MILITARY TRAINING ACTIVITY, SINKIANG MILITARY REGION, CHINA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T05162A000300010058-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 8
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 9, 2011
• Sequence Number: 58
• Publication Date: September 1, 1973
• Content Type: REPORT

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/09: CIA-RDP78TO5162A000300010058-5
25X1
NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC:
INTERPRETATION CENTER
PHOTOGRAPHIC
INTERPRETATION
REPORT
MILITARY TRAINING ACTIVITY,
SINKIANG MILITARY REGION, CHINA
SEPTEMBER 1973
COPY NO " 92
5 PAGES
PIR-046/73
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/09: CIA-RDP78TO5162A000300010058-5
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/09: CIA-RDP78TO5162A000300010058-5
Iq
Next 1 Page(s) In Document Denied
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/09: CIA-RDP78TO5162A000300010058-5
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/09: CIA-RDP78TO5162A000300010058-5
TOP SECRET RUFF
MFMORANDITM FOR: Recipients of
SIBJECT: Military Training Activity, in fang Military Region,
China
Photographic Interpretation Report
Dated September 1973
In paragraph 1, change the date of information to read "since
Oci,~ber 1972
Australia has been added as a recipient of this report.
TOP SECRET RUFF
/9 I- VA
25X1
25X1
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/09: CIA-RDP78TO5162A000300010058-5
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/09: CIA-RDP78TO5162A000300010058-5
25X1
LJ/x l
1 . An increase in the level of military training has been observed at 31 installations in Sinkiang
Military Region . Included in this activity has been the first
identification of armored vehicle training (Figure 1), the first live-fire artillery exercises, and the
largest AAA gun training exercise ever observed in the region. In addition, new training facilities,
including obstacle courses. practice grenade ranges, small-arms firing ranges, and athletic fields have
been or are being constructed at barracks and support areas (Figure 2).
2. The activity has occurred region-wide at such diversified installations as airfields,
border associated facilities, general storage depots, headquarters facilities, and ground forces facilities
(figure 3 and Table 1 ).
3. The first evidence of armored vehicle training occurred in December 1972 ~ when 25X1
fresh track activity was observed in a training area at Wu-lu-mu-chi Hq Hsin-chiang Military District.
Fight tanks and an armored personnel carrier were present at the installation. Large-scale training
was confirmed in June 1973 when a new armored vehicle driver training area was identified 25X1
4 nautical miles (nni) south of Wu-lu-1111-chi Army Barracks AL-7 (Figure 1 ). Thirty-two tanks or
assault guns were in the training area and 82 armored vehicles were at the main installation. Tanks
were again observed at the training area in August 1973. suggesting a continuing training 25X1
Cycle.
4. An increased level of field artillery training was also observed in the fall of 1972. Training
areas, consisting of artillery revetments and driver training loops, were identified at four
re"inmental-sired artillery installations in the Wu-lu-mu-chi area. At least four exercises of battalion
sire or larger have taken place since the fall of 1972. These exercises appeared to be driver and
gun crew orientation, as no impact area for live-fire exercises could be identified. The first live-fire
artillery exercise occurred in March 1 973 when five impact craters were observed 6,560 25X1
feet west of six unoccupied artillery positions at Zekta Barracks and Storage Area. Concurrently,
a similar exercise took place at A-la-tu-po Army Barracks 2, a known artillery installation.
5. A possible training cycle for AAA gun training has been identified in Sinkiang Military
Region. Annual large-scale exercises, involving from 90 to 174 AAA guns, have taken place in the
vicinity of Chang-chi Airfield during the months of July and August since 1971 This 25X1
year, however, a second exercise took place three weeks after the first at Hu-tu-pi Possible AA Training
Area, 23 nni west of Cliang-chi Airfield. One hundred and seventy-four AA guns were deployed
atop hills in what appeared to be a practice bombing range.
(,. In addition, obstacle courses, practice grenade ranges, small-arms firing ranges, and athletic
fields, similar to those identified at Po-to-tunes ku Barracks Area (Figure 2), have been or are being
Constructed at 22 installations. Thirteen of these installations probably are of regimental size. A dummy
tank, used for troop antitank training, was identified at San-tang-hu Barracks Area, near the
China/Mongolia border. A dununy tank also has been identified at Ya-erh-pa-shih Airfield.
