Military Exercise VAL-77 Explanatory note to the concept of the operational-tactical exercise of allied fleets in the Baltic Sea, codenamed VAL-77

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

to the concept of the operational-tactical exercise of allied fleets in the Baltic Sea, codenamed VAL-77

I. THEME OF THE EXERCISE

Preparing for and conducting joint combat operations by allied fleets, ground forces, air forces, and air defense forces to seize the [Baltic Straits] zone and gain control in an enclosed theater of naval operations.

II. GENERAL TRAINING GOALS:

1. To give the commands of fleets and their main formations, the large formations (formations and units) of ground forces, air forces, and air defense forces practical experience in decisionmaking and planning, in organizing the preparation and conduct of joint combat operations in operations to seize the [Baltic Straits] zone and [to] gain control in an enclosed theater of naval operations.

2. To improve coordination between diverse forces of allied fleets and the organization of their command and control during the joint conduct of a naval operation and a naval battle.

3. To improve coordination between the forces of fleets, ground forces, and air defense forces of the Warsaw Pact countries and frontal aviation when preparing and conducting a joint operation and battle.

During the exercise, study:

a) the content and the methods of organizing and maintaining continuous coordination between coalition groupings of ground forces, aviation, air defense forces and fleet forces during an operation to seize the [Baltic] Straits zone;

b) the opportunities and methods to overcome enemy defenses against assault landings of the islands of the Straits zone using only conventional means of destruction;

c) the organization and methods of command and control of  coalition groupings of the forces of allied fleets when carrying out joint missions in both the Straits zone and the North Sea.

III. THE TIME AND AREA THE EXERCISE IS CONDUCTED:

The exercise will be conducted from 28 June through 7 July 1977 in the southern part of the Baltic Sea bounded by the line: meridian 12 00 east, parallel 56 00 north, meridian 20 00 west, excluding the territory and territorial waters of Denmark and Sweden.

IV. THE COMPOSITION OF EXERCISE PARTICIPANTS:

The exercise will include:

from the GDR National People's Army:

- fleet headquarters in the role of the headquarters of the 3^rd Fleet;

- the headquarters of the 1^st, 4^th, and 6^th Flotillas, in the roles of the headquarters of the 31^st 34^th, and 36^th Flotillas respectively;

- an operations group of the headquarters of the 8^th msd in the role of the headquarters of the 38^th msd;

- an operations group of the 3^rd Air Defense Division in the role of the headquarters of the 33^rd Air Defense Division.

The designated forces are: rkab [large missile boat] - 6, tkav [possibly tkab, large torpedo boat] - " [SIC], tkam [probably "small torpedo boat"] - 6, mpk - 4, tshch - 4, dk - 8, People's Navy vap [helicopter regiment]- 1, MSP - 1, ibap [fighter-bomber regiment]- 1, vap - 1, and raz [aerial reconnaissance squadron]- 1.

from the Polish Army

- the Training Inspectorate of the Polish Army in the role of the headquarters of the Maritime Front;

- fleet headquarters in the role of the headquarters of the 2^nd Fleet;

- the headquarters of the 3^rd Flotilla and the 8^th and 9^th Coastal Defense Flotillas in the roles of the headquarters of the 23^rd, 28^th, and 29^th Flotillas respectively;

- an operations group of Air Force Headquarters with support and maintenance units in the role of the headquarters of the 10^th Air Force;

- the headquarters of the 3^rd shrad [possibly "ground attack missile air division"] in the role of the headquarters of the 23^rd shrad;

- an operations group of the 4^th iad in the role of the headquarters of the 24^th iad;

- an operations group of the 2^nd Air Defense Division in the role of the headquarters of the 22^nd Air Defense Division;

- an operations group of the 7^th mdd in the role of the headquarters of the 27^th mdd;

- an operations group of the 6^th vdd in the role of the headquarters of the 26^th vdd.

The designated forces are: zm [minelayer] - 1, pl - 2, rkab - 6, tkab - 4, mpk - 4, ku [command ship] -1, dk - 12, dka - 8, ishap [ground attack fighter regiment]- 1, mdp [amphibious assault regiment]- 1, tshch - 4, iad - 1, and shrad - 1.

from the Soviet Armed Forces:

- headquarters of the Baltic Fleet, in the role of the headquarters of the OBF and the 1^st Fleet;

- the headquarters of the Baltiysk Naval Base, the 24^th obrka, the 36^th brka, the 71^st bdk, and the 336^th opmp, in the roles of the headquarters of the "B" Naval Base, the 34^th obrka, the 46^th brka, the 81^st bdk and the 346^th opmp, respectively.

The designated forces are: kr [probably "missile ship"] - 1, zm -2, il [possibly Il'yushin aircraft] - 2, rkab- 4, mrk - 2, tkab - 4, pk - 6, tshch - 4, dkb - 1, dks - 4, dk [landing craft] na VP [?air-cushion?] - 3, bmp - 1, aeh MRA [naval missile aviation air squadron], aeh rap - 1, ap PLO [anti-submarine defense air regiment], vsu [auxiliary vessel] - 3, orrb [independent radiorelay battalion]- (NGF),

The total included are:

- 107 ships (GDR People's Navy - 32, Polish Navy - 42, Soviet Baltic Fleet - 33): cruisers - 1, destroyers - 3, submarines - [number off the page], large missile boats - 16, large torpedo boats - [number off the page], small torpedo boats - 6, antisubmarine ships - 6, small antisubmarine ships - 8, minesweepers - 12, large amphibious assault ships - 1, amphibious assault ships - 24, assault boats - 8, air-cushion assault boats - 3, command ships - 1, small missile boats - 2;

- air formations and units: iad - 1, shrad - 1, ibap - 1, vap - 2, ishap - 1, ap PLO - 1, aeh MRA - 1, aeh rap - 1, raz - 1. Total number of divisions - 2, regiments - 5, squadrons - 4;

- ground forces units: mdp - 1, msp - 1, bmp - 1.

V. THE COMPOSITION OF THE SIDES

The "Easterners" - Maritime Front (5^th Army of the Soviet Army, 11^th Polish Army, 21^st m [full unit abbreviation off the page] of the Soviet Army, the 34^th and 38^th msd of the GDR National People's Army, the 10^th Air Army, the 21^st rbr, the 23^rd and 24^th pabr, the 21^st zrbr, and the 25^th and 26^th iptap of the Polish Army.

The front has a total of: divisions - 14 (msd and md - 10, td - [number off the page], vdd - 1), launchers - 76, of which operational/tactical -26, tactical - 50, tanks - 2965, [field] guns and mortars - 2082, combat aircraft - 458, of which 72 are [nuclear weapons] platforms;

- Combined Baltic Fleet (1^st Fleet - the USSR Baltic Fleet, 2^nd Fleet - the Polish Navy, and the 3^rd Fleet - the GDR People's Navy).

The OBF has a total of 537 combat ships and boats, including plrk [cruise missile submarines]- 3, pl - 44, kr - 2, ehm URO [guided missile destroyers], am [possibly "naval air base"] - 10, skr - 1[8], mrk - 5, RKAB - 45, tka - 89, mpk - 46, tshch - 173, dk - 94, and combat aircraft - 194, of which 78 are missile platforms, 36 are fighter-bombers, 42 are reconnaissance aircraft, and 38 are fixed-wing (helicopter) anti-submarine aircraft.

The "Westerners"

a) Ground forces: OAK (6^th mpd, 13^th pd, the FRG 659^th S [Sergeant] Battalion, the yutl [Jutland] mpd, two Danish pbr, the 3^rd British pbr), the 1^st AK (the Netherlands) (1^st, 4^th, and 5^th mpd, 101^st pbr, 109^th and 119^th Honest John battalions, and the 107^th 175 mm P adn), the 1^st FRG AK (3^rd td, 11^th mpd, 14^th pd, 27^th vdbr, 150^th S and 110^th pa battalion[s]). The total in the front's zone is: divisions - 9, of which td - 1, brigades - 5, launchers - 69, of which operational/tactical -264, tactical - 36, atomic artillery pieces - 86, tanks - 2199, [field] guns and mortars - 1460.

b) aircraft: combat aircraft - 450, of which 54 are [nuclear weapons] platforms.

c) the Combined NATO navy in the Baltic Sea, including the Straits Zone has 249 combat ships, including: pl - 22, ehm and fr URO [guided missile destroyers and frigates] - 4, ehm - 4, skr - 7, rka - 35, tka and ska [patrol boat] - 53, mpk - 17, tshch - 54, zm -9, dk - 44, combat aircraft - 129, including fighter-bombers - 54, carrier strike aircraft - 4, reconnaissance aircraft - 18, and anti-submarine fixed-wing aircraft (helicopter) - 17.

VI. THE INITIAL SITUATION AND THE CONCEPT OF THE SIDES' OPERATIONS

a) The initial situation

At the end of June the "Westerners" sharply aggravated the military-political situation in Europe and began immediate preparations to unleash a war against the "Easterners". They deployed and brought up to strength formations, units, and command echelons, and brought weapons and materiel up to wartime standards. The number of reconnaissance flights along the borders with Warsaw Pact countries was increased. In violation of international agreements [temporary] difficulties [Translator's note: predvremennye - SIC - trudnosti; possibly vremennye [[temporary]] was intended] for the navigation of the "Easterners" were created in the Straits Zone and the Kiel Canal.

[The following] are deployed on combat patrol: in the North Atlantic -16 SSBN's (including one British) and in the Norwegian Sea - four SSBN's (including two French). Ten SSBN's are at bases in HOLY LOCH, FASLANE, and ROTA.

