Boris Vasiliev - counter fight. Fifth

MILITARY TACTICS

1.1 General provisions

Military tactics is an integral part of the art of war, including the theory and practice of preparing and conducting combat by formations, units (ships) and subunits of various types of armed forces, branches of troops on land, in the air and at sea. The military-theoretical discipline "Tactics" covers the study, development, preparation and conduct of all types of combat operations: offensive, defensive, oncoming combat, tactical maneuver, etc.

Driven by the changes in warfare brought about by the adoption of nuclear weapons and improved conventional weapons, the interrelationships and interdependence between strategy, operational art and tactics are becoming increasingly multifaceted and dynamic. Tactical nuclear weapons allow the tactical command to exercise a certain independence in choosing methods of conducting combat operations and more quickly achieve successes that determine the achievement of operational results.

The main objectives of tactics are:

• studying the patterns, nature and content of combat, developing methods for its preparation and conduct, determining the most effective methods of using weapons of destruction and protection in combat;
• study of the combat properties and capabilities of units, determination of their tasks and battle formations during combat operations and methods of organizing interaction between them;
• studying the role of fire, strikes and maneuver in battle;
• study of the enemy's forces and means and his combat techniques.

Each branch of the Armed Forces, branch of the military and type of special forces, as well as military rear services, have their own tactics. General laws and regulations for the preparation and conduct of combat by formations, units and subunits of all types of armed forces form the basis of the general theory of tactics. Exploring the diverse conditions of combat, tactics do not provide ready-made recipes. It develops only the main, most important provisions and rules, following which the commander makes an independent decision.

Changes in tactics and its development are associated with the invention of new types of weapons and military equipment, the training and degree of general development of troops, the development of strategy and operational art, and the organization of troops. People and military equipment directly influence the tactics and methods of combat operations. It is tactics that is the most changing part of the art of war.

The tactics of the ground forces covers the preparation and conduct of combined arms combat, the success of which is achieved through the joint efforts of all branches of the ground forces and special forces. Tactics determines the role and place of each type of troops in battle and, based on combat properties and capabilities, establishes the order and methods of their combat use.

1.2 Brief history

The development of tactics went from the simplest methods of action on the battlefield to more complex ones. Already the commanders of antiquity, in the course of preparing and waging wars, developed and improved combat techniques.

At the early stage of development of slave society, combat was reduced to linear movement and hand-to-hand combat of warriors armed with melee weapons. Qualitative improvements in weapons, organization of troops and training of soldiers led to the emergence of more advanced battle formations and a corresponding change in tactics.

In the ancient Greek army, a phalanx arose - a dense and deep formation of heavy infantry, which delivered a strong initial blow, but was clumsy and unable to maneuver on the battlefield. The Greek commander Epaminondas, in the battle of Leuctra, initiated the use of the tactical principle of uneven deployment of troops along the front in order to concentrate forces to deliver the main blow in the decisive direction. This principle was further developed in the army of A. Macedonian. The commander Hannibal in the battle of Cannae for the first time struck not on one flank, like Epaminondas or A. Macedonian, but on two, achieving encirclement and almost complete destruction of the larger Roman army.

Tactics reached their greatest development under the slave system in the army of Ancient Rome. The Roman army moved from sedentary phalanx tactics to more maneuverable manipulative tactics. In battle, the legion was divided into 30 tactical units - maniples. At the end of the 2nd - beginning of the 1st centuries. BC. manipulative tactics were replaced by cohort tactics. The cohort, consisting of three maniples, became a stronger tactical unit, although somewhat less maneuverable than the maniple. Lightweight throwing machines (ballistas, catapults) began to play a significant role in field battles. Cohort tactics were further developed under G.Yu. Caesar. The Roman military theorist F.R. Vegetius summarized the experience of the Roman army and developed a variety of battle formations and various methods of combat.

In the era of feudalism, until the completion of the revolution in military affairs (16th century), caused by the development of firearms, the theory and practice of tactics developed slowly. During the period of formation and victory of capitalist relations, linear tactics became widespread, associated with equipping the army with firearms, including artillery, and increasing the role of fire in battle, as well as staffing the army with mercenary soldiers. According to this tactical scheme, the troops were positioned to fight in a line. The outcome of the battle was decided by a frontal collision and the power of rifle and artillery fire.

Russian commanders of the 18th century. - Peter I, P.A. Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky, adhering mainly to linear tactics, sought out new ways of fighting. Peter I created a reserve in a linear battle formation and introduced a deeper formation, which contributed to the victory of Russian troops over the troops of Charles XII near Poltava. Rumyantsev began to use loose formation and square. A.V. Suvorov, along with linear battle formations, used squares, columns, scattered formations and combinations of various formations.

By the end of the 18th century. linear tactics have exhausted their possibilities. The French, Russian and other armies switched to new tactics based on a combination of columns and loose formation. This tactics was characterized by activity, decisiveness of action and maneuverability of troops, initiative of commanders, interaction of military branches, dismemberment of battle formations along the front and in depth. Troops in loose formation prepared the battle with fire, and troops arrayed in columns delivered the decisive blow. In the improvement of new methods of warfare at the end of the 18th - beginning of the 19th centuries. Napoleon I and M.I. Kutuzov made a great contribution.

Further development of tactics is associated with the introduction into troops in the 2nd half of the 19th century. rifled weapons, which had a greater rate of fire, range and accuracy compared to smooth-bore weapons. The experience of combat operations showed that the use of columns on the battlefield became impossible, since they suffered heavy losses from targeted artillery and small arms fire even during the period of rapprochement with the enemy. Therefore, during the Crimean, Franco-Prussian and Russian-Turkish wars, the transition to rifle chains was basically completed. In the offensive, the infantry began to use dashes, crawling and self-entrenchment, combining fire, maneuver and strike. Terrain engineering equipment began to be widely used in defense, and field and long-term defense received significant development, especially during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05.

In the 1st World War 1914-18. the increased saturation of armies with rapid-fire artillery and automatic weapons, the emergence of new means of combat (tanks, aircraft) and a sharp increase in the number of armies created the prerequisites for the further development of tactics. The creation of defensive positions echeloned in depth, the widespread use of trenches, communication passages, engineering obstacles and the use of various types of weapons made the defense increasingly stronger in comparison with the forces and means of the attacking side, which led to the transition to a positional form of struggle.

Beginning in 1915, the main problem of tactics became the breakthrough of the positional front. For this purpose, they began to create several echelons of rifle chains - “waves”. The attacking side tried to destroy the enemy’s defenses and pave the way for the infantry with massive artillery fire. For this purpose, multi-day artillery preparation was used, but this did not ensure the suppression of firing points throughout the entire depth of the defense.

In 1918, the warring parties abandoned the use of “waves” and chains and switched to group tactics, which represented the division of rifle chains into small infantry groups (squad, platoon), reinforced with light machine guns, rifle grenade launchers and flamethrowers, which made it possible to better use the capabilities of the infantry . The appearance of tanks and accompanying artillery in 1916 increased the fire and striking power of the advancing troops. The offensive was carried out methodically according to the principle: artillery destroys, infantry occupies. The infantry advanced in narrow strips.

The tactics of the Soviet ground forces began to take shape during the Civil War of 1918-20. The tactics of the Soviet troops received comprehensive development during the Great Patriotic War.

1.3 The current stage of development of tactics

In the post-war period, the introduction into the troops of nuclear missile weapons with enormous destructive capabilities, electronics, various types of the latest conventional weapons and military equipment, and the complete motorization of ground forces immeasurably increased their combat capabilities and changed the nature and methods of conducting combined arms combat.

The basic principles of the tactics of modern ground forces follow from the general principles of military art.

Modern means of combat have had a decisive influence on changing the content of combined arms combat. It is believed that in the event of the use of nuclear weapons, the main content of combined arms combat will be nuclear and fire strikes in combination with maneuver and attacks by troops.

The massive introduction of infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, self-propelled artillery and other military equipment into the arsenal of motorized rifle troops makes it possible to sharply increase the pace of the offensive. Motorized rifle units were given the opportunity to conduct an attack without dismounting together with tanks. Due to the saturation of troops with helicopters, the widespread use of airborne assault forces, aviation, as well as the maneuvering of troops by air, combined arms combat acquired a ground-air character.

Modern offensive tactics of ground forces are:

• in reliable fire suppression of the enemy’s defense to its entire depth, formations and units going on the offensive on the move from areas significantly removed from the front line of the enemy’s defense;
• in conducting rapid attacks by motorized rifle and tank troops;
• in quickly breaking through the enemy’s tactical defense and developing an offensive in its depth.

The methods of preparing and conducting defensive battles have also changed significantly.

PART 2.

THE BATTLE.

Combat is an organized armed struggle between units, units and formations of the warring parties. The battle can be fought on land, in the air and at sea. The art of combat belongs to the field of tactics, in contrast to operations, which belong to the field of operational art and strategy. The purpose of ground combat is to defeat the opposing enemy tactical group and capture (hold) important areas (lines) of the terrain.

The basic principles of modern combat are:

• interaction of units and units of various military branches and branches of the Armed Forces;
• suddenness of hostilities;
• activity and perseverance in achieving the goal;
• skillful creation of a group of forces and means for conducting combat operations;
• comprehensive support for combat.

Depending on the goals and methods of achieving them by troops, combat operations are classified according to types of combat, which include oncoming combat, offensive, retreat and defense.

Air and sea combat take place under different conditions than ground combat and have their own special methods of conduct.

PART 3

BASICS OF COUNTER COMBAT.

3.1 General information.

A meeting battle is a type of offensive battle in which both sides strive to complete the assigned task by attacking. Troops in an oncoming battle have the goal of defeating the advancing enemy within a certain time frame, seizing the initiative and creating favorable conditions for further actions.

Equipping troops with nuclear, highly effective conventional weapons, a variety of military equipment and, as a result, increased firepower, striking force and mobility of formations, units and subunits significantly increased the offensive capabilities of the parties. Therefore, in modern conditions, the likelihood of an oncoming battle and its role in the system of combat operations is especially high. An oncoming battle can occur during a march, on the offensive and in defense.

During the march, a counter engagement may take place while troops are moving on the march near the line of combat contact between the parties. The most likely encounter is from a march, as military history shows, in the initial period of the war. During this period, both sides strive to seize and maintain the initiative and achieve immediate strategic goals as quickly as possible.

Before the start of the war, the main groupings of troops of the parties are at a certain distance from each other and their collision is preceded by the advance of units and formations by march from their places of permanent deployment, concentration areas, exercises and combat alert training. Naturally, in such a situation, when both sides are moving with the same decisive goal of defeating the enemy with offensive actions, conditions are created for the outbreak of numerous oncoming battles.

Units and formations not only of the first echelon, but also those advancing from the depths to build up efforts, develop success, or repel enemy attacks can enter into an oncoming battle from the march. Consequently, in the initial period of the war, a counter battle with the deployment of troops from marching columns becomes the most characteristic type of offensive action by troops.

In an offensive, counter-battles can occur when repelling counterattacks and counterattacks, when developing success, clashing with enemy troops moving forward to close gaps or occupy important lines, during pursuit and conducting other maneuverable actions in depth.

If an oncoming battle occurs within the enemy's tactical defense zone, the attacking troops will most often act in combat or pre-combat formation. This will make it easier for them to enter the oncoming battle. However, in this case, enemy reserves are used, as a rule, according to pre-developed options, advanced along prepared routes, deployed at pre-selected and equipped lines, and strikes in well-studied directions. This will require the commander, even when preparing an offensive, to foresee the possibility of an oncoming battle and take appropriate measures, and during its conduct, strive to overcome the resistance of the defending troops as quickly as possible, forestall the advancing enemy reserves in capturing advantageous positions, disrupt their deployment and organized entry into battle .

In defense, an oncoming battle is possible during counterattacks and counterstrikes, during operations against air and sea landings, as well as when moving units and units to close gaps formed in the combat formation of troops, or to occupy tactically important lines and objects.

Despite the variety of conditions for the occurrence of a counter battle, its essence - the simultaneous desire of the parties to solve problems by offensive actions - remains unchanged. This makes it possible to determine the characteristic features of an oncoming battle and the main conditions for achieving success in its conduct.

The characteristic features of modern counter combat are:

• limited time for its organization;
• rapid rapprochement of the parties and their entry into battle on the move;
• intense struggle to gain time;
• seizing and maintaining initiative;
• sudden and frequent changes in the situation;
• deployment of actions on a wide front and to great depth, their transience;
• the presence of open flanks and gaps allowing freedom of maneuver.

To successfully conduct an oncoming battle, it is necessary to creatively apply the general principles of modern combined arms combat, skillfully use large firepower, high maneuverability, mobility and striking force of troops. At the same time, as combat experience shows, the outcome of an oncoming battle is seriously influenced by factors determined by the nature of this battle. They must be fully taken into account when organizing and conducting an oncoming battle.

In a meeting battle, both sides strive to solve their problems with an offensive and enter the battle on the move, therefore one of the most important conditions for achieving success is constant active reconnaissance of the enemy in order to obtain reliable information about him. Troops that do not know the position, strength and intentions of the enemy can be attacked from any direction, their actions become spontaneous, unorganized, they lose the initiative and, as a result, suffer defeat.

Intelligence must promptly detect the advancing enemy, reveal his grouping and plans, and constantly monitor all his actions. Timely detection of the enemy and the establishment of continuous surveillance of him allow the commander to correctly assess the situation and make an informed decision, as well as anticipate likely changes in the situation during combat operations.

The commander receives information about the enemy from his reconnaissance and the senior commander’s (chief’s) reconnaissance bodies operating ahead, from security units, forward detachments, as well as directly from reconnaissance and combat aircraft and helicopters, from airborne assault forces, neighbors and the senior commander (chief). The commander's personal observation of the enemy is also of great importance, especially during combat with marching guards.

Units and subunits enter into a counter battle on the move. They will not have time to rebuild and redistribute reinforcements once the battle begins. Therefore, in order to achieve success in an oncoming battle, the commander must create the necessary grouping of forces and means in advance, based on the plan of the upcoming battle.

On the march, in anticipation of an oncoming battle, it is important to correctly determine the composition and removal of the head marching outpost, vanguard, advanced detachment, as well as the place of artillery and anti-aircraft units in the column of the main forces.

One of the important conditions for achieving success in an oncoming battle is the timely decision-making and delivery of combat missions to subordinate units, because the time factor is of paramount importance in an oncoming battle. The slightest delay in making a decision and communicating combat missions to the troops entails a loss of initiative, a delay in delivering fire strikes, deploying units and going on the attack, and ultimately in defeat. At the same time, the speed of decision-making should not come at the expense of its tactical expediency.

Success in an oncoming battle also depends on the rapid implementation of maneuver to capture an advantageous position; pre-empting the enemy in fire and nuclear destruction, deployment and launching an attack; delivering a sudden and strong blow to the enemy, usually in the flank and rear.

A line that dominates the terrain, ensuring the effective use of all types of troops and types of military equipment, especially tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, ATGM installations and artillery, which has hidden approaches and paths for the movement of troops, their rapid deployment and strike, can be advantageous for the deployment of troops. to the flank and rear of the enemy.

In capturing an advantageous position that provides favorable conditions for the deployment and entry into battle of the main forces, a major role belongs to forward detachments, vanguards, and tactical airborne assault forces. In order for the forward detachments and vanguards to be able to successfully carry out the tasks assigned to them, they are primarily composed of tank units.

In modern conditions, the importance of forestalling the enemy in a fire attack has sharply increased. By forestalling the enemy in fire damage, and in conducting combat operations with the use of nuclear weapons and in delivering nuclear strikes, the initiative and important tactical advantages are achieved.

Along with preempting the enemy in delivering nuclear and fire strikes, preempting him in deploying the main forces and launching an attack is also important. The importance of this condition for achieving success in a meeting battle is confirmed by the experience of many meeting battles carried out in past wars, and is emphasized in the regulations of many modern armies.

Prohibition of the organized advance of enemy groups is also important.

Achieving success in an oncoming battle is impossible without seizing the initiative and maintaining it during the battle. This is achieved by the high activity and decisiveness of the troops' actions, their mobility, efficiency in the work of commanders and staffs, the manifestation of creativity, and forestalling the enemy's actions.

The presence of open flanks and gaps between subunits and units in an oncoming battle gives the enemy the opportunity to carry out wide maneuver in order to deliver sudden and strong attacks on the flanks and rear. Therefore, securing the flanks and rear becomes especially important for success in an oncoming battle. This is achieved by continuous reconnaissance on the flanks, timely detection of the enemy’s preparations for an attack on the flank and the adoption of measures to exclude such a possibility, the location of reserves and anti-tank weapons closer to the flanks, and the rapid organization of counteraction to the enemy in the event of an attack.

3.2 Combat missions of troops.

Due to the incompleteness of data about the enemy, the rapid change in his position when approaching, the absence of his grouping in the area where the oncoming battle is expected to be carried out by the time the combat missions are determined, motorized rifle as well as tank units in the oncoming battle are assigned only the immediate task and the direction of further offensive is indicated . The specific content of the combat mission is determined in each battle, taking into account the factors listed above.

3.3 Order of battle.

The combat formation of troops for conducting an oncoming battle is built in accordance with the assigned combat mission, the commander's plan for an oncoming battle and must ensure the delivery of a strong initial blow and the development of the success achieved.

To ensure a powerful initial strike against the enemy, it is advantageous to build the battle formation of combined arms subunits (units) in one echelon with the allocation of a strong reserve.

It is advisable to use the largest part of the forces and means of the first echelon, especially tank units and the main forces of motorized rifle units, in the main direction with the aim of striking the enemy’s flank or rear, dismembering him and destroying him in parts. To pin down the main enemy forces from the front, only a part of the units, primarily motorized rifle units, are used.

In an oncoming battle, it is especially important that the first echelon units have tactical independence. For this purpose, SMEs, in anticipation of the counter

collisions with the enemy on the march may be assigned to an artillery battalion or battery, an anti-aircraft battery (platoon), an anti-tank battery (platoon), and units of engineering and chemical troops. TB can be reinforced by motorized rifle units, and SMEs by tank units.

The reserve is intended to build up efforts in the main direction, defeat reserves moving forward to enter the battle and solve problems that suddenly arise during an oncoming battle. In a battalion, a reserve is usually created up to a company strength. Combat missions are assigned to him immediately before entering battle.

The most important tasks of artillery are to support the battle of the forward detachment and the vanguard (head marching outpost), destroy identified nuclear and chemical attack weapons, artillery and mortar batteries, anti-tank weapons, control posts, air defense systems, electronic warfare facilities, defeat suitable enemy columns, and disrupt their organized deployment and attacks, ensuring the deployment of their main forces, fire (artillery) preparation and support for their attack, accompaniment of the offensive, covering the flanks.

A grouping of air defense forces and means is created in such a way as to provide reliable cover for troops, primarily in the main direction, from attacks by enemy fire support aircraft and helicopters from any direction and from different altitudes.

An advance detachment is created and sent out in advance, usually on the march in anticipation of an oncoming battle or during an offensive. He is entrusted with the task of forestalling the enemy in capturing an advantageous position and holding this position until the main forces arrive.

PART 4.

ORGANIZATION OF COUNTER COMBAT.

Taking into account the conditions for the occurrence of an oncoming battle and the factors on which the achievement of success in an oncoming battle depends, its preparation is carried out.

Organizing an oncoming battle includes making decisions, assigning combat missions to units, organizing interaction, fire destruction of the enemy, air defense, comprehensive combat support, and monitoring the readiness of units to carry out combat missions.

Advance work to prepare for an oncoming battle contributes to its immediate organization in a short time.

The commander makes a decision on an oncoming battle based on the task received from the senior commander (chief), or on his own initiative, based on data from air, ground reconnaissance and combat of the forward detachment, vanguard (head marching outpost).

Having received the task of defeating the enemy in an oncoming battle, the commander puts it on his working map, understands the task and assesses the situation.

When assessing the situation, the commander first of all determines the forces and composition of the advancing enemy, the probable line and time of meeting with him, the direction of his actions, conditions for maneuver, advantageous deployment lines, line of attack, routes and time of approach to them, the direction of advance of the main forces .

The battalion commander usually makes the decision to defeat an advancing enemy in an oncoming battle while moving along the map, with the start of the battle by the head marching outpost, or with the receipt of a combat mission.

The plan for an oncoming battle determines the directions of concentration of the main efforts, the type of maneuver and the sequence of destruction of the advancing enemy; the procedure for engaging the enemy by fire during his advance and during deployment for battle; order of battle and the procedure for the use of regular and assigned forces and means.

Having made a decision, the commander assigns combat missions to the units by issuing a combat order or combat instruction.

When assigning tasks to units, the combat order usually indicates:

1) the head marching outpost - composition, route of movement, which line and by what time to capture and hold to ensure the deployment of the main forces, as well as the order of action with the beginning of their attack;

2) to regular and attached artillery units - tasks to support the battle of the head marching outpost and the main forces, areas of firing positions and the time of readiness to open fire, signals for fire, transfer and ceasefire, the order of movement during the battle;

3) MSR (TR) - combat mission, line of transition to attack, route to reach it, time and direction of attack, order of interaction;

4) reserve - composition, direction and order of movement during the battle;

5) to other units - tasks for covering and supporting units of the main forces during advancement, deployment and during the battle, place in the battle order, order of movement during the battle.

The commander immediately reports the decision made and orders given to the senior commander.

The general looked through the stereo until his eyes hurt. In the artificial, repeatedly reflected and refracted world of optics, everything seemed flat and unnatural, and the rainbow film that occupied the eastern part of the viewing area was irritating with fairground colors.

- I do not see! - he said angrily. - They chose enpe, there is nothing to say! Where are Kolymasov's tanks?

“To the left of the bridge, Comrade General,” the little reconnaissance captain who equipped this observation post for the corps commander quietly explained.

The general looked up from the eyepieces and straightened his cap, which had been knocked onto the back of his head.

“Push forward,” he said. - So that I can hear the engines. Have you chickened out at the end of the day, scouts? “He looked mockingly at the captain with eyes reddened from lack of sleep and easily jumped onto the parapet. - Communication, keep up!..

The general walked to where the battle was muffled, covered by tight clouds of a bluish-gray mixture of smoke and fog. He walked upright, not ducking from random projectiles, putting his hands in the pockets of his padded jacket and shivering. An adjutant and two machine gunners glided silently behind him.

It was cool, and the barrels of the machine guns were covered with tiny drops of dew. The sun could not get over the mountains, in the lowlands it was still gloomy like night, and only high up in the rare clearings of fog a brightening sky could be discerned.

“Three seventeen,” said the general, looking at his watch. — It’s getting late here.

The general was first overtaken by scouts led by the captain, and then by signalmen carrying reels and a backup radio.

- Let the connection work! - the general shouted after him.

- That's right, Comrade General! — the signal lieutenant responded automatically and ran, bending down at times and laying the wire more comfortably.

There were six scouts - in quilted jackets, belted with belts, with machine guns over their shoulders, knives and grenades on their belts. Six silent soldiers, accustomed to communicate more with signs than with words, who had gone through the war. They equally silently, slightly bent down, followed in the wake of the captain, and with their professionally light, leisurely and calculating gait, they could be mistaken for infantrymen, if not for the traditional black helmets that everyone wore in tank troops, even rear guards, repairmen and signalmen .

“It didn’t work out,” the reddish young scout grinned when they overtook the general. -Can you deceive him?

“But apparently this is the last battle,” sighed the tall sergeant, who was carrying a stereo tube. “If some random fool picks it up, it’s a shame...

They weren't talking about themselves. They talked about the general - the commander of their tank corps. He unraveled the naive trick with which they hoped to protect him in these last hours of the war. To say that they loved him, as soldiers love brave and successful commanders, would mean to say little and usually, because they did not just love him - they were proud of him, as brothers are proud of the most talented and happiest in the family. We were proud in front of the soldiers of other corps, in front of familiar and unfamiliar officers and generals, we were proud in front of our families, and military censorship was sometimes stumped when it came across enthusiastic phrases about ours in soldiers’ letters. He was called this way in conversations: “ours said”, “ours ordered”, “ours ordered”. Everyone named him - both soldiers and officers - and no one knew when this warm, almost family-like attitude towards the corps commander arose. And “ours” was no softer, no kinder, no more warm-hearted than any commander. Quite the contrary: he was harsher than many, did not tolerate contradictions, and in battle sometimes showed inflexibility bordering on cruelty. He never fell for the soldier jokes that were common in the conversations of many generals, he was reserved, and few in the corps could boast that they saw a smile on his face.

The use of modern weapons, the increased power and firing range of conventional weapons, the high mobility of troops and their large striking force, the absence of a continuous front and the maneuverable nature of actions create objective preconditions for the frequent occurrence of oncoming battles.

Counter combat is a type of offensive combat. It arises when both sides strive to accomplish their assigned tasks with an offensive. In a meeting battle, it is not necessary to have superiority in forces and means over the enemy. By forestalling him in opening fire, deploying into battle formation and going on the attack, as well as inflicting a sudden and strong blow on him, as a rule, in the flank and rear, you can defeat not only an equal, but also a superior enemy.

A counter battle can occur in various conditions: during a march, during the development of an offensive, as well as during counterattacks in defense.

On the march a counter battle can arise as a result of the approach of marching columns moving towards each other. In this case, the battalion (company) can conduct an oncoming battle as part of the main forces of the regiment (battalion) or independently - when operating in a forward detachment or vanguard (head marching outpost). A characteristic feature of the actions of a battalion (company) in all cases will be its deployment from marching formation to pre-battle and combat formations and attacking the enemy on the move.

During the development of the offensive a counter battle can occur when a battalion (company) collides with enemy reserves moving forward to launch counterattacks or occupy a position advantageous for defense; during the pursuit of a retreating enemy in a collision with his reserves advancing from the depths; during a maneuver to encircle the enemy in a collision with his reserves opposing his encirclement, or when repelling an enemy strike carried out in order to release the encircled group. Under these conditions, a battalion (company) of both the first and second echelon (reserve) can conduct an oncoming battle. It should be taken into account that the battalion (company) of the first and second echelon, depending on the conditions of the situation, will be in combat, pre-combat or marching order.

On defense an oncoming battle is typical only for a battalion (company) of the second echelon or reserve, moving forward to conduct a counterattack, close the gaps that have formed or occupy an advantageous position, as well as to destroy an airborne or naval landing force. In this case, the battalion (company) for the oncoming battle will be deployed from the marching or pre-battle formation.

The goal of an oncoming battle in any situation is to defeat the advancing enemy in a short time, seize the initiative and create favorable conditions for further actions.

A counter battle is characterized by: limited time for its organization; sudden changes in the situation and the transience of actions, the rapid rapprochement of the parties, their entry into battle on the move; intense struggle to gain time, seize and maintain initiative and fire superiority over the enemy; the presence in the combat formations of the parties of significant gaps and open flanks, allowing freedom of maneuver.

In an oncoming battle, as a rule, there is an intense struggle to gain time and initiative, the capture and retention of which becomes decisive in achieving the goal of the oncoming battle. As soon as one of the sides loses the initiative and refuses to achieve its goals with an offensive, the oncoming battle for one side turns into defense, for the other - into the offensive.

Sharp and frequent changes in the situation, the deployment of actions on a wide front and their transience, the presence of open flanks and gaps will make it possible under these conditions to strike at the enemy’s flank and rear.

Success in an oncoming battle is achieved by: conducting continuous reconnaissance on a wide front and to great depth in order to timely reveal the intentions and composition of the enemy troops; timely decision-making and communication of tasks to subordinates; forestalling the enemy in deploying and opening fire, occupying advantageous terrain and launching an attack; delivering a preemptive strong strike by the main forces together with decisive actions by marching (combat) security units in order to dismember the enemy’s battle formation and destroy it piece by piece; maintaining the initiative during the battle, reliable provision of the flanks and rear; firm and continuous management and maintenance of interaction between parts (divisions).

All of the above conditions for achieving success in an oncoming battle are closely interrelated. Thus, information received in advance about the advancing enemy allows the commander to make a timely decision and assign tasks to his subordinates, and therefore, forestall the enemy in opening fire, deploying into battle formation and conducting a surprise attack on the flank and rear. Preemption in opening fire, in turn, makes it possible to defeat the enemy while he is moving in marching order, complicate his deployment or disrupt the battle formation and create the preconditions for a quick defeat.

Firm and continuous control and maintaining constant cooperation between units is an indispensable condition for success in any battle. However, in a counter battle their importance is especially great. Insufficient attention to these issues can lead to failure to complete the assigned task.

