Fundamentals of the War Economy of the USSR The Patriotic War required the immediate transfer of the Soviet economy to the rails of the war economy. In the decisions of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks), the Soviet government and the instructions of Comrade Stalin in the very first days

1. The tasks of military intelligence To study the enemy, to improve intelligence are the eyes and ears of the army, to remember that without this it is impossible to beat the enemy for sure. Order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief I.V. Stalin to front-line scouts, 1944. Military intelligence, or tactical

Organization of military intelligence All the questions that military intelligence agencies have to resolve ultimately boil down to the following: to obtain timely information about the enemy, the terrain, the population and local means; study them and organize them, and then

Modern military intelligence is divided into tactical, or operational, strategic intelligence and counterintelligence.

tactical intelligence

ensures the combat operations of troops at the tactical level, i.e. within formations, units and subunits in contact with the enemy. It reveals information about the enemy's combat capabilities (including his plans), his vulnerability and the area of ​​​​operations (including terrain and weather conditions), which facilitates the commander and his headquarters to make optimal decisions on planning and conducting combat operations. This data is either obtained by regular forces and means, or received from a superior. Usually intelligence is obtained by polling local residents, interrogation of prisoners and defectors, interception of information transmitted electronic means, the study of documents, equipment and weapons captured from the enemy, radar, ground, air reconnaissance and aerial photographic reconnaissance. Tactical reconnaissance is usually carried out in difficult combat conditions, the time for a thorough analysis of the information obtained by it is limited, and information of this kind quickly becomes obsolete. Therefore, inaccurate or misleading information may lead to big losses, and even to the defeat of the troops who used them.

strategic intelligence

obtains and studies information about the capabilities, vulnerabilities and plans of foreign states. It is carried out in the interests supreme bodies state power and military leadership, and the data it produces are used to develop a foreign policy course, plan and implement measures to national security in Peaceful time and for conducting strategic operations in time of war. The role of strategic intelligence and the volume of tasks performed by it increased significantly during the period of confrontation between the United States and the former USSR, when the threat of total war arose. In the information and analytical centers of strategic intelligence, a huge amount of information is continuously processed regarding factors that determine the military-economic and political power or weakness of the state, including the level of scientific and technological development, geography, climate, transport, communications, industry, finance, employment level population, military potential, sociological characteristics of society and their trends, political parties, national policies, and biographical information about current and likely leaders. Such wide range tasks does not mean, however, that strategic intelligence studies only facts general. Insignificant at first glance events in remote corners the globe may be the first signs of important changes in the policy of foreign powers, a manifestation of their growing power, or, conversely, evidence of weakness. For example, a detail in a photograph or a mention in a local newspaper article about the transfer of a group of engineers to a new job can serve as a signal that the development of a new weapon has begun. Various foreign books, newspapers and magazines (especially government bulletins, scientific journals and military publications) are valuable sources of such information. In peacetime, they can be easily and quite legally purchased in any country. Other sources for obtaining strategic intelligence information are reports from the diplomatic corps, information from governments friendly states, statements by defectors from unfriendly countries, and materials obtained on the job by various military and civilian intelligence agencies. As before, an important role in the intelligence system is assigned to spies sent to a hostile country, where they often rely on agents from recruited residents of this country who are opposed to the regime. (Brilliant scouts - heroes of movie serials - are extremely rare in life. Usually an agent is an inconspicuous person who collects various kinds of information.) During the war, strategic intelligence resorts to the same sources of obtaining information about the enemy as tactical intelligence, but with much more spatial coverage and with the involvement of well-armed technical forces and means. This is explained by the fact that strategic intelligence, in addition to solving problems in the interests of ongoing military operations (which is the main goal of tactical intelligence), is also engaged in identifying the probable nature of future actions of foreign states. Timely forecasting of future actions of the enemy is facilitated by the fact that they are preceded by a preparatory period that takes enough for a long time and manifested in changes in the economy, armaments and foreign policy.

counterintelligence

includes all active and passive measures carried out by state bodies in order to combat the intelligence of other states. It ensures the security of classified information, equipment, facilities and persons related to state secret. The tasks of counterintelligence include the suppression of subversive activities carried out by both foreign powers and disloyal elements within the country and in the territories controlled by it.

exploration cycle.

Intelligence is carried out continuously according to a three-stage cycle: the collection of intelligence information, its processing and bringing the data to the interested authorities. However, intelligence data, no matter how reliable, loses its value over time, and therefore it must be periodically rechecked and updated.