An American aircraft carrier strike group consisting of a strike carrier, a guided-missile cruiser, four guided-missile destroyers and four frigates, and also a permanent NATO navy formation of six destroyers and frigates was deployed in the North Sea.

Twelve FRG submarines and four Danish boats [SIC] were deployed in the Baltic Sea.

A group of surface ships was concentrated in the areas of KIEL, FLENSBURG, OLPENITZ, COPENHAGEN, and [Korsør], composed of up to three guided-missile destroyers, 15 missile and torpedo boats, seven minelayers, 15 minesweepers, and 36 amphibious assault ships and boats from the FRG and Denmark.

The transfer of national fleet forces to the main NATO commands has begun.

The aircraft of the "Westerners" are in their permanently deployed locations ready to regroup [pereobrazovanie, SIC] to forward airfields and the numbers of forces on alert has doubled.

Beginning 27 June up to 40 B-52 combat air patrols a day with nuclear weapons on board have been flown in the main aerospace sectors. An additional three satellites of the Ferret-D, Samos-M, and Lasp types were launched into near-earth orbit in the period between 20 and 28 June.

In connection with the military preparations of the "Westerners" the "Easterners" are taking steps to normalize the situation through diplomatic means and are pursuing measures in response at the same time to increase the readiness of ground forces, air forces, air defense forces, and fleet forces.

They are increasing the forces on combat alert, strengthening the protection of the borders, and conducting all types of reconnaissance.

The formations, units, and organizations of the rear of the ground forces are preparing to leave for forming-up areas.

Beginning in the second half of June the fleets of the "Easterners" increased the combat duty forces in the Baltic and North Seas and are tracking the submarines and surface ships of the "Westerners" in the Baltic Sea. Fleet aircraft at permanently deployed airfields are in readiness to disperse to reserve airfields. All types of protection and security of naval bases, basing points, and shore facilities are being increased. Ships are being taken out of mothballs. Command and control of [fleet] forces is being transferred to primary command posts.

The air forces of the "Easterners" have increased combat patrols and are conducting aerial reconnaissance along the borders and in the Baltic Sea. Reserve airfields have been brought into readiness to accept aircraft and a secure command and control system has been deployed.

Warsaw Pact air defense forces have been brought into increased combat readiness, are on combat patrol, are making preparations to repel enemy air attacks, and are refining the plans and issues of coordination with the air defense forces of neighboring fronts, the 10^th Air Army, and the OBF.

b) The concept of the sides' operations

Having completed the creation of strike groupings, beginning on the morning of 2 July the "Westerners" begin combat operations against the countries of the Warsaw Pact using conventional means of destruction and contemplate the defeat the opposing grouping of forces of the "Easterners" using massive attacks by ground forces and aircraft in coordination with the combined naval forces before strategic reserves are brought up from the rear, and on day 6-7 of the operation reaching the line FRANKFURT, SZCZECIN. The main blow is being struck on the Berlin sector with the forces of four army corps.

They are striking a blow in the maritime sector with the forces of the OAK (6^th mpd, 13^th pd, 650^th FRG S4 battalion, the Jutland mpd, two Danish pbr, the 3^rd British pbr) in the direction of ZARRENTIN, SZCZECIN and are aiding the SGA forces operating in the main sector. In the event of an unsuccessful border battle they will go over to the defensive and not allow the "Easterners" to invade the Jutland Peninsula and the Danish islands.

Then, by committing the second echelons and reserves to battle they plan to exploit success on Polish territory and toward the Soviet border.

At the same time the "Westerners" envision a stubborn defense of the islands of the Straits Zone in order to not allow their seizure and allow the fleet forces of the "Easterners" to reach the North Sea.

Nuclear weapons are to be used if there is a threat that the achievement of the assigned goals by conventional weapons will be frustrated.

Eight hundred nuclear warheads, 500 of which are for a first nuclear strike, are being allocated for the combat operations of the SGA.

The combined naval forces of the "Westerners" plan to weaken the strike groupings of the allied fleets of the "Easterners" with ground attack aircraft, submarines, and surface ships with the massive use of mine weapons and blockade the strike groupings of the allied fleets of the "Easterners" in [their] bases using fire means, electronic suppression, and commando [diversionnye] detachments to disorganize the command and control system of these fleets, and to impede the operations of the fleet forces of the "Easterners" as much as possible in both the zone approaching the Straits and the Straits Zone with the use of all men and equipment and not let them seize the Danish islands. They plan to expand the offensive operations of the combined naval forces to the entire expanse of the Baltic Sea when the main strike groupings of the fleets of the "Easterners" are defeated and with a successful offensive of their own ground forces in the maritime sector.

Having uncovered the preparations of the "Westerners" for war, by the end of 30 June the "Easterners" brought their men and equipment into full combat readiness and prepared measures to thwart possible enemy aggression.

