\)S b 10 l· '-/s ·. J:r ( BISON NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 3 JANUARY 1991 THE IRAQI ARMY Organization and Tactics J ~IV -~•v ~ N V('pl< AT 8l Fb MAR ·; I lq9 ')CLME~TS GEPOSITORV liBRARY 0433 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 3 JANUARY 1991 THE IRAQI ARMY Organization and Tactics Prepared by: The S2, 177th Armored Brigade and the Operations Group of the National Training Center Preface The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on 2 August 1990 generated an intense interest in the organization and capabilities of the armed forces of Iraq. However, two difficulties immediately became apparent in the consolidation and dissemination of information about Iraq. First, no single source reference detailed all the known information about the armed forces of Iraq. Second, Iraq represented a viable third-world "threat," about which very little unclassified data was available. I The large body of information available, mainly classified, concerning Iraqi niilitary operations from the Iran-Iraq war may not be useful in drawing direct parallels to future Iraqi operations. For example, the Iraqis used infantry units (divisions, brigades, and battalions) reinforced with tanks. These light forces often conducted limited offensive operations, movements to contact, etc. In the future, given a different enemy, on different terrain, Iraqi mechanized infantry and armored division operations would likely take on a Soviet style and pace. Infantry divisions and brigades would rarely conduct attacks or movements to contact in a desert environment. Consequently, a joint intelligence work group under the direction of the Natio~~l Training Center (NTC) Threat Manager developed this tactical handbbok on the Iraqi armed forces using the FM series 100-2, The SovielArmy, as the foundation for its content and organization, for use at the NTC as a third-world threat model. The group consisted primarily of intelligence personnel of both the 177th Armored Brigade and NTC Operations Group. The NTG SSO and the Training Detachment, Foreign Materiel Intelligence Battalion provided technical assistance. The Combined Arms Center Threats Directorate and the entire intelligence community, particularly the US Army Intelligence and Threat Analysis Center, made significant contributions to the final draft. The NTC wishes to especially thank the Defense Intelligence Agency for its responsive support and assistance in the research and production of this handbook. While many people contributed to the initial draft of this handbook, the NTC Threat Manager (The S2, 177th Armored Brigade) editnd this final draft. He is solely responsible for decisions concerning inclusion of information in its content. For additional information, call the 177th Armored Brigade ASPS AV 470-5~2214837 (STU-Ill), or write: Commander, 177th Armored Brigade, ATTN: AFZJ-AB-1, Fort Irwin, CA 92310-5031. CONTENTS IRAQI GROUND FORCES...................................................................................... 1 IRAQI ARMED FORCES STRUCTURE.................................................................. 1 GENERAL HEADQUARTERS................................................................................. 1 THE REGULAR ARMY CORPS .............. .................................... ...... ...... .............. .. 2 THE CORPS STAFF................................................................................~............... 2 THE CORPS ORGANIZATION................................................................................ 5 Corps Artillery (Brigade).......................................................................... 5 Corps Air Defense Artillery (Brigade)...................................................... . 6 Reconnaissance Battalion, Corps........................................................... 6 Field Engineer Battalion, Corps.............................................................. 7 Engineer Bridging Battalion, Corps......................................................... 7 Chemical Defense Company/Battalion, Corps .......... ..... .. .. .. .. .. .... .. .. ... ... 7 Medical Battalion, Corps......................................................................... 8 Army Aviation Wing, Corps .............................,....................................... 8 Antitank Battalion, Corps .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ........ .... ...... .. .. .. .. .... ...... ..... ......... 8 Rocket Brigade, Corps............................................................................ 9 Signal Battalion, Corps........................................................................... 10 Corps Commander Guard Infantry Company......................................... 10 Headquarters Company, Corps.............................................................. 10 Electronic Warfare Battalion, Corps........................................................ 10 Commando Brigade, Corps .................................................................... 11 Special Forces Brigade, Corps............................................................... 11 THE REGULAR ARMY DIVISION ........................................................................... 11 Division Artillery...................................................................................... 12 Field Engineer Battalion, Division........................................................... 14 Division Air Defense............................................................................... 14 Armored Division Air Defense........................................................ 15 Mechanized Infantry Division Air Defense..................................... 16 Infantry Division Air Defense.......................................................... 11 Signal Battalion, Division........................................................................ 18 Electrical and Mechanical Engineer Battalion, Division.......................... 18 Chemical Defense Company, Division................................................... 18 THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS Commando Brigade/Force, Division....................................................... 19 Reconnaissance Battalion, Division........................................................ 19 Armored Battalion, Infantry Division ......................... ...................... ........ 20 Medical Battalion, Division...................................................................... 20 MANEUVER BRIGADES......................................................................................... 21 Mechanized Infantry Battalion .. ...... .. ........ .... .. .. .. .. .... .. .... .. .. .. .. .... .. .. .. .. .. .. 23 Mechanized/Armored Brigade Armored Battalion .................................. 25 THE REPUBLICAN GUARD FORCES COMMAND................................................. 25 Historical Evolution .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. . . . . 25 Operational Experience .... . . .. .......... ...... .... .... . . .. .. .... .... .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. 25 Personnel................................................................................................ .26 Strengths................................................................................................. 26 Maneuver Brigades................................................................................. 28 SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES......................................................................... 31 Special Forces Brigade, GHQ ......................................................................... 31 Commando Brigade, GHQ ......................................... :.................................... 32 THE POPULAR ARMY ............................................................................................ 33 IRAQI MILITARY CONCEPTS.............................................................................. 35 MILITARY DOCTRINE............................................................................................. 35 EFFECTS OF DOCTRINE ON TACTICS................................................................ 35 COMMAND AND CONTROL................................................................................. 37 COMMUNICATION.................................................................................................. 37 FORWARD COMMAND POSTS............................................................................. 38 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW..................................................................... 41 THE OFFENSE........................................................................................................ 41 Features of Iraqi Offensive Operations............................................................ 41 Limited Objectives.................................................................................. 41 Limited Night Operations................................................................... .... 41 Extensive Rehearsals .............. "............................................................. ~:? Initial Use of Commandos....................................................................... 42 Failure to Conduct Pursuit...................................................................... 42 Principles of Offensive Operations .... .... ....... .................. ................................. 42 Intelligence.............................................................................................. 42 Momentum ..................................................................................... :........ 43 Reserve................................................................................................... 43 Surprise................................................................................................... 43 NATIONAL TRAINING CEN'TER HANDBOOK 100-91 Logistics and Administrative Support...................................................... 43 Concentration.......................................................................................... 43 Morale..................................................................................................... 43 Cooperation ........ .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... ... ..... . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 43 Objective................................................................................................. 44 Operational Planning Factors.......................................................................... 44 Terrain..................................................................................................... 44 Enemy Troops and Equipment .. .... .................................. ................ .... ... 44 lime and Distance.................................................................................. 44 Preparation of the Operations Order .... .. ........... .... .. .. .... .. .. .. .... .. ... .. .. .. . .... .. ... ... 44 Mission.................................................................................................... 44 Terrain..................................................................................................... 45 Enemy..................................................................................................... 45 lime and Distance.................................................................................. 45 Weather.................................................................................................. 45 Friendly Forces....................................................................................... 45 Decision .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .... .... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ...... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 45 Preparation of the Plan .. .. ............... ..... ...... .. .. .. ............ ...... .......... ........ ... 45 Attack Against a Defending Enemy................................................................. 45 Planning.................................................................................................. 46 The Attack ................................................... :........................................... 47 Attack Formations .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ...... .. .. .. .. ... ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. . . .. .. 47 Wedge................................................................................... 47 Left/Right Echelon ...... .............. ........................ ..................... 47 Line........................................................................................ 47 Diamond................................................................................ 47 Control Measures........................................................................... 47 Concentration Area................................................................ 48 Assembly Area .. .... .. ...... .. .. .... .... .. .... .. .. .................................. 48 Formation Line....................................................................... 48 Line of Departure................................................................... 48 Attack Line............................................................................. 48 Factors for a Successful Attack .. .. .......... .... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..... . .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. 50 liming............................................................................................ 50 Surprise.......................................................................................... 50 Officer Quality ... . .. . . .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . .. . . .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . 50 Fire Support ................................................................................... 50 Engineer Support ............................................ ............................... 50 Reserves........................................................................................ 50 Night Attack.................................................................................... 50 THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS Combined Arms Tactical Principles ............................................................... .. 50 Combined Arms Ratios ......................................................................... .. 50 Reserves ............................................................................................... .. 51 Combined Arms Offensive Operations .......................................................... .. 51 Organization, Command and Control of Combat Groupings ................ .. 51 Attack from the March ........................................................................... .. 54 Attack from a Position in Direct Contact ................ : ............................. : .. 54 Small Unit Tactics in the Offense ........................................................... . 55 Tanks as the Spearhead ............................................................. .. Infantry as the Spearhead ............................................................. . 55 Tanks and Infantry on the Same Axis .......................................... ,. 55 Tanks and Infantry on Separate Axes ........................................... . 56 Forces in the Assault ............................................................................ .. 56 The Assault Force ........................................................................ .. 56 The Reserve Force ...................................................................... .. 56 Reorganization on the Objective ............................................................ . 56 Forward Assembly Area ............................................................... .. 57 Rear Assembly Area .................................................................... .. 57 Artillery Support .................................................................................... .. 57 Breakthrough .................................................................................................. . 58 Movement to Contact .................................................................................... .. 60 The Advance Guard .............................................................................. .. 61 Main Body ............................................................................................. .. 67 Flank and Rear Security ................................ : ...................................... .. 67 Pursuit ............................................................................................................ . 71 Night Combat ........................................................................................ : ........ .. 76 Meeting Battle (or Engagement) .................................................................... .. 77 Concept ................................................................................................. .. 77 Meeting Battle (Mechanized lnfan~ry or Armored) ................................ .. 78 Division .......................................................................................... . 78 Brigade ......................................................................................... .. 78 Bat'iail·:>:1 ..................................................., ...................................... . Company ....................................................................................... . 80 Reconnaissance .................................................................................... . 81 The Advance Party ............................................................................... .. 81 The Mair. Force ....................................... ., .......................................... 92. Initial Ph<:~se ......................... , .............. , ................................................ .. Deployment of Main force .................................................................. , .. .. 83 Envelopment ................................................................................ .. 85 Flank Attack ................................................................................. .. 85 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 Frontal Attack................................................................................. 85 Follow-on Forces .. .. . . .. .. . . . . .. .. . . . . .. . . . . . . .. .. . . .. .. . . ... . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. .. .. . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . .. . . 85 Employment of Division Follow-on Forces.............................................. 86 THE DEFENSE........................................................................................................ 87 Principles of Defensive Operations . . . . . . . . .. .... . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . .. . . . . ... . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . 87 Proper Use of Terrain............................................................................. 87 All-around Protection .. .... ................ .. ...... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .... .. ...... .. .. .... .. .... .... .. . . 87 Mutually Supporting Fires....................................................................... 87 Knowledge of the Enemy........................................................................ 88 Proper Use of Reserves.......................................................................... 88 Camouflage and Concealment····················:·········································· 88 Defense in Depth . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. . . .. .. .. . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . 88 Coordination............................................................................................ 88 Defensive Area of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. .. . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Security Zone.......................................................................................... 88 Operations Zone . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ... .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Administrative Area................................................................................. 96 Combat Support for the Defense . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . ... . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Defensive Frontages and Boundaries .. .. .. .... .... .. ............ .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 96 Types of Defense ...................................................................._........................ 97 Static Defense......................................................................................... 97 Mobile Defense....................................................................................... 98 Counterattacks .. . . . . . . .. . . .. .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Withdrawal....................................................................................................... 99 Surprise................................................................................................... 99 Command and Control............................................................................ 99 Depth...................................................................................................... 99 Hasty Withdrawal.................................................................................... 99 Deliberate Withdrawal............................................................................. 100 Select New Defensive Area . . . . .. . . . . . .. .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1oo Occupy the Intermediate Defensive Position................................. 100 Withdraw the Main Body................................................................ 100 Engineer Support Provided in the Withdrawal............................... 101 Mountainous Terrain........................................................................................ 102 Reserves ............................................................·............................................. 102 Defensive Positions .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. 102 INTELLIGENCE.......................................................................................................... 105 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................... 105 INTELLIGENCE ORGANIZATION........................................................................... 105 THE IRAQI·ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS General ........................................................................................................... . 106 Military Intelligence .............................•,........................•....•...•._.......................... 105 Liaison Between Intelligence Staff and Other Organizat!c;ms ....·...................... 106 Tactical Intelligence Collection ........................................................................ 106 Signal Intelligence ........................................................................................... 107 Satellite Imagery ... ,~................................................" ........... ,. ............................ 107 RECONNAISSANCE ................................................................................................ 109 STRATEGIC RECONNAISSANCE .....................................,.... ~.............................. 10& Special Forces Reconnaissance .....................................: .............................. . 109 Aerial Reconnaissance ........................................................'............................ 109 OPERATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE ...........~ ......................................................... 110 General .. .'..................................................: .................................................... .. 110 Signal Intelligence ........................................................................................... 110 Artillery Reconnaissance ....................., ......................................................... .. 111 Aerial Reconnaissance .................................................................................... 111 Engineers ........................................................................................................ 111 Chemical.......................................................................................................... 111 Corps Reconnaissance Battalion .......................................................: ........... . 111 TACTICAL RECONNAISSANCE ............................................................................. 112 Division Reconnaissance Battalion ................: ............................................. .. 112 Brigade Reconnaissance Platoon ................... :.. : ............... : .... : .................. ,.. .. 112 Battalion Reconnaissance Platoon ................................................................ .. 112 Tactics ............................................................. :·.............: ................................ . 112 Other Assets ........................................................................·............................ 115 ARTILLERY SUPPORT .................................:....,....~ ............................................... 117 ,· ALLOCATION PROCEiDURES ................................................................................ 117 GHQ and Corps ................................................................... : ..................•.. .-•.... 111 I Division ................................................................... -....................: .................. .. 117 Brigade .......................................................................................... : ........ .-....... . 117 ORGANIZATION FOR COMBAT ......................:·.... : ............................................... .. rn COMM'AND AND CONTROL ............................, .................................. : ................ .. 118 COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ......................................................... 118 FIRE CONTROL AND TARGET INTELLIGENCE ...: .................... ~ ...... : ................ .. 118 Observation Posts .......................................... _....................................." .......... .. :I'JP Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition ......................................................... ';1F EMPLOYMENT OF ARTILLERY SYSTEMS ............ , ......... , .................................... 120 TACTICAL DEPLOYMENT OF AN ARTILLERY BATTALION ................................ 121 I FIELD ARTILLERY IN THE OFFENSE ................................................................... 121 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100·91 Preparation for the Attack ........................................................·........................ 121 Organization for.the Attack.............................................................................. 121 Fire Support of the Attack................................................................................ 122 Primary Bombardment............................................................................ 122 Direct Support Fires ...................................................;............................ 122 Flexibility of Fire Support .. .. .. . . .. .. . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . .. .. . . .. .. . . . . .. .. . . .. .. . . .. .... .. .... .. .. . . 123 Non-Divisional Fire Support.................................................................... 123 INTEGRATION OF SURFACE-TO-SURFACE MISSILES IN THE OFFENSE....... 123 FIELD ARTILLERY IN THE DEFENSE................................................................... 124 124 Firing Sequences............................................................................................. Types of Defensive Fires................................................................................. 124 Saving Fire {Final Protective Fire).......................................................... 124 Harassing Fire......................................................................................... 124 Massed Fires .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ...... .. .... .. .... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 124 Control of Artillery Support .. .. .... .. .......... .. .. .. .. .... ...... ...... .. ................ ...... .. .. ...... 124 Direct Supporting Fire ..................,.......................................................... 125 Indirect Supporting Fire........................................................................... 125 Attached for Support............................................................................... 125 Indirect Supporting Fire for Movement ................................................... 125 Counterbattery Fires............................................................................... 125 127 ANTITANK SUPPORT............................................................................................. 127 GENERAL................................................................................................................ ORGANIZATION AND EQUIPMENT....................................................................... 127 128 MANEUVER FORCES............................................................................................. EMPLOYMENT OF ANTITANK WEAPONS............................................................ 129 COMMAND AND CONTROL OF ANTITANK WEAPONS .............................:........ 129 131 AIR DI:FENSE............................................................................................................. CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES.............................................................................. 131 131 MISSION.................................................................................................................. ORGANIZATION OF STRATEGIC AIR DEFENSE................................................. 131 132 CORPS AIR DEFENSE........................................................................................... DIVISION AIR DEFENSE .......... ,... , .................................. :...................................... 133 IRAQI AIR DEFENSE EQUIPMENT........................................................................ 133 Iraqi AAA Systems and Statistics ...................................:................................ 133 Towed ..............................;...................................................................... 134 Self-Propelled ......:.................................................................................. 134 AAA Threat to Helicopters .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .... .. .... .. .. .. . 134 Iraqi SAM Launcher Statistics ..:...................................................................... 135 THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS SAM Threat to Helicopters.............................................................................. 135 SA-7 Site Configuration .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .... .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .... .. .. 136 Helicopter Detection by Maneuver Divisions ............. ,..................................... 136 Air Defense Assessment................................................................................. 136 AIR SUPPORT............................................................................................................ 139 GENERAL................................................................................................................ 139 COMMAND AND CONTROL................................................................................... 139 FIXED WING AIRCRAFT·......................................................................................... 140 Strategic Air Operations .. .. .. .. ..... . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 140 Deep Penetration Strikes........................................................................ 140 Fighters and Fighter-Bombers................................................................ 140 Tactical Air Operations ............................................................... ~.................... 141 ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT.................................................................................... 141 Attack Helicopters............................................................................................ 142 Assauh Transportation..................................................................................... 142 SMOKE......................................................................................................................... 145 INTRODUCTION .................................................................. ;................................... 145 SMOKE SYSTEMS/CAPABILITIES......................................................................... 145 S~~OKE SCREENS.................................................................................................. 146 METEOROLOGICAL INFLUENCES ON SMOKE................................................... 146 ENGINEER SUPPORT............................................................................................. 149 ENGINEER TROOPS.............................................................................................. 149 ENGINEER SUPPORT MISSIONS......................................................................... 150 On the March................................................................................................... 150 In the Offense.................................................................................................. 150 In the Defense ............................... :................................................................. 150 ENGINEER RECONNAISSANCE........................................................................... 151 On the March ................................................................... ;............................... 151 In the Offense . .'................................................................................................ 151 In the Defense................................................................................................. 151 MOVEMENT SUPPORT.......................................................................................... 152 Lines.of Movement........................................................................................... 152 In the Defense................................................................................................. 152 Road Preparation ·e·························································"································ "ee:! Overcoming Water Obstacles.......................................................................... 153 Mineclearing .......................................................................... ...................... 153 Detectors................................................................................................. 153 HANDBOOK 100-91 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER Unit Training.................................................................................................... 169 Chemical Defense Officer Training.................................................................. 169 CONCLUSION......................................................................................................... 169 DIRECTED ENERGY WARFARE........................................................................ 111 COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT............................................................................ 173 PRINCIPLES OF LOGISTICS OPERATIONS......................................................... 173 STRUCTURE, ORGANIZATION, AND OPERATION OF THE LOGISTICS AREA 174 General............................................................................................................ 174 The Combat Area............................................................................................ 174 Supply Stockpiles............................................................................................ 174 Inventory Distribution....................................................................................... 175 DIVISION SUPPLY SYSTEM .... .... .... .. .... .. .. .. .. .... .... ...... .... .. .. .. .... .. .. .. .. .... .... ...... .. .. .. 175 Rear Administrative Area................................................................................. 175 Forward Administrative Area .... .. .... .... .. .. .... .... .. .... .... .. .. . . .... .... .. .. .. .. .... ... .. .. .... .. 176 Brigade Level Logistics.................................................................................... 176 Battalion Level Logistics.................................................................................. 176 Basic Loads .. .. ....... . .. .. . . . . ...... .. ... . .. .. . . ..... . .. .. . . ...... .. .. .... ... . . ... . .. . . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. ...... . . 176 SUPPLY AND TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS............................................... 1n General............................................................................................................ 177 Ammunition Supply.......................................................................................... 177 Fu~l Supply...............·....................................................................................... 177 Water Supply................................................................................................... 178 MAINTENANCE AND EVACUATION SYSTEM...................................................... 178 The Maintenance System-Electrical and Mechanical Engineering............... 178 First Echelon........................................................................................... 178 Second Echelon...................................................................................... 178 Third Echelon.......................................................................................... 178 Fourth Echelon........................................................................................ 179 Recovery and Evacuation................................................................................ 179 TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT OF LOGISTICS................................................... 179 Transportation Company, Supply and Transportation Battalion, Division....... 179 Mixed Transport Platoon................................................................................. 179 Transportation Company, Supply and Transportation Administration............. 180 Additional Military Transport Means .....................,.......................................... 180 Civilian Transportation Potential...................................................................... 180 Railroads......................................................................................................... 180 Wheeled Vehicles............................................................................................ 180 MEDICAL................................................................................................................. 181 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER 1 IRAQI GROUND FORCES CHAPTER 1 IRAQI GROUND FORCES 1. IRAQI ARMED FORCES STRUCTURE British military influence in the Middle East prior to and immediately after the Second World War is well documented. Similar historical impact can be found in the nations of the Far East and the Pacific Rim as many nations derived principles of national government and military organization from those of the British Empire as the colonial period drew to a close. The states of India, Pakistan, Israel, and others can be seen today as examples of this lingering British impact on what have become otherwise independent and completely sovereign nations. This historical background explains some of what would otherwise seem unexpected in a nation viewed in light of the present situation. The Iraqi armed forces were originally organized along the lines of the British General Staff model. This organization governs land operations ranging from the lowest unit, the squad, up to the largest standing unit, the corps. Soviet influence, combined with experience derived from the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, have forced modification of the original British model in both organization and doctrine. Expediency and the wide range of equipment, organization, and training levels among units necessitate variations among units. Although a variety of unit organizations and equipment exists. this chapter will address a standard model for each type of organization. 2. GENERAL HEADQUARTERS The General Headquarters (GHO) is the highest military echelon. Controlled by the army, it integrates army, air force, navy, and popular army operations. While the GHQ is primarily a staff element, it can deploy a forward command post to the front. GHQ THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS IRAQI GROUND. FORCES CHAPTER 1 The General Staff Officer 1 (GS01) for Operations conducts operational planning, including collection and analysis of intelligence. The GS01 for Administration and Logistics handles operational planning in those fields, and during combat operations, commands the rear administrative area. Additionally, there are special staff who command or supervise each of the combat, combat support, and combat service support organizations, both attached and organic. They provide technical input for operational plans. Commander (Maj Genor ---§ Officer UeutGen) I I I Chief Internal Scty ofStaff and Morale (BGorMG) Officer l I I I GSO 1 Special I GSO 1 OPSIINTEL ADMIN/LOG Staff Officer Officer Officers I I I I GS02 GS02 INTELOPS (DMI) I GS03 AIROPS Figure 2 Iraqi Corps Staff Organization THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS IRAQrGROUND FORCES CHAPTER 1 Headquarters f---Army Company Corps I I J I 1 Mechanized Special Infantry Armored Commando Maneuver Infantry Forces Division Division Brigade Brigades Division Brigade (4-6) (1 -2) (1-2) (1 -2) (Attached) I I J Corps Corps Field Air Defense Reconnaissance Artillery Engineer Artillery Battalion (Brigade) Battalion (Brigade) I 1 I Chemical Engineer ArmyDefense Medical Bridging Aviation Company/ Banalion Battalion WingBattalion (Attadled) ------l I I Antitank Corps CDR .Antitank Rocket Signal Gun Guard Battalion Brigade Battalion Battalion lnf Company (Attached) (Attadled) I I I Electronic &Supply and Electronic Tank MechanicalTransportation Warfare Transporter EngineerBattalion Battalion Regiment Battalion (Atladled) Figure 3 Example of an Iraqi Army Corps Organization NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 .IRAQI GROUND FORCES CHAPTER 1 ;•. ', Corps ADA (Brigade) ,-----T I I Antiaircraft 1 SA~/8 I-~ 1-SMNAAA f.- Artillery Battery I I Battalion Battalion L., __ j I I [ ___ J l ___ j I (Tactical Targets)(Strategic/High ra_r_ge_~_l j~----P_n_·o_ri~__ ________________________________ Figure 5 Corps Air Defense Artillery (Brigade) Corps Air Defense Artillery (Brigade) Air defense artillery assets assigned to corps depend upon the mission and makeup of the Iraqi corps. Iraqi corps probably have a brigade size air defense artillery (ADA) unit for protection of the corps headquarters and logistics areas. This unit is probably composed of one to three battalions of the 57-mm S-60 with 18 S-60s per battalion. The ADA unit may also contain the 37-mm M1939, or the ZSU-23-4 in place of, or in addition to, the S-60s. The Iraqis have demonstrated a high degree of flexibility in employing ADA assets at corps and below. For example, corps may be assigned SA-6/8 units from GHQ for defense of high priority sites and/or units. Additional surface to air missile (SAM) and antiaircraft artillery (AM) assets may also be assigned to corps to augment ADA coverage of corps level facilities, or to increase ADA support for subordinate maneuver and support units. SA-2/3 may also be deployed in corps areas to protect key radar targets but remain under control of the air defense sector commander and are not subordinated to the Army (see Chapter 9). Reconnaissance Battalion, Corps The reconnaissance battalion consists of two companies, each equipped with 18 BRDM-2 (6 in each platoon) and 5 BTR-50 command vehicles. This unit may also contain a long range reconnaissance element for the conduct of extended patrols behind front lines. Some corps-level reconnaissance battalions, like divisional battalions, may be t.Jquippeo witt1 French AML M3-VTTs or Yugoslav M-60 APCs. NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER 1 IRAQI GROUND F()RCES Reconnaissance Battalion 5x BTR-50 I I __ j_ 1 Long-Ra-;;-9e-l Reconnaissance IReconnaissance1Company L_E~ment_ J l I Reconnaissance Platoon 6x BRDM-2 per Pit Figure 6 Reconnaissance Battalion, Corps Field Engineer Battalion, Corps The field engineer battalion is equipped with an unknown number of EVA and ZIL trucks .with barbed wire-laying equipment. graders, and GAZ-69 and -63 transport vehicles. The battalion's mission includes constructing obstacles, conducting engineer reconnaissance, constructing defensive positions, clearing enemy obstacles, building roads, and supporting bridging units in bridging operations. GHO sometimes assumes control of the field engineer battalions to gain greater centralization of the overall engineer effort. GHO moves these battalions around the area of operations based on its analysis of the situation. Engineer Bridging Battalion, Corps The engineer bridging battalion is equipped with MTU-20 scissor bridge vehicles, pontoon bridge vehicles, and GSP ferries. It is often tasked with building bridges. Chemical Defense Company/Battalion, Corps The chemical defense company/battalion at corps is equipped with personnel decontamination trucks containing showers, equipment decontamination trucks with hoses, and chemical reconnaissance equipment on GAZ-66 vehicles. Also available are a number of tents for decontamination, and laundry equipment to decontaminate personal clothing. The unit's mission is to decontaminate personnel and equipment, establish chemical-free areas, perform chemical reconnaissance, and train soldiers in personal protective measures. The unit can THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS IRAQI GROUND FORCES CHAPTER 1 also be given the mission to use flamethrowers to clear an area, possibly indicating that these units may also have a flame warfare capability. Medical Battalion, Corps This unit is equipped with ambulances and vehicles set up as field hospitals. Helicopters for evacuation are provided by the aviation wing. Army Aviation Wing, Corps The army aviation wing is usually organized with three to six (usually five) attack, assault, or transport squadrons, equipped with HIP C/H, HIND ND, Alouette Ill, and/or Gazelle. They may also have B0-1 05 or Hughes 500. The wing's mission is to conduct aerial reconnaissance and attack enemy tanks and fortifications. It also provides medical evacuation, transportation, aerial illumination for ground operations, and aerial observation for artillery. The wing may also have a fixed-wing light aircraft squadron of PC-7s and/or Tucanos. Army Aviation Wing j I j Helicopter ~ Squadrons Fixed Wing Lt Aircraft ~uadron Figure 7 Army Aviation Wing, Corps Antitank Battalion, Corps The mission of this unit is to support infantry against tank attacks. Typical pre-1980 antitank battalions had up to 40 BRDM-Sagger in five companies. Some battalions are now equipped with the French VCR/TH with HOT missiles. Each company has two trucks and three jeeps. HANDBOOK 100-91 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER CHAPTER 1 IRAQI GROUND FORCES Figure 8 Antitank Battalion, Corps Rocket Brigade, Corps Iraqi rocket brigades use Soviet made FROG rockets, and may be augmented by MAL systems. The unit's mission is to destroy installations in the enemy rear. Both conventional and chemical warheads may be available. Brigades probably consist of 18 transporter-erector-launchers (TELs) organized into 3 battalions, with three batteries in each battalion and two TELs in each battery. Brigades or battalions may be allocated to support corps. System Airframe Max Range Launchers FROG-7 FROG-7 70km ZIL-135 LAYTH 90 FROG-7 90km ZIL-135 Iraq has three operational SRBM systems consisting of the Soviet SCUD-S and two Iraqi modified SCUDS: the AL-HUSSEIN and the AL-ABBAS. All systems may be capable of delivering chemical warheads. Iraq has demonstrated a range capability of approximately 600(+) kilometers with the AL-HUSSEIN or AL-ABBAS, but the missiles are less accurate than the original SCUD-B. The missiles may be launched from the Soviet MAZ-543 TEL, or lraqi.made ELs. Iraqi SCUDs are probably under the control of the GHO artillery directorate. System Airframe Max Range Launchers (SRBM)_ SCUDS SCUD 300 km MAZ-543 TEL AL-HUSSEIN SCUD 600 km MAZ-543; AL WALEED EL AL-ABBAS SCUD 600km MAZ-543; AL WALEED EL The payload and warhead mass for the SCUD-S are 1000 kg and 800 kg respectively. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS IRAQI GROUND FORCES ·CHAPTER 1 Signal Battalion, Corps The signal battalion provides communications for the corps using landline wherever possible, radio as a secondary means, and couriers when other means are unavailable. It is probably similar to the division signal battalion. The landline company is also responsible for communications centers. I Signal I Battalion I I I I Radio 1 Landllne 1 I Support ICommunicaUon1 COmmunication1 COmpany I Company I Company Figure 9 Signal Battalion, Corps Corps Commander Guard Infantry Company This unit provides personal security for the corps commander and staff. Headquarters Company, Corps This company provides logistics, administrative, and maintenance support to corps headquarters, and security for the headquarters area. Electronic Warfare Battalion, Corps This unit collects signals intelligence, jams enemy communications. provides signal security for corps communications, and locates enemy signal units using direction-finding equipment. Specific order of battle for EW battalions vary by mission. A typical EW (communications and jamming) battalion looks like Figure 10. Systems are a mix of Soviet and Western equipment. The Iraqis have installed some EW equipment on helicopters and aircraft. Figure 10 Electronic Warfare Battalion (Communications and Jamming) Organization NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER 1 IRAQI GROUND FORCES During operations, a variety of additional artillery units can be attached to the division. Three battalions will provide direct support, one to each brigade in the division. The fourth provides general support to the division under the control of the division artillery staff. Light artillery batteries are part of division artillery. Normal organization is one battery per division, but more may be assigned. Most are equipped with twelve 120-mm mortars, but others have MRLs such as the 107-mm Type 63. These batteries may be employed in a dedicated role with a maneuver brigade. Heavier caliber mortars may be found in independent batteries subordinate to higher headquarters. Division Artillery Headquarters I I _J._,r Light ::, Artillery r> I Artillery 1111Ballalion I l Battery _II I '-r:: ~- --~ 1--;-s;nsper Bn Firing Plaloon I -.------ Headquarters f.--&Admin Artillery r 4 x 120-mm ,mortars Company Battery l 6 guns per ballery 12-13 x 2-1/21on veh _ Service 1 x 1/21on veh Company Firing Platoon/ Section '-Maintenance 3 guns per piVsect Company Figure 12 Division Artillery Organization THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS IRAQI GROUND FORCES , CHAPTER 1 r--1 I Bridging I L~atoon_l NOTE: In Armored & Mechanized Infantry Divisions HO Element NOTE: Includes a Reconnaissance Section Figure 13 Field Engineer Battalion, Division Field Engineer Battalion, Division The battalion is composed of three engineer companies and a service company. The engineer battalion of an armored/mechanized division also has a bridging tank platoon. The service company consists of a supply platoon, an administrative platoon, and a maintenance platoon. The engineer companies are normally attached to maneuver brigades. The battalion is equipped with a number of EVA, ZIL, and GAZ trucks. The Zlls are equipped with barbed wire layers and graders. The responsibilities of the battalion include construction of obstacles and defensive positions, and engineer reconnaissance. The unit also clears enemy obstacles, builds roads, provides bridging support, and assists the chemical defense company in decontamination operations. Division Air Defense Iraqi divisions may have non-standard air defense organizations, due to the wide variety of AAA and SAM systems in the Iraqi inventory, the subordination and type of division, and division missions. Figures 14, 15 and 16 depict divisional organic air defense organizations. Additional air defense assets are often attached to division from GHQ and corps deper.ding on the situation. HANDBOOK 1 00-91 14 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER CHAPTER 1 IRAQI GROUND FORCES Armored Division Air Defense Figure 14 depicts an assessment of air defense resources in an armored division. Principal air defense units found in this type of division include AAA battalions, SA-9 battalions, and a single SPAA battalion. Armored divisions may have one to three AAA battalions, each with 18 guns. Fire control radars are tied in to the gun systems. Armored divisions also have one to three SA-9 battalions. These battalions have a unique organization consisting of nine SA-9s and nine ZSU-23-4s. The SPAA battalion has either nine ZSU-23-4s or nine BTR-50 mounted MA guns of varying calibers. Some heavy divisions, possibly RGFC-subordinated, may substitute SA-13s for SA-9s. Also, SA-6 units have been associated with Republican Guards and some regular army heavy divisions. SA-7/14/16s would likely be organic to the division, depending on availability of these systems. Normally there would be 81 per division, organized in 27 three-man teams. This is normally sufficient for 3three-man teams per maneuver battalion. Early warning platoons equipped with Soviet manufactured radars may be attached to armored divisions. Early warning information is relayed to the air liaison officer located at the Interceptor Operations Center (IOC) in each air defense sector. If the air liaison officer at the IOC does not provide early warning information to maneuver divisions in his air defense sector, units located in his sector may not receive advance warning. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS IRAQI GROUND FORCES CHAPTER 1 9 x ZSU-23-4 (or 9 x BTR-50 SPAAGuns) SPAA Battalion Service . Company ' Maintenance Company Division Air Defense Artillery SA-9 ll Ballalion I I IT_:_-:_-~-~ 9xSA-9 9 x ZSU-23-4 I Antiaircraft l Artillery I l Battalion 1 -, ---. I -1---· I liaircraft ~Artillery Battery T 6 x 14.5-rml/23-mm 37-mm\57-mm guns 1 x Radar (S-60 only) Figure 14 Armored Division Air Defense Mechanized Infantry Division Air Defense Mechanized divisions (Figure 15) appear to have about the same air defense unit composition as an armored division. The mechanized division has a AAA battalion with the standard 18-gun organization and a separate SPAA battalion consisting of nine ZSU-23-4s. SA-7/14/16s are present as in the armored division. 16 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER 1 IRAQI GROUND FORCES Division PJr Defense Artillery l I SPAA Battalion lj_l I SA-9 I Battalion II__ _ I Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion 9 x ZSU-23-41 9 x SA-9 AntiaircraftService ArtilleryCompany Battery _j 6 x 14.5-mm/23-mm Maintenance 37-mm/57-mm gunsCompany 1 x Radar (S-60 only) Figure 15 Mechanized Infantry Division Air Defense Infantry Division Air Defense Infantry divisions (Figure 16) are normally equipped only with air defense guns and man-portable SAM systems (SA-7/14/16s). Division Air Defense Artinery I Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion - Antiaircraft Artillery Battery 6 x14.5-mm/23-mm 37-mm/57-mm guns 1 xRadar (S-60 only) Figure 16 Infantry Division Air Defense THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS IRAQI GROUND FORCES CHAPTER 1 Service Company Maintenance Company 6 x BRDM-2 per pit ...____________________________ Figure 21 Reconnaissance Battalion. Division Armored Battalion, Infantry Division The infantry division has 35 T-54 or T-55 tanks, four BTR-50 command vehicles, six BRDM reconnaissance vehicles, one T-34 recovery vehicle, and one tank bridge MTU-20. The battalion has three tank companies, a maintenance company, and a service company. Its three companies each have 11 main battle tanks: three platoons of three tanks each and two command tanks. Tank companies are task organized to infantry brigades for combat missions. 6 x BRDM 1 xT-34 1 x MTU-20 9x MBT REC veh 2xCMD MBT Figure 22 Armored Battalion, Infantry Division Medical Battalion, Division Each of the battalion's three subunits has ambulances and vehicles set up as field hospitals. They may have Chinese MEDEVAC APCs available. Corps aviation provides helicopter support. HANDBOOK 100-91 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER CHAPTER 1 IRAQI GROUND FORCES 7. MANEUVER BRIGADES Figure 23 Medical Battalion, Division The brigade is normally the lowest echelon in the Iraqi army which operates independently. There are three types of brigades: infantry (sometimes designated as mountain infantry), mechanized, and armored. Each brigade has enough organic support to allow flexibility in the execution of its mission either independently or under a parent division. Conventional maneuver brigades will consist of: • mechanized infantry brigade -three mechanized battalions and one armored battalion (see Figure 24) • armored brigade-three armored battalions and one mechanized battalion (see Figure 24) • infantry brigade-three infantry battalions (see Figure 25) Additionally, each conventional maneuver brigade has a supply and transportation company, a headquarters and signal company, a chemical platoon, a commando company (the commando unit is separate from the division commando force), a reconnaissance platoon, and assault engineer company. Artillery, air defense. and other combat and combat service support is provided by direct and general support units of the division, with specific units dedicated to support individual brigades. Additionally, a light artillery battery from division may be attached to the brigade (see Figure 12). Infantry brigades have an organic 82-mm mortar company. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS IRAQI GROUND FORCES CHAPTER 1 3 x 60-mm mortars 9 xRrG-7s • In the mechanized infantry brigade the number and type of maneuver units is reversed. Figure 24 Regular Army Armored Brigade, Division 3 x 6(}-mm mortan; 18 x 82-mm mortar 9 x APG-7s Figure 25 Regular Army Infantry Brigade, Division 22 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 IRAQI GROUND FORCES CHAPTER 1 39 x IFV (or A PC) 23 -25 x 2 1 !2 ton vehicles 2 x fuel vehicles '--'=;="--' 3 x field kitchens 12 x IFV (or APC) 1 x 314 ton veh 2 x 2112ton veh (per company) 4 x BRDM (ATGM) 6 x82-mm mortars 4 x Recoiless riftes Reconnaissance Platoon 3xAPC 6 x BADM (up to 4 with ATGM In BMP BN) Figure 26 Regular Army Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Regular Army Mechanized/Armored Brigade Mechanized Infantry Battalion Each battalion consists of: three mechanized companies, each containing 12 APCs, one %-ton vehicle, and possibly two 2112-ton vehicles; a combat support company; an administration company; a reconnaissance platoon; and the headquarters company. A total of 39 APCs, four BRDMs (AT), 23 to 25 2%-ton vehicles, eight -ton vehicles, four cargo trailers, two fuel kitchens, two fuel trailers, and 3 field kitchens have been reported. Each mechanized company has three rifle platoons, and probably has a heavy weapons platoon equipped with three 60-mm mortars, 12 RPG-7 antitank weapons, and four 12.7-mm heavy machineguns. Each rifle platoon has three APCs and three rifle squads. Each rifle squad contains 1 0 men. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS IRAQI GROUND FORCES CHAPTER 1 Company HQ I 1 Y APC 3 x60-mm mortars 12 X RPG-7s 4 x12.7-mm heavy machineguns I 1 x APC per squad 1 0 men per squad lI __ _ Figure 27 Regular Army Mechanized Company 35 xtanks 7 xAPCs ..--------., 6x BRDM 45 -50 x2 1/2 ton trucks 8-10 x 1/2ton trucks L---,--..J 2 x fuel trucks 6xBRDM 11 xtanks per company 1 xAPC 2 xtanks f X A"\""'; Figure 28 Armored Battalion, Regular Army Armored/Mechanizej Brigade HANDBOOK 100-91 24 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER CHAPTER 1 IRAQI GROUND FORCES NOTE: The Iraqis follow British fashion in calling their tank battalions armored regiments (this applies to the Republican Guard Forces Command as well). For simplicity, they will be called battalions here [Editor). Mechanized/Armored Brigade Armored Battalion Each mechanized or armored brigade armored battalion consists of three tank companies, each of three platoons, each with three tanks, for a total of 11 in the company. In addition, there is an administrative company, a command/support company, and a reconnaissance platoon (see Figure 28). 8. THE REPUBLICAN GUARD FORCES COMMAND Historical Evolution Prior to the Iran-Iraq War, the role of the Republican Guards was to secure the regime. Between 1982 and early 1986, the RGFC served as a relatively small strategic reserve force of six separate brigades employed in almost every counterattack against Iranian offensives. These forces suffered heavy casualties in unsuccessful counterattacks following the February 1986 Iranian capture of the AI Faw peninsula. That defeat and the lack of additional counterattacking forces convinced the Iraqi leadership that a large strategic reserve was needed. To create that reserve a major expansion of the RGFC was undertaken. By spring 1988 the RGFC had grown to a multi-division force with its own corps and several division headquarters. By August 1990, the RGFC had grown to eight divisions of 30 to 33 brigades. Operational Experience The final two years of the Iran-Iraq war saw the development of a mature, experienced RGFC organization. The RGFC was employed skillfully as a strategic reserve in a series of two-corps defensive and offensive operations. The RGFC assumed a tactically offensive role: the counterattack. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS IRAQI GROUND FORCES CHAPTER 1 Personnel Unlike the conscript regular army, the Republican Guard is all volunteer and displays a motivation and initiative not found in conscripts. At its inception, only men from Saddam Hussein's hometown were eligible for the Republican Guard. This limited the size of the Republican Guard to three brigades. To expand the Republican Guard into a decisive force on the battlefield, eligibility was opened to volunteer college students from all parts of the country. With college deferments removed, large numbers of relatively well educated and motivated volunteers poured in to gain the prestige and benefits of being in the Republican Guard. This influx of fresh manpower, untainted by the years of defensive warfare, enabled the Republican Guard to become the highly motivated and trained offensive force that it is today. Strengths The RGFC is the best-equipped and best-trained force in the Iraqi ground forces. It is a self-sufficient and self-contained force with organic combat, combat support, and combat service support elements. It maintains its own supply system and has priority for all supplies. This results in "pampered" forces that are relatively well paid and receive the best food, uniforms, equipment, etc. 26 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER 1 IRAQI GROUND FORCES XXX RGFC -----t_____l 1 1 J I J_J 1· I r-Ma_chan__~._iz_e_d-, Armored Mechanized Infantry Corps Armored Brigades lr~antry Brigades ADA Division Infantry Di~~o-n ~~;:! C~~:d':' Bngades Division ·------·------------·-'-·----' '1=====~ ~~g)_jL-----I '-L-----.J I I I I I I J Field Electrical & Supply and SIGINT Signal Medical Engineer Mechanical Corps Reoonnaissance Transportation Brigade Brigade Balla! ion Balla!ion/ Engineer Artillery Ballalion Ballalion Brigade Battalion L----.J .------,--- 1 I : l__l__ l I I RGFCCDR Engineer I Tark Army Guard I Bridging Transporter Aviation Infantry I Baaalion I Regiment Wing ~_ ___ _J Com~~ '-------"- Figure 29 Republican Guard Forces Command (RGFC) THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS IRAQI GROUND FORCES CHAPTER 1 RGFC Division ·s I I I I r l :J_ ! Special ~ Mechanized Reid Divis· >ldquMersl Armored lnfanlry Division Forces/ f- Infantry Engineer Air Del Division Brigade, Brigade Artillery Marine/ 1 I Brigade Battalion Artille ,, Commando 1 I Brigade I 1 l___ ., '------ ., L :..::.---=-~--~ "3 *2/3{1 I I I ~____ L__ Electrical & 1:] ,-J~ Supply & Chemical MP Signal Medical Mechanical Antitank Reoomaissance or ~· T ransportalion Delense pany Battalion Engineer Battalion Baltalion ali ~=alon Battalion Company Baltalion ·~ (AIIached) •4 NOTES: ·1 -Numbers reversed in a mechanized infantry division ·2-There rrey be a commando brigade in lhe heavy divisions. '3 -A heavy division may have additional commando or infanlry brigades instead of lhree armored/mechanized infanlry brigades. •4-Alllll:hed 1D infanlry and mechanized infantry divisions. May be in lhe armored orvisions. ·s-In infanlry divisions only. ·s-The number of brigades can vary, but usually no more lhan 6 because ofspan of control problems. Any mix of lhe lhree type of brigades rrey constiiJJie ltis nurrber. •7 -The special forces division usually has two special forces and one marine brigade. Figure 30 Typical Division, Republican Guard Forces Command Maneuver Brigades Maneuver brigades (RGFC) consist of: • mechanized infantry brigade -three mechanized infantry battalions, one armored battalion • armored brigade-three armored battalions, one mechanized infantry battalion • infantry brigade -three infantry battalions Additionally, each brigade will normally have a headquarters and signal company, a light artillery battery, an assault engineer company, a chemical defense platoon, an evacuation and 28 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER 1 IRAQI GROUND FORCES maintenance platoon, (except in an infantry brigade) a supply and transportation company (platoon in an infantry brigade), a reconnaissance platoon, and a commando company. RGFC Armored Brigade 12 x 120-mm mortars • Mechanized inlantry brigades reverse the number and lyJle or maneuver battalions. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------~ Figure 31 RGFC Armored Brigade 12 x 120-mm mortars Figure 32 RGFC Infantry Brigade THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS 29 IRAQI GROUND FORCES CHAPtER 1 RGFC 39 x BMP-11FV • Mechanized 23-25 x 2 112 ton vehicles Infantry 2 x fuel vehicles Battalion 3 x field kitchens I I I l Combat Mechanized Admin Support Company Company Company L I 12 x BMP-1 • l I 1 X 314 ton veh 2x 21/2tonveh Antitank Mortar (per compafly) Platoon Platoon 4 x BRDM (ATGM) 6 x82-mni mortars 4 x Recoilless rifles .' J i HQ Recomaissance Company Platoon 3xAPC 6 x BRDM (up to 4 with ATGM In BMP Bn) • There may be one BMP-2 In each platoon. Figure 33 RGFC Mechanized Infantry Battalion RGFC Armored ·Battalion ,::! 1 44x T-72. I I Admin Tank · ReconnaiSsance - Company Company ': 'Platoon 6xBRDM Command " . I '----Support , Company Tank Platoon 3x T-7?.• Figure 34 RGFC Armored Battalion 30 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER 1 IRAQI GROUND FORCES _j __ IHeadquarters I I Element I L ___ ...J BM-21 • The listsd MRLs may be In a separate brigade, or may be independent battalions. Figure 35 RGFC Artillery Brigade 9. SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES Special forces and commando brigades are considered "elite" units in the Iraqi army. Iraq has special forces brigades subordinate to GHQ and the RGFC. There are also commando brigades, marine brigades and an RGFC marine brigade under corps command. Special Force3 Brigade, GHQ A special forces brigade has three special forces battalions, an artillery battalion (12 pieces), a 120-mm mortar battery (six 120-mm mortars with 13.5 km range), a reconnaissance company, an antitank company (1 06-mm recoilless rifles and antitank missiles), an assault engineer company, a medical company, and a headquarters and signal company. Each special forces battalion has three companies. The battalion is authorized 70 wheeled vehicles as opposed to 50 for a regular infantry battalion. The naval special forces unit may have at its disposal landing craft and amphibious armored personnel carriers (BMP-1 or TOPAS/OT-64). Special forces squads are composed of nine men as opposed to regular infantry squads of 10 to 11 men. Each special forces squad has two machineguns and two rocket launchers. THt IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS ·31 IRAQI GROUND FORCES CHAPTER 1 Special forces brigades are usually kept in reserve for counterattacks, or used to spearhead limited objective attacks. Missions include: • vertical envelopment of the enemy • deep reconnaissance • unconventional warfare • combat in urban and mountainous terrain Marine brigades may: • conduct amphibiou~ operations to outflank enemy forces or seize islands. • defend coastal facilities. • raid to destroy enemy coastal facilities. 12x 105-mm 6 x 120-mm mortar howitzers Assault ~ AnUtank EngineerCompany Company ~ ATGMsand 106-mm Recoilless Rines Figure 36 Special Forces Brigade, GHQ Commando Brigade, GHQ Two commando brigades may be found under the operational · command of corps headquarters in the sector assigned. Commando brigades have been used as infantry to man defensive positions, to lead limited objective attacks, in counterattacks, and for rear area security or protection. As with other brigades. commando brigades may not always operate in their parent unit sectors. HANDBOOK 100-~1 32 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER CHAPTER 1 10. THE POPULAR ARMY IRAQI GROUND FORCES The Popular Army consists of a popular militia composed of civilian volunteers, members of the Ba'ath party. The main function of the Popular Army normally is to secure the Ba'ath regime against internal opposition and to serve as a power base {and counter-balance) to the regular army. The Popular Army is organized on an area basis. • Popular Army GHO in Baghdad controls area HOs located in each of Iraq's 18 administration districts. Each area HO is commanded by a district commander. • Each district controls a number of "sectors" headed by sector commanders. • Each sector controls up to 1 0 "bases," led by platoon commanders. There are four types of bases: • infantry or combat bases with infantrymen • command bases with commanders • close support bases with light mortars, machineguns, and possibly • antiaircraft bases, with antiaircraft guns and machineguns Each base contains up to 10 squads of from 10 to 15 men. Personnel are assigned to squads based on their residences, to ensure swift mobilization. Training in the Popular Army is limited to several weeks prior mobilization, although some instructors come from the regular army to help improve the quality. Training is conducted in: • physical training • use of arms {mainly small arms) • obstacle crossing (including wire and mine obstacles) • assaults on enemy positions • searches in mountainous terrain • possible air assault training for Popular Army commandos THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS 34 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER 2 IRAQI MILITARY CONCEPTS CHAPTER 2 IRAQI MILITARY CONCEPTS 1. MILITARY DOCTRINE Iraqi military doctrine was originally based on British doctrin.e. Their manuals and military school texts are still based on British doctrine. Since the 1960s, Iraqi officers have received training at Soviet military schools. They have also been trained by Pakistani, Jordanian, and Indian military officers in-country. Therefore, their military doctrine includes elements of Soviet doctrine. For instance, during the invasion of Iran, Soviet-style objectives of X-kilometers-a-day advance were set. But the Iraqi army should not be construed to represent merely a "miniature" Soviet army. The elements of Soviet doctrine are combined with primarily British doctrine, reinforced by the advisors from Pakistan, Jordan, and India, and modified by lessons learned in the war with Iran. Other than the portions that describe combat operations during the war with Iran, this section discusses Iraqi doctrine-the principles of the conduct of war as they are taught, not the way the Iraqis fought the last war. 2. EFFECTS OF DOCTRINE ON TACTICS The primary philosophy of Iraqi military doctrine observed during the war with Iran seemed to be to protect the integrity of the homeland with the minimum expenditure of human resources. No attempts were made to launch major offensive operations into Iran or even to regain lost Iraqi territory from late 1980 until early 1988. Operational planning appeared to be guided by this philosophy, leading to a reactive, defensive strategy. Attacks were used only to recover critical terrain or to counterattack. This doctrinal approach called for the preparation of strong defensive positions disposed in depth behind natural and man-made obstacles. These obstacles included flooded tank ditches, minefields, barbed wire, berms, and flooded terrain. A reserve force available for counterattack backed THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS IRAQI MILITARY CONCEPTS CHAPTER 2 • up the forward defensive echelons. The design of these defensive positions reduced the ability of the Iraqis to counterattack effectively in many areas, because the maneuver room for their armored forces was so greatly restricted by the obstacles. The Iraqis remained on the defensive through most of the war, until 1988. Over time they learned to be skilled at the defense. They developed a sizable force of tank transporters and cargo trucks, which enabled them to shift forces as large as division strength from sector to sector quickly and effectively. Such shifts occurred both in anticipation of Iranian attacks and in reply to actual attacks. HANDBOOK 100-91 36 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER COMMAND AND CONTROL CHAPTER3 CHAPTER 3 COMMAND AND CONTROL 1. COMMUNICATION The Iraqi Army is primarily structured and operated on the pattern of the British Army. Consequently, its communications operations doctrine is fundamentally British. The salient features of this doctrine are as follows: • A minimum of networks. • There are backup bands for the networks. • For units from division level upward, there are two command networks: voice and Morse code. • Radio communications are used only when the commander is in his vehicular command post; otherwise, landlines are used. • Communications electronic operating instructions (CEOI) are utilized. • The ruling Ba'ath party has its own landline communications network connecting units with Ba'ath political officers assigned; however, when necessary, the military communications system is used. There are usually only two networks in the combat units, a command network and an administrative network. The CEOI contains encryption codes, call signs, frequencies, three-letter code names, and passwords. Above division level, the Iraqis may rely extensively on Iraq's post, telephone, and telegraph (PTT) systems for their communications. This is augmented by many meetings. Below division level, wire and radio communications are used. Wire is quite obviously more usable in a defensive situation. The Iraqi Army has in recent years undergone a transition from Soviet communications equipment to Western communications equipment. Soviet equipment is used as back-up to Western THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS COMMAND AND CONTROL CHAPTER 3 systems. Changing the communications sets has probably resultedin a fundamental change In the way communications areestablished and maintained. The general rules to be followed when communicating are to uselandline if possible, encrypt messages, and minimize the length ofthe communication. Iraq is in the process of incorpor~ting state-of-the-art frequencyhopping radios into its tactical C structure, and may also have a burst capability. The use of frequency hoppers and burst transmissions significantly reduces the probability of intercepts. The Iraqis assert a credible COMSEC posture. When coupled with their defensive strategy, an excellent OPSEC profile emerges. 