Collection of intelligence information.

The elements of the information collected vary considerably in accuracy and completeness, from rumors transmitted by a petty informant to intelligence reports with corresponding conclusions received from another headquarters. For the purposeful acquisition of intelligence information, each headquarters develops an intelligence plan that specifies the main tasks for collecting information, intelligence signs for each task, and the reconnaissance forces and means (regular or requested from higher command) to carry out these tasks. The main tasks direct the performers to obtain the information that the commander needs to make an informed decision when planning military operations. Usually they are formulated as questions, for example: "Is the enemy going to attack?"

Intelligence signs are such manifestations of enemy activity that can be used to judge the nature of his preparations. In our example, there may be: increased movement of troops, especially tank units, to the front line; the emergence of new artillery and mortar batteries; clearance by the enemy of minefields; activation of the activities of its reconnaissance groups, etc. Tactical reconnaissance forces and means include line regular units, reconnaissance units equipped with ground and air reconnaissance equipment, neighboring units, higher headquarters and attached reconnaissance units.

Strategic intelligence has a much more diverse arsenal of forces and means. The collection of information can be carried out openly or covertly (usually through agents and traitors). Both methods are associated with significant difficulties. A credible informant may suddenly die, make a mistake, or even turn out to be an agent of someone else's intelligence. Air and ground reconnaissance during hostilities can be difficult due to complex weather conditions or opposition from the enemy. Unfriendly locals may give false information or refuse to give information. To prevent radio interception, the enemy can use complex codes or even prohibit the operation of his radio stations for transmission (radio silence). To hide his forces and true intentions, the enemy may resort to such methods of disguise as misinformation and demonstrative actions (for example, an enemy about to retreat may launch an attack with small forces, hoping that in the confusion that has arisen, the withdrawal of his main forces will go unnoticed). It may also happen that the captured documents and samples of weapons will not be handed over to intelligence agencies.

Strategic intelligence encounters difficulties in obtaining information even in peacetime. Dictatorial regimes rarely allow reliable and complete statistics about their countries to appear in the open press. All published materials are subject to censorship and often contain deliberately distorted information. Entire areas in such countries are closed to the public.

Counterintelligence often acts harshly and openly, penetrating into all spheres of society. Any issue related to the armed forces is considered a state secret in non-democratic countries. Elsewhere in the world, the main challenges may be the language barrier and the lack of reliable maps. As a result, especially during military operations, information about the enemy is often scarce, fragmentary, unreliable and contradictory. Careful planning of reconnaissance activities and their active implementation can help here. This should involve as many independent sources of information as possible.

Processing of intelligence information.

In processing the collected disparate information, the intelligence officer uses an analytical method, much like that used by a scientist in solving a scientific problem. The information processing process includes a number of operations that can be classified as accounting, selection, evaluation, interpretation and generalization. When tactical intelligence information is processed, the number and volume of these operations can be reduced.

Accounting (systematization) is essentially a mechanical operation, but important: information is grouped according to the generality of the issues covered, the sources and time of its receipt are recorded. After such a systematization, it is more convenient to select the information required to solve the problem. The selected materials are then evaluated in relation to, for example, the reliability of their source, the time elapsed since they were mined, their accuracy compared to the information already available on the subject, etc.

The interpretation is to determine the significance of the evaluated information. For example, it has been reliably established that an unfriendly state suddenly launched the construction of an automobile and railway in the remote border region. Analysis of available information about the area, surrounding areas and changes in the economic, external and military policy the state itself should uncover the reasons for such unusual activity. The analyzed and evaluated information is then summarized in order to establish the relationship of data and determine their overall significance, a process that sometimes resembles guessing a crossword puzzle. At the conclusion of this operation, the intelligence officer draws conclusions. Unfortunately, he is often unable to fully argue his conclusions due to the nature of the information received, especially when these conclusions concern the likely actions of the enemy or his future combat capabilities. The head of intelligence has to deal more with information of a rather probabilistic nature, and to fill in the gaps in it, he is forced to resort to his imagination, intuition and logical reasoning.

The final conclusions are communicated in a clear and concise manner to the authorities concerned, usually the immediate superior, the higher headquarters, the headquarters of the main subordinate units (divisions) and, when appropriate, the headquarters of neighboring units (divisions).

The reconnaissance group is created from specially trained personnel of the reconnaissance unit of military intelligence, as a rule, as part of a squad. The reconnaissance group is designed to operate behind enemy lines to open objects of nuclear and chemical attack, high-precision weapons, command posts, reserves, airfields and other objects. A reconnaissance group can be sent behind enemy lines by helicopters (aircraft) with parachute or landing methods, on combat vehicles and other vehicles, on foot, and in coastal areas - by means of the fleet. A reconnaissance detachment (RO) is sent from a unit or formation in various types of combat. A reinforced reconnaissance (motorized rifle, tank) company or battalion is assigned to the reconnaissance detachment.

The actions of intelligence agencies to obtain intelligence information are carried out different ways. A reconnaissance method is a technique (method) of actions of reconnaissance forces and means in order to obtain reconnaissance information. The main methods of conducting ground tactical (military) reconnaissance are: observation, eavesdropping, search, raid, reconnaissance ambush, reconnaissance in force, interrogation of prisoners (defectors), and interviewing local residents.

Observation is the main method of reconnaissance. It is organized and conducted in all types of combat activities of the troops continuously, day and night, at any time of the year and in any situation.

Eavesdropping as a method of reconnaissance is used in direct contact with the enemy, as well as during the actions of reconnaissance units in his rear. It is carried out at any time of the day, especially at night and in conditions of limited visibility (snowfall, fog, blizzard). Eavesdropping reconnaissance can be conducted by ear or by using technical means. Eavesdropping complements surveillance and is used in conjunction with it.

The search is organized for the purpose of capturing prisoners and is carried out, as a rule, before an offensive, mainly at night and in other conditions of limited visibility. It consists in a covert approach of a group (subunit) to a previously planned studied object, a surprise attack on it in order to capture prisoners, documents, weapons and equipment, and a quick retreat to the location of their troops.

A raid is usually carried out by a reconnaissance patrol in order to capture prisoners, documents, samples of weapons and equipment of the enemy, as well as to destroy an important object. It consists in a sudden attack on a pre-selected (designated) enemy object. In contrast to the search, which is carried out as silently as possible, the actions of scouts during a raid are based on a skillful combination of fire, surprise, and a swift strike, ending, as a rule, in a short hand-to-hand fight.

A reconnaissance ambush is carried out by a reconnaissance patrol, as well as by a platoon (squad, tank group) specially assigned for this purpose in order to capture prisoners, documents, samples of weapons and equipment of the enemy. It consists in the advance and covert location of a group subdivision on the expected or probable enemy movement routes for a surprise attack on him in order to capture prisoners, documents, weapons, military equipment and equipment. Important Information can be obtained when interrogating prisoners, defectors, interviewing local residents.

Reconnaissance in combat is an extreme but effective measure in obtaining data on the strength and armament of the enemy. It is carried out by attacking the alleged camouflaged positions of the enemy, who has gone over to the defensive. Most often, reconnaissance in combat is carried out in cases where other methods of reconnaissance cannot provide command with the necessary data about the enemy and his intentions, or when it is not possible to obtain them by other means. In military practice, reconnaissance in combat is most often used if the operational situation requires the speedy advance of troops. Reconnaissance in force consists in a sudden attack by a predetermined and prepared subunit in order to take possession of a certain object in the position of the enemy. During the Great Patriotic War, reconnaissance in force was widely used and, as a rule, gave positive results. It provided the most complete and reliable data on the location, forces, grouping and system of fire of the enemy, as well as on the nature of the terrain equipment in his location.

Time for a thorough analysis of mined tactical intelligence Information is limited and quickly becomes outdated. At the same time, inaccurate or unreliable information can lead to heavy losses, and even to the defeat of the troops who used them.

Study the enemy, improve intelligence - the eyes and ears of the army, remember that without this it is impossible to beat the enemy for sure.

Order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief I.V. Stalin to front-line scouts, 1944

Military intelligence, or tactical intelligence, is military intelligence that provides combat operations of troops at the tactical level (within the formations, units and subunits that are in contact with the enemy). This is one of the main types of combat support. It reveals data about the enemy's combat capabilities (including his plans), his vulnerability and the area of ​​​​operations (including terrain and weather conditions). It is conducted in the interests of units and formations ground forces reconnaissance, motorized rifle, tank and paratrooper units. In order to organize a battle and control forces and means in the course of its conduct, each commander needs to know where the enemy is and what he is doing, his intentions, combat composition, weapons and grouping of troops, strengths and weaknesses, as well as the nature of the terrain in the area of ​​forthcoming operations. The clarification of these questions constitutes the range of tasks solved by military intelligence. All questions that the military intelligence agencies have to resolve ultimately boil down to the following: to obtain timely information about the enemy, the terrain, the population and local means; study them and systematize, and then report to their command, higher headquarters and bring them to the troops. Intelligence can successfully fulfill these tasks only if the work of all its organs and means is clearly organized and coordinated. All efforts of military intelligence should be aimed at helping to solve the main combat mission of the unit (combination).