The Maritime Front of the "Easterners" is preparing an offensive operation in the course of which they plan to repel the invasion of the "Westerners" with part of the forces, weaken their strike groupings, and defeat the enemy grouping in the northern part of FRG territory and the Jutland Peninsula with the main forces in coordination with the Combined Baltic Fleet and air defense forces of the Warsaw Pact, seize the Straits Zone, the southern part of Norway, and force Denmark out of the war.

The main attack of the front is to be launched in the direction of WITTENBURG, NEUMÜNSTER, FLENSBURG, [AALBORG] with the mission of defeating the main forces of the combined army corps and enemy reserves and to seize the Jutland Peninsula on day 10-11 of the operation; in the period D4 - D6 together with the OBF the Maritime Front is to conduct an amphibious assault operation with the goal of seizing the islands of the Straits Zone on day 6-7. The front is to launch a second attack in the direction of WUSTROW, BREMEN, DEEUWARDEN, having the mission of defeating the 1^st AK of the Netherlands and reaching the line DEEUWARDEN, ZWOLLE by the end of day 7-8 of the operation and organizing a defense of the coast against an amphibious landing.

Then, the Maritime Front in coordination with the OBF conducts a second amphibious assault operation with the goal of seizing the southern coast of Norway on day 16-17 in the TØNSBERG, FARSUND sector.

The 10^th Air Army in coordination with the Warsaw Pact air defense forces of the Maritime Front and the air defense forces of the OBF repels enemy air attacks, launches retaliatory attacks in order to weaken the nuclear missile and air grouping of the "Westerners", supports front troops when repelling the invasion, and protects front targets and ships of the OBF from airstrikes.

When going over to the offensive the main efforts are to be concentrated on air cover, support to the front's amphibious and airborne assault forces, and combating enemy nuclear means and reserves. [Translator's note: subject missing] protects the forces of the OBF in the zone approaching the Straits and the Straits Zone.

The 26^th vdd of the Polish Army is landed in support of the front through the resources of the VGK [Supreme High Command][;] the 346^th opmp of the 1^st Fleet is made operationally subordinate to the front beginning on D2.

Two hundred and seventy-eight [nuclear] weapons with a total yield of 8.7 megatons and 22 army [aviation] sorties of the 10^th Air Army are allocated for a front operation, including three sorties to accomplish an air operation.

The front and OBF do not have nuclear weapons before 0700 28 June. It is planned to supply them on the night before D-Day.

The Combined Baltic Fleet (the 1^st Fleet is the Soviet Baltic Fleet), the 2^nd Fleet is the Polish Navy, and the 3^rd Fleet is the GDR People's Navy) is making preparations and from the start of the war conducts an operation with the objective of defeating the combined naval grouping of the "Westerners" in the Baltic Sea and the Straits Zone and winning control in the theater in the shortest possible time.

In coordination with Long Range Aviation it destroys the AUG [carrier strike group] and weakens the combined naval grouping of the "Westerners" in the North Sea in order to create favorable operating conditions in the area.

It assists the forces of the Maritime Front in an operation to seize the Straits Zone, and in accordance with the front plan supports the landing of amphibious assault groups on the Danish islands and the southern coast of Norway and protects the assault groups from attacks from the sea. It prevents reinforcement of the grouping of enemy ground forces on the Jutland Peninsula by sea.

Subsequently it clears the Straits, brings forces into the North Sea, destroys the ship groupings, and assists the forces of the Western Front in seizing the southern coast of Norway. It disrupts enemy shipping throughout the entire depth of his operations zone and participates in anti-amphibious landing defense of the coastline that has been seized.

It supports shipments by sea [in support of] the Maritime and Western Fronts.

The aircraft of the 1^st and 2^nd Fleets participate in an air operation conducted in accordance with a plan of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

The operations zone of the OBF is the Baltic Sea, the Straits Zone, and the Northern Sea, bounded by the lines 60 50 north, the east coast of Great Britain, and the Pas-de-Calais.

The OBF is allocated 157 nuclear weapons, including 12 submarine-to-shore, 72 torpedoes, 39 air-to-ship cruise missiles, 18 aerial bombs, and 16 aerial depth charges.

According to the plan of the VGK it participates in carrying out the air operation.

The air defense forces of the Warsaw Pact (the Polish 22^nd Air Defense Corps and the GDR National People's Army 33^rd Air Defense Division) in coordination with the forces of the front air defense, the 10^th Air Army, and air defense forces of the OBF repel enemy air attacks; prevent attacks from being launched on the groupings of ground forces, naval bases, and ships of the OBF; protect shipping from the air and the overflight [and] transit by sea of airborne and amphibious assault groups; and support flights of long-range and naval missile aircraft.

When the Maritime Front goes over to the offensive the 22^nd Air Defense Corps and the 33^rd Air Defense Division defend targets on the territory of the countries, troops, and facilities of the front rear and also the groupings of ships within the range of air defense resources.