A counter battle of a battalion (company) includes the sequential execution of a number of tactical tasks, the main of which are: deployment of elements of the battalion (company) battle formation; fire defeat of the enemy; conducting combat in a constraining direction; defeat of enemy cover (security) units; increasing efforts by introducing a combined arms reserve into battle; defeat of the opposing enemy in the direction of concentration of the main efforts. Carrying out these tasks, the battalion can conduct an oncoming battle independently, acting in the forward detachment (vanguard), or as part of the main forces of the brigade (regiment) in the pinning direction or in the direction of the main attack. A company usually conducts an oncoming battle as part of a battalion, acting in a holding direction or in the direction of concentrating the main efforts, as well as in the head marching outpost.

The advance detachment, up to the line that it must capture, conducts a counter battle only if it is impossible or impractical to bypass the enemy.

The vanguard (head or side marching outpost) must, in a counter battle, defeat the enemy's covering (security) unit, pin down its main forces and provide favorable conditions for the deployment and entry into battle of the main forces of the brigade (regiment, battalion).

When conducting an oncoming battle (in a forward detachment or vanguard), the battalion pins down the enemy's main forces with part of the forces from the front and strikes with the main forces at the enemy's flank and rear. If the enemy is in marching order, reliably suppressed by fire, and also when the maneuver of units to the flank and rear is difficult or requires considerable time, an attack on him can be delivered from the front.

The history of the Great Patriotic War knows many examples of successful actions of battalions in the vanguard. Let us present one of them (Fig. 5.1).

Rice. 5.1.

in the forefront

Pursuing units of the enemy's 112th Infantry Division retreating to Brest, the 76th Guards Rifle Division on July 21, 1944 received the task of reaching the USSR state border with Poland south of Zbunin and seizing a bridgehead on the Western Bug.

The 237th and 239th Guards Rifle Regiments of this division, having defeated the enemy in the large settlement of Maloryta (not shown in the picture), pursued him in the direction of Zbunin. At the forefront of the 239th Guards Rifle Regiment was the 2nd Rifle Battalion, reinforced by a regimental battery of 76-mm cannons and a sapper platoon. By the end of July 20, the reconnaissance platoon of the regiment had reached the Zbunin area.

At dawn on July 21, the vanguard of the regiment reached a fork in the country roads east of Zbunin, where it unexpectedly encountered a column of enemy infantry heading to the crossing on the Western Bug in the Zbunin area. The enemy column outnumbered the 2nd Rifle Battalion by one and a half to two times. The approach of the main forces of the regiment was expected only after 40-60 minutes. The commander of the vanguard battalion, instantly assessing the situation, decided to forestall the enemy in deploying and opening fire, seize an advantageous line between the forest and the swamp, attack the enemy column on the move and defeat it. At the command of the commander, the battalion turned into a line. The signal “Forward, attack” was given.

The enemy, who did not expect a sudden attack, rushed about in panic, suffering heavy losses. Taking advantage of this, the battalion managed to occupy an advantageous position. The artillery, immediately deployed into battle formation, fired direct fire. The enemy, using numerical superiority, on the right flank of the battalion pushed back the 4th rifle company and reached the firing positions of the mortar company. Its commander, quickly assessing the situation, attacked the enemy with his own forces. The attack was swift and sudden. The mortar men destroyed 10 Nazis in hand-to-hand combat and, in cooperation with the 4th Infantry Company, drove back the enemy that had penetrated. The battle was intense and fierce. During the battle, the crew of one of the regimental battery's guns was out of action. Then the commander of this battery and his orderly stood at the gun and destroyed one enemy cannon and two machine guns with fire.

The enemy concentrated his forces along the road between the forest and the swamp and, under the influence of strong artillery and machine-gun fire, began to push back individual units and infiltrate into the gaps in the battle formation of our units.

In this situation, the commander of the 239th Guards Rifle Regiment reinforced the 2nd Rifle Battalion with a company of machine gunners and an artillery division and ordered a strong defense to ensure the advance of the main forces of the regiment to the Western Bug.

The battalion commander assigned tasks to the arriving units: a company of machine gunners to take up defense on the right flank; The 3rd machine gun company takes a position on the road in ambush behind the left flank; artillery battalion to take firing positions in the area of ​​the regimental battery.

All subsequent enemy attacks were repulsed by organized rifle, machine gun and artillery fire. A significant part of the enemy infantry and tanks was destroyed. Small groups breaking through on the left flank were met from an ambush by fire from the 3rd machine gun company and were also destroyed. With stubborn defense, strong fire and competent maneuver, the battalion prevented the enemy from reaching the crossing and ensured that the main forces of the regiment crossed and captured the bridgehead.

The dynamic nature of the battle, rapid and abrupt changes in the situation, primarily changes in the position and nature of the enemy’s actions, make it difficult to predict the development of the battle. In this regard, the battalion (company) in an oncoming battle is indicated with the immediate task and the direction of further offensive.

Assigning only the immediate task to a battalion (company) is a consequence of the fact that by the time a battalion (company) is assigned a combat mission for an oncoming battle, in the area where it can occur, there is usually not only no clearly defined battle order of the enemy, but also that group , which will have to be fought, since it will still be on the move to this area. In this regard, it is impossible for a battalion (company) to accurately determine in advance the sequence of tasks to be performed.

The immediate task of a battalion operating in a forward detachment (vanguard) or in a pinning direction is to capture and hold an advantageous position that provides the main forces with conditions for maneuver, deployment and striking the enemy’s flank and rear; defeating the advancing enemy with fire of all means and preventing him from striking the flank and rear of the formation (unit) (Fig. 5.2). The vanguard, in addition, is tasked with defeating the enemy's reconnaissance and cover (security) units. With the transition of the main forces to the attack, the battalion is given a new task.

The immediate task of a company operating in the head (side) marching outpost or in the restraining direction of the battalion is to defeat enemy reconnaissance and cover (security) units in its direction, to capture the stronghold

Rice. 5.2. The actions of a tank battalion assigned to the vanguard in a counter battle (option) of a suitable line, providing the main forces with conditions for maneuver, deployment and striking the enemy’s flank and rear (see Fig. 5.2).

The depth of the immediate task of a battalion when operating in a forward detachment (vanguard) and a company in the main marching outpost depends on the composition of the enemy’s reconnaissance and security units, their distance from the main forces, as well as on the time required to gain a foothold at the specified line, and usually amounts to 2-3 (1-2) km.

The size (width) of the line that a battalion (advanced detachment or vanguard) or company (head marching outpost) can capture directly depends on their combat capabilities, the nature of the terrain, the composition and tactics of the enemy.

A battalion (company), taking into account reinforcement means, is capable of repelling an attack by up to one and a half battalion (company) enemy tactical groups with fire from an unprepared line. In this regard, the battalion (company) for capture and retention needs to be assigned a line on which the specified forces will advance.

A battalion (company) of a potential enemy can attack at a front of 3-5 (1.2-1.5) km or more. Consequently, a battalion operating in the forward detachment or vanguard, and a company operating in the main marching outpost, can capture and hold a front line of 4-6 or up to 2 km, respectively, and sometimes more.

The immediate task of a battalion (company), operating as part of the main forces in the direction of the main attack of the brigade (regiment) (the direction in which the battalion's main efforts are concentrated), may be to defeat the enemy's first echelon units in its direction and capture a line that provides favorable conditions for the destruction of suitable reserves and offensive development. The direction of further advance of the battalion (company) is determined in such a way as to ensure the defeat of suitable enemy reserves and the accomplishment of the immediate task of the brigade (regiment, battalion).