For successful combat, it is important to know where field artillery, tanks, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, machine gun firing positions, observation posts and enemy control posts are located. Therefore, revealing the areas of their location (firing positions) is one of the main tasks of tactical reconnaissance. Tactical reconnaissance is also entrusted with determining the nature and degree of engineering equipment for enemy positions and areas of location of enemy subunits and units, the system of his barriers, and the degree of terrain passability. The most important task facing tactical reconnaissance has also always been to identify new means of armed struggle, methods and methods of conducting combat operations. Intelligence information is obtained by interviewing local residents, interrogating prisoners and defectors, radio interception, studying documents, equipment and weapons captured from the enemy, ground and air reconnaissance.

Combat experience of the enemy.

Fundamentals of military intelligence

Military intelligence is a set of measures taken by the military command of all levels to obtain and study information about an active or potential enemy, as well as terrain and weather.

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Tactical reconnaissance is carried out in the interests of the successful conduct of combat by the forces and means of Subdivisions, units and formations. It is divided into military, artillery, radar, radio and radio engineering, engineering, chemical and air.

Military reconnaissance is conducted by regular or temporarily created subunits (groups). The purpose of military intelligence is to exclude the surprise of enemy actions, to provide the commander and headquarters with data for the timely and effective use of their forces and means.

Achieving the set goals is carried out by solving a number of complex and versatile tasks to obtain intelligence information about numerous enemy targets.

Troop intelligence must establish the location and nature of the enemy's actions, his strength and composition, the numbering of units and subunits, their combat effectiveness and intentions. This task is permanent and is typical for all types of combat operations. Without its solution, not only the successful conduct of the battle is impossible, but also its organization and planning. Commanders of all levels are primarily interested in: where is the enemy, what are his strengths and what is he doing, what and where are his strengths and weaknesses, what are his plans for the upcoming military operations.

The primary task of military intelligence is to identify enemy weapons of mass destruction and high-precision weapons. To solve this problem will be directed her main effort.

For successful combat, it is important to know where field artillery, tanks, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, machine gun firing positions, observation posts and enemy control posts are located. Therefore, revealing the areas of their location (firing positions) is also one of the tasks of military intelligence.

Recently, in the conduct of hostilities, electronic warfare means have become widely used. Proceeding from this, such a task of military intelligence arose as the identification of areas (positions) for the deployment of enemy electronic warfare systems.

In connection with the development of aviation, the regulations of the US Army provide for the creation of the so-called air echelon of combat operations, and modern combat is considered as air-ground. As a result, the opening of airfields and enemy aviation bases, establishing the number and type of aircraft and helicopters on them became the Task of military intelligence,

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Of no small importance is such a task of military reconnaissance as determining the nature and degree of engineering equipment for enemy positions and areas of location of enemy subunits and units, the system of his obstacles, and the degree of terrain passability. The need to solve this problem stems from the desire of commanders and staffs to most effectively use their weapons, use the weaknesses of the enemy's engineering support, and minimize possible losses from the applied engineering obstacles.

The most important task facing military intelligence has always been and remains the task of identifying new means of armed struggle, methods and methods of conducting combat operations. This task is particularly relevant at the present time, when the very nature of combined arms combat precludes stereotyping in its conduct, necessitates constant improvement in the methods of combat use of equipment and weapons.

The listed tasks are the main ones, in each individual case they will be specified by the commander and headquarters, depending on the prevailing situation, the nature of the combat mission of the subunit (unit, formation), enemy actions, the nature of the terrain, etc. During the battle, other tasks may arise, completely new, the implementation of which will require the allocation of additional forces and means of reconnaissance, transfer her major efforts from one direction to another.

The essence of military intelligence is expressed by its basic principles, which, in turn, are intelligence requirements. These requirements include: purposefulness, continuity, activity, timeliness and efficiency, secrecy, reliability, accuracy of determining coordinates.

Purposefulness lies in the strict subordination of all reconnaissance measures to the interests of ensuring the preparation and successful conduct of combat and the solution of specific tasks at one stage or another of combat.

Continuity of reconnaissance consists in its constant conduct: in preparation and in the course of combat, day and night, in any conditions of the situation, terrain and in any weather.