THE POSSIBLE CORRELATION OF THE SIDES' MEN AND EQUIPMENT

a) ground forces

Translator's notes: the last digits in the rightmost column were reproduced off the page; "abs" probably stands for "absolute" since the PF columns were empty, and vbs may be a typo for abs.

b) aircraft

c) naval forces

VII. THE PROCEDURE FOR CONDUCTING THE EXERCISE

FIRST STAGE - decisionmaking and planning of operations to seize the Straits Zone and gain control in an enclosed theater of naval operations.

Length of the stage:

- in operational time - four days (from 0700 28 June to 0700 2 July);

- in astronomical time - four days (from 0700 28 June to 0700 2 July).

Training issues:

1. Decisionmaking and the planning of a joint operation of ground forces, fleets, air forces, and air defense forces to seize the Straits Zone. The organization of command and control, coordination, and all types of support to the operation.

2. Decisionmaking and planning of an amphibious assault operation to seize the islands of the Straits Zone. The organization of command and control, coordination, and all types of support in an amphibious assault operation.

3. Decisionmaking and planning of joint combat operations of allied fleets to destroy the main groupings of enemy naval forces with the object of winning and maintaining control in an enclosed theater of naval operations, to support the offensive of the Maritime Front, conduct an amphibious assault operation, and create favorable operating conditions in adjacent seas.

4. Preparing troops and fleet forces to carry out the assigned missions.

The nature of the operations of the sides

Having taken concealment and disinformation measures the "Westerners" are strengthening the grouping of their forces, deploying and bringing formations, units, command and control bodies, and fleet forces up to strength, and stepping up ground, sea, and aerial reconnaissance. By 0400 2 July the strike groupings of the "Westerners" were completing deployment for an attack at forming-up places.

In connection with the threat of enemy attack the "Easterners" are taking steps to increase the combat readiness of troops and fleet forces and are preparing them to repel a possible enemy invasion; at the same time they are planning and preparing offensive operations on the ground and at sea. On the night of 2 July they began a covert forward movement of [their] forces and occupied areas in accordance with decisions which had been made.

The procedure for rehearsing training issues

On 23 June the exercise participants [obuchaemye] are given the assignment and at 0700 28 June an operational directive on the basis of which they make decisions, plan combat operations, and organize command and control and coordination.

Beginning 1300 28 June the staffs and operations groups taking part in the exercise are deployed at field and primary control posts and the troops and fleet forces [are deployed] at the jumping-off areas for the exercise.

Beginning 1000 30 June the exercise controller is briefed about the decisions by the commanders and commanding generals of the Maritime Front, the Combined Baltic Fleet, and the 10h Air Army, and the commanders of large Warsaw Pact air defense formations and formations.

From 1800 30 June to 1200 3 July the exercise control staff intensifies the situation concerning the forward movement and occupation of the jumping-off areas for an attack by the troops and fleet forces of "Westerners" and also concerning the actions of the "Easterners".

SECOND STAGE - the conduct of joint combat operations by fleet forces, ground forces, air forces, and air defense forces in operations to seize the Straits Zone and gain control in [an enclosed] theater of naval [operations].

Length of the stage:

- in operational time - four days, six hours (from 0700 2 July to 1300 6 July);

- in astronomical time - 30 hours (from 0700 2 July to 1300 3 July).

Training issues:

1. Fighting a naval battle to destroy enemy surface ship groupings with the strike forces of allied fleets in coordination with naval missile, fighter-bomber, and fighter aircraft and the use of missile, torpedo, and artillery fire.

2. Conducting joint combat operations with the anti-submarine forces of the allied fleets to search for and destroy enemy submarines in areas and at anti-submarine lines using torpedoes and depth bombs.

3. Landing amphibious and airborne (on helicopters) assault groups on an open beach:

- moving the troops being landed to waiting areas and concentrating assault landing equipment in landing areas;

- embarking (landing) an assault group and forming assault detachments;

- moving an amphibious assault group by sea and transporting an airborne assault group by air;

- combat operations to land an amphibious assault group;

- assault groups' battle on the beach to seize a bridgehead;

-the advance of an amphibious assault group on the beach with the forcing of a wide water barrier;

- protecting an amphibious assault group from attack from the sea and performing all forms of defense (air defense, anti-submarine, PKO [anti-boat defense], and PMO [anti-mine defense]).

4. The organization of the defense of the coastline against assault landings, fighting a battle to repel the landing of an amphibious and airborne (heliborne) assault groups.

5. The air defense of naval bases and ship forces during their operations at sea by the air defense forces of the allied fleets in coordination with Warsaw Pact air defense forces, the air defense forces of the ground forces, and the air forces.

6. Fighting the danger of mines in the theater with the men and equipment of the anti-mine defense of the allied fleets.

7. The coordination and command and control of allied fleet forces in conditions of electronic countermeasures with the use of primary, reserve, and mobile shore and ship control posts.

8. Waging electronic warfare on behalf of the fleet forces performing the main missions.

9. Coordination of the rears of the allied fleets for mutual rear support of the forces when conducting joint combat operations.

