Accession Number:

ADA191783

Title:

Soviet Tactical Surprise: The Doctrine and how to Counter it,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLL FORT LEAVENWORTH KS SCHOOL OF ADVANCED MIL ITARY STUDIES

Personal Author(s):

• Bolick, Joseph A.

Report Date:

1987-12-04

Pagination or Media Count:

53.0

Abstract:

This study examines Soviet surprise within the context of tactical warfare. It assesses Soviet military art in relationship to their current surprise doctrine, defines the elements of surprise and reviews their historical use. It also discusses the advantages of surprise operations and those the Soviets expect if used against NATO. The main body of the study is concerned with how the Soviets will achieve surprise and how we can prevent or counter it. A discussion of Soviet organizations, methods of execution, counter-reconnaissance, radio electronic combat, intelligence collection, and other items such as the use of of deception to support surprise operations is included. It states that U.S. commanders and intelligence personnel must understand the Soviets options, presents ways to improve the intelligence system so it can detect surprise, and discusses actions leaders can take to assist in this process. The final section presents ways to counter surprise. The study concludes that Soviet forces will use surprise to support their tactical operations. This tactical use will be integrated with the operational and strategic surprise plan. U.S. detection, prevention and countering will depend on intelligence and operations personnel understanding the battlefield and its ambiguities. Keywords Military doctrine.

Descriptors:

• *TACTICAL WARFARE
• BATTLEFIELDS
• DECEPTION
• DETECTION
• INTELLIGENCE
• LEADERSHIP
• MILITARY DOCTRINE
• MILITARY OPERATIONS
• NATO
• ORGANIZATIONS
• PERSONNEL
• USSR
• MILITARY INTELLIGENCE
• MILITARY FORCES(FOREIGN)

Subject Categories:

• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE