Positional defense is a type of defense, the main goal of which is the strong and long-term retention of areas (lines) occupied by troops. It is characterized by the presence of a continuous front of great length, developed to great depth and equipped in engineering terms with a system of defensive positions, areas, lines, the concentration of most of the forces and assets in the first echelons of the defending troops and their low activity.

119.A battalion (company) can conduct positional defense as part of a brigade (battalion), occupy defense in the first or second echelon of a brigade (battalion), as part of a group of troops defending in the forward defense line, an advance detachment in the support zone or in a forward position, form combined arms reserve or be in the anti-landing reserve.

120.The battalion is assigned a defense area, and the company and platoon are assigned a strong point. The width and depth of the formation is determined depending on the factors of the tactical situation, the availability of forces and means, the assigned task and combat capabilities. If it is necessary to intercept the largest number of roads and directions available for the enemy’s attack, the battalion’s (company’s) defense system can be built in a dispersed manner.

121. The formation of a battalion (company) defense includes:

order of battle;

a system of strongholds and firing positions;

fire system;

system of engineering barriers.

All these elements represent a single whole and are interdependent.

In each specific case, the construction of defense must correspond to the plan of the battle, taking into account the nature of the terrain and the actions of the enemy. It should mislead the enemy regarding the outline of the front line, the battle formation and the location of fire weapons, make it difficult for the enemy to select objects for fire strikes and thereby force him to strike at false, unoccupied or weakly occupied areas.

The construction of the defense as a whole must provide increasing counteraction, making it possible to prevent the enemy from breaking through the defense area (strong point) and create conditions for its destruction.

122.The order of battle is the formation of units on the ground for combat according to the decision of the commander. It must correspond to the task, the plan of the upcoming battle and provide:

stability and activity of defense, successful conduct of defensive battles;

the fullest use of the combat capabilities of units to defeat the enemy when advancing, deploying and going on the attack (in the starting position for the offensive), when repelling an attack by his tanks and infantry in front of the front line of defense and destroying them when wedging into a strong point;

the least vulnerability of units from attacks of all types of weapons;

maneuver by fire and units during the battle;

secrecy and maximum use of advantageous terrain properties;

the ability to repel enemy air strikes, destroy his airmobile and sabotage and reconnaissance groups;

the ability to autonomously conduct combat operations in the absence of tactical interconnection;

maintaining interaction between departments in conditions of centralized and decentralized management.

123.The battle order of a battalion (company) mainly depends on its mission, the importance of the area being defended, the strength of the units, the composition of assigned assets, the size of the defense area (strong point), the expected strength and directions of enemy attacks, as well as the nature of the terrain.

124.The combat formation of a mechanized (tank) battalion can be built in two or one echelon and consists of units of the first echelon, second echelon or reserve, fire assets and reinforcement units, which remain directly subordinate to the battalion commander. Depending on the situation, the battalion’s battle formation may include an armored group and fire ambushes.

When forming a single-echelon battle formation, a reserve consisting of at least a platoon is allocated. This formation is usually used when there is a lack of forces and means, on terrain difficult to reach for enemy operations, when defending in the second echelon or in another direction, as well as when fighting in a support zone.

Depending on the mission being performed and the nature of the terrain, a battalion may have a different arrangement of companies. One of the companies can be pushed forward or backward, forming a fire bag, and placed on the open flank as a ledge. In all cases, company strongholds must be located so that they intercept the enemy's likely directions of attack.

125.The combat formation of a motorized rifle (tank) company is built in one or two echelons and consists of units of the first echelon, second echelon or reserve, fire assets and units remaining directly subordinate to the company commander, armored group and fire ambushes (depending on the situation).

126.The first echelon of a mechanized (tank) battalion consists of motorized rifle (tank) companies, reinforced by tank (motorized rifle) units, anti-tank systems and engineer units. It is designed to destroy the enemy in front of the front line of defense and when penetrating into its depth, firmly holding important areas of the terrain and preventing a breakthrough of the occupied defense area.

With a single-echelon formation of battle formation, the first echelon can include all motorized rifle companies with their reinforcements, and with a two-echelon formation - two companies. Moreover, the companies of the first echelon defend strong points on the first and second trenches.