The nature of the operations of the sides

After launching massive air attacks on the troops, fleet forces, and rear facilities of the "Easterners", the "Westerners" go on the offensive beginning 0700 2 July. During 2 July the enemy drove a wedge in separate sectors to a depth of 15-25 km, but made no further advance. The "Westerners" did not achieve success in a border battle [Translator's note: "zone" was handwritten above "battle", but the latter was not crossed out]; they switched to defensive operations in the maritime sector beginning on the morning of 3 July and continue an offensive in the Berlin sector. At the same time they are bringing up second echelons and reserves to launch counterattacks and are strengthening the defenses of the islands of the Straits Zone.

Beginning on the morning of 2 July the forces of the Maritime Front repel massive air attacks and the invasion of ground force groupings of the "Westerners". The 10^th Air Army is participating in an air operation conducted according to a VGK plan.

The Combined Baltic Fleet conducts combat operations to destroy the combined naval groupings of the "Westerners" in the Baltic Sea, weaken the ship groupings, and disrupt enemy communications in the North Sea.

With the creation of offensive groupings beginning on the morning of 3 July the Maritime Front goes over to the offensive in the Jutland and Maritime sectors with the forces of two armies, seizes the initiative, and by the end of the day drives a wedge to a depth of 25-30 km in the directions of the attacks. Beginning on the morning of 5 July the "Easterners" land amphibious and airborne assault groups on the islands of the Straits Zone and fight to seize the islands.

The procedure for rehearing training issues

In accordance with a special plan and decisions made by commanding generals (commanders) real operations of fleet forces, troops, and aircraft are rehearsed by the opposed-force tactical exercise method from 0700 2 July to 1300 3 July. The exercise controller intensifies the situation with special scenarios (hour by hour), and the commanding generals (commanders) and staffs make decisions, assign missions to subordinates, organize coordination, and perform command and control of the forces taking part in the practical accomplishment of the assigned missions.

THE ACTUAL OPERATIONS OF THE FORCES IN THE EXERCISE

The following tactical exercises are conducted during the course of the second stage:

1. An opposed-force tactical exercise to destroy groupings of enemy surface ships in the zone approaching the Straits:

the area the exercise is conducted - west of BORNHOLM island

the time the exercise is conducted - 0600-0810 2 July.

The OBK of the "Westerners" is represented by: a detachment of combat ships - two destroyers from the Soviet Baltic Fleet; a KUG [surface strike group] of an rkv [SIC, probably a typo for "rka", missile boat] and tka - three rkab and [one word off the page] tkab of three fleets; a detachment of minelayers - three assault boats of the GDR People's Navy; ground attack and reconnaissance aviation - the GDR air force. The naval forces of the "Easterners" are MRA [naval missile aviation], iba, and [one word possibly off the page], reconnaissance aircraft; a missile-torpedo KUG of the GDR Navy, the Polish Navy, and the Soviet Baltic Fleet.

the exercise director is the Commander of the GDR People's Navy.

2. A tactical opposed-forces exercise to destroy enemy ship groupings with the use of missile, torpedo, and anti-aircraft fire by ships.

the area the exercise is conducted - the southern part of the Baltic Sea and the Soviet Baltic Fleet missile firing range.

the time the exercise is conducted - 0600-1300 2 July

the forces of the "Westerners" are represented by: an OBK - a cruiser and destroyer; Polish air defense forces fighter aircraft.

the forces of the navy of the "Easterners" [are represented by] four naval missile aircraft, 16 ground attack aircraft, fighters of the 2^nd Air Defense Corps, a KUG of the GDR People's Navy, the Polish Navy, and the Soviet Baltic Fleet consisting of two torpedo boats and two missile boats each and one destroyer of the Polish Navy.

the use of weapons: 10 P-15 missiles, two V-601 missiles, 12 torpedoes, and missile firings against a Project 43[6] target ship.

the exercise director is the Commander of the Soviet Baltic Fleet.

3. A tactical opposed-forces exercise to destroy enemy ship groupings with the use of fire from torpedo boats.

the area the exercise is conducted - east of BORNHOLM island.

the time the exercise is conducted - 1000-1300 2 July

the OBK of the "Westerners" is represented by two Soviet Baltic Fleet destroyers. The naval forces of the "Easterners" [are represented by] Polish Navy ground attack fighter and reconnaissance aircraft, a KUG of missile and torpedo boats of the GDR People's Navy, the Polish Navy, and the Soviet Baltic Fleet.

the exercise director is the Commander of the Polish Navy.