Reconnaissance activity consists in the persistent striving of the commanders and staffs organizing reconnaissance, as well as the subunits (bodies) conducting it, under any conditions and by all possible means to obtain the necessary intelligence information.

The timeliness and efficiency of reconnaissance consists in obtaining the necessary reconnaissance

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information and bringing it to commanders, headquarters and troops by a precisely set deadline, quick analysis and evaluation for immediate use in decision-making. The most valuable and hard-won information can lose its value if it is transmitted late, not by the set time. All intelligence information has value only for a certain time, after which it becomes obsolete and unusable.

Secrecy of reconnaissance consists in keeping secret all reconnaissance measures, disorienting the enemy regarding the location and nature of the actions of its forces and means.

Reliability of intelligence consists in obtaining intelligence data that fully corresponds to the actual situation, identifying and correctly assessing the true, demonstrative and false intentions, actions and objects of the enemy.

The accuracy of determining the coordinates of reconnaissance objects (targets) consists in establishing their position with the minimum allowable errors that ensure the effective use of weapons. It is achieved by using the most advanced technical means and methods of reconnaissance, by highly trained reconnaissance personnel. Data on the location of nuclear and high-precision weapons, command and control posts, and other important enemy targets must be especially high in accuracy.

Intelligence information about a reconnaissance object must contain:

Time of discovery and source of information;

Name (type) of the object;

Dimensions (front and depth or column length);

The coordinates of the center of the object or its main elements Comrade(for columns, the coordinates of the head of the column);

Nature of activity, direction of movement, degree of protection.

Intelligence information is understood to mean all information that, to any extent, characterizes an active or potential enemy, as well as the terrain and weather in the area of ​​forthcoming operations. Meaningful information based on the collected, evaluated and correctly interpreted facts, presented in a certain order and giving a clear idea on a particular issue, constitutes intelligence data. Both of these terms are but Syat is the name of intelligence information.

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The frequently encountered expression “reconnaissance forces and means” should be understood as follows: forces are units that include personnel, and means are military equipment, instruments, equipment, i.e., everything with which the personnel perform reconnaissance tasks .

For the direct conduct of military reconnaissance, reconnaissance, tank, motorized rifle, paratrooper and air assault units are created reconnaissance bodies.

intelligence agency- this is a full-time or temporarily created unit (group) with the necessary means, designed to perform certain reconnaissance tasks. one< разведывательным органам войско­вой разведки относятся наблюдатели, наблюдательные посты, дозорные отделения (танки), разведывательные, боевые раз­ведывательные, отдельные разведывательные, офицерские разведывательные дозоры, разведывательные отряды, разве­дывательные группы, группы для проведения поисков, засад, подразделения для проведения разведки боем.

Observers are military personnel performing a combat mission of conducting reconnaissance by observation in a given sector or a specific specified object (a piece of terrain, a local object). Observers are assigned one per platoon, one squad, and one or two in each company. They are located secretly and are provided with surveillance devices, means of communication, and seasonal uniforms. The commander of the subunit from which he is appointed sets the combat mission for the observer.

An observation post is a group of military personnel assigned for observation with personal weapons, observation devices, necessary documents and means of communication. It is designed to conduct reconnaissance of the enemy in the specified sector (band). To conduct reconnaissance at night and in conditions of limited visibility, a radar station for reconnaissance of ground moving targets can be deployed on the OP.

Observation posts are assigned in defense and in preparation for an offensive. They are located, as a rule, at the forefront in the combat formations of subunits or on the flanks. An observation post (OP) consists of 2-3 observers, one of which is appointed as a senior.

The task for the senior observer is set by the chief of intelligence or the chief of staff of the unit (subunit) and is recorded in the observation log.

A patrol squad (tank) is sent from subunits (bodies) conducting reconnaissance and subunits performing combat missions in isolation from their main forces for timely detection of the enemy and reconnaissance

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terrain. It operates at a distance that provides observation of it and fire support. The patrol squad performs its task by observation, moving in a regular combat vehicle, other vehicles, as well as on foot. For a direct inspection of the area and individual local items, sentinels are sent out on foot from the sentinel squad.

A reconnaissance patrol (RD), up to a platoon, is sent from the reconnaissance detachment. It performs tasks by surveillance, eavesdropping, and ambushes. For reconnaissance of the enemy and the terrain, patrol squads (tanks) or foot patrols are sent from the RD.