127.The second echelon of the battalion is intended to defend a strong point in the depths of the defense with the task of stopping, and under favorable conditions, destroying with a counterattack the enemy who broke through the first and second trenches. A company is usually assigned to the second echelon, which defends a strong point on the third and sometimes on the fourth trench.

128.The battalion reserve (at least a platoon) occupies a concentration area, in which it prepares a strong point for defense, and is ready to carry out unexpected tasks.

129.A mortar (artillery) battery and a grenade launcher unit usually remain subordinate to the battalion commander and are used, as a rule, in full force to support the combat of first-echelon motorized rifle companies. Sometimes a grenade launcher platoon is assigned in sections to companies of the first echelon or in full strength to a motorized rifle company defending in the direction where the main efforts of the battalion are concentrated.

130.A battalion's anti-tank unit (attached) usually remains subordinate to the battalion commander, occupies a concentration area and is used, as a rule, in full force in a tank-threat direction to repel attacks by tanks and other armored vehicles of the enemy, cover an open flank and ensure a counterattack. In closed and rough terrain, it can be assigned to first-echelon companies. An anti-tank unit accomplishes its missions from firing positions or lines, the number of which is determined by the battalion commander.

131.Anti-aircraft units, as a rule, remain directly subordinate to the battalion commander and are located in company strongholds and in the area of ​​the battalion command and observation post so as to provide reliable cover for the units from air strikes.

132.The first echelon of the company consists of motorized rifle (tank) platoons with reinforcements. It is designed to inflict maximum fire damage on the enemy from all means in front of the front line of defense and stubbornly hold important areas of terrain (objects) at the front line. With a single-echelon formation of a company's combat formation, it includes all motorized rifle (tank) platoons with reinforcements, and with a two-echelon formation, two platoons are assigned to the first echelon, and one platoon to the second.

133. The second echelon of the company is intended mainly to firmly hold a stronghold in the depths of the defense (in the second trench) and destroy the enemy who has broken through. He usually carries out his task with fire from the occupied strong point.

134.An element of a company's combat order are fire assets and units that remain directly subordinate to the company commander. They can occupy firing positions in platoon strongpoints, in the spaces between them, or on the flanks. A tank platoon assigned to a motorized rifle company occupies firing positions, as a rule, in the direction of concentration of the company's main efforts, and sometimes a tank platoon can prepare and occupy a strong point. An anti-tank unit assigned to a motorized rifle company usually remains directly subordinate to the company commander, prepares and takes positions in tank-threat areas in the strongholds of motorized rifle platoons, between them or on their flanks. A motorized rifle platoon assigned to a tank company usually takes positions in front of the tanks, as well as in the spaces between tank platoons and on the flanks.

135.An armored group of a battalion (company) is created in order to increase the activity of defense and timely strengthen its stability in the most threatened directions, closing gaps formed as a result of enemy fire strikes. In addition, it is being created to solve other tasks that require rapid maneuverability and effective fire destruction of the enemy, as well as more complete use of the combat capabilities of tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers. An armored group may include several tanks, infantry fighting vehicles or armored personnel carriers (usually without troops), allocated from units of the first and second echelons defending outside the directions of concentration of the main efforts.

136.With the battalion (company) occupying the defense, tanks and infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers) intended for operations as part of an armored group are usually located and prepared for battle in their platoon strongholds. Then, at a set time, they concentrate in an area with reliable protective and camouflage properties of the terrain (in ravines, on the reverse slopes of heights, in the forest and other sheltered places), carefully camouflage themselves and prepare to carry out the tasks assigned to the armored group or take up defense in their platoon strong points.

One of the platoon commanders of a second-echelon company can be appointed as the commander of a battalion’s armored group, and one of the deputy platoon commanders can be appointed as a company commander.

137.A fire ambush is organized with the aim of inflicting maximum destruction on the enemy by sudden direct fire, dagger fire and the use of mine-explosive barriers.

A platoon (squad, tank), reinforced with flamethrowers and sappers, can be deployed in a fire ambush.

138.To carry out defense tasks in a battalion (company), in accordance with the decision of the commander and the combat capabilities of the units, the availability of time and the nature of the terrain, a system of strongholds and firing positions is created.