4. A tactical exercise of missile and torpedo boats to destroy small fast-moving targets.

the area the exercise is conducted - south of BORNHOLM island between meridians 14 and 17.

the time the exercise is conducted - 0300-0730 3 July

on the island [SIC] of the "Westerners" and "Easterners" each have three KUG of different nationalities and Polish Navy reconnaissance aircraft.

the exercise director is the Commander of the Polish Navy

5. Tactical anti-submarine exercises are being held for 32 hours.

the first exercise is to search, track, and destroy enemy submarines.

the area the exercise is conducted is [KADET-RINNEN] Strait to meridian 15.

the time the exercise is conducted is 0599 [SIC]-2000 1 July.

the submarines of the "Westerners" are represented by two submarines (Polish Navy and Soviet Baltic Fleet);

the anti-submarine forces of the "Easterners" [are represented] by two KPUG [ship hunter-killer groups] (GDR People's Navy and the Soviet Baltic Fleet).

the exercise director is the Commander of the GDR People's Navy

the second exercise is to search and destroy submarines at an submarine barrier with the mixed anti-submarine forces of three allied fleets.

the area the exercise is conducted is southeast of BORNHOLM island.

the time the exercise is conducted is 1500 1 July - 0100 2 July;

the submarines of the "Westerners" are represented by four submarines (two from the Polish Navy and two from the Soviet Baltic Fleet)

the anti-submarine forces of the "Easterners" [are represented by] two KPUG and one APUG [anti-submarine warfare group] of the Soviet Baltic Fleet, a KPUG of the Polish Navy, and a KPUG of the GDR People's Navy.

the exercise director is the Commander of the Soviet Baltic Fleet.

the third exercise is anti-submarine support to the formation and movement of assault forces by sea.

the area the exercise is conducted is GRAN'SKY [SIC, probably Gda?sk] BAY

the time the exercise is conducted is 1000-1600 2 July.

the submarines of the "Westerners" [are represented] by two Polish Navy submarines.

the anti-submarine forces of the "Easterners" [are represented by] a KPUG of the Polish Navy, a KPUG, APUG, and AVPUG [air search-strike group] of the Soviet Baltic Fleet.

the exercise director is the Commander of the Polish Navy.

6. A tactical exercise to land amphibious and air assault groups on an open beach and to conduct combat operations on a shore with the formation of water barriers.

the area the exercise is conducted is RÜGEN Island - BALTIYSK.

the area the landing is to take place is USEDOM island (GDR).

the time the exercise is conducted is 1000 2 July - 1300 3 July.

The grouping of the "Westerners" is represented by 16 MRA sorties, two Soviet Baltic Fleet reconnaissance aircraft, 38 Polish iba aircraft and six reconnaissance sorties, four Polish Navy and Soviet Baltic Fleet submarines, 16 missile and 17 torpedo boats of the GDR People's Navy, Polish Navy, and Soviet Baltic Fleet, and one GDR People's Army msp in defense against assault landings.

The forces of the "Easterners" [are represented by]: one assault group each from the [GDR] People's Navy, the Polish Navy, and the Soviet Baltic Fleet, assault forces composed of a Soviet bmp, a Polish Army mdp, and a GDR People's Army msb, an airborne assault force composed of a helicopter regiment and up to one msb of the GDR People's Army, two detachments of amphibious assault force escort ships from the GDR People's Navy, the Polish Navy, and the Soviet Baltic Fleet, 30 IBA sorties, 42 Polish air defense fighter sorties, 30 IBA sorties, and 30 sorties of GDR People's Army air defense fighters.

7. In the course of the exercise submarines conduct combat operations to destroy the surface ships, transports, and assault detachments of the "Westerners".

The submarines make seven torpedo attacks in which two Soviet Baltic Fleet submarines and two Polish Navy submarines take part; a total of 16 dummy torpedoes are launched.

8. The minesweeping forces of the allied fleets practice combating the danger of mines in their zones of responsibility; the total minesweeping time is 21 hours.

9. A tactical exercise is conducted in conditions of intensive electronic warfare. Electronic countermeasures are actually conducted by the men and equipment of the GDR People's Army, the Polish Army, and the Soviet Baltic Fleet in accordance with a special plan.

THIRD STAGE - the switch to the use of nuclear weapons. Planning of combat operations to complete the seizure of the Jutland Peninsula and the northern coast of the Straits Zone, and the performance of missions by fleet forces in the North Sea.

Length of the stage:

- in operational time - 10 -12 days (from 0700 6 July to 17 [July]);

- in astronomical time - two days, 19 hours (from 1300 3 July to 0800 6 July).

Training issues:

1. Planning the restoration of the combat effectiveness of troops and fleet forces after a nuclear strike.

2. Planning combat operations to complete the seizure of the Jutland Peninsula and the seizure of northern coast of the Straits Zone.

3. Planning joint combat operations by the allied fleets to clear the Straits Zone of obstacles, move the main forces into the North Sea, and carry out combat missions in the North Sea.

4. The organization of the command and control of allied fleet forces and their coordination when conducting joint combat operations in the North Sea.

