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The Soviet-Afghan War

How a Superpower Fought and Lost

The Russian General Staff

Translated and edited by Lester W. Grau and Michael A. Gress

Foreword by Theodore C. Mataxis

February 2002
392 pages, 19 photographs, 32 maps, 6 x 9
Modern War Studies
Paper ISBN 978-0-7006-1186-7, $17.95

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Contents

List of Illustrations vii
Foreword, Theodore C. Mataxis, Brigadier General (Retired) xi
Editors' Preface xvii
Acknowledgments xxvii

General Staff Introduction 1

1. Phases and Course of the Conflict 15

2. Organization, Armament, and Training of the Limited Contingent of Soviet Forces and Government of Afghanistan Armed Forces 35
Organization and Equipment of Soviet Forces 35
Training of Soviet Forces 42
Organization and Training of the Armed Forces of the DRA 48

3. Organization, Armament, and Tactics of the Mujahideen 53

4. Operational Art 73

5. Combined Arms Tactics 93
Raids 93
Cordons and Searches 106
Ambushes 125
Marches and Convoy Escorts 138

6. Combat Arms Branch Tactics 167
Artillery 167
Armored Forces 190
Airborne and Air Assault Forces 197
Army Aviation 209

7. Combat Support 223
Reconnaissance 223
Security 233
Engineer Support 242
Chemical Support 255

8. Combat Service Support 264
Technical Support 264
Ammunition Support 265
Logistics Support 282
Post Exchange, Housing, and Pay 292
Medical Support 295

9. Conclusion 304
Tactics 311
Technology 312
Morale 313

Appendix 1: 40th Army Order of Battle 315
Appendix 2: Soviet Artillery Planning 323
Notes 327
Glossary 345
Key to Map Symbols 353
About the Editors 355
Index 357

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