TOP SECRET RUFF
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/09: CIA-RDP78TO5162A000300010058-5
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/09: CIA-RDP78TO5162A000300010058-5
Iq
Next 1 Page(s) In Document Denied
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/09: CIA-RDP78TO5162A000300010058-5
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/09: CIA-RDP78T05162A000300010058-5
S00y Shag
0?Bty Frunze
dispiej
Klrsk,y
Chhjk
TaIdY.Knrgan
Sankang
r
ktogay
hyagna
ksu(Won
k'a su
loan
M i
ARsuat
Kurchum
Akzhr
ZaysanTChJmu no
?Ha.pa ho
DZUNGARIAN BASIN
Mi Ian
hang)
Tort a
Mu Si
TURFAfk Shamshan
sos r
.p/? ~FPRES5ION
iirgolahtc
Shih 500
chienlung
I SHAN'MO
MONGOU
a-nh
XPIC P-6802
Tf1P SFCRFT RIFF
FIGURE 3. MILITARY TRAINING ACTIVITY, SINKIANG MILITARY REGION, CHINA
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/09: CIA-RDP78T05162A000300010058-5
25X1
25X1
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011108109: CIA-RDP78T05162A000300010058-5
Iu JtU tI KUtT
Table 1. Military Training Activity, Sinkiang Military Region
25X1
25X1
25X1
Name/BEICoords Remarks Name/BE/Coords Remarks
1.
Pu-erh-ching Army Bks AL 2
A single-lane obstacle course and a small-arms firing range were constructed
16.
Wu-lu-mu-chi Army Camp
In Mar 73 ground scarring in the snow indicated at least a battalion-sized
0
between Oct 72 and May 73. This was the first evidence of military activity
artillery training exercise had recently taken place.
47-46-55N 087-31-DOE
at this installation.
43-30-42N 087.06-50E
2.
To-liAmy Barracks
Eleven grenade practice ranges and 2 firing ranges were constructed between
17.
Wu-lu-mu-chi Army Bks AL 23
In Oct 72 a new training area consisting of FA revetments was identified 5 nm
Jun 71 and Mar 73. This installation is being expanded.
0
south-southwest of the main facility. Ground scarring indicated a recent
45-56-24N 083-37-09E
43-36-30N 087-14-20E
training exercise had taken place. In Mar 73, 12 FA guns were observed in
3.
San-tang-hu Bks Area
A prob wood and earthen mockup tank was identified at this border-associated
a new training area 4 nm north of the main facility.
0
installation in Jan 73.
18.
Wu-lu-mu-chi Army Bks AI-24
In Oct 72 a new training area consisting of 42 FA revetments, 8 AA gun sites,
44-13-DON 093-18-54E
0
and driver training loops, was identified 3 nm southwest of the main facility.
4.
Zekta Bks & Stor Area
Alive-fire artillery training exercise took place in Mar 73. Five impact craters
43-46-40N 087-25-42E
Between Jul 72 and Aug 73 a pots practice grenade range and an athletic
0
were 6,560 ft east of 6 unoccupied artillery positions.
field were constructed.
43-33-15N 083-06.25E
19.
Wu-lu-mu-chi Army Bks South
A new obstacle course and an athletic field were under construction in Jul 73.
5.
A-la-tu-po Bks Area
A live-fire artillery training exercise took place in Mar 73. Five impact craters
were 1,640 ft east of 9 unoccupied artillery positions.
43-41-15N 087-34-41E
43-28 10N 083-56-DOE
20.
Tieh-kung-chang Barracks Area
A new obstacle course and a pots firing range were constructed between Mar
6.
Peng-tu-ling-tsun Bks Area AL 1
A small-arms firing range was constructed between Feb and Oct 72. Over 100
and Jul 73.
0
AA training revetments are also in the area.
43-30-SON 59 45E
44-10-DON 084-47.40E
21.
Wu-lu-mu-chi Prob Army Bks WSE
A new athletic field and trenching were identified in Jul 73.
7.
Yueh-ya-tai Bks Area
This installation was initially identified as being military in Jul 73, when 12 FA
0
guns and 12 mortars were identified in the immediate area. A new firing range
43-42-34N D87-12-29E
43-57.36N 085-31-56E
had been constructed between Oct 72 and Jul 73. An athletic field and 2
22.
