SOVIET BRIGADE TRAINING CYCLE, CUBA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80T01355A000100020001-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 11
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 4, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: May 1, 1980
• Content Type: REPORT

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Top Secret
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Soviet Brigade Training Cycle, Cuba (S)
Top Secret
IAR-0025X1
MAY 1980
copy 16 7
imagery analysis report
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Top Secret R U F
SOVIET BRIGADE TRAINING CYCLE, CUBA (S)
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1. (TSR) This report summarizes the training cycle of the Soviet brigade in Cuba during 1978 and
1979 and includes an analysis of training activity observed as of Also included are a locator 25X1
map, a training cycle chart, a unit listing by facility, a postulated table of organization and equipment
(TO&E), and 14 annotated photographs.
brigade (Figure 1). They are Santiago
Signal Intelligence (Sigint) Complex
San Pedro Military Training
(AAA) School Granma Base
been identified as being associated with the Soviet 25X1
Military Camp 2 Lourdes Central 25X1
Alquizar Military Training Area 2bA1
and Mariel Training Center and Antiaircraft Artillery
g 1978 and 1979, the Soviet brigade engaged in a six-
month rotational/training cycle commencing with
troop rotation and culminating in a field training
exercise involving the combat fire support elements of the brigade (Figure 2). The training cycle begins
immediately after the scheduled semiannual troop rotation which takes place in May and late October or
early November at the main garrison of the Soviet brigade in Santiago De Las Vegas.
3. (TSR) The Soviet brigade in Cuba is garri-
soned at three facilities. The major elements are at
Santiago De Las Vegas Military Camp 2 (Figure 3),
and the remaining single motorized rifle battalion is
at Lourdes Central Sigint Complex (Figure 4). A third
garrison area is at Alquizar Military Training Area
which houses only a training company and an engi-
neer platoon (Figure 5). The brigade training is con-
ducted at three training areas, Alquizar, San Pedro
Military Training Area (Figure 6), and Mariel Train-
ing Center and AAA School Granma Base (Figure 7).
Soviet forces have occupied Santiago De Las Vegas
since at least December 1962 and have occupied
Lourdes since at least June 1963. These two facilities
now house most of the brigade units (Table 1). The
brigade TO&E resembles the standard Soviet regi-
mental TO&E, although there are several features
which are unique to this brigade. These features in-
clude a battery of six 122mm D-30 howitzers, a bat-
tery of nine BRDM-2 SAGGERs (antitank guided
missiles-ATGMs), and at least one and possibly two
platoons of ZSU-23/4 guns assigned to each motor-
ized rifle battalion (Figure 8). Two of the three mo-
torized rifle battalions are equipped with the BTR-
60PB (one battalion at Lourdes and one at Santiago
De Las Vegas); the remaining motorized rifle battal-
ion at Santiago De Las Vegas is equipped with BMP
and is the only known fully equipped BMP battalion
in Cuba. Although the BMP is being used by Cuban
expeditionary forces in Africa, only six BMPs have
been positively identified within Cuban units on the
island.
Troop Rotation
4. (TSR) Troop rotation activity has been
observed only at Santiago De Las Vegas. During
the spring and fall troop rotation, a tent camp
containing Soviet tents is erected on a firing range
(Figures 3 and 9). These tents are utilized for in
and out processing of troops. This activity closely
parallels in both timing and technique the troop
rotation activity observed in the Groups of Soviet
Forces in eastern Europe. This troop rotation ac-
tivity in Cuba can be confirmed on imagery dating
back to the fall of 1976.
Garrison Training
5. (TSR) Initial training of new troops takes
place primarily at Santiago De Las Vegas. This
training appears to be oriented toward individual
soldier skills such as small-arms qualification and
driver training. Additionally, training, by tank and
APC crews on the minirange probably consists of
subcaliber firings and main gun bore sighting.
6. (TSR) Garrison training at Lourdes has been
at an extremely low level. The motorized rifle battal-
ion garrisoned at Lourdes is probably responsible for
physical security for the Lourdes complex; therefore,
it is highly likely that the initial training of replace-
ment troops assigned to this battalion takes place at
Santiago De Las Vegas. This procedure would pre-
clude any reduction in the level of effectiveness in the
Lourdes security force. Occasional training by the
TM M (truck-mounted scissors bridge) company and
the 122mm D-30 howitzer battery at Lourdes has
been observed. This training is most likely connected
with scheduled preventive maintenance procedures
and/ or crew proficiency drills. The ZSU-23/4 battery
is the most active ground force element at Lourdes. It
has been observed in an operational air defense mode
on numerous occasions.
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Top Secret RUFF
Table 1.