The Combat Reconnaissance Patrol (BRD), up to a platoon, is sent out during the course of the battle and in the absence of direct contact with the enemy from combined arms battalions (companies). It is designed to identify fire weapons, ambushes, enemy obstacles and reconnaissance of the area in front of the front and on the flanks of your unit. The BRD performs tasks by observation, ambushes and combat. He carries out an inspection of the area with the whole composition or allocates a sentinel squad (tank) for this.

A separate reconnaissance patrol (ORD) is sent to conduct reconnaissance in all types of combat and on the march. He is assigned to a reinforced platoon. In the course of carrying out the task, the independent reconnaissance patrol conducts reconnaissance by observation, ambushes and raids. For direct guarding and inspection of the area in the direction of reconnaissance, and, if necessary, also to the side of the route of movement, the reconnaissance patrol sends patrol squads (tanks) or foot patrols.

An officer reconnaissance patrol (OfRD) is sent by the commander of a formation (unit) to clarify the most important information. Depending on the assigned task, it may include one or two officers with the necessary forces and means of reconnaissance and communications. OFRD moves on an infantry fighting vehicle, a tank, a helicopter and other vehicles.

The reconnaissance detachment (RO) is sent to conduct reconnaissance in the most important direction. He is usually appointed as part of a company. Sometimes a motorized rifle, infantry or tank battalion can be assigned to a reconnaissance detachment. To conduct reconnaissance, reconnaissance patrols and patrol squads (tanks) are sent from the reconnaissance detachment. The RO performs its tasks by observation, ambushes, raids, and, if necessary, fight.

The reconnaissance group (RG) is created from specially trained reconnaissance personnel

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of a military intelligence unit, as a rule, as part of a squad. The reconnaissance group is designed to operate behind enemy lines to open objects of nuclear and chemical attack, high-precision weapons, command posts, reserves, airfields and other objects. During the day, she can scout 1-2 objects or an area up to 100 square meters. km. The RG is sent behind enemy lines by helicopters (aircraft) with landing by parachute or landing method, on combat vehicles and other vehicles, on foot, and in coastal areas, by means of the fleet. The main method of conducting reconnaissance by a reconnaissance group is observation.

A search group may be assigned as part of a reconnaissance, motorized rifle, airborne and air assault platoon, which is reinforced by sappers with engineering reconnaissance and demining equipment. The actions of the group, if necessary, are supported by the fire of tanks, artillery and other fire weapons. From the composition of the group, subgroups of capture, barrage and fire support are assigned to conduct the search.

A group for setting up an ambush with a force up to a platoon is used in all types of combat, on any terrain, in various meteorological conditions and at any time of the day. It can operate in the depths of the enemy's position, on his front line, in front of the front line and in the disposition of our troops. To conduct an ambush, observers, subgroups of capture and fire support are assigned from the group.

When operating as part of reconnaissance bodies behind enemy lines, a squad during a raid can be assigned to subgroups for the destruction (removal) of enemy guards, attacks or fire support, as well as perform a combat mission in relation to the offensive.

A subunit for conducting reconnaissance in combat is assigned from a formation as part of a reinforced motorized rifle or tank battalion (company). Separate reconnaissance patrols, reconnaissance artillerymen and reconnaissance sappers can operate in its combat formations to capture prisoners, documents, weapons and equipment.

Reconnaissance squad (BRM-1k crew) when performing independent combat missions, it can act as a patrol squad and conduct reconnaissance at an observation post. The reconnaissance squad can set up ambushes. In the course of reconnaissance in combat, it usually forms a group to capture prisoners, documents, weapons and equipment. When conducting a search, the department deist-

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voet as one of the platoon groups (capture, support or barrier).

Reconnaissance Platoon can act in a reconnaissance (separate reconnaissance) patrol, conduct searches, raids, and set up ambushes.

The actions of intelligence agencies to obtain intelligence information are carried out in various ways. Way reconnaissance is a technique (method) of actions of forces and means of reconnaissance in order to obtain intelligence information. The main methods of military intelligence are:

surveillance, eavesdropping, search, raid, ambush, interrogation of prisoners, defectors, interviewing local residents, reconnaissance fight.

Surveillance as a method of reconnaissance has existed throughout the history of wars and has occupied a prominent place in the reconnaissance activities of troops. Under present-day conditions, the scope of surveillance has been greatly expanded and its capabilities for obtaining intelligence information have increased.

