1. TRAINING AND MANEUVERS OF THE 23RD TANK REGIMENT 9TH TANK DIVISION. 2. PRELIMINARY MILITARY TRAINING IN THE USSR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00047R000100070003-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 29, 2013
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: September 27, 1951
• Content Type: REPORT

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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
INFORMATION REPORT
COUNTRY USSR/Germany (Soviet Zone)
SUBJECT 1. Training and Maneuvers of the 23rd Tank Regiment
9th Tank Division.
Preliminary Military
2.
PLACE _
ACQUIRED
Training in the USSR.
DATE
ACQUIRED BY SOURCE
DATE OF I NFORMAT ON
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL 0 SSSSS 1
Or THE UNITED STATES, WITHIN THE SLAKING Or TITLE IS, SECTIONS 703
AND 794, OF THE U.S. deal, AS ANEMIC,. ITS NNNNNN ISSION OR NEON.
LArton OF ITS CONTENTS TO OR RECEIPT BY AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IS
THE REPRODUCTION OF THIS FORM IS PRONISITED.
REPORT NO.
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DATE DISTR.c: 7 Sep 51
NO. OF PAGES 4
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NO. OF ENCLS. 3
(LISTED BELOW) (A) s (B) & (C)
SUPPLEMENT TO
REPORT NO.
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THIS IS UNEVALUATED INFORMATIOP50X1
SOURCE
IN NO. et_lip
I 1951
1. The training of the 23rd Tank Regiment at its winter quarters, from December 1949
to April 19509 was divided into three stages. The first was devoted to individual
training, i.e., radiomen were instructed in firing, assembly and disassembling of
guns, nomenclature, etc.; drivers were instructed in the maintenance and operation
of tanks; the motorized infantry units were given instructions in grenade throw-
ing, target practice, observation and tactics. The second stage emphasized squad
training of the motorized infantry troops. Ihe third training stage Was done on
platoon and company levels.
2. Prior to departure for summer camp, troops carried out simulated attacks, break-
throughs of enemy strong points, bivouacs and forced day and night movements. In
the summer quarters, from April to September 1950, training progressed to regimental
and division levels. Sample daily schedule of the company, platoon officers
and enlisted men of the 23rd Tank Regiment at their summer training quarters as
follows:
0600 -
0605-0625 -
0625-0635 -
0635-0700 -
0700-0900 -
0900-0930
0930-1530
1530-1600
1600-1645
1645-1845
1845-2000 -
2000-2030 -
2030-2130
2130-2200
-2200 -
Reveille
physical training
preparing for inspection
inspection
training (classes)
breakfast
training (classes)
rifle training
dinner
training (classes)
free time
supper
political rallies
roll call
taps
Sick call was at 1700. Guards were posted at 1800. The
was approximately the same as the summer schedule except
were an hour later. Political information lectures were
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winter training schedule
that reveille and taps
given daily. On Saturdays
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all troops reported for technical inspection; after 1600 on Saturdays and all day
Sunday they were free. Ten hours of daily training were divided into technical
specialty training, close order drill, lectures, stripping, assembly, nomenclature
of weapons, etc. I have no information on the total number of hours devoted to
each subject.
3* The platoon NOUs conducted the training under the supervision of the platoon and
company commanders but the battalion commander freqtrently inspected the progress of
training. The regimental commander, his chief of staff, the regimental political
officer and various other staff officers inspected the training weekly or bi-weekly:
All units and all types of training were inspected annually by the Ministry of
Armed Forces in Moscow. In my opinion the two most outstanding training deficien-
cies were the poor methods of instruction, often by unqualified instructors, and
the shortage of training equipment. Tank training was hindered by the fuel con-
servation program which precluded the use of more than six tanks to train the entire
regiment. The firing training norms prescribed by the Ministry of Armed Forces
were established at a level too low to permit proper instruction.