A system of strong points and firing positions is a set of different areas of terrain equipped in engineering terms, ensuring the placement within their boundaries of the corresponding elements of the battle formation and the creation of an effective system of fire and engineering barriers prepared to repel enemy attacks from various directions, from the ground and air. It includes: a combat guard position (in a battalion); platoon and company strongholds combined into a battalion defense area; firing positions of tanks, infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers), anti-tank guided missile systems and other standard and assigned fire weapons; trenches and communication passages.

139.A combat guard position is created in order to prevent a surprise attack by the enemy and conduct ground reconnaissance. A reinforced platoon from the first echelon battalion is usually sent to the combat outpost to provide fire support for the battalion. The platoon is assigned a position, which is prepared for all-round defense. Barriers are set up in front of the platoon position and on the flanks.

In conditions of direct contact with the enemy, combat guards are not sent. In this case, his tasks are assigned to the units occupying the first trench.

140.The basis of each defensive position is made up of battalion defense areas that unite company strongholds.

A battalion defense area is a part of a brigade’s defense zone (responsibility) occupied by the battalion’s combat formation and means of reinforcing it. The basis of a battalion defense area are company strongholds prepared for all-round defense and interconnected by systems of fire and engineering barriers. In addition, the battalion defense area includes firing positions of artillery, mortars, tanks, ATGM installations, anti-aircraft weapons, a command and observation post, reserve and decoy strong points and positions, and sometimes areas of obstacles and destruction. Observation posts, artillery firing positions, and deployment lines for senior commanders' reserves may be located within the area. The size of the area along the front and depth is determined by the senior commander, based on the combat capabilities of the battalion, the mission assigned to it, the expected actions of the enemy and the nature of the terrain. The battalion defense area is limited from the front by the leading edge of defense, from the flanks - by demarcation lines, from the rear - by the location of the second echelon (reserve) of the battalion.

141.The company defends a strong point. A company strong point is a section of terrain prepared for all-round defense and occupied by a motorized rifle (tank) company with attached units. Company strongholds form the basis of a battalion defense area .

The company is located at a strong point in combat formation, organizes a fire system and equips it in engineering terms. A motorized rifle company strong point is equipped with two or one trench and consists of strong points of motorized rifle platoons, positions of company fire weapons and assigned units, interconnected by a single system of fire, obstacles and communication passages within the company strong point. The strong point of a tank company consists of strong points of tank platoons and positions of attached units.

Tanks assigned to a motorized rifle company take up defensive positions in its stronghold and enhance its ability to combat enemy armored targets, and motorized rifle units assigned to a tank company usually occupy positions in front of the tanks, as well as in the gaps between tank platoons and on the flanks.

For the all-round defense of a company strong point, communication passages should be widely used, additional sectors of fire should be assigned to platoons, and main and reserve firing positions should be prepared for fire weapons, taking into account firing towards the flanks and rear. Some of the firepower should be located in the depths of the defense. Barriers are set up on the flanks, in the spaces between platoons, and in the rear of the strong point.

The gaps between company strong points must be under continuous surveillance, covered by flank and cross fire from all means, especially anti-tank weapons, and also covered by fire ambushes, artillery fire and barriers. In the intervals between the strong points of the companies (platoons), trenches and reserve positions are equipped.

142.The battalion defends the area. He builds a defense within one position and equips three or four trenches. A battalion defense area consists of company strongholds, positions of regular and assigned fire assets, interconnected by a single system of fire, obstacles and communication trenches.

The width and depth of the battalion defense area, the distance between trenches, subunits and fire weapons are not constant values. In each specific case, they must ensure: repelling attacks by enemy tanks and motorized infantry in front of the front line and destroying them when they penetrate the defense; convenience of placing elements of the battle formation and dispersal of units in order to minimize vulnerability from artillery fire, enemy precision weapons and the ability to maneuver fire and units. Thus, in terrain that is not always accessible for the actions of advancing troops, as well as during defense in the forward defense zone (support zone), the battalion’s defense front can be large.

In the battalion area, company strongholds are located so that they intercept with their position and fire the most likely directions of the enemy's attack, and also eliminate patterns in the formation of defense and ensure the stability of the defending units.