Soviet Brigade Units
This table in its entirety is classified TOP SECRET RUFF
Type of Unit
Soviet Brigade
Headquarters
Motorized rifle
battalion
Motorized rifle
battalion
Motorized rifle
battalion
Multiple rocket
launcher battalion
Recon element
Chemical company
TMM company
Engineer platoon
Training company
Location/BE No
Santiago De Las Vegas
Military Camp 2
Santiago De Las Vegas BTR-60PB equipped
Military Camp 2
Santiago De Las Vegas BMP equipped
Military Camp 2
Lourdes Central Sigint BTR-60PB equipped
Complex
Santiago De Las Vegas
Military Camp 2
Santiago De Las Vegas
Military Camp 2
Santiago De Las Vegas
Military Camp 2
Santiago De Las Vegas
Military Camp 2
Lourdes Central Sigint
Complex
Alquizar Military
Training Area
Alquizar Military
Training Area
SANTIAGO DE LAS VEGAS
MARIEL(J) ??
" _ _ 'LOURDES
ALOUIZAR
SAN PE:DRO
HOME GARRISON
TRAINING AREA
FIGURE 1. LOCATIONS OF FACILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE SOVIET BRIGADE, CUBA
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Top Secret R U FF 25X1
Ill
u
0 ROTATION ACTIVITY
^ GARRISON TRAINING
^ RANGE TRAINING
. BRIGADE TRAINING
^ GARRISON TRAINING/
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
>It NEWLY IDENTIFIED ACTIVITY
Range Training
7. (TSR) No distinct break between the garri-
son training and the range training has been discerni-
ble on imagery. The range training is conducted along
with, and in addition to, the garrison training. APC
and tank crew gunnery training takes place at Alqui-
zar. As small units become proficient in individual
military skills, they move to Alquizar. Alquizar serves
as the primary range for Soviet tank and BMP gun-
nery qualification. The personnel trained at Alquizar
use equipment which has been stationed here continu-
ously since October 1979. The consistent observation
of BMPs and T-62 tanks suggests that the Soviets
have formed a training company for their tracked-
vehicle-equipped elements (Figure 10). The formation
of such a training company is not unusual for Soviet
forces and conforms to training techniques observed
in other Soviet forces. Prior to October 1979, no
training unit was garrisoned at this facility.
Field Training Exercise
San Pedro Military Training Area (1978-1979)
8. (TSR~ During August 1978 and 25X1
1979, the brigade conducted semiannual field train-
ing at San Pedro. 25X1
The San Pedro exer- 25X1
cise activity involves the combat fire support ele-
ments of the three motorized rifle battalions and
brigade-level fire and logistical support (Figure 11). A
review of imagery during the exercise period revealed
that two R-405 signal vans were field deployed at the
home garrison, Santiago De Las Vegas (Figure 12),
while the brigade trained at San Pedro. These R-405
vans probably serve as the communications link be-
tween the exercise elements and the brigade headquar-
ters.
Although no imagery of 25X1
the actual exercise was obtained, imagery of the So-
viet bivouac area obtained on showed 25X1
definite signs of recent occupancy.
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Top Secret RUFF F---] 25X1
Mariel Training Center and AAA School
Granma Base (1978-1979)
9. (TSRI The ZSU-23/4 element of the
Soviet brigade was observed training at Mariel in
August 1979 and was probably there in September
The units participating in the activity consisted
of ZSU-23/4 guns, three batteries of 57mm S-60
AAA, and two distinct tent camps, one with Soviet
tents and one with Cuban tents. The 57mm S-60 AAA
is not believed to be part of the Soviet brigade. The
brigade converted from the 57mm S-60 to the ZSU-
23/4 in early 1978, and no evidence is available to
suggest that the brigade retained the 57mm guns. All
57mm sites known to be controlled by the brigade
were either razed or converted to ZSU-23/4 in early
1978. Since the Soviets would require an airspace
closure for their training, this joint Soviet-Cuban
training may be only for the convenience of utilizing
the airspace closure.
San Pedro Military Training Area (1980)
10. (TSR) Although the brigade appeared to
follow the same schedule as in 1978 and 1979, a
number of new training events were observed. The
brigade moved into the San Pedro Military Train-
ing Area in February 1980. The Soviet bivouac
area was occupied and equipment was in place by
Unit groups observed during this ex-
ercise included three batteries of BRDM-2 SAG-
GERs, three batteries of 122mm D-30 howitzers,
three batteries of 120mm mortars, one battalion of
BM-21 multiple rocket launchers, elements of a
tank battalion, elements of a BTR-60PB-equipped
motorized rifle battalion, and elements of a BMP-
equipped motorized rifle battalion (Figure 13; not
all shown on graphic). This equipment was the
same as that observed during previous exercises,
except for the BMP battalion which was observed
for the first time in 1980. The training events ap-
peared to conform with those observed during pre-
vious exercises until 0 when an artillery
unit equipped with 130mm M-46 field guns was
observed bivouacked approximately 2 kilometers
from the Soviet bivouac (Figure 14). The bivouac
established by this artillery unit lacked the sym-
metrical pattern observed in the Soviet bivouac,
and it contained Cuban tents. As the exercise prog-
ressed, the 130mm M-46s were joined by elements
of a BM-24-equipped multiple rocket launcher bat-
talion. Subsequently, these elements were joined by
two batteries of 122mm M-30 howitzers. The So-
viet brigade is not known to contain any of these
weapons; however, they are found in Cuban inde-
pendent artillery brigades. Therefore, in all proba-
bility, this artillery unit observed at San Pedro was
a Cuban brigade. The proximity of the Cuban
equipment to the Soviet area suggests that some
type of joint training was underway. Following the
return to garrison by elements of the Soviet bri-
gade, the artillery units remained at San Pedro.