2. FORWARD COMMAND POSTS The Iraqis attach considerable importance to the concept of theforward command post. They believe that a forward command postlocated in the midst of forward forces can significantly affect thecombat picture. Forward command posts are especially useful foroperations that require fast movement. Armored and mechanized brigades may deploy a forward command post for a limited period. Normally positioned with or near one of the battalion command posts, the forward command post includes the brigade commander, a junior staff officer, and the supporting artillery battalion commander. Infantry brigade forward command posts may not be used because main command posts are already close enough to the front. 38 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER 3 COMMAND AND CONTROL FORWARD COMMAND POST ORGANIZATION PERSONNEL Infantry Division Divison Commander Aide de C~mp Radio Operator Divison Artillery Commander Artillery Staff Officer Two Radio Operators Support Unit Commanders or Representatives (as required) Infantry Section for security (possibly division commando element) Heavy Division Division Commander Operations Staff Officer Aide de Camp Attached Officers (as required) Division Artillery Commander Artillery Staff Officer Attached Officers (as required) Liaison Officer(s)* EQUIPMENT One %-ton truck R-104 radio One %-ton truck Two R-104 radios One %-ton truck One 3-ton truck Two motorcycles One tracked command vehicle One tracked command vehicle One tracked command vehicle *Other elements as determined by the commander THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOWCHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 4 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW 1. THE OFFENSE The Iraqis recognize the need for offensive doctrine and tactics. During the war with Iran, they established defensive positions and defeated most Iranian offensives, inflicting large numbers of casualties. The strategy of attrition did not bring Iran to the bargaining table. The Iranians only sought a negotiated settlement after Iraq began offensive operations in the last two years of the war. Features of Iraqi Offensive Operations Limited Objectives Limited objectives typified most offensive operations. Iraqi failure to attain stated objectives sometimes resulted in execution of the commanders. Units often attacked to their objectives and stopped, failing to exploit any further successes. The stated reason for this was that it raised the morale of the attacking troops to know that once they reached their objective they would not be exposed to further fire. Use of limited objectives was more likely due to a lack of reliable intelligence on the enemy rear area, lack of deep indirect fire support due to a lack of long range target acquisition (radars), poor tactical initiative displayed by small unit commanders, or specific orders from GHQ for limited operations due to strategic considerations. Limited Night Operations The Iraqi army is well equipped with night vision devices, but like most armies, it is reluctant to continue large scale combat operations after nightfall. Iraqi forces will initiate large scale combat operations during hours of darkness, the latest example being the invasion of Kuwait. Iraq recognizes the inherent difficulty in THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS 41 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER4 continuing coordinated night offensive operations between largeunits that have already been in combat with the enemy throughoutthe day, and like most armies, prefers to continue attacks at nightonly against absolutely essential objectives. Hours of darkness areused for resupply operations. Extensive Rehearsals Iraqi forces prefer to conduct extensive rehearsals on terrain that issimilar to that of their assigned objective, if time permits. Iraqiengineers have even constructed mockups of the terrain in theobjective area for these rehearsals. Initial Use of Commandos During offensive operations the Iraqis may employ their "commando" units as initial assault troops with a limited depth of penetration, allowing them to be relieved within a few hours bymechanized forces. Failure to Conduct Pursuit Iraq rarely had the opportunity to conduct pursuit operations duringthe war with Iran, but when the opportunity was presented, Iraqiforces would often halt and wait for orders rather than maneuverbeyond planned objectives or routes. Principles of Offensive Operations The following are Iraqi doctrinal principles of offensive combat: Intelligence Intelligence is intrinsic to all offensive operations. Intelligence isalso necessary to achieve surprise. No planning can beaccomplished without good intelligence. Maneuver An army must be able to maneuver swiftly on the battlefield tomake use of natural terrain for cover and concealment. 42 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 1 00-91 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER4 Momentum Once forward momentum is established, it must be maintained at all costs. There must be a steady, unflinching move toward the tactical goal. Once the momentum ceases, the unit is susceptible to enemy counterattack. Reserve In order to maintain momentum, a reserve force is established at all echelons to be committed to the unit making substantial progress. Reserves are used to achieve the tactical goal. Surprise Surprise, ideally, should be achieved in time, place, and weapons. The tactical goal can be achieved more easily if surprise is obtained. Additionally, surprise itself provides an element of security. Logistics and Administrative Support Logistics and administrative support are necessary to maintain forward momentum. Concentration All necessary firepower, troops, and equipment must be concentrated at the proper place and time. Concentration of forces provides absolute superiority at the point of attack and can bring about a reduction in casualtie~ and save time. Morale Morale must be developed to the highest extent possible. Iraqis believe that realistic training contributes greatly to troop morale. A thorough knowledge of the mission and the tactical goal also contributes to high morale. Cooperation All organizations in each command must answer to one commander. Each unit must support the unit on its flank with overlapping fires. \ THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTEA4 from the Iranian army and revolutionary guards. Operations duringthe last two years of the war were against a seasoned, well dug-inenemy, and usually initiated when front-line forces were in closeproximity to each other. During the middle years of the war, Iraqi attacks were generallylimited to local spoiling attacks to blunt Iranian offensives. The finaloffensives of the war were well-coordinated, large-scale operations,in some cases involving massed mechanized forces attackingthrough what is considered in the west to be impassable terrainalong a narrow front, or multi-corps attacks over a front exceeding120 km in width. Local forces ratios exceeded 12:1 and 20:1 inIraq's favor in at least two of these operations. XX ~ X i lol ZSU-23-4 0 7KM1OS X 15KM X~~~ •...X .... :c:> :.....LJ....: ~ 4KM rOl~ ~~~ DS ZSU-23-4SA-9 ~ k::::::J X -----S-60 -----~--------)()(----------------- Figure 37 The Armored Division in the Attack Planning Local attack planning originates from the lower levels and is passed up the chain of command for approval. In some cases the attackhas to be approved by the headquarters in Baghdad. Once theattack has been approved, the unit will conduct extensive NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER4 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW rehearsals over terrain that resembles that over which they will attack. This is normally conducted while in the concentration area (see below). The Attack There are two types of attack: "silent," without artillery support; and "loud," with artillery support. The "silent" attack is employed mainly at night to maintain the element of surprise. Attack Formations According to Iraqi doctrine, the following attack formations are used by platoon through brigade: Wedge Used before reaching the attack line. Upon reaching the attack line, the line formation is assumed. Left/Right Echelon • provides support for advancing units • promotes better command and control • the designated unit continues the advance at the assault line Line Used after crossing the attack line. Units at all echelons move into the attack in this formation, with two units forward and one following in reserve. Diamond Used in mountainous areas where there is little room for maneuver. This formation provides all-around protection and is more correctly a march or approach formation rather than an attack formation. Control Measures Iraqi doctrine includes the following control measures {see Figure 38). THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS CHAPTER4 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW be the controlling headquarters and the attached commanders and staffs will act as advisors to the commander and staff of the combat grouping. Reserves All units from company on up can employ a portion of their combat strength as a reserve force which is committed to maintain momentum in offensive operations. Typically, this reserve is about 1/3 of the unit's total force. Combined Arms Offensive Operations Organization, Command and Control of Combat Groupings Iraqi doctrine requires armored and mechanized infantry battalions to operate in combat groupings (US terminology "combat grouping") of armored and mechanized infantry elements supported by artillery, engineers, and other support elements. When the situation requires tank heavy forces, the armored battalions operate as combat groupings (Figure 39). These include: • three tank .companies • a mechanized infantry company • an artillery battery • an engineer company • antitank company • an antiaircraft battery Each tank company should receive one infantry platoon under its operational control. The armored battalion commander is the combat grouping commander. One of the armored battalion headquarters in the armored brigade is also designated alternate brigade headquarters in the event the brigade HQ ceases to function. Task organized units are likely to be fully task organized. An armored brigade would attach one company of its mechanized infantry battalion to each of its armored battalions (the reverse in a mechanized infantry brigade). THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER4 the combat groupings according to the mission, threat, and terrain. The brigade commander receives his mission, method of operation, and timetable from division headquarters. Attack from the March In an attack from the march, or hasty attack, the Iraqis will attack with as little as a 2:1 overall superiority in forces. However, they will mass at the point of attack to achieve up to 6:1 or better local superiority. In preparation for offensive operations, the Iraqis will first enter a concentration area allowing the division to bring together all of its elements. Normally the division's air defense elements will occupy the concentration area first to establish an air defense umbrella over the division's concentration. · From the concentration area, the division will move out in march · column into an assembly area nearer to the enemy forces. From the assembly area, the unit will march to the formation line, which may also double as the line of departure. Traveling to the formation line, the subunits of the battalions (or combat groupings) will travel in either a wedge or echelon right or left. The formation line is used to bring the units on line and to ensure that all units are in their proper positions. From the formation line/line of departure, the unit will proceed to the assault line for the final assault. Iraqi units will most likely attack with two thirds of their forces forward and one third to the rear. In desert terrain, tank forces reinforced with mechanized elements will most likely lead attacks and counterattacks (see Figure 38). When attacking, units will move in a leap-frogging manner similar to our bounding overwatch. A unit will take up a position in covering terrain and provide covering fires, while other units move to a new covered position from which they will cover the next movement with fire. The Iraqis have the capability to fire on the move, but dislike to , do so due to the problems inherent in acquiring targets while moving. Also, they prefer to have their tanks provide fire support to the infantry elements, and will use tank companies to provide indirect fire support for the attacking units. Attack from a Position In Direct Contact In an attack from a position in direct contact, the Iraqis will mass an overall3:1 superiority in forces, but mass to get as much as 10:1 superiority at the point of attack. The Iraqis' doctrine for attacking from a position in direct contact follows the same pattern as an attack from the march, with the exception that a few days prior to the attack, the unit that will attack will move some of its elements up and relieve some of the units in contact. 54 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER4 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW It is unclear whether they are securing just those areas where they can provide supporting fire, or where they will actually pass through in their attack. In either case, the attack will be conducted much like a forward passage of lines with the formation line/line of departure/assault line coinciding with their forward most troops. Small Unit Tactics In the Offense The methods of cooperation in attack, between armor and infantry as one organic whole, can be summed up as follows: Tanks as the Spearhead Customarily, the tanks move at the spearhead when antitank weapon resistance is light and speed is vital, or where the terrain is exposed, usually in daytime, or when the infantry is transported by APCs. Tanks and infantry will begin movement together toward the objective, each according to its own set speed. The tanks will proceed by the leap-frog method using fire and maneuver, and the infantry will move right behind them. Infantry as the Spearhead The infantry will advance in front when there is strong antitank weapon resistance and the terrain provides concealment. The infantry will move toward the target at its own speed using the best possible approaches to afford concealment. The tanks will provide fire support from flank or rear positions while advancing in leap-frog fashion, together with the infantry attack. It is possible to introduce part of this fire support within the framework of a plan according to schedule, in full coordination with artillery support. However, the best support can sometimes be given by improvised fire at targets of opportunity which stop or slow the attacking infantry. There is special importance for covering fire for the infantry assault in the last few hundred yards to the objective. In addition to tank fire support, some of the tanks will accompany the assaulting infantry in order to raise their morale. These tanks will move from place to place at the optimal speed necessary to ensure their arrival at the objective together with the infantry. The timing will be determined by the armor and infantry commanding officers. Tanks and Infantry on the Same Axis Command and control will be easier if the tanks and infantry move on the same axis. If the route is suitable, this method is preferable, especially for inexperienced units. However, one danger must be THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS 5.5. TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER4 taken into account; the infantry will be in the line of fire of some of the tanks, and this is liable to occur at a decisive stage of the assault. Tanks and Infantry on Separate Axes Among the advantages of an advance by tanks and infantry on different axes is the ability of the tanks to give fire support from an angle to the infantry advance axis and thereby continue fire support from the flanks for a longer period. This ensures protection of the infantry more effectively than firing over their heads. Moving by separate axes enables armor and infantry to each choose the most suitable axes for itself. This method of attack requires a higher level of training owing to the difficulty of command and designation of targets between the two forces. Forces In the Assault The infantry and armor units in the assault will organize in two forces: The Assault Force This force must reach the objective quickly, reorganize it, and prepare to start the next phase. This force can consist either of tanks alone, or tanks and infantry, or infantry only. The tanks of the assault force should always be in the vicinity of any covering artillery fire and should not engage targets that do not delay the infantry's advance. The Reserve Force Several tanks should be kept in reserve to accompany and support the infantry reserve according to the development of the fighting. Reorganization on the Objective • Upon capturing the objective, infantry should prepare defensive · ·fighting positions. At this stage the infantry will be under . bombardment and possibly enemy counterattacks until support ~ arrives. Therefore, it is vital to leave tanks in the forward positions • . • so they may support the infantry. However, it is obligatory to reduce :the number of tanks in the forward positions as much as possible. Additionally, the tanks' effective concealment must be assured to prevent exposure to enemy fire. · , The rest of the tanks must be moved to a location near the '' objective, concealed from enemy observation. These tanks will be located so they can deploy to support the infantry. This location is . called the "forward assembly area." The infantry commander will 56 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER4 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW not withdraw any tank for maintenance and rest from this location before he has ascertained that his support weapons have reached the objective. After this has taken effect, most tanks will be transferred to the rear for maintenance. This area is called the "rear assembly area." Usually, a small percentage of tanks are left in forward positions to provide for emergency alert. The Iraqis recognize that the tendency to leave tanks dispersed in forward positions in small numbers to raise the morale of the troops during defensive reorganization should be resisted; however, they do so anyway. It also is preferable to concentrate the tanks in the rear where they can be moved more quickly to the critical battle sector. Location of the tanks in rear assembly areas will also facilitate movement to preselected battle positions. Forward Assembly Area With the relaxation of the situation, it may become possible to transfer several tanks from the advance positions to the forward assembly area. If the objective is exposed to enemy antitank fires, the transfer of tanks may prove to be necessary. Tank crews in forward assembly area should prepare firing positions to which they can move to repel an enemy counterattack. The tanks engage only in hasty maintenance and ammunition resupply in the forward assembly area. The tanks should be organized in a 24-hour all-around defense during difficult continuous combat situations. The number of tanks to remain in advance positions for infantry support depends upon the battlefield situation. Rear Assembly Area With reorganization of the infantry on the objective and completion of antitank defenses, the infantry commander will inform the armor commander that it is possible to withdraw his tanks to where they can perform maint~nance and resupply. The tanks will still remain at the disposal of the infantry commander to deal with a counterattack. However, they will not be kept on immediate alert. Artillery Support The tanks need immediate artillery support to destroy enemy 'antitank weapons and to provide smoke screens when required. The forward observers should accompany the tanks and make an effort to ensure communication with them. It is also preferable to secure immediate artillery support by means of a self-propelled gun battery if one is available. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER 4 All artillery pieces will fire according to a predetermined firing plan. In order to enable the infantry to reach the target with the tanks supporting the infantry, the artillery firing plan should take into account the estimated positions of enemy antitank artillery (see Figures 40 and 41). To ensure the greatest possible fire support for the assault echelons, the firing plan should be based on the speed of movement of the infantry, which is the main arm. However, in lightning attacks, when the battle is fluid and the armor is the main arm, the artillery fire should follow the speed of the tanks and not the infantry. It should be remembered that as the tanks are relatively immune to their own artillery, they should approach much closer to the supporting fires in order to reach the objective at the same time as the artillery. Breakthrough Breakthrough operations have not commonly used in Iraqi doctrine. They are viewed as methods to exploit perceived enemy weaknesses. Breakthrough attacks have the objective of reaching enemy reserves and preventing a counterattack. NATIONAl T~AINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER 4 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW 8 ARTILLERY PREP FOR 45 MIN TO 1 HR, PRIOR TO CROSSING THE LDILC LD/LC RESERVE FORCE Figure 40 Attack Against a Defensive Enemy--Artillery Preparation Before the Attack THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS CHAPTER4 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW flanking movements or a penetration. The flanking movement is preferred because fewer resources normally would be consumed than when attempting to effect a penetration. The Advance Guard One of the division's three brigades will act as the advance guard when the division conducts a movement to contact. The brigade will advance on one or two parallel axes with a battalion/combat grouping on each. If on two axes these units will advance at a rate dictated by the slowest element so all units remain within supporting distance of each other (see Figures 42 and 43). If on one axis, the advance guard will consist of an advance party of a battalion/combat grouping three to five kilometers long. The main force and rear party trail by up to 25 kilometers, and together cover about ten kilometers, for a total length of about 20 to 40 kilometers. The lead battalion(s)/combat grouping(s) will be reinforced with engineer assets to assist in breaching any obstacles on the route of advance. Additional combat support and service support units will be attached as the mission dictates. In some cases this may include self-propelled artillery for direct support, and almost always includes some air defense assets. The advance party would most likely attack with two companies forward and one to the rear. The advance party would have an artillery battery. The main force would have an artillery battalion(-). The Iraqis would lead with tank units in open country and against an enemy in a hasty defense or possessing weak AT defenses. In restricted terrain, mechanized troops or infantry would lead. In open terrain, tank heavy forces will spearhead most attacks and counterattacks. Antitank units would protect flanks, and air defense would be positioned to cover the entire unit, but would not be forward of the maneuver elements. A division would most likely employ an armored brigade as an advance guard in a desert environment. If the enemy forces are weak, the advance guard will leave a small fixing force and move rapidly to the flank in an attempt to neutralize the reserves and prevent counterattack. The main body will destroy the enemy forward forces. At no time will the momentum of the attacking force be lost (see Figures 44 thru 46). THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTEA4 I UPT025KM UP T05 KM ~ ___________l__ _ .. 