Wu-lu-mu-chi Army Bks AL-6
The athletic field was reactivated between Jul 72 and Aug 73.
pots practice grenade ranges were constructed between Jul and Aug 73.
0
8.
Po-lo-tung-ku Barracks Area
This installation was initially identified as being military in Jul 73, when 3
432655N D87 36-10E
0
firing ranges and 3 obstacle courses were observed. Only 1 inactive firing
23.
Y -exh-nashih Airfield
A dummy tank was identified in Jan 73.
43-52-D6N 085-37-19E
range was present in Oct 72.
u
9.
Hu-tu- I Possible AA Training Area
This installation was initially identified in Mar 73, when over 150 unoccupied
43-04-25N 092-48-28E
AA gun positions were seen. In Aug 73, 174 light to medium AA guns
24.
Hami Airfield
A new athletic field and a practice grenade range were constructed between May
44-01-DON 086-32-19E
participated in a large AA gun training exercise in this area, (See Chang-chi
and Aug 73.
Airfield)
42-50-42N 093-38-19E
10.
Chana-chi field
Annual AAA gun exercises have been held here during the months of Jul and
25.
Pa-lun-tai Bks Area
Initially identified in Aug 73 when a double-lane obstacle course, a practice
Aug since 71. In Aug 71, 90 AA guns participated. In Aug 72, 125 AA guns
0
grenade range, and 2 possible firing ranges were observed. None were present in
43-57-06N 087-04-43E
participated. In Jul 73,110 AA guns participated.
42-38-54N D86-17-D9E
Oct 72.
11.
Fou-kang Army AL-1
A pots obstacle course was under construction in Aug 73.
26.
Ho-ching Mil Bks & Stor Area
A new obstacle course was constructed between Oct 72 and Jul 73.
NW AL-1
44.O8.30N 088-02-09E
0
12.
Wu-lu-mu-chi Army Bks AL-7
This installation houses an armored regiment. Major renovations are in progress.
42-17-37N 086-23-10E
A new armored vehicle driver training range was identified 4 nm south in May
27.
Wu-shih-ta-la Bks Area
An obstacle course was constructed between Mar and Aug 73.
4 -4 -4DN 0 7-40-5DE
73. Thirty-two tanks or assault guns were on the range. An additional 82
0
armored vehicles were at the main installation. At least 13 armored vehicles
42-11-30N 087-20-19E
were again present at the range in Aug 73.
28.
Chiu-ho-shih Bks A Stor Area
A single-lane obstacle course and 2 of the 3 firing ranges present were constructed
13.
Wu-lu-mu-chi Ammunition Storage
A new obstacle course was identified in Feb 72 at this depot
between Oct 72 and Aug 73.
Depot
42-15-30N 087-17-D2E
43-47 08N 087-39-52E
29.
KucheArmy s ENE AL-1
A small-arms firing range was constructed between Sep 72 and Aug 73.
14.
Wu-Iu-mu-chi Army Barracks AL 20
In Oct 72, a new training area, consisting of FA revetments and trenching was
41-43-20N 082-59-40E
identified 2 nm south-southwest of the main facility. Twelve howitzers were
30.
Ko-shih Probable Barracks Area
A practice grenade range was constructed between Apr and Aug 73.
7-46 45E
43-41-48N 08-
present in the training area. In Mar 73, a prob battalion training exercise
involving 8 howitzers took place.
39-27-SON 076-00-20E
15.
Wu-lu-mu-chi Hq Hsin-chiang
In Oct 72, a live-fire exercise was observed in the training area. In Dec 72
31.
Su-lo Arm Bks AL-1
Three obstacle courses and a practice grenade range were present in Aug 73. An
Mil Dist
personnel trenching, and pots armor vehicle tracks were evident in the
obstacle course and the practice grenade range were identified in Sep 72; one
training area. In Mar 73 a new obstacle course had been constructed and a
39-24-39N 076-03.33E
obstacle course was constructed between Sep 72 and May 73; one obstacle course
43.47-30N 087-39-05E
circular poss armored vehicle track was identified. Six tanks were at the facility,
was constructed between May and Aug 73.
In May 73 personnel were observed at the obstacle course.
r
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011108109: CIA-RDP78T05162A000300010058-5
25X1
25X1