The battle formation of a battalion in an oncoming battle must ensure that the enemy is ahead of the enemy in deploying and opening fire, delivering a strong initial blow to him and solving unexpected problems without complex formations. It is built in one echelon with the allocation of a strong combined arms reserve.

The first echelon of a motorized rifle (tank) battalion usually consists of two or three motorized rifle (tank) companies and an attached tank (motorized rifle) company. Companies of the first echelon can be reinforced with tanks, anti-tank and grenade launcher units. A tank company, as a rule, is attached to motorized rifle platoons, but can also be used in full force.

The company's combat formation is formed into one echelon. In order to timely detect the enemy, a reconnaissance patrol is sent in advance, before the start of the advance of the main marching outpost.

When a battalion conducts an oncoming battle on its own, the first echelon consists of units operating in the constraining direction and the direction of concentration of the main efforts.

Tank subunits assigned to a motorized rifle battalion are usually used in the direction where the main efforts are concentrated.

Fire damage, which is carried out, as a rule, in two periods, is important for the timely destruction of the enemy in an oncoming battle: in a constraining direction- fire preparation for repelling an offensive and fire support for defending troops; in the direction of the main attack- fire preparation for the offensive and fire support for the advancing troops.

Units of regular, attached and supporting artillery as they are deployed, fire assets of combined arms units, as well as aviation within the assigned resource are involved in fire engagement.

In a battalion operating independently, fire training is carried out by the battalion's forces with the assistance of supporting artillery and aviation units within the assigned resource.

• See: Tactics in combat examples. Battalion. pp. 169-171.

Encounter combat is possible when breaking through the encirclement ring, being ambushed, colliding with a moving or resting enemy, during maneuvering or a raid. Due to the limited time, an oncoming battle does not have sufficient preliminary preparation (such as an ambush or a raid); here it is necessary to act quickly; the power of weapons, experience and intelligence of the commander and fighters play a big role. Due to surprise, in the absence of pre-provided advantages, a counter battle should be considered as a forced battle, an imposed battle; its goal may not necessarily be defeat, but to distract the enemy and quickly remove fighters from attack.

General provisions

1. Encounter combat is characterized by surprise and speed. In such cases, immediate, correct and aggressive action must be taken.

2. To do this, it is necessary to study and carefully practice simple actions when in contact with the enemy in order to be prepared for any situation. (It is impossible to study every fight by writing numerous "cheat sheets" on paper, because not only do they kill initiative and creativity in learning, but they will not be read, reviewed, or recalled under the stress of real combat.) The principles behind actions are, should be simple, aggressive, fast and flexible, practiced to the point of automaticity.

3. Before the detachment goes on the march, the commander, during the briefing, must determine the procedure for action when contacting the enemy. This must be done before each exit, since units vary in strength and organization according to their tasks. Additionally, emphasizing such actions will work as a reminder to groups and help them avoid surprise attacks from the enemy.

4. A high level of individual training, marksmanship, knowledge of the capabilities of weapons and their limitations guarantee that all actions in a collision with the enemy will be successfully completed.

Actions upon contact with the enemy

1. Actions during contact with the enemy are usually practiced at the squad level and can be used by the platoon. These actions are suited to a variety of terrain conditions, and in all cases after initial contact, normal infantry tactics or platoon and squad fighting skills are used. It must be remembered that no action, skill or order will achieve success until the commander and his subordinates practice them to an instinctive level, since reflexive and quick reaction is part of the initiative of any commander.

2. If the squad is accompanied by people who have little or no experience in dealing with the enemy, such as guides, informants, defectors, etc., the patrol leader must keep them under strict control and visibility. These people must be thoroughly briefed before the detachment leaves. In addition, even before the detachment goes on the march, training can be carried out for these people, for inexperienced units, to practice such actions.

3. Contacts with the enemy are of one of three main types:

a. Situation A. The initiative is on the side of the partisans (the enemy is discovered first). (Fig11)

Actions: ambush on the move.

b. Situation B. Both the partisans and the enemy have the initiative (the parties saw each other at the same time) (Fig. 12)

Actions: immediate offensive actions.

With. Situation C. Initiative is on the enemy’s side (combat forces came under small arms fire or were ambushed) (Fig.13)

Action: Immediate offensive action against an enemy ambush.

4. Actions in situation A. The initiative is on the side of the partisans

a. Such actions are used in situations where the enemy is detected first. The detachment commander “by eye” assesses the enemy’s forces and the situation and immediately decides whether to get involved in the matter or not. If the decision is made to get involved in the matter, then it is necessary to immediately strike the enemy in order to take advantage of all the benefits of surprise.

b. Description of actions.

i. The lead group gives a silent signal with a hand or gesture

ii. Depending on camouflage and distance, troops attempt to occupy the best possible firing position relatively silently. At this stage, a minimum of movement and silence are vital. Fire is opened only at the command of the commander or if an enemy position is detected.

iii. The commander quickly assesses the situation and accordingly silently issues the necessary signals/orders. His goal should be to destroy as many opponents as possible, using dagger fire from the closest range and the best chosen area of ​​effect.

Figure 11. Ambush on the move

Note. The actions described above are effective when organizing an ambush with small forces. At the military level, it is usually not possible to deploy in a certain area. At the squad level, each soldier can move to his position if such movement is acceptable and the enemy is approaching from a certain direction, for example, along a road, river or animal trail.

5. Actions in situation B. Both the partisans and the enemy have the initiative (the parties saw each other at the same time)

Figure 12. Immediate offensive actions

a. Immediate offensive action is taken when the fighting force:

i. Encountered sentries on the outer perimeter of the enemy base;

ii. Encountered some enemy forces on the outer perimeter of their base

iii. Encountered a moving enemy group

iv. We encountered an enemy group located on the spot (at the base, at a rest stop, near the water, etc.).

b. Description of actions.

i. Groups that collide with the enemy, or find themselves in close proximity to him, open massive concentrated fire from all types of weapons in order to win the fire confrontation and destroy the maximum number of enemy personnel. This will be possible only if the groups instantly open targeted fire. Grenades and light mortars are used to the maximum.

When meeting with the enemy, the commander deploys his detachment into battle formation, trying to get ahead of the enemy with fire and prevent him from taking advantageous positions. While the main detachment is preparing for battle, the outpost pins down enemy troops with its fire.

ii. The detachment commander quickly assesses the situation, makes decisions and gives orders to carry out the required actions.

iii. If a surprise attack is necessary, the direction of deployment and attack depends on the nature of the terrain. The order of using the group to cover the enemy must be determined, possibly using the reserve squad. The attack plan must include accompanying covering fire.

iv. When carrying out the preparatory stages of the attack, the detachment commander must make sure that an advantage has been achieved in the fire confrontation and that the groups have moved to the required positions to cover the enemy.

v. A standard reorganization of forces should be carried out after an attack, i.e., before creating a perimeter defense, before clearing or setting up guards, before combing the area, with a simultaneous report of the contact to higher management. However, whenever possible, contact with the enemy must be maintained by immediate pursuit or surveillance.

If a detachment comes across large enemy forces, then the commander deploys it in such a way that it can carry out all-round defense. If conditions permit, the commander orders a retreat. At the same time, first, one after another, units of the main forces retreat. The combat guard turns into a rearguard and holds the enemy until the main forces retreat to an appropriate distance. If circumstances are unfavorable, the detachment continues to defend until nightfall and retreats at night.