11-rll --••• lc:heml ••• ~~~ ADVANCE PARTY 3-5KM ~FLANK SECURITY ~l~~ ••• ~c!J [Q] UP TO 25 KM 1\~i-i~ MAIN FORCE B~~ 5KM B~·-· ~ l UPT03 KM REAR PARTY IUPm'~ Figure 42 Mechanized Infantry (Armored) Brigade Advance Guard Formation HANDBOOK 100-91 62 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER4 l. 20-40 KM 1 ~- 35-70 KM Part ofone of lhe Mech Brigades forms 1he Advance Guard: 1he remainder brings up 1he rear of 1he main body ADVANCE PARTY MAIN FORCE REAR PARTY DIVISION HEADQUARTERS DIVISION ARTILLERY MECH BRIGADE MECH BRIGADE ALTERNATE DIVISION HO REMAINDER OF THE DIVISION MAIN BODY REAR GUARD (USUALLY A COMMANDO BATTALION) Figure 43 Mechanized Division Movement to Contact THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER 4 I (___) ADVANCE PARTY MAIN FORCE [Q)~ jI L_______________ Figure 44 Movement to Contact Against a Weak Defense HANDBOOK 100-91 64 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER4 If the enemy is a superior force, the advance guard would fix the enemy force and the main body would bypass the enemy. The advance guard would not be reinforced, except by antitank weapons to protect against counterattack. As before. the momentum of the advancing force must not be lost (see Figure 49). Main Body Apparently, the only situation in which the main body would be committed to attack is one in which the enemy is weak. There is a fourth situation in which the enemy is too strong to penetrate and too extended to envelop. In this situation, the Iraqis would probably assume the defense until additional forces could be brought up which were strong enough to reduce the enemy position. Flank and Rear Security In the war with Iran, the Iraqis did not consider flank security elements essential for the advance party or advance guard of a division. Flank and rear security elements. including some reconnaissance subunits, were used for the division main body. However, Iraqi maneuver forces conducting movement to contact. etc.. may make greater use of flank and rear security elements today than was the case during the war with Iran. An Iraqi commander may decide to employ flank and rear security elements if he feels that the situation warrants their use. In particular. use of march security elements may be desirable for an Iraqi heavy division or brigade that is moving close enough to the front that contact with an enemy ground or helicopter force is possible. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER4 II (__) .. 11-nl I;:., I ~[Q] ~~ [!] ADVANCE PARTY REAR PARTY/ RESERVE Figure 47 Movement to Contact with a Comparable Enemy Defense/Force 68 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOWCHAPTER4 c .. [r111 Ia::m I ADVANCE PARTY REAR PARTY/ RESERVE Figure 48 Movement to Contact with a Comparable Enemy Defense/Force THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS 69 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER4 Pursuit In pursuit operations, the frontal pursuit is normally employed, but parallel pursuit may be employed when possible to block enemy escape or reorganization attempts. When enemy forces retreat in orderly fashion and leave strong forces along the axes of retreat to protect the retreating forces, it is necessary to open these axes while continuing cautious movement. For example, in a corps consisting of two armored divisions and a mechanized division, the force will be divided into three parts. The mechanized division will continue to supplement the defense disposition. One armored division will follow the . retreating enemy and one armored division will be in reserve. The armored division commander pursuing the retreating enemy issues general orders regarding the manner in which the division will execute its mission. For example, the mechanized infantry brigade will follow the retreating enemy on the northern axis while an armored brigade, which is subordinated to the division commander, will remain in reserve to deal with the unexpected. The brigade commanders determine the suitable form of movement according to the terrain and the enemy. An armored brigade combat grouping likely includes: • the armored brigade HQ • an HQ and signal company of the armored brigade • repair teams • a military police squad • three armored battalions • a mechanized infantry battalion • a light battery (120-mm mortars) • two self-propelled artillery battalions • a battery from a field artillery battalion • a self-propelled antiaircraft artillery battery • an equipment repair shop • a supply and transportation company • a medical field unit • two communications vehicles for air support The armored brigade will advance in the following manner: two battalion-sized combat groupings advance in two axes, with a third combat grouping following in reserve. The brigade combat grouping could have an attached reconnaissance company from the divisional reconnaissance battalion to augment its reconnaissance platoon. The locations e:ilong the axis where the armored battalion's headquarters will manage the battle are predetermined, as are the locations where the infantry battalion's headquarters will control the battle. Locations are determined by terrain features. In open areas, THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOWCHAPTER4 MAIN FORCE REAR PARTY/ RESERVE ADVANCE PARlY (FIXES RETREATING ENEMY) Figure 51 Frontal Pursuit/Envelopment THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS 73 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER4 ADVANCE PARTY (FIXES RETREATING ENEMY) MAIN FORCE REAR PARTYI RESERVE ------·--------------------------------------------------------------~ Figure 53 Parallel Pursuit/Envelopment THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOWCHAPTER4 Meeting Battle (or Engagement) Concept A meeting battle occurs when both sides are trying to fulfill their missions through offensive (maneuver) action. The principal goal of a meeting battle is the destruction of the enemy. The side that seizes the initiative first through rapid deployment into battle formations and delivery of indirect and direct fires is most likely to win, even in the face of superior enemy forces. For the subunit commander, the correct decision is to take the initiative and execute a battle formation/drill that will destroy the enemy first. Wresting the initiative from the enemy is accomplished through multiple, simultaneous decisions forced on him at all levels by outmaneuvering and overwhelming him and seizing key terrain to ensure favorable conditions for future operations. Once the enemy is destroyed, the advance is continued. The meeting battle may range from a brief fight of several minutes involving small security forces to a battle lasting many hours or days involving the entire division. It is possible that a task organized mechanized infantry (or armored) brigade, described earlier, would conduct the meeting battle alorig lines similar to a Soviet motorized rifle regiment. In the offense, a meeting battle will most likely develop when surprised enemy forces are deploying forward, when encountering an enemy counterattack, when developing the attack into the depths of the enemy's tactical zone, and during pursuit. The meeting battle will be the basic form of offense to meet and destroy enemy tactical reserves. In the defense, a meeting battle may occur during the conduct of a counterattack against an attacking enemy force. The following characterize meeting engagements and battles: • continuous, intense combat to seize/maintain the initiative • rapid troop deployment from march into battle formation • situation uncertainty at the outset and throughout the battle • rapid and sharp situation changes • combat development on a wide front with open flanks and great emphasis on maneuver • continuous and thorough reconnaissance to ensure success • speedy decision making and bold action to allow an inferior force to defeat a superior one THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS 77 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER4 • deployment and firing first may be the deciding factor • good flank and rear security is at its most critical • initiative and creativity by subunit (battalion, company, platoon) commanders will be crucial A commander anticipating a meeting battle must consider these factors in his planning and decision making: • continuous, thorough reconnaissance from his own means and the correct interpretation/use of information from higher levels • requirement for speed in his troop leading procedures-the making and transmitting of decisions • anticipation of enemy air and artillery strikes, and the use of such information in gaining fire superiority • achievement of the initiative through immediately responsive deployment of maneuver forces • adequate flank and rear security Meeting Battle (Mechanized Infantry or Armored) Division The division will enter a meeting battle in march formation with a zone of advance 15 to 25 kilometers wide. Within the division zone of advance will be two, or possibly three, brigade axes. Subunits of the divisional reconnaissance battalion scout all potential routes of advance for the division's lead brigades. Brigade Brigades are the division's maneuver units -they actually fight meeting battles. The division's leading brigades conduct meeting battles using the advance party/main force march formation (see Figure 42). Battalion A battalion is more likely to become involved in a meeting battle when acting as the advance party of a brigade. Battalions acting as advance parties for their parent brigades fight meeting battles as outlined in Table 1. 78 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER 4 Table 1 Phases of the Meeting Battle Phase Element In March Basic Task Actions on Contact Initial contact Reconnaissance patrols Obtain data on enemy • Disengage when possible and groups disposition and terrain along main routes of advance • Report and/or continuously monitor the situation • Bypass enemy, continue to penetrate enemy positions • Determine enemy disposition, particularly nuclear-capable weapon systems • In favorable conditions (or out of necessity), may attack advancing subunits, take prisoners, disorganize or disrupt enemy 3 forces, and destroy enemy nuclear and C I sy_stems Advance party Moves along route of main • Reports enemy contactldistruption body to ensure uninterrupted advance of main force • The leading element deploys and attempts to overcoming enemy overcome enemy forces based on information security/reconnaissance forces from the reconnaissance patrolsand obstacles • If the leading element is not about to overcome the enemy, it assumes defensive overwatch position to support manuever of main body of advance party • Main body of advance party will attempt a close envelopment or double envelpment to defeat the enemy unless that force is superior in size • If successful, units will reform and resume march or initiate pursuit • If unsuccessful, will hold position and block enemy/continue attacking to support the subsequent maneuver and attack of the main force -----~-~ r---------- Actions of the Main force · Rapid deployment for the • Based on information from forward elements, main force attack and defeat of the commander maneuvers his forces and enemy, generally from the attempts to envelopflanks • Subunits march rapidly to assign sectors and deploy in prebattle/battle formations as needed to assault enemy forces Develop the attack into the • If the enemy is decisively defeated, initiate depths of the enemy rear pursuit or resume direction of march and overall mission • If the enemy is not defeated, continue to develop the attack and hold positions aggressively until division can conduct its maneuver '------ THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW C_HAPTER 4 Company Maneuver companies use formations and drills in meeting battles in the same manner as they fight defending enemies. :s:: ::z RECONNAISSANCE PENETRATES AND REPORTS ON THE ENEMY. MAIN BODY OF THE ADVANCE PARTY CONDUCTS CLOSE ENVELOPMENT OF ENEMY. LEAD ELEMENTS OF ADVANCE PARTY FIX AND SUPPORT MAIN FORCE DEPLOYS TO THE FLANK TO ATTACK, OR TO CONTINUE THE ADVANCE, OR PURSUE, Figure 54 Conduct of a Meeting Battle 80 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER4 • antiaircraft section • artillery battery • tank company (minus platoons with the mechanized companies) • two mechanized infantry company teams • one mechanized infantry company The Main Force The main force, about two thirds of the combat power of the brigade, maneuvers to destroy enemy forces that the advance party cannot quickly overcome. The composition of the main force may vary. Typical composition of brigade main force: • brigade commander, staff, fire support commanders • antitank battery • antiaircraft artillery and missile battery (minus elements with advance party) • artillery battalion (minus battery with the advance party) • armored battalion (minus one company with advance party) • two mechanized infantry battalions • rearparty Elements of the brigade assault engineer company (minus elements in the advance party) march throughout the formation. The signaVHQ company and chemical platoon (minus) are prob~bly in the middle or rear of the formation. In addition, there may be additional engineer, antiaircraft, artillery, and signal support from division, or corps assets. Rear security elements normally march up to 3 kilometers from the brigade main force. These would normally be company strength. Also depending on the enemy threat, flank security elements march up to 3 kilometers from the column. Initial Phase The initial phase of the meeting battle is that period of combat from the time of enemy encounter by the leading reconnaissance element up to the commitment into battle of the main force. Elements of the advance party carry out the initial phase. The subsequent employment of the brigade main force depends on the outcome of the initial phase. 82 NATfONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER.4 ATTACK BY ADVANCE PARTY LEAD ELEMENT AND/OR ADVANCE PARTY SUCCESSFUL o Enemy element destroyed. o Advance party resumes march. o Main force does not deploy. NO IMMEDIATE SUCCESS BY ADVANCE PARTY o Advance party continues attack. o Main fon:e continues march forward and prepares to deploy. ENEMY FORCES DENY FURTHER OFFENSIVE ACTION BY ADVANCE PARTY o Advance party shifts to defense. o Mair force deploys and attacks. ADVANCE PARTY UNABLE TO HOLD ENEMY o Main force defends on best terrain available. o Advance party withdraws and joins defense. o Follow-on dMsion forces committed to atlack. o Division assumes defense if enemy force too powerful to attad{. Figure 55 Possible Outcomes of Advance party: Action in a Meeting Battle When the outcomes of the advance party action require deployment of the main force, the commander decides what form of maneuver to use. There are three basic choices: HANDBOOK 100-91 84 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER CHAPTER4 TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW 2. THE DEFENSE The division's actions in a meeting battle appear here generally as a sequential, front-to-rear unfolding of combat. There are many other possibilities as formations move on a fluid battlefield and encounter one another. The meeting battle will not always unfold in the sequence of encounters by reconnaissance elements, advance elements, and main bodies. Neither will it always begin with a head-to-head meeting-it may arise from direct encounter by main bodies, or from oblique encounters. Whatever the patterns and condition, the Iraqi formula for a successful meeting battle requires surprise, rapid and decisive maneuver, and concentrated preemptive fires against the enemy. The Iraqis consider the defense as a stage in preparing for offensive operations. The strategic objective is the first consideration in assuming a defensive posture. The most important reasons to employ defensive operations are to achieve political objectives and wait for reinforcements. Other reasons for going on the defensive are to protect the flanks, consolidate gains, or prepare for a counterattack. Principles of Defensive Operations According to Iraqi doctrine, the following considerations are involved in defensive operations: Proper Use of Terrain Use terrain properly for the particular mission and weapons available. Proper use of terrain includes the use of natural concealment for maneuver and consideration of the suitability of terrain for equipment and troops. All-around Protection Use prepared defensive positions. Continue to improve them. Mutually Supporting Fires Use overlapping fields of fire by flanking units. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS 87, TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER 4 Figure 56 COMMANDO ... ---___ r____ ~ ~c!J~ c!J I~N~X ~ [Q]~ czSJ ~ I MORTARS ~ I XX (MOBILE RESERVE) XX 1------X X---- l:JS I,:~J~D I i~J c!J --~---~_l__ ~-B__ ~ ~ L:J 11.::1~1 ~-__s---~~~.______j_~l / Division Deliberate Defense DIVISION ADMIN AREA 2KM DIVISIO~~ OPNS ZONE lOKM 111VISiON SECURITY ZONE 8KM _ __j 90 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 W' --! :::c m 55 )> Q )> :::0s:: :-::: 0 :::0 {j) )> z N )> --! a z )> z 0 ~ 0 --! 0 (I) !! tc c:... (I) U1 '-1 .., i:U :::J ~ tD a g a· :::J 0 9l <1) :::J en <1) '"0 -i m ::0 .::.. T1Ti C0MPAN YIN 'LIN E A A' DEFENSE rz:::i:i3:.~Gi."Ji~s COMPANY IN SOVIET DEFENSE j_ © RESERVE TANK PLATOON ,... ,... jlllllt: ~ ~ "' "~J~1 "t7r"~-;(:'\* -~-,.,.-L ~ flllllt,., ,... """ ""'" ..... C0MPAN YIN 'LAZY W' :::~::· GJ!) (ijV BDE OS ARTY BN );! () -i n en 0 z 0 tD m r 0 ~ (0 ..... TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER4 Types of Defense Iraqi forces employ two basic types of defense: static and mobile defense. Infantry divisions are more likely to be assigned a static defense. Conversely, mechanized infantry (armored) divisions are more likely to assume a mobile defense or a counterattack role to the rear of a static defense. Static Defense Divisions that assume a static defense position two brigades in the forward defensive line, and one brigade in a second defensive line in depth (assuming a division only has three brigades). An armored brigade, if assigned to the division (or at least the majority of the division's organic armored battalion and antitank reserve), is disposed in depth, positioned for a counterattack. Different counterattack options are preplanned and often rehearsed. The goal of a unit in a static defense is to allow no penetration of its forward line. To hold the forward line, it emplaces extensive obstacle belts forward of its main defensive line. These belts often span the entire width of the division's sector, and can include a complementary mix of extensive minefields, concertina wire barriers, antitank ditches, sand berms, and oil-fueled "fire trenches." During the war with Iran, man-made lakes were created in the marshy areas of southern Iraq, containing underwater obstacles, mines, and even electrified barriers using electricity from the AI Basrah city power grid. A unit in static defense attempts to make the obstacles in its sector so formidable that no enemy will dare to attack it. Instead it is hoped the enemy will choose to attack where Iraqi forces have deliberately left gaps in the obstacle belt, backed up by fixed defenses (in depth) combined with heavy armored counterattack forces deeper still. Enemy forces attacking through the gap will initially make progress, but gradually lose momentum and be halted against the fixed defenses. Before the enemy can reorganize and reposition forces to continue, Iraqi heavy forces counterattack against the flanks of the now stalled penetration, destroying the enemy with a combination of heavy indirect fires, flanking anti armor fires, combat helicopters, and other weapons. In describing this sort of defense (and indeed, Iraqi defense in general) the Iraqis emphasize that the counterattack is key. liming of the various counterattacking elements for maximum disruption and therefore destruction of the enemy is absolutely essential. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER4 There would be only a limited comparison between combat against massed infantry in swamps during the Iran-Iraq War and combat against a mechanized opponent in the open desert. To destroy a penetrating enemy force, armor-heavy counterattacks against the flanks of an enemy penetration are preferred. Small units may also conduct local counterattacks to recover lost positions. Usually, such counterattacks are launched by uncommitted adjacent units or units in reserve. Any type force can be used in a counterattack role: commando, armored, mechanized infantry, or infantry companies/battalions. Withdrawal During the war with Iran, the objective of the Iraqi army was to defend in place and make the Iranian army pay as high a price as possible for any land it might take. Withdrawal was not viewed as a viable option. Doctrinally, however, the three Iraqi principles of withdrawal are as follows: Surprise The enemy must be kept from obtaining knowledge of a withdrawal. Command and Control A high degree of command and control is necessary to prevent a withdrawal from becoming a rout. Depth Delaying positions must be selected in depth and manned to provide security for the unit withdrawing from contact.A The two types of withdrawal practiced by the Iraqis are hasty and deliberate. Hasty Withdrawal The Iraqis use the term "hasty withdrawal" to describe a withdrawal accomplished without approval from higher headquarters. Such a withdrawal is frowned upon. A unit commander may decide to withdraw, reorganize, and launch a counterattack. This is permissible if the counterattack is successful. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS TACTICS: DIVISION AND BELOW CHAPTER4 I \ (----@ __ __ I I ~ "......_ I ~-~ '~ ~ I I / @.__ ----@ ------ X /~-~~~ ( ' X / I '-'' _... -......_ ' I I -....__ ..... ( -----I' I ( ~ ',,\.::;i@\ ......_ '--~ X "-,~ I \" ~'f..-\ " " ~ I ~ lQ] I @ 0 X I \ I ~ I I A ' I X I I__ L_;-_~ -~ I X I I f I I I X \ I I I I "----77 ---'-\_.;--/-- I ( INTERMEDIATE I \. POSITION I (" -------@-- I ' .. I ------0--- OLDPOSmONS NEW POSITIONS 0 -RECONNAISSANCE MOVES TO SECURE NEW POSITIONS. @-RESERVE BIIIGADE OCCUPIES INTERMEDIATE POSITION. @ -FORWARD 81\TTAUONS WITHDRAW THROUGH CHECKPOINTS TO NEW P01:·1TIONS. @ -RE~>ERVE Bf IGADE WITHDRAWS TO NEW POSITIONS. -----------· Figure 62 Mechanized Infantry Divisiion Withdrawal Engineer Support Provided In the Withdrawal In a deliberate withdrawal, time allowing, the engineers set up minefields in front of the new defensive positions before the withdrawal. The engineers mark corridors through which the withdrawing troops may move: Should enemy contact not be expected, the engineers lay the minefields after the withdrawal is complete. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS IN,TEl\::IGENC.E CHAPTERS • Censorship -includes prevention of informationleaks which could hurt the war effort or the moralof the population. • SIGINT collection. • Electronic warfare. Military intelligence is present at corps, division, and brigade level.At these echelons, the responsibilities are the same as those atGHQ. Photo interpretation is performed at corps and division. Atbrigade, there is an intelligence officer, and in some cases he isassisted in carrying out the counterintelligence responsibilities by asecurity officer. There are some additional field intelligence units as well. Artilleryand engineer units have intelligence officers responsible for collecting information related to their particular concerns. Liaison Between Intelligence Staff and Other Organizations The intelligence staff works closely with all other staffs. All use intelligence estimates for assessments of the enemy order of battle. Terrain and weather are other areas of particular interest. The operational and intelligence staffs in particular have to work inclose contact. Especially at brigade-level and lower, they shouldwork as one team, preparing the operations and intelligence mapstogether. It is also usual to maintain a common war diary (staffjournal). Operational staffs assign missions to collection agenciesaccording to the requirements of intelligence staffs. Administrativestaffs work with the intelligence staffs regarding prisoners of war. In addition to providing intelligence to subordinate units, intelligencestaffs prepare collection plans. Detailed execution orders of theseplans are issued by GHQ. Tactical Intelligence Collection Requests for artillery and air strikes are based primarily on IMINT.Forward observation posts were also used to collect targeting d"! ~for fire missions on Iranian frontline activity. Imagery is usually provided by the Air Force throughreconnaissance flights. During the Iran-Iraq war, DMI organized "special detachments" for missions behind Iranian lines and in Kurdish controlled areas. These units, each made up of 25 to 30 men, including Iranians o~ Kurds who rallied to the Iraqi side, conducted long range patrols to collect information and to carry out ambushes to capture prisoners. Sabotage may be an additional mission of these detachments. 