4. In 1950, the 23rd Tank Regiment conducted a course for NCOs which lasted six
months. The students, (Kursanty), were picked from well-disciplined, educated
and politically reliable NO0s. The instructors were company grade officers who
taught close order drill, tactics, leadership, the use of weapons, etc. Upon
graduation, the students were promoted to the rank of junior sergeant and assigned
duties within the regiment. The only specialized school for new inductees was
the six months chauffeur school of the 9th Tank Division. In order to acquaintlt
troops with night operations, the 9th Tank Division, interchanged its day and night
schedules. All chemical training was defensive. There was no training for
defense against atomic attack. I observed neither airborne nor air transport
operations. Great stress is placed on artillery support and tank-infantry coopera-
tion. I have no information on any special training for air-ground support,.new
antitank weapons, and the tactical use of new weapons.
5. The 23rd Tank Regiment moved from Oschatz to the summer training area near
Schmorkau, a distance of approximately one hundred kms, in April. The movement
was conducted as a large scale motor move, combining command post exercise and
bridging operations. The command post exercises of the staff officers involved
mapping, defining of missions, etc. Each officer at the command post had his
organizational function, i.e., the Chief of POL determined the amount of fuel
needed for an operation, how it was to be transported etc. The troop officers
studied problems involving the combat mission, enemy positions, enemy power,
casualties, weapons and replacement. I observed no particular officer or NCO
leadership training programs nor training courses in passive defense, blackouts,
radar nets,-etc. Emergency alerts are used for training purposes. Actual war-
time emergency alert plans existed. A wartime emergency can be declared only by
a divisional commander or a higher ranking officer. Upon the declaration of such
an emergency, prepared plans, one for the summer and one for the winter areas,
becomes effective. These plans include arrangements for transportation of troops,
tanks, guns, vehicles, supplies and equipment to a designated position in a
forest approximately five or six kilometers from the regular training area.
Drivers tve assigned to the trucks by name and four or five men are designated to
load the trucks. Antitank, chemical, air defense, security, reconnaissance,
range finding measures and tank and gun movements_ are prescribed in detail. The
23rd Tank Regiment effected a simulated emergency in May 1951; the Regiment and
all other units of the 9th Tank Division were alerted and moved to their designated
areas.
6. The entire First Mecz Arm was located in the area between Koenigsbrueck and
Schwepnitz Lainclosure (A/. Five officers and 65 enlisted men were left behind
in Oschatz. The regiment took only as much ammunition as would be needed for
practices to their summer training quarters. The tanks (33 T-34/85s, 8 JS-3S
and one.tank wrecker), accompanied by their crews, were driven to the railroad
station, put on platform cars, and shipped to Schmorkau. In Schmorkau the tanks
were driven to the summer training area, lubricated, stored on planks and covered
with canvas until the time of the return trip to Oschatz. Food supplies and
clothing were also moved by rail. Personnel and equipent of the regiment were
transported by trucks; each truck carried equipment and approximately 16 men. The
convoy of the 23rd Tank Regiment consisted of approximately 85 trucks, six training
tanks, (one JS-3, five T-34/85), and one tank wredker. The rail movement entailed
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the use of 60 railroad ears; 24 for the 1st Tank Bn, 24 for the 2nd Tank Bn, and
12 for the 3rd (Hvy) Tank Bn. The 60 cars included platform cars for the tanks
and passenger cars for the tank crews.
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7. Since the move was treated as a tactical problem, the Regiment practiced day and
night driving, bivouacs, attacks on enemy positions, breakthroughs and defensive
combat. Three days were required for the truck column and for the railroad convoy
to make the move. There were no major mechanical breakdowns or accidents enroute.
German civilian guards, hired to guard the huts and houses in the summer area, were
the only personnel present in the summer training area prior to the arrival of the
23rd Tank Regiment. The 8th Mecz Rifle Regiment VAS housed in tents; all other
units were housed in huts or houses. Ordinarily, the 8th Mecz Rifle Regiment
.remained in Zeithain for the. summer, but their quarters were converted into
barracks for the Volkspolizei, and no permanent huts or houses had been erected
for them. There were no bathing facilities in the area; every ten days the troops
were marchea to the lake to bathe.