143.To solve fire missions and increase the survivability of means of combat, firing positions are prepared within the unit's combat formation. A firing position is a place occupied or intended to be occupied by a tank, infantry fighting vehicle (armored personnel carrier) and other fire weapons, prepared or not prepared in engineering terms. Skillful selection of firing positions is an important condition for the successful completion of assigned tasks.

Firing positions must be selected so that they provide good all-round visibility of the terrain and firing in the main and additional sectors of fire, the ability to fire at maximum range in given directions and defeat the enemy with concentrated fire, reliable camouflage and shelter of fire weapons from various enemy weapons, covert transition from the main position to a reserve position and a convenient exit to a counterattack or retreat, the possibility of mutual fire support and firing in gaps, from behind the flank and on top of friendly units.

144.Firing positions according to their purpose are divided into main, temporary, reserve and decoy.

The main firing positions are intended to carry out assigned tasks during the battle. They are prepared for infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers), tanks, ATGM installations, machine guns, grenade launchers and other fire weapons.

Temporary firing positions are equipped for duty fire weapons, infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers), tanks and are intended to perform individual tasks and mislead the enemy regarding the true structure of the fire system. From these positions, fire is fired to destroy the enemy trying to conduct reconnaissance, make passages in barriers or penetrate into the depths of the defense. After completing the assigned tasks, at the direction of the battalion (company) commander, fire assets occupy the main firing positions.

Spare firing positions are intended for maneuver during a defensive battle, as well as in case it is impossible to complete the assigned task from the main position. For each type of weapon, it is advisable to assign one or two spare positions. The transition to reserve positions and their occupation are carried out only by order of the commander.

False firing positions are created to mislead the enemy regarding the true position of fire weapons. For combat vehicles, these positions (trenches) are usually equipped with an imitation of the main unmasking features 10–15 m from the main firing position.

Depending on the degree of cover from ground surveillance, firing positions can be open or closed. Tanks, infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers), anti-tank weapons and machine guns occupy and fire from open firing positions.

Firing positions must be created in such a way as to ensure their dispersed and non-linear placement.

145.Trenches and communication passages must ensure the convenience of firing, especially flanking and cross-fire, the sheltered location of units and fire weapons, their rapid and covert maneuver along the front and in depth, and also make it difficult for the enemy to open the battle formation and fire system.

The first trench of the first position is the forward edge, which is designated by the senior commander. Anti-tank and anti-personnel barriers are created in front of the first trench. It is selected, if possible, behind natural anti-tank obstacles and should provide good observation of the enemy, the best conditions for creating continuous fire of all types in front of the front line, on the flanks, in gaps and from the depths of the defense. The terrain in front of the front line of defense should make it difficult for the enemy to observe, select hidden areas for concentrating tanks and infantry, and concealed approaches to it.

The second trench is equipped in such a way that the units defending it can use their fire to destroy the enemy on the approaches to the front line of defense, cover the barriers in front of him, and also support the units located in the first trench.

The third (fourth) trench should provide the units defending it with firing in the zone between the second and third (fourth) trenches, and in some areas - in front of the front line of defense, and also use it for maneuver in threatened directions.

Communication passages are used for combat with an enemy who has penetrated the defense, covert maneuver of units, as well as for evacuating the wounded, supplying ammunition and food. For each platoon there is at least one communication route from the first trench to the second, and for each company - at least one communication route from the second trench to the third (fourth). This will allow, if necessary, to organize all-round defense in a short time. In order to reduce losses from the effects of artillery fire and enemy air strikes, trenches and communication passages should be cut off in full profile, and in some areas reinforced with steep clothing. In trenches and communication passages, blocked areas, dugouts and shelters are arranged for personnel, and niches and ditches are cut out for ammunition and other materiel.

When disengaging from battle and retreating, trenches and communication passages are used to allow personnel to reach the assembly areas of platoons, companies and battalions.