106 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 . ·,i CHAPTER 6 RECONNAISSANCE Artillery Reconnaissance For target acquisition, Iraq has locating (lstimkan) battalions and several independent locating batteries. Most of these units are subordinate to corps. Each battalion has three identical batteries that include sound-ranging, radar, and optical reconnaissance platoons. This enables the corps_ to attach batteries to divisions as required (see Chapter 7 for more discussion of this unit). Aerial Reconnaissance The following aircraft are used for visual and photo reconnaissance operations prior to the use of close air support operations: MiG-25, Mirage F-1, MiG-21, MI-8/HIP and Gazelle. One mission of the Army Aviation Wings is to conduct aerial reconnaissance. A more complete discussion is in the section Strategic Intelligence . . Engineers The primary mission of engineers in the offensive is to identify enemy minefields through reconnaissance. This is usually done at night, with the first priority on the main axis of attack. Chemical The chemical defense company/battalion has a reconnaissance platoon. Chemical defense personnel are included in reconnaissance parties during defensive operations before chemical operations. Corps Reconnaissance Battalion Iraqi corps have a reconnaissance battalion. The reconnaissance battalion consists of two companies, each equipped with 18 BRDM-2 (6 in each platoon) and 5 BTR-50 command vehicles. This unit may also contain a long-range reconnaissance element responsible for the conduct of extended patrols behind enemy fines. The reconnaissance vehicles for separate reconnaissance battalions within a corps can be different, but battalions will normally not mix vehicles. Known reconnaissance vehicles within reconnaissance battalions are the BRDM, BRDM-2, BTR-50, YUG0-60 and the Panhard. The Republican Guards have BMD-equipped reconnaissance battalions. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS RECONNAISSANCE CHAPTER 6 3. TACTICAL RECONNAISSANCE One of the lessons learned by the Iraqis during the war was the need to emphasize patrolling and reconnaissance. As a result, the reconnaissance units have probably improved significantly despite the Iraqi's reliance on IMINT and SIGINT for targeting and planning attacks. Division Reconnaissance Battalion Each division (armored, mechanized infantry and infantry) has a reconnaissance battalion. This battalion has two reconnaissance companies, a service company, and a maintenance company. A reconnaissance company is equipped with 18 reconnaissance vehicles, 6 per platoon, and command vehicles. Brigade Reconnaissance Platoon Each maneuver brigade has one reconnaissance platoon of six vehicles. Battalion Reconnaissance Platoon Armored and mechanized infantry battalions have a reconnaissance platoon composed of six vehicles, usually the BRDM-2. The platoon deploys up to 5 km in front of the battalion. Tactics In addition to its own organic intelligence collection assets, a division also has access to information from corps and GHQ-Ievel intelligence gathering units. For some missions, higher level intelligence assets, such as electronic warfare units, target acquisition battalions, or Special Forces units, can be attached to a division from higher HQs. A staff intelligence section/platoon is organic to units above battalion level, to coordinate intelligence information from all sources, including engineer, chemical, artillery, electronic warfare, and dedicated and attached higher and lower-level intelligence assets. Iraqi ground reconnaissance generally follows Soviet doctrinal guidelines,' modified as needed for the unique organizational structure ot the Iraqi Army. The divisional reconnaissance battalion probably conducts reconnaissance up to 50 km forward of the division's main body, the brigade reconnaissance company up to 25 km (corresponding roughly to a Soviet regimental 112 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER 6 RECONNAISSANCE reconnaissance subunit), and the battalion reconnaissance platoon (only recently appearing in restructured·Soviet units) up to 5 km forward. The maximum range that a reconnaissance subunit will operate forward of its parent unit is not fixed. In all cases reconnaissance elements are deployed only as far forward as the mission requires, and remain there in order to provide higher HQs with the information needed to accomplish the mission at hand. For example, divisional reconnaissance subunits do not move continuously 50 km ahead of the main body-they locate and if need be, continually report on the elements of the terrain and enemy force that the division commander must know about in order to accomplish his mission. If a particular subunit is assigned to locate and report the activity of a suspected enemy reserve brigade, it would locate the enemy brigade and remain to continue its reporting until directed otherwise, regardless of whether that brigade was 10 km or 36 km deep in the enemy sector. In all cases, the operating depth of organic reconnaissance subunits is governed by the "sphere of responsibility" of its parent units. This "sphere of responsibility" also roughly coincides with the reach of each unit's organic weapons and sensors-beyond which it cannot directly influence the battle. For example, division commanders are responsible for dealing with enemy forces within 50 km of the division, well within heavy MRL or FROG-7 range, while battalion commanders need only be directly concerned with . the area within about 5 km forward of the battalion, in mortar and direct fire weapon range. In wide open desert and flat expanses Iraqi reconnaissance subunits may operate at the outer limits of these ranges, or even slightly beyond them. Thus they make much use of HF (AM) radio, which unlike VHF (FM) radio, is not limited to line-of-sight ranges. For example, in open desert combat, an Iraqi reconnaissance subunit of the division reconnaissance battalion could be sent forward to scout a potential axis of advance for the division's main strike, and locate the main enemy defense, perhaps ''tipped-off" to likely targets by aerial photo-reconnaissance, electronic direction finding, or higher-level "deep" reconnaissance elements. In the Iran-Iraq war, the nature of the restricted terrain and dense enemy defenses limited long-range ground reconnaissance. Only aerial reconnaissance was generally used for targets beyond 15 km from the Iraqi FLOT. As the division advances and brigade reconnaissance elements come into action, the divisional reconnaissance elements may be sent deeper to locate enemy artillery and reserves, and report on enemy rear area movements. Meanwhile the brigade reconnaissance elements could be assigned to report on the defenses and activity on the specific objectives of their parent brigades. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZAT'ON AND TACTICS RECONNAISSANCE CHAPTER 6 A brigade reconnaissance subunit is likely to be directed to maintain surveillance of the brigade objective (or local enemy reserves, obstacles, or whatever else has been assigned) until its brigade actually assaults or takes that objective, thus the reconnaissance element is no longer needed there. At that point, the brigade reconnaissance element is likely to be ordered deeper into the remaining enemy sector, to scout the next brigade objective, or report on enemy movements that could affect the brigade mission. It could just as easily be ordered to watch a vulnerable flank to warn of an impending enemy counterattack. During the approach march to the objective, the battalion reconnaissance platoons would probably operate several kilometers forward of the battalion, locating enemy weapons for destruction, gaps in defenses, breaching obstacles if capable, warning of enemy counter-moves, and keeping the battalion commander informed. When the battalion objective is taken, the reconnaissance platoon would be assigned a new mission, possibly to screen a few kms forward, or to screen a flank as the battalion consolidated on the newly-won objective. Employment of diVisional, brigade, and battalion reconnaissance troops of course varies with the mission and situation. In a defensive scenario, they are usually deployed in the security zone, suitably reinforced by other arms according to the expected threat. In a meeting battle, reconnaissance subunits locate approaching enemy forces and report their activity to higher HO, as well as find bypasses to obstacles and suitable routes to ensure the secure, uninterrupted movement of the advance guard and main body. In a movement to contact against an enemy that has assumed a hasty defense, reconnaissance elements probe for gaps between enemy units and obstacle coverage, and attempt to penetrate to identify enemy headquarters, artillery, and reserves. In a pursuit, reconnaissance elements maintain contact with the enemy, secure vulnerable flanks, and if possible, move beyond the enemy rear guard to report activity in the enemy rear. Iraqi chemical and engineer reconnaissance troops also typically operate along with ground reconnaissance elements, in typical Soviet fashion. In the war with Iran, Iraqi chemical reconnaissance troops were generally not needed forward with the other ground reconnaissance elements, as the Iranians had little chemical delivery capability, and the locations and type of Iraqi chemical strikes were known. Still, chemical troops were routinely employed alongside other reconnaissance elements, as the extra margin of safety against chemical attack they provided helped bolster Iraqi troops moraie. Engineer reconnaissance troops were valuable in accurately assessing the condition of terrain and enemy obstacles, and in finding suitable bypasses or assessing the engineer work required to support the parent unit's progress. 114 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER ''II.NDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER 6 RECONNAISSANCE Other Assets In addition to its normal signal function, the signal battalion organic to a division also has the mission to collect signal intelligence. For further information on Iraqi signal intelligence collection see Chapter 13. The signal battalion may have a jamming platoon and a receiving and transmitting platoon. During the Iran-Iraq war, the division was also fed intelligence from the higher headquarters. This was mostly in the form of either air photos or electronic information. The corps also had organic SF units that were sometimes attached down to the division for reconnaissance missions. They could operate out to an extended distance, but some commanders misused them as infantry. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS HANDBOOK 100-91 116 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER CHAPTER 7 ARTILLERY SUPPORT CHAPTER 7 ARTILLERY SUPPORT 1. ALLOCATION PROCEDURES The following are general procedures for the allocation of artillery by a higher headquarters to a maneuver force for a specific mission: GHQ and Corps GHQ and corps normally allocate artillery battalions based on the importance of the missions assigned to specific corps/divisions. Division A division will normally allocate one battalion in direct support of each brigade and retain one or more in a general support role. Brigade A brigade acting as an advance guard may attach up to one battery to the maneuver battalion operating as the brigade's advance party. 2. ORGANIZATION FOR COMBAT Unlike Soviet doctrine, Iraqi artillery organization for combat does not rely on use of temporary, mission-oriented groupings like regimental, divisional, and army artillery groups. British doctrinal precepts for use of artillery predominate in Iraqi artillery organization for combat. Lessons learned late in the war against Iran taught the Iraqis the value of massed fires particularly against mass infantry attacks. Artillery brigades at corps level form the basic building blocks for massing artillery units in the Iraqi Army. The key emphasis in Iraqi organization for combat is control. Multiple rocket launcher assets THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS ARTILLERY SUPPORT CHAPTER 7 are closely controlled at division and higher levels and large quantities of large caliber tube artillery are retained under corps and GHQ control. 3. COMMAND AND CONTROL ~ At brigade and above, an artillery officer who plans and coordinates artillery fires serves on the maneuver staff. At division level, he is called the Chief of Artillery and commands the artillery brigade of the division with its three to four battalions. At brigade level, the direct support artillery battalion commander may act as the fire support coordinator for the brigade commander. At battalion level, the battery commander may serve as fire support coordinator and forward observer. 4. COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATIONS The artillery commander is located with the maneuver commander he supports, thereby facilitating face to face coordination of artillery fires. At division level, for example, the Chief of Artillery is located with the commander in the division's forward command post. An artillery staff officer and radio operators with separate fire support radios are also in the forward CP for execution and planning of artillery fires. Radio and wire are the primary means of communication. The Iraqis probably use all means of communications, based on the tactical situation. Forward artillery observers may use scramble transmission sets. During standard operations, the forward observer is in contact with the command and control battery by landline and uses a fairly simple code to identify enemy targets lor plotting purposes, and assignment to tile firing batteries. 5. FIRE CONTROL AND TARGET INTELLIGENCE Observation Posts Artillery fires are controlled through use of direct observation and time phased schedules. Time-phasing, similar to an H-hour sequence is used to control fires. ·At the forward division CP, the artillery commander makes necessary adjustments to fires based on effects. During the war with Iran, the Iraqis employed aerial observers in helicopters and observers in towers in the flat terrain 118 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 ARTILLERY SUPPORT CHAPTER 7 of their border region with Iran. A general rule is that forward observers will be located with the headquarters of the forward battalions in both the defense and the offense. Iraqi artillery uses a dedicated artillery net to control fires (see figure). Calls for fire from the company forward observer are cleared through the battalion forward observer who in turn passes the mission to the battery fire direction center. If additional fires are needed, the battalion observer can request additional supporting fires from division or corps level assets. Forward observers, and forward air controllers to control aerial-fire support from army aviation, may be located down to company level. If possible, and particularly in the defense, forward observers will use landline telephones to relay fire missions. They should also use landline in prepared offensive positions. To expedite calls for fire, artillery commanders will establish a list of codewords to represent types of equipment or potential targets (see Figure 65). The Iraqis have some battery level technical fire direction computers. However, many artillery units probably still rely upon manual computation to solve gunnery problems. Iraqi fire direction plotting is modeled after the Soviet system. Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition The Iraqis possess counterfire radars as well as sound-ranging equipment. Sound-ranging is known to be somewhat ineffective in the arid climates of the Middle East due to the acoustic distortion caused by the relatively flat and dry terrain. Radar employment is based on availability of the current inventory of Soviet and Western-made radar systems. Battlefield surveillance radars in the Iraqi inventory include moving target radars. These radars are probably controlled and allocated at the corps level. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS CHAPTER 7 ARTILLERY SUPPORT 7. TACTICAL DEPLOYMENT OF AN ARTILLERY BATTALION Battalion firing positions are emplaced batteries occupy an area 150 meters by 150 meters with two batteries forward and one battery back. Spacing between firing batteries is approximately 150 meters. Artillery battalions may form ad hoc ''fourth batteries" where each battery gives up one gun. These three guns are then formed into an additional fire unit. The purpose may be to confuse the enemy, or more likely, to provide more flexibility in fire support. The battery CPs and FDCs are centrally located in each battery to facilitate command and control. Selection of individual battery positions is made by the battalion commander. Battalion locations are coordinated with the supported maneuver brigade commander. Centralized command and control requirements drive all emplacement and displacement decisions for Iraqi artillery at all levels. Specific Iraqi techniques for positioning individual firing pieces are relatively unsophisticated. Towed artillery is generally emplaced on line by battery, while self-propelled artillery pieces are emplaced on a five-point configuration similar to the fingertip pattern of a hand. It should be noted that a lack of standardization in Iraqi artillery sometimes leads to use of either emplacement method by either towed or self propelled units. 8. FIELD ARTILLERY IN THE OFFENSE Preparation for the Attack Before the attack, artillery units are located in the assembly area with their supported units. Liaison is effected with commanders and staffs of supported units, and communications problems are solved. During this time targeting instructions are received and forward observers are attached and briefed on the tactical situation. Artillery units depart the assembly area with supported units. Organization for the Attack Artillery units are task-organized for offensive operations. Doctrinally, one battalion is attached to each brigade for direct support, and one battalion remains at division for general support. During the Iran-Iraq war, when more than three brigades were attached to a division. additional artillery units were assigned to provide adequate support. Artillery units are positioned to support the main axis of attack. The same artillery battalion is normally THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS CHAPTER 7 ARTILLERY SUPPORT ,_.:.. .. ' The line unit commander can authorize fires in support of adjacent units if he wishes. However, it appears this would be done only if all targets in the supported unit sector were destroyed. Flexibility of Fire Support It appears that all fire support is planned in detail prior to offensive operations, and little room is left for targets of opportunity and changes in the tactical situation. Non-Divisional Fire Support Doctrinally, surface-to-surface missiles/rockets will be used only after the assault begins. However, it appears that in one case in the war with Iraq, FROGs were fired as part of the preparation. Air support begins before the attack commences and continues through the attack. Both types of support are targeted primarily at the enemy rear. Iraqi Targeting Priorities (Offense) Close Support General Support Rocket Launchers • Antitank wpns • Div/bde HO • Arty batteries • FIST/OPs • Arty batteries • ADA sites • lnf/tank pits • Battalion HO • Logistics facilities • Mortar pits • ADA sites • Chokepoints (w/mines) • Minefields • Reserves • Maneuver reserves • Reserves • Engineer units 9. INTEGRATION OF SURFACE-TO-SURFACE MISSILES IN THE OFFENSE The short-range SSM (FROG) is employed as a tactical support weapon as part of corps artillery. It is possible that when it is used against civilian targets, it iS controlled by the GHQ as a strategic weapon. Command and control facilities have been the primary type of tactical target attacked with FROGs. Strategic SSMs (SCUD, AL-HUSSEIN, AL-ABBAS) are used under GHQ control as support for troops and for firing at strategic targets. No SCUD firings are known to have taken place in a tactical context. During the Iran-Iraq war, the main targets of Iraqi SRBMs THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS 12~.. . t ~ • ARTILLERY SUPPORT CHAPTER 7 were Iranian urban areas. Today, likely targets include fixed targets such as cities, airfields, or oil-related facilities. These targets will probably be pre-planned, and launch operations will thus require little, if any, communications. 10. FIELD ARTILLERY IN THE DEFENSE Firing Sequences Artillery fire is first directed at enemy artillery positions until the attacking troops cross the line of departure. The second defensive firing sequence consists of long-range fires against enemy assembly areas and short-range fires against the line of departure and the advancing troops. Despite this reported priority of counterbattery fire, there is little evidence that the Iraqis actually conducted counterbattery fire until late in the war with Iran, and was then of limited effectiveness. Types of Defensive Fires Iraqi doctrine uses three types of defensive fires: Saving Fire (Final Protective Fire) Directed on or near friendly positions in extremely critical conditions. Harassing Fire Usedprior to battles and during lulls in battle. Massed Fires Used to destroy attacking enemy tanks after the tanks have been slowed and concentrated in one area by obstacles and antitank weapons. Control of Artillery Support Artillery pieces are controlled in five ways during defensive operations. Defensive operations have b0en the primary type of tactical operations used by the Iraqis in the past. 124 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER 7 ARTILLERY SUPPORT Direct Supporting Fire Artillery is attached and the priority of fire is controlled by the · supported unit. Indirect Supporting Fire Support fire must be requested through the next higher headquarters. Attached for Support The artillery unit is attached to a supporting unit which is responsible for logistics and administrative support. Firing is controlled by higher headquarters. Indirect Supporting Fire for Movement This requires the subordinate unit request fire support for , movement from higher headquarters: During movement, higher headquarters controls the artillery fire. After movement is conducted, the supporting fire is either withdrawn or continued, depending on the situation. Counterbattery Fires The artillery counterbattery fire direction/mapping and surveying battalion (lstimkan) is responsible for positioning battlefield surveillance assets, detecting enemy artillery, and directing counterbattery fire within the division zone of operation. Prior to an attack, lstimkan teams usually consisting of 2 men will operate beyond the FLOT. Equipped with laser rangefinders or surveying instruments, these teams will locate potential enemy targets. During the course of battle, lstimkan personnel will direct counterbattery fires against enemy artillery detected by sound. flash, and radar acquisition means. Immediately upon locating an enemy artillery unit, target data are forwarded to an Artillery Combat Control Center (possibly the division artillery headquarters) to initiate counterbattery fire. Counterbattery missions are fired by an 18-gun battalion dedicated solely to that purpose. As a minimum, two 18-gun volleys will normally be fired against counterbattery targets. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS ARTILLERY SUPPORT CHAPTER 7 Iraqi Targeting Priorities (Defense) Close Support • lnf/tank pits • FIST/OPs • Engineer pits • Mortar pits • Minefields • Reserves General Support Rocket Launchers • Div/bde HQ • Arty batteries • Arty batteries • Assembly areas • Battalion HQ • Chokepoints {w/mines) • Engineer units • Ammo points • Reserves • Maneuver I reserves • Logistical sites • ADA 126· NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 ANTITANK SUPPORT CHAPTERS CHAPTER 8 ANTITANK SUPPORT 1. GENERAL The Iraqi army divides antitank weapons into two categories: general and special. The general weapon types include aircraft and tank fire against enemy tanks. Iraqi artillery is not commonly used in the direct fire mode against tanks. The special weapons systems consist of antitank guided missiles (ATGMs), and antitank recoilless rifles. These weapons are designed specifically to destroy tanks and their crews by direct fire. The direct fire weapons provide quick-response fires at medium, short, and point-blank ranges, on broken ground, and under favorable visibility conditions. Additionally, the Iraqi army has HOT or AS-11/12 on French SA-3422 Gazelle helicopters, and AT-2/SWATTERS on Soviet MiG-24/HIND and Mi-8/HIP helicopters. The majority of Iraqi ATGM weapon systems are the AT-3/SAGGER on BMPs and the BRDMs. These types of weapons systems are found mainly in the mechanized infantry units. The Iraqi army units also possess ATGM systems such as the AT-1/SNAPPER on BRDMs and on UAZ-69S, HOT on the Panhards, and 1 06-mm Recoilless Rifles (M40A1 s). Iraqi ground forces can be equipped with a varied array of antitank weapons systems to include the RPG-7 rocket-propelled launchers, SPG-9 73-mm recoilless rifles, 82-mm recoilless rifles and the French MILAN ATGM system. 2. ORGANIZATION AND EQUIPMENT Each corps has an antitank battalion which may be reinforced by an antitank gun battalion from GHQ. Its mission is to support infantry against tank attacks. Typical antitank battalions at division level have 40 BRDMs with SAGGER ATGMs broken into 5 THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS ANTITANK SUPPORT CHAPTERS tanks. It is also desirable to emplace launchers so that it will be possible to destroy enemy tanks before they enter the range of other defensive weapons. Iraqi doctrine stipulates the following principles of antitank defense: • Channel enemy tanks into an open area with limited cover and concealment. Minefields are the primary means to channel enemy tank movements. • Organize antitank weapons in depth according to range, with short-range weapons in front. • Support reserve forces with antitank weapons. Weapons are required for counterattack purposes as well as defense against enemy armor breakthrough. 