8. Recreational facilities were open-air movies on Saturday and Sunday, and club rooms,
(Leninskye. Komnaty), in each battalion. football matches were held on Saturday
afternoon and athletic and gymnastic tournaments were held on Saturdays or Sundays.
Training in the summer area consisted of regimental and divisional team work, and
command exeroises for the staffs. Enlisted men were not permitted to move from
their unit area and were not allowed to visit friends in neighboring units.
Officers were not permitted to leave the area except on business. The officers
requested and usually received permission to go to Schmorkau to have their clothes
laundered or shoes repaired; at such time they would also drink and fraternize.
Fraternization, AWOL and drunkenness was Usually punished by 10 days confinement
in the guardhouse.
9.
In June 1950, the 23rd Tank Regiment conducted a 15-day maneuver. All services,
except paratrodps and glider troops, were represented and I would estimate that
approximately one-third of all the Soviet Troops in the Soviet Zone participated.
I do not believe that the units pooled their weapons, equipment or manpower. JS-3
and T-34/85 tanks, JSU-122 and SU-100 SPs, Alk artillery (Caliber Unknown), 120-mm
and 160-mm mortars, 100-mm AT guns, bridging equipment and bomber and fighter
planes were included in this maneuver. All the moves made by the Regiment were
motorized. I believe that the maneuvers covered the entire Soviet Zone of
Germany and were designed as a propaganda measure to counteract the effect of the 50x1
combined US-UK-French maneuvers which were conducted at the same time in the
Western Zones of Germany.
The only air raid defense measures known to MB Were radar 50X1
installations near the 12th Mechanized Division Headquarters in Brest, and the .
Air Warning Service (VOS), in the Soviet Zone of Germany and in Brest.
10. The chief sources of complaints in the summer training area were lack of freedom,
the strirgait restrictions and poor food. The enlisted men were dissatisfied with
the leaVe system; leave was granted only in cases of emergency. The high desertion
and AWOL rates reflected the low morale of the troops. There were usually about
10 to 12 mon confined in the guardhouse of the 23rd Tank Regiment. The o;fenses
were usually drunkenness or fraternization. In cases of chronic offendere?rater-
nizers were courtmartialed and returned to the USSR0 trunkenness was very
prevalent despite efforts to curb it. General Chuikov, in a I May 51 order,
prohibited the sale of beer, whiskey and all other alcoholic beverages to military
personnel. Another corrective measure employed was an acceleration of the
political indoctrination programs. I knew of three officers and two enlisted men
who had venereal diseases ; I have no information regarding the prevalence of
venereal diseases since most officers treated themselves privately and many enlisted
"70 men did not report their infections. The disparity in the policies and practices
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applying to the enlisted men and officers were greatly resented among the enlisted
personne14 These disparities occurred in matters of leave, living quarters, food
allotments, disciplinary restrictions, medical care, etc.
11. The return to winter quarters in late September 1950, posed many problems. During
the move, which took three days,the troops conducted field problems involving
the attack of enemy strong points, breakthroughs, coordinated motorized and tank
borne infantry operations, bivouacs, and night actions. All tanks, except six
training tanks, were returned to the winter training areas by rail. When the
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Regiment returned to winter quarters, tanks and guns were lubricated, barracks
were repaired and maintenance crews worked in the compound area preparing for the
next training cycle. The training programs remain the same from year to year.
The schedules do not call for advanced training.
12. No Soviet troops or equiment were left in the summer training area. German
civilians guarded the permanent installations in the training area during the
winter. Every 10 days or two weeks, officers of the 9th Tank Division inspected
the summer training area.
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13. A critique was held at the end of the maneuver at which only officers participated.
The 23rd Tank Regiment held no final maneuvers in the fall of 1950.
14. I can furnish the following information covering preliminary military training in
the USSR. A basic instruction program is administered to school arr,e groups. A
general compulsory military training school, conducted in organized training
classes and under the auspices of the regional military commissariat, exists for
underage persons. The purpose of the military school is to combine general
education with military fundamentals. In these schools, students wear military
uniforms and are subject to military regimentation. These 10-year courses serve
as preparatory courses for students prior to their entry into a military academy
of their choice. Those who have completed a course of education in the military
schools are obligated to enter a military academy.