146.The main means of destroying the enemy in defense is fire. To solve this problem, the battalion (company) has a variety of fire weapons (machine guns, machine guns, hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers, infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers), tanks, anti-tank guided missiles, automatic grenade launchers, mortars, anti-aircraft weapons). They differ both in range and effectiveness, as well as in the types of targets hit and security. For fire to be most effective, it must be organized into a single system that meets the design of the upcoming battle. In addition, defense is organized, as a rule, to conduct combat with a significantly superior enemy. Consequently, the enemy’s quantitative superiority in tanks and motorized infantry must be countered by the quality of fire, which is expressed in a certain system of arrangement and use of available weapons.

147. The fire system should be understood as the arrangement of fire weapons organized according to a single plan, the combination and distribution of their fire missions by target, place and time, taking into account the maximum use of fire capabilities in accordance with the decision of the commander to defeat the enemy when he approaches the front line of defense, deployment and transition in an attack, repelling an attack by enemy tanks and motorized infantry in front of the front line of defense, on the flanks and when penetrating into a defense area (strong point).

The fire system is built taking into account the fire capabilities of all types of weapons at the disposal of the battalion (company) commander, their close interaction in combination with engineering obstacles and natural obstacles.

The fire system must ensure the creation of a fire zone of anti-tank weapons and continuous multi-layer fire of all types in front of the front edge, in the gaps, on the flanks and in the depths of the battalion defense area (strong point), the rapid transfer, distribution and concentration of fire in any threatened direction or area.

148.The battalion (company) fire system includes:

areas of concentrated artillery and mortar barrage fire lines and lines prepared on the approaches to the defense, in front of the front edge, on the flanks, in the spaces between company strong points and in the depths of the defense;

zones of fire of anti-tank weapons and continuous multi-layered fire of all types of weapons in front of the front edge, in the gaps, on the flanks and in the depths of the defense to destroy, first of all, tanks and other armored vehicles of the enemy;

a prepared fire maneuver in order to concentrate it in a short time in any threatened direction or area. The basis of a company’s fire system is the fire of tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, and a battalion’s is based on anti-tank fire from companies, regular and assigned anti-tank weapons, direct fire artillery, taking into account the use of an anti-tank reserve and a mobile brigade obstacle detachment in a tank-hazardous direction.

149.Careful organization of anti-tank fire is the most important responsibility of commanders of all units. Fire weapons in a battalion defense area (company stronghold) must be located covertly, taking into account the terrain. Moreover, their location should ensure firing to the maximum range and hit the enemy with flank, cross and dagger fire, have fire communication with each other and create fire bags.

To prevent the enemy from opening the fire system, fire weapons must be carefully camouflaged, a wide network of reserve, temporary and decoy positions, roaming tanks, guns and infantry fighting vehicles must be created. Linear arrangement of fire weapons is unacceptable.

150.To combat tanks and other armored vehicles of the enemy, the battalion (company) commander determines the fire zone of anti-tank weapons. It is a section of terrain in front of the front edge of a unit, on the flanks, in the gaps between strong points and in the depths of the defense, on which fire from tanks, anti-tank systems, infantry fighting vehicles and other anti-tank weapons is prepared in advance and conducted.

The depth of the anti-tank fire zone must ensure reliable destruction of enemy tanks and infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers). The far border is determined (set) depending on the range of effective fire, the means used, taking into account the terrain conditions in front of the front edge, on the flanks and in the depth of the defense.

151.To repel massive attacks by enemy tanks and infantry, a zone of continuous multi-layered fire of all types of weapons is created. It represents a section (strip) of terrain in which each point is under actual fire. Moreover, small arms fire within this zone is intensified by the fire of machine guns mounted on infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers), and the fire of anti-tank weapons is reinforced by hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers.

In each specific case, the depth of the zone of continuous multi-layer fire is determined by the nature of the terrain and the effective range of fire of the participating fire weapons.

152.When organizing a fire system, special attention should be paid to creating fire bags. A fire bag is a section of terrain in front of the front edge or in the depths of the defense, along which high-density fire from all or most of the unit’s firepower is prepared from the flanks and from the front in order to inflict maximum destruction (damage) on the enemy in a short time. It is created by skillfully positioning strongholds of companies (platoons) and fire weapons, taking into account terrain conditions, so that the terrain within its boundaries is covered by cross, flank and frontal fire from all weapons. During a defensive battle, fire pockets can be created by fire maneuvers, fire weapons, and subunits.