After the end of the battle, the detachment quickly leaves for another place, at least 10–15 kilometers away from the point of oncoming battle. In this case, the transition is carried out as quickly as possible and in compliance with all possible camouflage measures.

6. Actions in situation C Initiative on the enemy's side (combat forces come under small arms fire or are ambushed)

Figure 13. Counter-ambush actions.

a. Such actions are used in situations where partisans are ambushed and in situations where part of the partisans' fighting forces are blocked by the enemy or pinned to the ground by fire.

Note: In most of the situations described below, the guerrillas will not be able to assess the enemy's strength until they begin to conduct follow-up actions.

b. Description of actions.

i. Groups that come under enemy fire or are in close proximity to him lie down and open concentrated, intense return fire in order to win the fire confrontation and destroy the enemy. Such groups need to open instant lethal fire. Hand grenades and light mortars should be used to the maximum.

ii. The squad leader quickly assesses the situation and gives the necessary orders.

iii. If an attack is planned, the deployment and maneuver paths for the attack depend on the terrain conditions. Particular attention should be paid to deploying the group to cover the enemy, possibly using the squad's reserve. The attack plan must include covering fire.

iv. At all preliminary stages of such actions, the detachment commander must be sure that the fire confrontation has been won and the group is moving to its position to cover the enemy.

v. After the attack, the usual reorganization is carried out, i.e. a perimeter defense is established, security and an inspection team are sent, the area is thoroughly combed, and a report is made to the higher command about contact with the enemy. However, contact with the enemy must be maintained through immediate pursuit.

c. If the entire squad is pinned down, it must move out of the kill zone using fire and maneuver as much as possible. Only after this can any action be taken based on assessment of the situation and planning, or retreat, depending on the losses suffered and the strength of the enemy.

7. When the battle is fought at close range, the side that opens fire first and creates a more powerful and accurate volume will win. To enhance firepower, a maneuver is carried out by the forces and means of the detachment. Thus, actions in the event of a sudden collision with the enemy come down to a simple rule - “lie down and win the fire confrontation.”

8. The sequence of actions is based on the initiative of the commander.

9. To a certain extent, the application of the actions outlined above depends on the unit's order of battle. If such a formation has a lead group with a strength of 1/3 of the entire forces of the detachment and the detachment commander can move to a position from which he can lead the battle, then in this case the usual tactical principles of fire and maneuver can be successfully used. In any case, the basic principles of the combat use of a detachment (platoon) in battle should be used by the commander based on the prevailing situation.

10. It is very important to realize that there are three main actions taken when meeting an enemy:

a. Lay down.

b. Win a fire confrontation.

c. Simultaneously with the actions under points a. and b. above, the commander must quickly assess the situation and issue appropriate orders. At the first opportunity, the detachment commander must fully inform the leadership about the contact, i.e. about what happened, where it happened, what the enemy is doing and what the guerrillas intend to do.

Reorganization

After contact with the enemy, reorganization is performed, which is a standard combat skill. When reorganizing after a collision with the enemy, the following procedure must be followed:

a. Take up a perimeter defense.

b. Assess your own losses.

c. Comb and search the nearby area for dead or wounded enemy fighters.

d. Tie up the living and check that none of the enemy fighters are pretending to be dead.

e. Report on the radio about contact with the enemy.

f. Scouts must provide all-round security at a distance of 200-300 meters from the point of contact in order to solve three problems:

ii. Ensure the area's security from counterattacks and post sentries.

iii. Find out in which direction the enemy fled.

g. If necessary, organize pursuit.

h. Organize a combing of the contact area to search for enemy soldiers, weapons, documents, warehouses, caves, etc.

i. Summarize the results of all actions taken and plan an ambush in the area after a full assessment of the situation.

j. Report by radio all actions taken.

k. During reconnaissance activities (see f. above) it will likely be necessary to:

i. Submit a report on the initial contact for a preliminary assessment of the results of the battle and the situation.

ii. Call the necessary specialists, incl. investigators/translators.

iii. Evacuate the wounded and replenish ammunition.

iv. Interrogate captured prisoners (separately) and compare the number of bodies, backpacks, sleeping places, to establish the exact number and composition of enemy forces.

Encounter combat in the forest has certain specifics.

In the event of a sudden meeting with a group of the enemy in the forest, they always try to “press” him to the ground with dense, heavy fire, force him to lie behind cover, “pin” him to the spot, depriving him of freedom of maneuver and not giving him the opportunity to conduct aimed fire. At the same time, immediately, while the covering group with a machine gun keeps the enemy pinned to the ground, the main forces, taking advantage of the relief, hiding behind the trees, make a sharp jerk to the left and forward, trying to enter from the enemy’s right flank.

According to combined arms tactics, the enemy from the marching formations will begin to turn into a chain against your cover group. Shoot this chain from the side, like a group target. Use the advantage that the above-mentioned left-handed rule gives - with a turn to the right, the enemy will shoot in the first minutes of the battle inconveniently, unusually, his arrows will turn to the right with their barrels at each other’s backs. On the side, the enemy will be open to your fire for some time; he will lose this time reforming the chain to the right. The winner will be the one who reacts first upon meeting and creates an instant advantage with concentrated fire from the side towards the enemy’s right flank. The same scheme of action applies in the event of a surprise attack on a group - the cover pins the enemy to the ground, the rest move forward with a sharp maneuver to his flank, preferably to his right. The terrain and circumstances do not always allow this, but if there is such an opportunity, it should not be missed. Depending on the situation, the battlefield and the enemy himself must be “twisted” clockwise, approaching the enemy at a distance of dagger fire. The main task is to do all this at extremely high speeds. Combat by small units in the forest is fleeting. Situational options must be practiced in training with personnel until they become automatic. In a combat situation, there may be no time to make decisions and no opportunity to issue a command. The tactical reaction of both individual fighters and the entire group must be worked out to the level of the collective instinct of a wolf pack, where everyone without a team knows what to do.

If you are moving in a chain on level ground, then the beginning of fire contact is similar - the enemy is pressed to the ground with fire. At the same time, while your machine gunners with heavy fire do not allow him to lean out and shoot accurately, you need to cover the enemy from the sides, “squeeze” him from the flanks, shooting targets unprotected by shelters from the sides. Make the main attack with fire again from the enemy’s right flank - the left-handed rule gives, albeit a short-term, but very noticeable advantage. If there are many of you, the enemy can be surrounded, if not, leave him a “way out” of the pincers and give him the opportunity to break away. You'll get him next time. Do not turn fire contact into hand-to-hand combat unless necessary. If you are few and have nowhere to go, do not wait to be squeezed. With the concentrated fire of your machine guns, “cut” the enemy’s chain in one place, under the fire cover of those who close the group from behind, make a dash towards the enemy, “pierce” his battle formations with grenades, following the explosions of your grenades, rush into the punched “hole”, turning your machine guns “in a fan”, do not let the enemy raise his head - you will see how the gap will immediately widen and deepen.

