INCREASED READINESS OF THE 128TH MOTORIZED RIFLE DIVISION NEAR POLISH BORDER

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP81T00034R000100380001-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 3, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: November 1, 1980
• Content Type: REPORT

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luo8ory oaolyala report
T 48000100380001-5
Increased Readiness of the 128th
Motorized Rifle Division Near Polish Border (S)
Secret
Z-20180/80
IAR-A817/80
NOVEMBER 1980
~0p' 17 0
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Warning Notice
Intelligence Sources and Methods Involved
(WNINTEL)
NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION
Unauthorized Disclosure Subject to Criminal Sanctions
NOFORN- Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals
NOCONTRACT- Not Releasable to Contractors or
Contractor/Consultants
PROPIN- Caution-Proprietary Information Involved
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ORCON- Dissemination and Extraction of Information
Controlled by Originator
REL ... This Information has been Authorized for
Release to .. .
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SECRET
INCREASED READINESS OF THE 128TH MOTORIZED
RIFLE DIVISION NEAR POLISH BORDER (S)
I. (S/D) Increased activity levels, suggesting an increased readiness posture, have been
observed at installations housing the 128th Motorized Rifle Division
(MRD) of the 38th Army in the Carpathian Military District of the USSR.' This division partici-
pated in [he invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 and, because of its proximity and readiness level,
might be an early participant if an invasion of Poland is initiated (Figure 1). The activity levels
which suggest an increased readiness posture in the motorized rifle regiment (MRR) of the 128th
MRD garrisoned at Mukachevo Headquarters MRD~Army Barracks AL-2 are
described in this report. The activity reported is similar to activity seen in other installations
associated with the 128th MRD. The report also serves as an explanation of how activity levels
within combat divisions are determined.
2. (SAD) The 128th MRD, a category II unit, is equipped with most or all of its equipment
and personnel. This division also has adequate covered storage for most of its equipment. Regi-
mental elements of the 128th MRD have been seen numerous times since 1976. Vehicles were
usually in covered storage sheds, and imagery indicated that only small numbers of vehicles were
routinely moved into the regimental vehicle maintenance areas for periodic maintenance. Histori-
cally, a significant increase in the number of vehicles was observed in front of the vehicle storage
sheds and in the regimental vehicle maintenance area when the regiment was preparing to depart
or was returning to garrison.
3. (SAD) routine activity was observed at Mukachevo AL-2 (Figure 2). A
small number of vehicles (elements of an armored personnel carrier-APC-company) was re-
moved from their storage sheds, and some vehicles were in the regimental vehicle maintenance
area. There was a general lack of vehicular movement and equipment parked in the open at this
MRR.
4. (SAD) A slight increase in activity was observed in the MRR area
(Figure 3). A group of [rucks was being formed into a convoy, an increased number of vehicles was
removed from their storage sheds, and an increased number of vehicles was in the regimental
vehicle maintenance area. In general, an increase of vehicular movement was observed throughout
the MRR area. This activity alone was not sufficient to suggest an increased readiness posture or
immediate deployment and would be reported as increased levels of activity.
5. (S/D) A high level of activity was observed (Figure 4). Elements of
both a BMP APC-equipped motorized rifle battalion an a tank battalion were in front of their
storage sheds. Other vehicles usually not observed included a BRDM antitank guided missile
(ATGM) battery, an MTU-20 tank-launched scissors bridge, armored recovery vehicles (ARV),
buses, and fuel trucks. An increased number of vehicles was observed in the regimental vehicle
maintenance area, and, generally, extensive movement of vehicles was evident throughout the
regimental area. Because some units of the 128th MRD were observed returning from a divisional
exercise to their respective garrisons it was determined that the
activity probably represented an increase rea mess posture.
6. (S/D) the high activity level at Mukachevo
was continuing, an at east one small vehicle convoy was discerned.
WN/NTEL
L-20 / 80/H~)
/AR-A317/~40
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SECRET
POLAND
OO WARSZAWA
(WARSAW)
? LUBLIN
U S S R
~-~
~~
HUNGARY
FIGURE 1. LOCATION OF 128TH MOTORIZED RIFIE DIVISION, CARPATHIAN MILITARY DISTRICT, USSR
Z-?018080
IAR-A317/80
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SECRET
1. DIA. DDB-I 100-UR-79, Ground Order of Battle (GOBJ-USSR (U), Sep 79 (SECRET/WNINTEL)
2. NPIC'. Z-20103/80, IAR-A244/80, Unusual Activity in the !18th Motorized Ri/]e Division, Carpathian Mili-
25X1
25X1
/A R-A.~ l 7/80
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Secret
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