Also remaining was a tank battalion and the BMP
battalion. The fact that the artillery units remained
behind when the Soviets departed further reinforces
the probability that the artillery units are Cuban.
There is some question as to the nationality of the
BMP battalion, since it did not return to garrison
with the brigade and the Cubans are not known to
have enough BMPs to equip a battalion. Because this
is the first continuing observation of a February exer-
cise, it is difficult to assess the normalcy of the train-
ing events observed.
Mariel and Alquizar Military
Training Area (1980)
11. (TSR) Concurrently with the training at
San Pedro, the Soviets conducted ZSU-23/4 train-
ing at Alquizar and subsequently at Mariel. The
training activity was first observed at Alquizar on
On that date, 23 ZSU-23/4s were
observed parked adjacent to the tank firing range.
Also present were two tent camps, one containing
Soviet tents and the other containing one Cuban-
type frame tent and two personnel tents (Figure
15). The training observed at Alquizar consisted of
individual platoons deployed in an air defense mode.
It is unlikely that any live firing took place at this
facility since the range facilities available here would
not accommodate such activity. One platoon of ZSU-
23/4 guns appeared to be definitely associated with
the Cuban tent camp. This platoon was segregated
from the Soviet ZSU-23/4 contingent on numerous
coverages. The Alquizar exercise had terminated by 3
March. A review of past imagery failed to provide
any evidence of this activity ever having occurred in
the past.
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12. (TSR) On imagery of0 the ZSU- 25X1
23/4s were at Mariel collocated with three batter-
ies of 57mm S-60 AAA. These are probably the same
three batteries observed training with the ZSU-23/4s
in August of 1979. As was the case at Alquizar, two
tent camps (one with Soviet tents and one with Cuban
tents) were present and one platoon remained segre-
gated from the others. On three occasions, the ZSU-
23/4s were observed deployed on the beach in a linear
formation. A noticeable gap between the main body
of guns and the single platoon was observed on all
three occasions (Figure 16). This apparent segregation
of one platoon along with the continued presence of
one platoon at a separate camp containing Cuban 25X1
tents indicated that this platoon of ZSU-23/4 guns
was Cuban.
Other Activity
Santiago De Las Vegas (1980)
13. (TSR) The spring troop rotation was first
observed on 0 On that date, the Soviets
were erecting the rotation tent camp.
14. (TSR) On imagery of a display 25X1
of the major equipment assigned to the brigade was
seen on the soccer field at Santiago De Las Vegas.
The display included one T-62, one BTR-60PB,
one ZSU-23/4, one SA-9 transporter-erector-laun-
cher, one 122mm D-30 howitzer, one BM-21 mo-
torized rocket launcher, one 120mm mortar, and
one R-140 and one R-405 radio set. A BRDM-2
SAGGER was approaching the display, as was a
BMP. The SA-9 in this display is the only one
observed to date in Cuba.
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10 BTR-60 PB
OR
10BMP
6 120MM
MORTAR
5/1
9 BROM-2 6 122MM
SAGGER D?30
31 TANKS
62 BTR-OOPS
31 BMP
24 ZSU-23/4
16 BM-21
16 120MM MORTAR
I* 122MM D-30
27 BRDM?2 SAGGER
4 TMM
I BTR-SOP
ISRDM
I PT-76
I ODA-53C
2 BAT M
COMPANY
BATTALION
REGIMENT
BRIGADE
? ANTIAIRCRAFT
ARTILLERY
ENGINEER
4 TMM SIGNAL
2 BATM VANS
I BTR-50P
I BRDM
I PT-76
F. I
H1 ANTITANK
CHEMICAL
DEFENSE
SIGNAL
MOTOR
TRANSPORT
FIGURE 8. SOVIET BRIGADE POSTULATED TABLE OF ORGANIZATION AND EQUIPMENT
O HOS
N0
^ PLATOON
CARGO TRUCKS
POL TRUCKS
TRAILERS
DDA-53C
DOP
LPD1 RECONNAISSANCE
P MULTIPLE-
ROCKET
LAUNCHER
MAINTENANCE
MEDICAL
A'PIC S-89II
0
0
N
CD
0
lD
C
Tl
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Top Secret RUFFF---] 25X1
(TSR) All relevant KEYHOLE and selected aircraft imagery from
was used in the preparation of this report.
1. NSA. 2/00/12085-79, Organization and Activities of Soviet Ground Formation in Cuba, Mar 76-Jul 79 (SC), 31
Jul 79 (SECRET/S)
2. NSA. 2/00/2898-79, Soviet Motorized Rifle Unit Conducts Field Training in Cuba (SC), 21 Feb 79, 0I01Z
(SECRET/S)
3. NSA. 2/00/6328-79, Apr 79, 2116OIZ (SECRET/S)
*Additional collateral information was received via telephone from
(S) Comments and queries regarding this report are welcome.
World Forces Division, Imagery Exploitation Group, NPIC,
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