Always critically evaluate whether it is worth cutting the enemy’s chain in a weak spot: from its stronger sections, between which you may find yourself, you can easily be “pinned down” by fire and shot from the flanks. Sometimes it makes more sense to attack where the enemy's chain is thicker. In the resulting confusion, enemy fighters will be afraid of hitting each other. Depending on the situation, you can make a sharp throw to the left and forward, from the right flank of such a crowded place, but be sure to “get in touch” with the enemy. Let him turn to shoot to the right and “stick” the barrels into each other’s backs. If possible, a dash towards the enemy is made unexpectedly, from behind cover, at a very close distance. If not, they will cover with heavy fire those who will make a dash to throw a grenade. If possible, use the terrain - infiltrate along ravines, hollows, but always under fire cover (see above). Don't break away from your people - those who break away are lost. Act only as part of your unit. Organized actions are much more effective.

In all the situations described above, act sharply, impudently and brazenly, faster than the enemy, this is called leaving the initiative behind you.

When combing, they do not get carried away with the pursuit of small groups conducting intense fire; as a rule, this is a distraction by battle from the main forces or luring them into a trap. The main goal and the main danger is where there is deathly silence.

If the chain rests against a wall of dense fire and lies down, the best support is 82-mm mortar fire. This caliber in the forest is optimal in terms of the destructive effect of the mine and the maneuverability of the weapon. Aviation cannot be used during an oncoming maneuverable battle in a forest: it is poorly controllable from the ground, targets and landmarks from the air in a dense forest are indistinguishable, and therefore aviators often hit their own. Another thing is mortars, controlled by you on the spot, from the mounted fire of which shelters are useless. A very effective fire weapon in the forest is a heavy machine gun. Its powerful ammunition penetrates even centuries-old trees, and there is no escape from it. One heavy machine gun is capable of punching a “hole” in any defense.

Fighting in the forest requires a considerable amount of ammunition and shooting skills at emerging targets. That's why they try to pin the enemy to the ground. It is better when it lies behind shelters (trees), rather than flashing between them and immediately disappearing. Not everyone is trained in the technique of shooting “offhand” even at short distances, especially at real distances of forest combat - usually 150-200 m. Shooting with a weapon “sight” is only possible for trained professional snipers or stand-up athletes. For mass use, the so-called “poke” shooting method is most acceptable.

Notice which tree the target is hiding behind and guard it. The target will definitely appear from behind cover - it needs to shoot and move. And the target will most likely move to your right. Why? If the enemy shoots from behind cover from the right shoulder with a long-barreled weapon (machine gun, rifle), its length will not allow him to turn around or move to the left: When he goes on the attack, he will instinctively move out from behind the cover towards his weapon. Aim at an empty space along the course of this possible movement and observe. As the enemy begins to advance, begin to “choose” the descent, and as soon as he “sits” on the edge of the front sight, press on. While you wait, he will advance further and “bump into” your bullet. If the enemy needs to move to his left, he will definitely raise the barrel of the weapon upward, because the tree prevents him from turning around. Based on this sign, take the lead in the same way, but only on the other side of the tree.

When shooting in the forest, look not only in front of you - with your peripheral vision, capture the situation on the right and left. An enemy who is not opposite you, but to the side, will very often be open to your fire from the side. Take advantage of this opportunity. In any case, try to go around the enemy, preferably to his right, while your comrades prevent him from sticking out with fire. It will open from the side. In the forest you cannot stand still; those who do not maneuver are exposed and die. Most often, such a person is collectively “twisted” according to the left-hand rule and shot, placing him in conditions unfavorable for shooting and defense.

In a fast-paced forest battle, everything happens very quickly. You will have to think for your opponent faster than he can think for himself. He hasn't run anywhere yet, and you should already know where your bullet will meet him (see above). This is called “poke shooting”.

During the battle, it is necessary to force the enemy into an open place, cut him off from the forest, so that he can run, throwing his equipment.

Weapons and equipment are selected according to the situation, but for combat in the forest, a larger caliber and stronger ammunition are preferable. Good camouflage, a periscope, a night vision scope and a silent weapon are a must.

Opponents, simultaneously attacking, repelling enemy counterattacks, or introducing reserves during a defensive battle to neutralize breakthroughs in the front line, each strive to seize the initiative, defeat the attacking enemy, and achieve strategic goals through high activity and decisive action.

An environment conducive to the formation of numerous oncoming battles, is the beginning of a war, when opposing armed forces separated by distance move towards each other with maximum determination.

For oncoming battle characterized by the speed of rapprochement between opponents, as well as the introduction of troops into battle on the move.

Opinions

Meeting engagement For now, we interpret it according to the work of Andogsky. This work is good, but it is based on examples from Suvorov’s campaigns. Also good campaigns, but they were in a completely different environment and other armies carried them out. Therefore, as we have established, this type of combat also needs to be reviewed now.

Report of the Chief of the General Staff of the Red Army, Army General K. A. Meretskov, “Results and tasks of combat training of the ground forces, air force and operational training of senior command personnel,” RGVA, f. 4, op. 18, no. 55, l. 3 - 45.

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Notes

see also

Bibliography

• A. I. Andogsky. Meeting engagement. A strategic and tactical study of the methods and techniques of conducting oncoming combat in the modern era based on military-historical examples. Petrograd, 1918.
• Tatarsky M.(Russian) // Army collection: magazine. - 2009. - January (vol. 176, no. 01). - pp. 19-21.
• Kramarenko P.(Russian) // Army collection: magazine. - 2013. - October (vol. 233, no. 10). - pp. 11-13.
• Vorobyov I. N.(Russian) // Army collection: magazine. - 2014. - August (vol. 242, no. 08). - pp. 11-19.

Links

• Meeting engagement- article from the Great Soviet Encyclopedia.

Excerpt characterizing the Counter Battle

That same evening, Pierre went to the Rostovs to fulfill his assignment. Natasha was in bed, the count was at the club, and Pierre, having handed over the letters to Sonya, went to Marya Dmitrievna, who was interested in finding out how Prince Andrei received the news. Ten minutes later Sonya entered Marya Dmitrievna’s room.
“Natasha definitely wants to see Count Pyotr Kirillovich,” she said.
- Well, how about taking him to her? “Your place is not tidy,” said Marya Dmitrievna.
“No, she got dressed and went into the living room,” said Sonya.
Marya Dmitrievna just shrugged.
- When the countess arrives, she completely tormented me. Just be careful, don’t tell her everything,” she turned to Pierre. “And I don’t have the heart to scold her, she’s so pathetic, so pathetic!”
Natasha, emaciated, with a pale and stern face (not at all ashamed as Pierre expected her to be) stood in the middle of the living room. When Pierre appeared at the door, she hurried, apparently undecided whether to approach him or wait for him.
Pierre hurriedly approached her. He thought that she would give him her hand, as always; but she, coming close to him, stopped, breathing heavily and lifelessly lowering her hands, in exactly the same position in which she went out into the middle of the hall to sing, but with a completely different expression.
“Pyotr Kirilych,” she began to speak quickly, “Prince Bolkonsky was your friend, he is your friend,” she corrected herself (it seemed to her that everything had just happened, and that now everything is different). - He told me then to contact you...
Pierre silently sniffled, looking at her. He still reproached her in his soul and tried to despise her; but now he felt so sorry for her that there was no room for reproach in his soul.
“He’s here now, tell him... so that he can just... forgive me.” “She stopped and began to breathe even more often, but did not cry.
“Yes... I’ll tell him,” Pierre said, but... – He didn’t know what to say.
Natasha was apparently frightened by the thought that might occur to Pierre.