15. The Suvorov academies serve as preparation for entry into the officers corps.
Children, 10 years or under, are enrolled in these academies. Boys, whose parents
died during the German occupation form the bulk of the students. Upon completion
of the courses at the Suvorov academies, students are sent to military academies,
from which they graduate as officers. The military schools and the Suvorov
academies differ in that the state supplies Suvorov students with a free education
living quarters, food, uniforms and school supplies. Students of the military
schools are supplied only with free tuition. Graduates of either institution
are well educated and well trained officers. Predisposing factors which usually led
to the young graduates' laxity (morally and culturally) were association with
older officers, mho had become hardened to their profession.
16. A final feature of preliminary military training in the USSR is the DOSARM or
Voluntary Society for Cooperation with the Army, (Dobrobolnoye Obshchestvo
Sodeistviya Armii), which both sexes are invited to join. Each registrant
becomes a member, is issued a membership card and pays monthly dues. Societies
of radio operators; communications specialists; medical instrument technicians;
parachutists; expert riflemen; etc. are organized in each branch of the DOSARM.
This purpose is to provide amateur military specialists who can be called upon
in the even of war..
-end-
ENCLOSURE Summer Training Area of the First Mecz Army, GOFG
B): Summer Training Area of the 23rd Tank Regt, 9th Tank Div.
(C): Legend for Enclosure (B)
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ENCLOSURE (A)
Summer Training Area of First Mecz Army, COFG
Legend
1. SCHMORKAU
2. 3CHWEPNITZ
3. KOENIGSBRUECK
4. Roads
5. 4th AA Div in NEUSELAGER
6. 9th Tk Div
7. 11th Tk Div
8. 8th Tk Div
9. 8th Mecz Rifle Regt
10. 70th livy SP Regt
11. Engr Bn
12. 108th Tk Regt
13. 95th Tk Rogt
14. 23d Tk aogt (see Annex 2 for detail sketch
15. 9th Tk uiv Hq
16. Ron 3n
17. Med Bn
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ENCLOSURE (B)
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SUMMER TRAINING AREA OF 23d TK REGT4 9th TK DIV
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ENCLOSURE (C)
Summer Training Area of 23rd Tic Regt. 9th Tic Div
Legend
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1. Tank storage area
2. Exeroipe and drill area
3. Vehicle parking lot
4. Parking lot for training tanks
5. Storage area for 45-mm and 57-mm AT guns (covered with canvas)
6. Regimental headquarters - 20 x 8 in, one story, wood
7. 23d Tic Regt flagpole, and sentry
8. SAG, MG, and carbine firing range
9. Pistol range for officers
10. AA gun storage area, 50 x 50 in.
11. FOL storage area, 15 x 10 m, fenced in
12. Messhall, one story, wooden 30 x 12 in, partly for officers, partly for EM
13. Food storage building, one story, wooden, 10 x 6 in
14. Clothing storage building, one story, wooden, 10 x 6 in
15. Artillery repair shop, one story, wooden, 10 x 6 in
17. Club, open air with benches and tables
18. Residence of regimental commander, one story, wooden, 10 x 6m
19. Political lecture room, one story, wooden building, 10 x 6 in
20. Residence of OKR (Counter Intelligence) officer, wooden, one story, 10 x 6 m
21. Voyentorg (PX), one story, wooden, 10 x 6 in
22. Billets for enlisted men, one story, wooden, 10 x 6 in
23. Gun storage sheds, one story, wooden, 10 x 6 in
24. Lavatories for enlisted men
25. Classrooms for enlisted men, one story, wooden, 10 x 6 m
26. Motorized Rifle Battalion Headquarters, one story, wooden, 10 x 6 in
27. Radio station, one story, wooden, 10 x 6 in
28. Secret Dcouments Section building, one story, wooden, 10 x 6 in
29. Divisional stadium
30. Firing range for heavy guns
31. Officers' 'billets, one story, wooden, 10 x 6 m
32. Roads
33. Repair shop (tailor, shoemaker), one story, -wooden, 10 x 6 m
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