If earlier surveillance was carried out mainly for the purpose of reconnaissance of enemy manpower, then at the present time, when on the powerful means of destruction appeared on the battlefield (nuclear and high-precision weapons), surveillance received additional tasks for reconnaissance of these means.

No less important influence on the change in the content of this method was the emergence of new, modern technical means of reconnaissance: optical, optoelectronic, radar, etc., which greatly expanded the possibilities of this reconnaissance method.

Observation is the main method of reconnaissance; it is organized and conducted in all types of combat activities of troops continuously, day and night, at any time of the year and in any situation. Observation is carried out personally by commanders from all command, observation and command and observation posts, as well as observation posts and other military intelligence agencies.

Eavesdropping is used in direct contact with the enemy, as well as during the actions of reconnaissance units in his rear. It is carried out at any time of the day, especially at night and in conditions of limited visibility. Eavesdropping reconnaissance can be conducted by ear or by using technical means. Eavesdropping complements surveillance and is used in conjunction with it.

Eavesdropping reconnaissance is carried out by observers of subunits and observation posts, personnel of other reconnaissance agencies. Eavesdropping posts can also be created separately, consisting of two or three people,

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shnh x; "It is good to navigate in conditions of limited visibility, having excellent hearing and being able to recognize enemy actions by sound unmasking signs.

Search is a method of reconnaissance, which consists in a covert approach of a group (subunit) to a pre-planned and studied object, a surprise attack on it in order to capture prisoners, documents, weapons and equipment, and a quick retreat to the location of its troops.

In the last war, search was the most common and effective method of reconnaissance to capture prisoners. So, according to reports on intelligence activities of formations and units of five fronts in 1943 and 1944. 10630 various reconnaissance activities were carried out related to the capture of prisoners and documents, of which 6171 searches, i.e. e. 60%. Moreover, the search captured about 60% of prisoners and documents obtained in other ways.

The search is usually organized in conditions of direct contact with the enemy. It is most widely used in preparation for an offensive and in defense.

A raid consists in a surprise attack; "on a pre-selected (designated) enemy object in order to capture prisoners, documents, weapons and military equipment, as well as to disable (destroy) nuclear attack weapons, command posts, radio and radio equipment and other In contrast to the search, which is carried out as silently as possible, the basis of the actions of scouts during a raid is a skillful combination of fire, surprise and a swift strike, ending, as a rule, in a short hand-to-hand fight. In a number of cases, it can be carried out in the area of ​​the forward edge by a subunit (group) consisting of reconnaissance, motorized rifle, tank, airborne and air assault units.

An ambush as a reconnaissance method consists in the advance and covert location of a subunit (group) on the expected or probable enemy movement routes for a surprise attack on him in order to capture prisoners, documents, weapons, military equipment and equipment. Ambushes are arranged in all types of combat, on any terrain, at any time of the year, day and night and in various meteorological conditions, in front of the front, on the flanks of the enemy and in his rear. This method is widely used both by units conducting reconnaissance and performing other tasks.

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Important information can be obtained by interrogating prisoners, defectors, and interviewing local residents. However, you should be aware that the information obtained in this way must be double-checked and clarified. The interrogation of prisoners and defectors, the questioning of local residents is carried out briefly, as a rule, in the interests of fulfilling the assigned task, and in such a way as not to reveal the main purpose of intelligence. Prisoners captured during the search, ambush and raid are delivered to the headquarters of the unit by bodies specially allocated for this purpose and interrogated there. In a battalion (company), interrogation and interrogation are carried out only in the interests of obtaining the information that the subunit needs to conduct combat. The data obtained are reported to the senior commander, and prisoners of war, defectors are sent to the headquarters of the unit, then to the headquarters of the formation or to the assembly point of prisoners of war.

In the course of performing assigned tasks, the squad conducts reconnaissance by observation, eavesdropping and ambushes, the platoon uses all of the indicated reconnaissance methods.

Reconnaissance in force consists in a sudden attack by a predetermined and prepared half-division to seize a certain object in the enemy's disposition. Most often, it is carried out in the case when other methods of reconnaissance cannot provide command with the necessary data about the enemy or when it is not possible to obtain them by other means. Reconnaissance in force can be carried out in preparation for an offensive and in defense.

During the Great Patriotic War, reconnaissance in force was widely used and, as a rule, gave very positive results. It provided the most complete and reliable data on the location, forces, grouping and system of fire of the enemy, as well as on the nature of the terrain equipment in his location.