THE NATURE OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE SIDES

Having suffered defeat in a border battle, by the morning of 6 July the "Westerners" had retreated to a depth of 130-140 km under the attacks of the "Easterners" and continue to offer stubborn resistance. By holding the most important objectives [and] strongpoints in the Straits Zone and counterattacks the enemy is trying to defeat the assault groups and prevent them from seizing the islands. Aircraft are launching strikes on the first echelon troops and approaching reserves of the "Easterners", [water] crossings, airfields, Warsaw Pact air defense facilities, and ships at bases and at sea.

Under threat of the defeat of their troops and combined naval forces the command of the "Westerners" decided to switch to the use of nuclear weapons. In the period from 0700 to 1000 6 July the "Westerners" launched nuclear strikes on the troops, fleet forces, and rear facilities of the "Easterners" in tactical and operational depth.

The combined naval forces of the "Westerners" are blocking the SKAGERRAK Strait and trying to keep the buildup of the forces of the "Easterners" out of the North Sea, convoys and individual transports are carrying troops and equipment from Great Britain and the US to the Jutland Peninsula and the FRG, and the artillery [inserted by hand: fire] of surface ships are supporting the ground forces on shore.

The "Westerners" were simultaneously subjected to a massive nuclear attack by the "Easterners". Suffering great losses, they are taking steps to eliminate the consequences of the nuclear strikes in order to restore the combat effectiveness of [their] troops and keep the "Easterners" from advancing further.

Waging vigorous offensive operations, by the morning of 6 July the "Easterners" had advanced to a depth of 130-150 km in the sectors of the attacks. Beginning on the morning of 5 July they landed airborne and amphibious assault groups on the islands of the Straits Zone and seized a bridgehead up to 10 or 15 km deep on the island of ZEALAND. The assault groups seized the island of FYN in a day.

The Combined Baltic Fleet is completing the defeat of the combined naval forces groupings of the "Westerners" in the Baltic Sea and the Straits Zone, and is searching for and destroying submarines in this area. It continues clearing work and minesweeping in the Straits and the Kiel Canal, and is moving forces into the North Sea, preparing a landing of an amphibious assault group on the southern coast of Norway, and supporting the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies for the troops by sea. Naval missile aviation and submarines are launching attacks on groupings of enemy surface ships and convoys in the North Sea in coordination with Long Range Aviation.

The 10^th Air Army continues to protect and support the troops of the front, the amphibious and airborne assault forces, and fleet forces.

The "Easterners" were subjected to enemy nuclear strikes beginning 0700 6 July. First echelon troops, naval bases, and fleet shore facilities suffered the greatest losses. In turn, in accordance with previous decisions, the "Easterners" launched massive nuclear strikes on enemy troops, fleet forces, and rear facilities.

The procedure for rehearing training issues

An operational [time] jump of three days is being made at 1300 3 July (from 1300 3 July to 1300 6 July). The troops of the Maritime Front and the OBF forces continue to wage offensive combat operations during the jump.

At 1300 3 July the exercise participants are given the situation and the positions of the sides as of 1300 6 July. The situation is assessed in staffs, decisions made, and measures to eliminate the consequences of nuclear strikes, restore combat effectiveness, and develop the offensive are planned by 1300 4 July. The exercise participants submit their decisions to the exercise control staff by 1600 4 July. From 1300 3 July to 1300 4 July the exercise control staff intensifies the situation with special scenarios. From 1000 to 2300 5 July the exercise controller is briefed of the decisions of the Commanding Generals of the Maritime Front and the 10^th Air Army, and the Commanders of the 2^nd and 3^rd Fleets.

The exercise ends at 0800 6 July.

VIII. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CONTROL OF THE EXERCISE

The exercise controller is the Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Armed Forces of Warsaw Pact Member Countries, Marshal of the Soviet Union V. G. KULIKOV.

- the first deputy exercise controller and chief of the exercise control staff is the Chief of Staff of the Combined Armed Forces, General of the Army A. I. GRIBKOV.

Deputy exercise controllers are:

- for the GDR National People's Army - Chief of the Main Staff of the GDR People's Army, General-Colonel H. KESSLER;

- for the Polish Army, Chief of the Polish Army General, Staff General of Armor F. SIWICKI;

- for the Soviet Armed Forces, Chief of the Main Staff of the Soviet Navy, Admiral of the Fleet N. D. SERGEYEV.

IX. THE PLACE, TIME, AND PROCEDURE FOR HOLDING THE CRITIQUE

The exercise critique will be held from 1100 to 1400 7 July.

The preliminary procedure for the critique is:

- the report of the chief of the exercise control staff - 45 minutes;

- the report of the exercise controller - 90 minutes;

- individual critiques for the national armies (the deputy exercise controllers for the GDR National People's Army, Polish Army, and the Soviet Armed Forces) - by 9 July;

- individual critiques for the national fleets (fleet commanders) - by 12 July.

THE EXERCISE CONTROL STAFF

Printed in four copies

Copies Nº 1 - 4 to file

Drafted by Col. SOBCHAK

Typed by T. B.

Nº PF-545