Mine-explosive barriers are installed within the fire pocket, artillery and mortar fire and concentrated small arms fire are prepared.

The dimensions of the fire bag can be: when created in front of the front edge - 900-1000 m along the front and up to 1000 m in depth, in the depths of the defense area (strong point) - 500-800 m along the front and up to 1000 m in depth.

153.To defeat the enemy on possible advance routes, deployment lines and directions of his advance and penetration, concentrated barrage fire from artillery (mortars) and concentrated fire from tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and small arms are prepared.

Concentrated fire (hereinafter referred to as CO) is conducted at a specifically detected target or group of targets by several tanks, infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers), machine guns, machine guns and other fire weapons, as well as one or more company units. In some cases, prepared concentrated fire may be used to suppress, destroy, or impede the enemy's advance. Suppression of a target consists of inflicting such damage (losses) on it that it is temporarily deprived of combat capability, its maneuver is limited, or control is disrupted. Destruction of a target consists of inflicting such damage (losses) on it that it completely loses its combat effectiveness.

Areas of concentrated fire are usually designated along road junctions, crossings, defiles, forest clearings and other areas of terrain that constrain enemy actions or thicken his battle formation.

154.The dimensions of areas of concentrated fire along the front and in depth are determined by the fire capabilities of the units. Their width must correspond to the size of the fragmentation zone of the projectile and be 50 m for a 125 mm tank gun and 25 m for an infantry fighting vehicle gun. The depth of concentrated fire areas must correspond to the dispersion value of shells (fragments) and be 100 m for tank guns and 50 m for infantry fighting vehicles. Based on this, the CO sections can be: for a tank platoon - up to 150 m along the front and up to 100 m in depth; for BMP guns of a motorized rifle platoon - up to 75 m along the front and up to 50 m in depth; for a tank company - up to 450 m along the front; for BMP guns of a motorized rifle company - up to 250 m along the front.

The width of the area of ​​concentrated fire when firing from small arms is assigned taking into account the fire density of 10–12 bullets per 1 m of front width per minute and depends on the number of fire weapons located in the unit and participating in the battle. With normal staffing of units, the CO section can be: for a motorized rifle platoon - up to 150 m, for a motorized rifle company - up to 300 m.

To ensure firing from tanks at the CO site at night or in poor visibility conditions, data for firing is prepared using a side level and an azimuth indicator.

155.The battalion (company) commander organizes the fire system when setting tasks and organizing interaction. In this case, the unit is assigned firing lines, additional sectors of fire and areas of concentrated fire, and fire assets are assigned main and additional sectors of fire.

The unit's line of fire along the front must be no less than the width of the defense area (strong point) and is determined (indicated) on the ground (map, diagram) by the borders on the right and left. Each boundary is indicated by two points (landmarks): first to the right, then to the left in depth. The depth of the fire lane is determined by the effective fire range of the units' assets. To cover joints and gaps between units with fire, the fire lanes of neighboring units should overlap at distances of 400–500 m from the front edge.

Firing sectors are indicated for infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers), tanks, machine guns and other fire weapons. Fire from hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers is prepared in the fire lanes of their squads.

The readiness of the fire system is determined by the occupation of positions by fire weapons, the preparation of data for firing, as well as the availability of missiles and ammunition.

An important element of building a defense is a system of engineering barriers created by the decision of the commander throughout the entire depth of the defense in order to inflict damage on the enemy, delay his advance, complicate (fetter) maneuver or force him to advance in a direction favorable to the defenders and thereby contribute to his destruction by fire and counterattacks.

156.The system of engineering barriers includes minefields, groups of mines, obstacle assemblies, rubble, other anti-tank and anti-personnel obstacles and objects prepared for destruction (mining) created in front of the combat outpost position, the front edge, in the gaps and on the flanks of the battalion (company) to the full depth battalion defense area. It is created in accordance with the battle plan in combination with a fire system, taking into account natural obstacles and the maneuver of units (its own and neighbors).

The basis of the barrier system is made up of mine-explosive barriers installed by engineering and sapper units. The order of destruction of objects in the depths of the defense is determined by the senior commander.

If there is a lack of forces and means and it is impossible to hold important lines or areas of the terrain, maneuverable defense can be used.