One of the important factors contributing to the effectiveness of reconnaissance is the organization and maintenance of stable command and control of reconnaissance forces and means. Management includes: maintaining reliable communications with intelligence agencies; timely receipt of data on their situation; implementation of constant control over the implementation of reconnaissance missions; fast reaction on the change of environment; timely clarification of tasks.

To control the forces and means of reconnaissance, radio, wire and mobile means of communication are used: off-road vehicles, armored personnel carriers, helicopters, motorcycles and other means. The reconnaissance organs of military intelligence also use signal means of communication - missiles of various colors, colored smoke and

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lights, lanterns, signal matches, tracer bullets and shells, flags and pointers.

At observation posts, as a rule, wired and mobile means of communication are used. During the operations of a squad (BRM-1k crew) as part of reconnaissance bodies behind enemy lines, control within the reconnaissance body is organized mainly by signals, in some cases by radio, mobile and other means. The commander of the sentinel squad organizes communication within the squad by radio and signal means.

Thus, military intelligence occupies one of the leading places among other types of tactical intelligence in terms of the importance of the tasks being solved, the decisiveness of goals, and the composition of forces and means. Operating on a large scale and using various methods of obtaining intelligence information, it, together with other types of intelligence, is called upon to ensure the successful conduct of combat operations by subunits and units.

Reconnaissance technical means

Various optical and optoelectronic devices, radar stations, equipment of military and reconnaissance vehicles are used to conduct military reconnaissance. The simplest means of reconnaissance are binoculars, periscopes, stereotubes and compasses. With their help, scouts can study the terrain at the location of the enemy, detect targets and monitor them, determine their position on the ground relative to landmarks by measuring horizontal and vertical angles, and determine the ranges to targets if their dimensions in height or width are known.

Binoculars(Fig. 3) can be six (B-6), eight (B-8, Bi-8), twelve (B-12) and fifteen (B-15) magnification. They have a mass of 0.6-0.9 kg. In all binoculars, an angle measuring grid is placed in the right tube to measure horizontal and vertical angles. Using the binocular reticle, you can measure angles with an accuracy of 0-03 and determine the distances to the observed targets with an accuracy of 3% of the measured range.

The Bi-8 binoculars are also designed to detect sources of infrared radiation. With the screen turned off (in the left eyepiece), it is used as a normal binocular.

In preparation for the operation of any optical device, eyepieces are adjusted according to the base of the observer's eyes and his visual acuity.

Rice. 3. Binoculars

Periscopes TR-4, TR-8 (Fig. 4) are designed for observation from trenches, from behind walls, trees, stones; "other shelters. They have a four- and ^^^ eightfold magnification, field A I ^ | 11 and 8 °, mass in the working /\ .and position 1 and 0.8 kg respectively. | |"|d Periscopicity (distance between the centers of the eyepiece and the lens) | R is equal to 403 and 405 mm. The angle measuring grid of periscopes is similar in design to that of binoculars.| ;

and provides the same measurement accuracy. During peri- 1 [ osprey held in the hand or fixed on a pole. 1|thI||<й ^

Stereo tube in its own way - ^ ^yy D stvu represents, as it were, a combination of | "nation of two periscopes, fastened 1, | nyh at the base on a common hinge axis. The troops use the TR-TR-8 large stereo tube and artillery - p „^ 4. Perp-cops Rii stereo tube (Fig. 5). The latter differs only in some design details and an angle measuring grid. The big stereo tube has

tenfold magnification, field of view 5°, periscopicity 325mm, weight in working position 11.5kg. It provides angle measurement accuracy up to 0-01.

Rice. 5. Stereo tubes:

a-artillery (LST); c - angle measuring grid AST; c - angle measurement "" BST grid; e - large (BST)

Periscopic artillery compass PAB-2A(Fig. 6) is the main device for target designation and data preparation for firing. With its help, you can solve all the tasks performed with binoculars, periscopes or stereo tubes, and, in addition, determine the magnetic azimuth on the goal. The PAB-2A compass has an eightfold magnification, a field of view of 5°, periscopicity (when using the supplied periscope) 350 mm, weight in working position 2.5 kg. When using the compass, they are guided by its individual documentation.

More modern optical and optoelectronic reconnaissance devices include night observation devices, laser rangefinders, thermal imaging devices and surveillance equipment with a stabilized field of view.

Artillery quantum rangefinder DAK-1(Fig. 7) is designed to measure the distance to fixed and moving targets, vertical and horizontal angles @ and

Rice. 6. Bussol PAB-2A:

rice.7. Artillery quantum rangefinder DAK-1