4. EMPLOYMENT OF ANTITANK WEAPONS Prior to deployment of antitank weapons, an analysis must be made of the expected number and types of attacking tanks in order to calculate the number and types of weapons needed to destroy them. The Iraqis calculate it takes one 106-mm or 82-mm recoilless rifle to destroy two tanks, and three RPG-7 rocket propelled grenade launchers to destroy one tank. When the tank threat is not known, 1 06-mm and 82-mm recoilless rifles are paired on the flanks of the unit. When necessary, tanks may be deployed along with antitank weapons. 5. COMMAND AND CONTROL OF ANTITANK WEAPONS Antitank weapons fire is ordered from battalion headquarters through the chain of command to the platoon leader. Initially each RPG-7 gunner fires at a designated tank and then fires at targets of opportunity. At night, range stakes with reflectors. set up by patrols, are used to indicate fields of fire and ranges. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS 130 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 1 00-91 AIR DEFENSE CHAPTER9 CHAPTER 9 AIR DEFENSE 1. CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES The Iraqi Air Defense Force (IADF) is subordinate to the Air and Air Defense Force. The controlling headquarters for army air defense is the Air Defense Artillery (or Antiaircraft) Directorate at GHQ. The ADA Directorate coordinates all training and assignment policies as well as integration of army and air force assets. Some air defense battalions are directly subordinate to the GHO. Each corps-level organization probably has a brigade size air defense headquarters. and battalion size ADA units with which to support subordinate forces. Within the division, all air defense assets are controlled by division air defense. The structure of air defense units is not standard throughout the army, and the number and types of units vary greatly. 2. MISSION The mission of the IADF is to defend Iraqi territory and airspace against hostile aircraft intrusions through the coordinated employment of the early warning radar network, SAM systems, ADA assets and interceptor aircraft. With the priority of protection to strategic targets over ground forces. 3. ORGANIZATION OF STRATEGIC AIR DEFENSE Iraq is divided geographically into air defense sectors. Ground based radars, visual observers, SAMs and ADA (excluding those subordinate to the Army) are subordinate to the air defense sectors. Air defense sectors are also responsible for directing interceptor aircraft conducting air defense missions. ·; , .~ ·~·r3·1 THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS ' AIR DEFENSE CHAPTER 9 Iraq possesses the SA-213/6/7/8/9/13/14/16, 1-Hawk, Roland 1111,and possibly Shahine SAMs. Protection of strategic targets haspriority over the protection of ground forces. Therefore, SA-6s andRolands are deployed in defense of strategic installations inaddition to units in the field. At the start of the Iran-Iraq war, each Iraqi armored division had anorganic SA-6 regiment. Each regiment comprised five firingbatteries, a main and rear headquarters, and a technical supportbattery. The regiment provided area air defense for the division andpoint air defense for division main/corps forward headquarters. Theregimental headquarters was normally deployed near the divisionHQ. . The SA-6 batteries were deployed in a crescent pattern 2 to 15kilometers from the division HQ. Technical assistance andadditional missiles and supplies were provided by the technicalsupport battery. Approximately 15 missile transporters wereattached to the technical support battery. Iraqi SA-6s may now be aGHQ asset, deployed as the need becomes apparent. When supporting maneuver units, SA-6s providelow-to-medium-altitude area air defense for reserve forces and/ orlogistics support areas. Some SA-2s may also be deployed to sitesnear the front. These provide high-altitude area air defense forground force assets in the rear. Both the SA-6s and SA-2s aredeployed to fixed sites and are integrated into the Air and AirDefense Force air defense netWork. 4. CORPS AIR DEFENSE Corps air defense is the responsibility of the corps Air DefenseHeadquarters. It has at least one 57-mm radar-guided air defense artillery battalion, probably for the protection of corps headquartersand logistics sites. The primary means of air defense support for the ground forces comes from the ADA weapons organic to the division, corps, and GHQ. ADA equipment has been obtained from numerous sources, primarily the Soviet Union and China. In tactical configurations, these weapons fill several roles. The 57-mm S-60, normally deployed in battalions of 18 guns, serves consistently in defense of divisional headquarters and field artillery assets. The 37-mm M1939, the ZSU-23-4, and the lighter ADA weapons often deploy close to front-line elem~nts, covering troops as well as command elements. 132 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 AIR DEFENSE CHAPTER9 5. DIVISION AIR DEFENSE This general mix gives the Iraqis tremendous range and volume of firepower. Unlike the Soviets, the Iraqis do not employ SAMs well forward in the offense. Air defense of the forces is primarily provided by ADA assets. SAMs have in the past moved forward only after initial objectives have been secured. Iraqi divisions often have non-standard air defense organizations probably due to the wide variety of AAA and SAM systems in the Iraqi inventory, the subordination and type of division, and task-oriented division missions. Each division has at least one organic air defense unit and possibly an air defense staff similar to a division artillery staff. Armored and mechanized divisions have self-propelled antiaircraft guns, SA-9 surface-to-air missiles and one to three 37-mm antiaircraft artillery battalions with 18 guns each. All divisions normally have 81 SA-7/14/16s, organized in 27 three-man teams. The Iraqis apply Soviet employment doctrine for the SA-9 and SA-13, assigning up to a battalion of SA-9s and ZSU-23-4s from the division air defense regiments to each of the armored and mechanized infantry brigades for the protection of headquarters assets. The SA-7/14/16s are the only SAMs currently organic to Army Air Defense units, although some Roland units may also be subordinated to the Army. The SA-8 and SA-13 may also be available. In tactical configuration, the 57-mm S-60, 37-·mm M1939, ZSU-23-4,.and the lighter ADA weapons often deploy close to · front-line elements, covering troops, boundaries and gaps, and command elements. This general mix gives the Iraqis tremendous range and volume of firepower. 6. IRAQI AIR DEFENSE EQUIPMENT Iraqi AAA Systems and Statistics Nearly two-thirds of Iraq AAA guns are Soviet~built, while the remainder are Chinese-built. The following are the types of AAA systems in the Iraqi military: THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS .~1'f3 OEFENSE CHAPTER 9 Towed • 12.7~mm • 14.5-mm • 20-mm, M-55/M-75• 23-mm, ZU-23 • 37-mm, M1939/Type 74 • 40-mm, L-70 • 57-mm, S-60/Type 59 • 85-mm, KS-12/18• 100-mm, KS-19 • 130-mm, KS-30 . Self-Propelled • 23-mm, ZSU-23-4 • 30-mm, M-53/59,M-53/70 • 57-mm, ZSU-57-2 AAA Threat to Helicopters Below are the types and the tactical ranges of AAA weapons. Weapons Ranae 57mm (S-60) 4.0-6.5 km 57mm (Type 59) 4.0-6.5 km 40mm L-70 4.0km 37mm CM1939/Tvoe 55) 2.5km 35mm (Oerlikon-Skyguard)* 4.0km 23mm (ZU-23/ZSU-23-4) 2.5km 20mm M-75 1.2km 20mm M-55 1.5km 14.5mm (AAHMG) 1.4km - 12.5mm (AAHMG) 1.0km 7.62mm (MG) 1.0km 7.62mm (Rifle) O.Skm *Captured . .-;-. ~ ... '1'34 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 AIR DEFENSE CHAPTER9 The minimum range figure for the S-60 and Type 59 represents the maximum effective range using optical sight only; the 6.5 km figure represents the maximum effective range for radar-controlled firing operations. Helicopters can be engaged at ranges slightly greater than those indicated below, since they fly at slower speeds and altitudes than fixed-wing aircraft. In addition, inexperienced Iraqi air defense crews may attempt to engage targets outside of their doctrinal range envelopes. Although not technically considered MA, 7.62-mm rifles and machine guns have been included to emphasize the small arms threat to rotary wing aircraft. In Operation Just Cause, for example, 41 U.S. helicopters were damaged and 4 destroyed solely by small arms fire. During the Vietnam War, anti-aircraft weapons accounted for more kills against American warplanes than SAMs. The 35-mm Skyguard system is also included since some of these highly capable systems may have been captured from the Kuwaiti military. I Iraqi SAM Launcher Statistics The current Iraqi SAM systems (listed below) are Soviet-built, except for the Roland and 1-Hawk. • SA-2 (UR) • SA-3 (UR) • SA-6 (UR) • SA-7 (UR) • SA-8 (UR) • SA-9 (UR) • SA-13(UR) • SA-14(UR) • SA-16 (UR) • 1-Hawk (US)* • Roland (FR) *Captured from Kuwait SAM Threat to Helicopters Below are the tactical ranges of each SAM in the Iraqi inventory. Iraq employs the Roland in a strategic manner as a point-defense SAM system to defend high value targets. The Aspide system may also be encountered since Skyguard was also captured in Kuwait. The Skyguard air defense system represents a significant threat to helicopters since the system integrates both radar-controlled 35-mm guns and SAMs into a single fire control unit capable of THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS AIR DEFENSE CHAPTER 9 quick response. The SA-6 system is associated with Republican Guards units and armored/mechanized units. As with the AAA, most SAM systems are of Soviet origin. -- Weapons Ranae SA-6 24km SA-7 4km SA-8 11 km SA-9 7km SA-13 7km SA-14 6km Roland 8km -- Aspide (Skyguard) 15 km 1-Hawk 42km SA-7 Site Configuration The Iraqis normally employ the standard Soviet SA-7 site configuration. Each site is configured as a V-shape trench with three firing positions, one at the end of each trench and another at the apex of the "V." The point of the "V" is always oriented towards the expected threat axis of approach. SA-7s configured in this manner operate in the point defense role. In a desert environment this type of position may prove highly visible to incoming aircraft (see Figure 66). Helicopter Detection by Maneuver Divisions Helicopter detection will be accomplished by early warning radars, countermortar and artillery radars, and visual observation. Visual observation teams are an integral part the Iraq air defense network. Reliability of the observers decreases tremendously as the volume of incoming aircraft increases. Training and discipline of the network detection personnel is critical and is neither consistent nor sustainable. Air Defense Assessment The Iraqi SAM and AAA threat is a serious, but vulnerable one. Its multi-layered and overlapping coverage of strategic SAMs, tactical SAMs, and AAA guns emphasize volume of fire. AAA coverage at low altitudes presents the most serious threat. The Iraqi air defense 136 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 138 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER10 AIR SUPPORT CHAPTER10 AIR SUPPORT 1. GENERAL The Army Aviation Command (AAC) is responsible for providing air support to the ground forces. Details concerning the structure and organization of the AAC are very limited. There were originally four Army Aviation wings which corresponded to the four Army Corps. Additional Army Aviation wings probably have been created to support all of the corps currently deployed. The primary role of the AAC is to provide air support to the ground forces. Helicopter assets perform the primary ground attack, close air support, armed reconnaissance, troop transport, and anti-insurgent missions. Helicopters are frequently used as platforms for forward observers and have been noted firing illumination rounds in support of ground operations. 2. COMMAND AND CONTROL Each corps probably has operational command of one aviation wing. Requests for air support go through each intermediate headquarters to the army aviation wing, that is, battalion to brigade to division to corps to army aviation wing. The Army Aviation Command probably has liaison officers located at corps headquarters. Mission planning and control are the responsibility of the corps commander and the AAC. There is an army aviation liaison officer assigned to the corps-level staffs. Tactical control of helicopters is probably provided by ground-based forward air controllers and airborne controllers. Flight activity is coordinated with the Air and Air Defense Force through the sector operations center in the area of operations. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS AIR SUPPORT CHAPTER 10 3. FIXED WING AIRCRAFT PC-7/9s, and possibly Tucano trainers, are the only fixed wing aircraft subordinate to the AAC. These aircraft. armed with machineguns or bombs, are used for armed reconnaissance and ground attack missions along the front. The primary use of Iraqi air force fixed-wing aircraft appears to be for battlefield interdiction: attacking lines of communication; command posts; troop assembly areas; logistics facilities; and major economic targets. The only known points of interdiction have been rail lines and stations, highway bridges, and bridges over rivers, the majority of which have been forward of corps-level headquarters. Before and during the Iraqi offensive, in June 1988, near Dehloran, Iraqi aircraft destroyed all highway bridges leading into the battle area, effectively cutting it off from reinforcement and resupply. The most significant feature of the Iran-Iraq air war was Iraq's overwhelming advantage in operational combat aircraft and its failure to take full advantage of its air superiority. Strategic Air Operations Deep Penetration Strikes The timing of deep penetration strikes frequently coincided with preparations for Iranian offensives as well as during the actual offensives. Prior to and during the Val Fajr and Karbala offensives, the IAF increased its strikes against logistic, troop concentration, and economic targets. Fighters and Flghter~Bombers The Mirage, FITTER, FLOGGER and FOXBAT fighters and fighter-bombers were the primary aircraft participating in the deep penetration strikes. BADGER and BLINDER bombers were also used. The fighter-bombers normally carry 4 to 8 250-kg or 500-kg high-explosive or cluster bombs, and the bombers probably carry . up to 18 1 00-kg bombs. French-built Exocets and AS-30L laser-guided missiles are also used. AS-37 Martel and AS-9/KYLE anti-radiation missiles have been used against radar facilities, and 1-Hawk SAM sites. Many of the strike missions were supported by fighters conducting defensive fighter patrols and electronic countermeasures (ECM) missions. 140 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 AIR SUPPORT CHAPTER10 Tactical Air Operations Fighter/fighter-bomber aircraft supporting the ground forces are under operational control of the lA F. Requests for IAF support are passed from the corps commander to GHO staff and, if approved, are tasked to the Air and Air Defense Force chain of command. In order to reduce response times, corps commanders may be permitted to request strikes directly from Air and Air Defense Force headquarters without prior GHO approval. Coordination is provided by Air Force personnel assigned to liaison positions on the staffs at corps and possibly division levels. Control for IAF assets during ground support operations is provided by ground control intercept sites assisted by forward tactical air controllers. Air Force fighters/fighter-bombers providing air support to ground forces include Su-17/20/22/FITIERs, Su-25/FROGFOOTs, MiG-21/FISHBEDs, MiG-23/FLOGGERs, and Mirage F-1 s. Additionally, air support can be provided MiG-25/FOXBATs and MiG-29/FULCRUMs. 4. ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT Iraqi helicopters are organized into squadrons authorized 15 to 20 helicopters. Attack squadrons include Gazelle, Alouette Ill, B0-105, and Mi-24/HIND AID helicopters. Assault squadrons include Mi-8/Mi-17/HIP C/H and Mi-6/HOUND helicopters. Mi-8 helicopters are usually armed with 57-mm rockets. A typical squadron normally consists of: • Mi-8/HIP C (14 to 15 helicopters) • Mi-17/HIP H (15 to 20 helicopters) • Mi-6/HOUND (10 helicopters)• Gazelle (10 helicopters) • Alouette (10 helicopters) • B0-1 05 (8-9 helicopters)• Mi-24/HIND AID (8-9 helicopters) Other helicopters that may be in Army Aviation squadrons include the Hughes 500D and Hughes 300C training helicopters. Squadron and individual helicopter rotations and deployments between wings to reinforce the wings at critical sectors of the front are common. To overcome crew shortages in these areas, crews are often shifted between squadrons to maintain at least a 1:1 crew-to-helicopter ratio. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS CHAPTER 10 AIR SUPPORT 1987, Iraqi forces were lifted into rear areas as part of a limited Iraqi attack on Meymark. These Meymark air lifts were supplemented with a battalion-sized or smaller parachute drop. This attack succeeded in capturing Iranian ridgeline positions. Heliborne operations probably were also conducted during the 1988 Iraqi offensives. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS 144 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER 11 SMOKE CHAPTER 11 SMOKE 1. INTRODUCTION The Middle East countries have reevaluated the use ol obscurants on the modern Middle East battlefield, and have apparently concluded that obscurants can be very effective in offensive and defensive operations. While Iraq is known to maintain dedicated obscurant producing units, information is not available to determine organization. However, the proliferation of Soviet combat vehicles with smoke generation systems support the Iraqi use of Soviet smoke employment techniques. The employment of obscurants might either follow US or Soviet doctrine to some degree. Iraq has probably modified or developed doctrine based on its wartime experience. 2 SMOKE SYSTEMS/CAPABILITIES Iraqi forces are well equipped for the use of smoke. Their munitions and equipment include: • grenades with an unknown obscurant fill • smoke pots, barrels and drums • artillery/mortar smoke rounds • combat vehicles equipped with smoke grenade launcher capability • combat vehicle engine exhaust smoke systems (VEESS) Iraq may have the capability to deliver obscurant filled munitions by aircraft. The Iraqi smoke capabilities include ammunition with an obscurant fill, vehicle grenade launchers and VEESS. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS SMOKE CHAPTER 11 3. SMOKE SCREENS Ammunition with an obscurant (WP) fill: • 122-mm • 130-mm • 155-mm Vehicles With grenade launchers: • Panhard HOT tank destroyer • Panhard M-3 APC • Panhard AML light armored patrol car • AMX-30 tank • T-72M tank Vehicles with VEESS: • BMP-11FV • BTR-50P APC • PT-761ight tank • T -54/55 tank • T-62 tank • TYPE 69-11 tank • T-72M tank Three basic types of smoke screens are blinding, camouflaging and decoy. Each type is classified as frontal, oblique, or flank in nature depending on the placement of the screen. The purpose of blinding smoke screens is to blind gunners, observation post and target acquisition system. The intent for camouflage smoke is to provide freedom of movement for units; to conceal the location of units and the nature and direction of an attack. A decoy screen is established to deceive an enemy as to actual location of forces and probable direction of attack. 4. METEOROLOGICAL INFLUENCES ON SMOKE Local meteorological conditions impact greatly on the employment of smoke. The meteorological conditions that must effect the employment of smoke are wind, lower atmosphere stability, temperature, relative humidity and precipitation. 146 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER 11 SMOKE Three conditions of atmospheric stability are recognized: • stable • neutral • unstable Stable conditions exist when the lower layers of the air are cooler than the upper layers. This usually occurs at night and in the early morning. Neutral conditions exist when the air temperature is the same at the earth's surface as it is at th_e upper layers. Unstable conditions exist when the lower layers of air are warmer than the upper layers, thus causing an intensive intermixing of the air by vertical air movements. In desert environments, smoke operations are normally. executed one to two hours prior to sunrise. Nevertheless, desert regions in general may not be favorable for smoke operations due to the low relative humidity. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS CHAPTER12 ENGINEER SUPPORT • Construct man-made obstacles, including minefields, and improve natural obstacles. • Mark and map minefields. • Construct headquarters field bunkers. • Ensure necessary roads are usable. • Quickly build needed roads. • Deny roads to enemy use. • Conduct engineer reconnaissance. • Establish water poiots. • Test for water purity in conjunction with medical units. • Construct defensive positions • Camouflage headquarters area. • Build helicopter landing pads. One antitank mine is normally laid with three antipersonnel mines. Occasionally, trip-wire activated antipersonnel mines are laid in addition to pressure-activated antipersonnel mines. In addition, engineer troops attempt to deny the enemy water resources by preparing wells and water sources for demolition. Iraqi forces also construct complex obstacles. They also have demonstrated the ability to flood areas to hinder enemy mobility and drain areas to improve their own mobility. 3. ENGINEER RECONNAISSANCE On the March Engineers are located well forward within movement formations to facilitate mobility of the main force. In the Offense Identification of enemy obstacle and fortification effort is a priority during offensive missions. Engineers may participate in this reconnaissance effort. In the Defense An engineer platoon is generally located in the defensive security zone with the reconnaissance battalion. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS 151' ENGINEER SUPPORT CHAPTER12 4. MOVEMENT SUPPORT Lines of Movement During the Iran-Iraq war, the Iraqis constructed an extremely efficient system of roads behind the front. This network, once augmented with a superb traffic control system and the purchase of over 2000 heavy equipment transporters, allowed the rapid movement of divisions and corps to support tactical operations. Iraqi engineers are experienced with hasty road construction in a harsh environment where there are few alternate routes and numerous bottlenecks. In the Defense Iraqi engineers can be expected to construct and maintain the necessary road networks to allow rapid movement of reserve or counterattacking forces. Mobility operations were critical and generally successful during the final stages of the Iran-Iraq war. Road Preparation The Iraqis have extensive road construction/improvement capabilities. These roads are for reinforcement, supply and resupply of the forward defensive line. Construction techniques include route clearing, widening, and oil surface treatment. Iraqi combat engineer equipment is predominately civil engineering equipment, such as dozers, graders, etc. Their equipment is quite varied, as it has been purchased from several nations. They may have some older Soviet equipment, to include: • BAT-M route clearers • MDK ditching machines • TMK trenchers • IMR (T-55 based) obstacle clearing vehicle Iraqi engineers probably train to Soviet standards. The Soviet standard for preparation of a hasty road in desert terrain is 2.5 to 3 km/h. This is with an engineer road platoon employing mechanized means (BAT, truck-mounted crane). Soviet engineers construct cross-country routes as necessary. 1 An engineer company can construct 2 to 2 12 km per day in moderately sandy terrain with the following equipment: • 2-3 graders • 2-3 dozers • 4-6 rollers • 4-6 crane shovels or backhoes ·152 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER 12 ENGINEER SUPPORT • 10-12 additional vehicles An engineer company can repair 10 km per day in moderately sandy terrain with the following equipment: • 2 dozers • 4-6 rollers • 4-6 crane shovels or backhoes • 1 0-12 dump trucks Overcoming Water Obstacles Iraqi bridging assets consist mostly of Soviet-made equipment as follows: • Soviet MTU-20 AVLB • Czech MT-55 AVLB (Iraqi armored units) • TMM truck launched bridges • PMP pontoon bridges • GSP amphibious ferries • PTS amphibiou~ transporters • BLG-60 Mlneclearlng Iraqi countermine equipment is held by engineer and armor units. The Iraqis employ standard Soviet countermine doctrine, but their units have fewer countermine assets overall than equivalent Soviet units. Iraqi countermine equipment is technologically simple, yet has the capability to defeat complex obstacles which include mines, if the equipment is used in combination. The Iraqi inventory of countermine equipment is as follows: Detectors The Iraqis use hand-held mine detectors and Soviet vehicle-mounted mine detectors (DIM). Their hand-held mine detection capabilities were recently upgraded with UK-produced MD2000 metallic mine detectors. These can detect mines with a low-metallic content. They are used in conjunction with the Soviet and Iraqi hand-held metallic detectors and the Soviet vehicular-mounted DIM mine detector. The Iraqis have little or no equipment to detect non-metallic mines. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS ENGINEER SUPPORT CHAPTER 12 5. ENGINEER OBSTACLES 154 ·.NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER Plows and Rollers This capability includes Soviet tank-mounted mine plows (KMT-4/6) and rollers (KMT-5). There is one KMT-4/6 per tank platoon and one KMT-5 per tank company, if supplies allow. ~·- Line Charges Soviet rocket propelled line charges come in vehicular and man-portable variants. The trailer-mounted version is the UR-77, which clears a lane 90 meters long and 6-8 meters wide, with a standoff of 150 meters. Bangalore Torpedoes These hand emplaced explosive line charges are used in a manner similar to that used by US forces. Fuel Air Explosives Fuel Air Explosives (FAE) can be useful for mineclearing operations due to both blast and overpressure effects. Mechanical mine clearance equipment is expendable by nature. Therefore, sustained offensive operations utilizing mechanical mine clearance equipment could result in shortages of the equipment resulting in a decreased countermine capability. Types of Mlneflelds Iraq has a full suite of landmines and explosives. Their forces used over 4 million mines against Iran. The army maintains a large stockpile of mines (estimated at 10 million) which can be deployed manually, mechanically, aerially, and by artillery/rocket. State-of-the-art mines have been obtained from numerous countries. All types of antipersonnel (AP) and antitank (AT) mines are available as well as, limpet, sea mines, and antilanding mines. Of note, some of these mines are designed to thwart detection and disarming. The Iraqi army may have chemical mines with mustard fill. Defensive positions are supplemented with minefields and non-explosive obstacles such as antitank ditches and wire. Minefields are placed to channel enemy armor into the divisional kill zones, which may contain more mines. tank traps, trenches. HANDBOOK 1 00-91 CHAPTER12 ENGINEER SUPPORT and concertina. In some locations. an approaching enemy may also face Iraqi flooding operations. Thus. the channeling minefields serve to complement the antitank weapons at the Iraqi commander's disposal. The many types of scatterable mines currently available in Iraq further complicate an enemy's breach of an Iraqi defensive position. Ground-based. mine dispensers include the following: • Soviet mechanical minelayers (PMR-3) • Italian vehicular scattering system (Valsalla) • Italian Firos-25 light MAL (11 0-mm) • Soviet BM-21 MAL (122-mm) • Chinese type 81 minelaying rocket system (122-mm) • Brazilian Astros-11 medium MAL (180-mm) • Iraqi/Yugoslav MAL (262-mm) • Brazilian Astros-11 heavy MAL (300-mm) • FROG-7 rocket • SCUD missile • Several artillery systems Aircraft mine dispensers include the following: • Soviet Mi-17/HIP helicopter • Soviet Mi-24/HIND helicopter • Hawker Hunter aircraft • Mirage aircraft • Su-25/FROGFOOT • Transport aircraft Establishing Mlneflelds Minefields are generally Soviet in design in that they are linear. tied into other natural and man-made obstacles. and placed to force units into fire sacks or enhance the effectiveness of covering fires. Minefield dimensions have commonly been configured 500 x 30 meters with one AT mine per meter of front. Minefield depth in well-prepared positions can be as much as 350 meters. Non-mechanical emplacement includes throwing mines randomly off trucks then burying mines by hand. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS ENGINEER SUPPORT 6. FORTIFICATIONS CHAPTER12 The Iraqis use a stationary defensive line consisting of one or more rows of defensive positions. These positions are integrated with natural and man-made obstacles. This defensive line is backed by a mobile reserve, generally an armored unit when available. Iraqi engineers also construct command bunkers. One method utilizes Soviet or Soviet-copied prefabricated materials, a simple curved frame is constructed in the ground and is covered with wood or steel planking. The entire structure is then covered with earth and then with 15 to 20 inches of gravel (0.75 to 1.5 inch stones). Gravel (not of standard size) would cause the rounds to explode before striking the metal. A typical sized bunker about 5 yards long would take 4 hours to construct. They also use pre-fab concrete and locally available material. Iraqi defensive positions constructed during the Iran-Iraq war were built in a triangular configuration. The corner of the triangle of a divisional position is composed of a triangular brigade position, whose corners are occupied by battalion positions. This subdivision continues down to squad level. One side of a battalion's triangle measures 2ooo meters in length, and the company subsection measures 750 meters per side. The triangle corners are fortified firing positions having 360 degree fields of fire. The sides of the triangles are formed by earthen berms 3 to 4 meters high (see Figure 67). HANDBOOK 100-91 156 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER CHAPTER12 ENGINEER SUPPORT -COMPANY POSITION VEHICLE DRIVE-THRU ~ ·~ ~ .::::::-ARMORED VEHICLE .:::::: REVETMENT ~ "u" \ u (j 2,000M ENEMY FORCES ...... Figure 67 Infantry Battalion Defensive Position (Iran-Iraq War) These positions were constructed to meet a specific infantry threat (Iranian mass wave attacks) with little to no air threat. on ~pacific terrain (the flat, sometimes swampy, low ground of eastern and southeastern Iraq). The Iraqis have demonstrated flexibility in their defensive doctrine, gearing specific defensive operations to METT-T. Therefore, the triangular positions constructed during the Iran-Iraq war may not be used against a highly mobile ground threat, against a significant air threat, or in an open desert environment. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS ELECTRONIC WARFARE CHAPTER13 CHAPTER13 ELECTRONIC WARFARE 1. ELECTRONIC WARFARE SYSTEM Iraq has a sophisticated electronic wartare (EW) capability. The collection and jamming capability includes a hodge-podge of older Soviet equipment and more advanced Western systems. This capability includes both ground based and airborne systems. Targeted against both communications and noncommunications systems, the Iraqi SIGINT/EW structure includes three separate organizations under the control of the civilian government, the army and the air force respectively. Their capabilities are arrayed at both strategic and tactical levels. Iraq developed excellent intelligence on locations, movement and intentions of enemy forces during the previous conflict. However, this intelligence did not always seem to be used by tactical commanders, either because it didn't get to them or because they chose not to use it. Concept Iraqi EW units have the mission to intercept, analyze, manipulate, suppress or prevent the enemy's use of the electromagneti,c_. spectrum while protecting Iraq's own abilities to exploit it to their own advantage. Iraqi use of EW against tactical ground communications stresses collection and direction finding for intelligence purposes over disruption of enemy communications. Iraq's EW concept is probably based on Soviet radioelectronic combat (REC) doctrine. However, Iraq's EW structure is unique to its own priorities, needs, and equipment capabilities. Highly centralized control and reporting procedures delay the dissemination of generally excellent intelligence to front-line units. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL WARFARE CHAPTER 14 Chemical fire planning is a routine part of all Iraqi military operations. To ensure security for their planning, Iraqi units are warned to expect enemy chemical warfare (CW) attacks just prior to the Iraqi employment. Initial release authority for CW agents is held by the President of Iraq. Release authority may be delegated to lower leve.ls. Release authority for chemical artillery and mortar shells is granted to some corps commanders, with verbal approval from GHQ. However, release authority for air force chemical weapons and missiles remains with the president. After corps commanders are given release authority, artillery and mortar chemical munitions a·re stored in the corps rear administrative area, usually at least 60 kilometers behind the FEBA. Expenditures are calculated by a chemical advisor/directorate based on the size of the target area as determined by the commander. Quantities kept in the corps rear administrative area may exceed mission requirements, and resupply is probably immediate. Chemical Agents Although chemical agents would primarily be used to cause casualties among military personnel, they could also prevent or hinder use of aircraft, equipment, and facilities until decontamination is effected. Collateral damage to equipment may occur as well. For example, plexiglass windshields on aircraft could be rendered permanently opaque by sulfur mustard contamination. Iraq is known to possess three toxic chemical agents: Agent Name Type Effects HD Sulfur Mustard Persistent blister Casualty GA Tabun Semi-persistent nerve Lethal GB Sarin Non-persistent nerve Lethal 162 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 1 00-91 NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL WARFARE CHAPTER 14 ' ' . Five other chemical agents are being developed for production or are possibly being produced: Agent Name Type Effects GD So man Semi-persistent Lethal nerve GF N/A Semi-persistent Lethal nerve vx N/A Persistent nerve Lethal BZ N/A Persistent Incapacitating hallucinogen ex Phosgene Blister Casualty Oxime - Agent Mustard (HD) has been stockpiled in both liquid and "dust" forms. Dusty mustard penetrates permeable overgarments. Penetration is enhanced by the wind. Protective mask filters are effective against this agent. Dusty agents are effective both through inhalation and on the skir.. These agents are capable of penetrating deep into the lungs, resulting in greater effectiveness than liquid agent aerosols that can evaporate before deep penetration. The main role of dusty agent is to cause casualties, not to contaminate terrain and equipment. Dusty agent particles tend to adhere to larger particles when they contact a terrain surface, reducing the impact of re-aerosolization. However, the rotor wash from helicopters landing in an area contaminated with dusty agents could contain hazardous quantities of dusty agent. The particulate aerosol of "Dusty Mustard" is difficult to detect by standard means, which are designed to detect vapors. This may result in little or no warning of the hazard. Particles tend to collect in the moist body areas. and produce small rash-like dots which turn into blisters within 15-90 minutes. Other agents may also have dusty versions. Riot control agents (CS) are included in the Iraqi stockpile and were used in the Iran/Iraq War. H-iE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL WARFARE CHAPTER14 Chemical Weapons and Delivery Systems Chemical Delivery by Aerial Bombs Iraq has employed both nerve and blister agents by aerial bomb.Available chemical fills are HD (sulfur mustard), GA and GB (nerveagents). Bombs filled with more persistent agents (e.g. HD or GA)would be used to strike deep targets. However, nonpersistent nerveagent GB (Sarin) may be used for close air support of groundoperations and in the enemy's rear. The combat radius of the Iraqi aircraft that can deliver chemicalagents depends on numerous factors, including aerial refuelingcapability, aircraft speed during the mission, bomb load. weaponsconfiguration, and the sizes and types of other ordnance loaded onthe aircraft The maximum combat radius is approximately 800nautical miles. Iraq has shown that it can adapt purchasedweapons for chemical delivery, and that chemical weapons can beproduced by Iraq. Aerial bombs with cluster munition fills may alsobe available for the delivery of chemical agents. Artillery Ammunition Chemical ammunition is available for virtually all calibers of artillery weapons in the Iraqi inventory. The 155-mm Austrian and South African guns in the Iraqi inventory are the preferred means of disseminating chemicals, although 122-mm MRLs were used extensively in the Iran-Iraq War. GB (Sarin) a nonpersistent nerve agent, is the chemical agent of choice for artillery delivery. GB (Sarin) stays in the target area for periods of under a minute to 30 minutes under typical desert conditions depending on temperature and vapor concentrations. This residence time could be further reduced when the winds are strong. When forces are advancing rapidly, Sarin provides a quick-acting means to kill enemy personnel in the target area without inhibiting friendly options for maneuver. Iraq may have used multiple rocket launcher (MRL) ammunition with greater payloads than that used in the BM-21. The warheads of the MRL ammunition have been changed to accept plastic containers filled with chemical agents. This allows the Iraqis to combine different chemical agents in the same munition, a procedure that makes decontamination and reconnaissance much more difficult. MRLs are a good choice as an area saturation weapon that is responsive to the commander's requirements. 164 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANQBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER14 NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL WARFARE I Other Ammunition Iraqi chemical agents have also been delivered by aerial spray. Iraqi SCUD and modified SCUD SRBMs may also be capable of delivering chemical agents. The Iraqis have adapted a number of conventional munitions for the delivery of chemical agents. Examples are the 250-kg white phosphorus bomb used to deliver mustard and nerve agents, 90-mm air-to ground rockets, and 1.22-mm artillery rockets which had been filled with chemical agents in plastic containers in the warheads. The potential exists for the filling of submunition warheads and bombs. Other short range weapons with chemical fills may also be available, such as mortars. Iraq may also possess chemical mines. Fuel Air Explosives Although not technically a chemical weapon, fuel air explosives (FAE) are unusually effective, but are largely unknown in the U.S. Army. These weapons, normally air delivered but capable of delivery by MRL systems, create a cloud which, when ignited, explodes with tremendous force-several times the force of equivalent weight conventional explosives. Further, the effects are enhanced by the total coverage of the impacted area, to inciude penetration of structures, as with any vapor. When ignited, the force of the explosion creates pressure waves in excess of 200± psi within the structure. Lethal overpressure for human beings is approximately 40 psi. The explosions of grain elevators in the American Midwest are essentially FAE disasters. We believe the Iraqi army has used these weapons, and will use these weapons to target headquarters or fortified installations. Offensive Employment Chemical weapons are an integral part of corps or lower level offensive plans. Chemical munitions are normally stored in central national locations until immediately prior to offensive operations, when they are transferred to corps or division sectors. However, prepositioning of chemical munitions closer to a theater of operations can not be ruled out. During offensive operations, nonpersistent agents are used against selected front-line positions, normally those positions located along the main attack axis. Chemical fires will be included in the conventional artillery prep to mask their use. Nonpersistent agents will also be used to facilitate the movement of friendly troops. Chemical agents may be employed with smoke rounds. Persistent chemical agents are used against command posts, artillery units, logistic facilities, airfields, reserve/counterattack forces, and THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL WARFARE CHAPTER14 4.. NBC DEFENSE populations centers. Iraqi chemical fires are normally force oriented. The Iraqis will protect their flanks using persistent chemical agents by directly contaminating a unit that can threaten a flank. Iraqi losses because of their employment of chemical weapons are expected and accepted. Two or more chemical agents may be employed against a single target to complicate detection and casualty treatment. The mixture of nerve and blister agents will create both immediate and delayed casualties. Defensive Employment In the defense, nonpersistent chemical agents may be used as assault breakers. As the enemy force reaches the defensive obstacle system, a nonpersistent agent may be fired to break the assault and create immediate casualties. Persistent chemical agents are used as a terrain denial weapon by Iraqi troops when retreating. The Iraqi military also uses chemical agents to protect their flanks by firing them into an exposed flank to shield the flank against attacks. In a rapidly fluctuating tactical environment, the corps or division commander will probably have the authority to employ chemical weapons if they are in imminent danger of being overrun or defeated. Chemical Defense Troops . Chemical defense units are organic to all combat formations from corps to brigade. The corps chemical defense company has the ~mission to conduct personnel and equipment decontamination, NBC reconnaissance, and may have a flame mission/capability. ··The division chemical defense company is organized with four subordinate platoons: • service and supply • vehicle decontamination • weapons/equipment decontamination • NBC reconnaissance Brigade chemical platoons llave NBC reconnaissance and decontamination sections. 166 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL WARFARE CHAPTER14 APCs, 15 trucks, or 45 artillery pieces. To decontaminate buildings,four 25 mm hoses are provided. The ARS-14 is a productimprovement of the ARS-12. DDP-1 This is a trailer mounted decontamination apparatus. This trailer issimilar to the DDA series decontamination apparatus. Theapparatus consists of a vertical boiler. one steam chamber, and a portable shower unit. The system can decontaminate between20-40 uniforms per hour. Protective Measures Medical personnel are well trained, well equipped, and sufficient innumber to handle the chemical casualties they are able to treat.However, the Iraqi military does not evacuate its casualties during abattle. As a result, a higher percentage of Iraqi soldiers die fromtheir wounds before receiving medical attention. This reduces thenumber of casualties the medical units must treat. The forward medical point provides initial care. The brigademedical point is located approximately 20 kilometers to the rear,and provides a larger, better equipped medical facility which can provide limited surgical procedures. A complete medical fieldhospital in the division rear administrative area is located approximately 40-60 kilometers behind the FEBA. Each Iraqi soldier is provided with an unidentified Soviet-style protective mask, gloves, two-piece protective suit, anc decontamination kit. Included in each kit is a spring-loaded, pressure sensitive atropine injector and an unidentified decontamination agent for use against blister chemical agents(such as mustard). The principal type of chemical:protective suit used by Iraqi militaryis a Soviet-made impermeabl~ butyl rubber suit of a 1970s vintage. The Iraqis are probably using the Soviet-made Schlem mask of1970s technology. This mask is also made of butyl rubber, and fits over the chin in the front and down to the hairline in the back. Although of older technology, the mask is effective against chemical attack. 168 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER HANDBOOK 100-91 CHAPTER14 5. NBC TRAINING 6. CONCLUSION NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL WARFARE Unit Training Ground troops appear to be well trained in NBC defense and are confident in the use of their equipment. Practical experience has been gained during the Gulf War while operating in an NBC environment. Chemical Defense Officer Training Iraqi officers originally were trained in NBC in the Soviet Union according to Soviet doctrine. Utilization of chemical weapons as a force multiplier is taught in the Iraqi Staff College and evolved from a strategic role to a more conventional role. The Iraqi CW threat is serious. Iraqi forces are well prepared for chemical warfare, even in the heat of the desert, and have demonstrated no compunction about using chemical weapons against either military or civilian targets. Iraqi forces would be highly likely, if not virtually certain, to use chemical weapons in any defensive situation where they were being pushed back. Iraqi forces would be highly likely to use chemical weapons as an integral part of any offensive. Once Iraqi forces begin using chemical weapons, they would probably be willing to use their entire chemical arsenal. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS 170" NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER CHAPTER15 DIRECTED ENERGY WARFARE CHAPTER15 DIRECTED ENERGY WARFARE The Iraqi laser threat is assessed as low. Currently available U.S. laser eye protection devices are judged adequate to protect personnel. Iraq has several hundred laser rangefinders and laser target designators that could possibly threaten close-in ground troops. These units can cause eye or sensor damage. The maximum damage range in the daytime is: • 1 km for eyes (dazzles to 2 km) • 3 km for sensors Most of these devices are useless against aircraft and aircrews because of the physical mounting of the laser. Damage range is reduced by dust but is increased at night or when optics such as binoculars are used. While the probability of equipment or eye damage is low, some laser effects, such as dazzle or illumination of cockpit canopies, may be observed. Illumination well below hazard levels can produce significant canopy glare which may cause confusion and obscure the target. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS 172 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER CHAPTER16 COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT Inventory Distribution The distribution of inventory levels is designated as follows: • Front line • Second line • Third line • Fourth line The front line supplies inventory is located in the vehicles and the inventory at the battalion and brigade level. The second line supplies inventory is in the -division rear. The third line supplies inventory is in the corps maintenance area ("lacking Items Supply Depot") and in GHO depots in the forward transportation area. The fourth line supplies inventory is in the GHO depots. In the brigade and division rear, supply is accumulated for 1-2 days at each echelon and is often termed "daily maintenance." 3. DIVISION SUPPLY SYSTEM The division is the basic formation in the Iraqi army. It incorporates all the logistics echelons necessary to ensure its operational readiness. Rear Administrative Area The rear administrative area (RAA) is located in the division rear, out of enemy artillery range, in an area which provides suitable cover and concealment and is near the lines of communication. The RAA is secured by troops from the division commando force, the reconnaissance battalion, or the air defense regiment. Composition of the security force depends upon the threat. The RAA includes one distribution point for each brigade and other units organic or attached to the division, where vehicles loaded with ammunition, fuel, food, and equipment are parked during combat operations. The number of distribution points and the distance between them are determined based o'l the deployment methods of the units in the field. Also in the RAA are mobile workshops and administrative organizations of the division maintenance units. The distribution points are operated by an office called the "Regulation Center." Their function is to collect information regarding the supply situation, regulate supply flow to the distribution point, and supervise the approach routes. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS CHAPTER16 COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT • Fourth Echelon Fourth line workshops (depot) are workshops at the GHQ level which carry out complicated repairs and overhaul of AFVs and other vehicles. The GHO electrical and mechanical engineering administration establishes field workshops and medium workshops along the lines of communication leading from the rear to the front. Their roles are to provide assistance, when required, to second and third line workshops at the combat echelon, and repair of armored fighting vehicles and other vehicles which break down along the way. Recovery and Evacuation Priority for recovery in combat is given to damaged armored fighting vehicles and other vehicles which can be repaired speedily. As a general rule, "empty" vehicles returning to the rear carry wounded soldiers or damaged equipment. Vehicles are evacuated to the echelon which repairs the amount of damage sustained; light, medium or heavy. 6. TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT OF LOGISTICS Transportation Company, Supply and Transportation Battalion, Division A transportation company consists of a headquarters, three (or more) supply and transport platoons, a mixed platoon (or part of a platoon), and a repair squad (attached from the electrical and mechanical engineer section). · In practice, in an armored or mechanized infantry brigade, there are 60 to 120 trucks with a capacity of 3 to 5 or 3 to 1 0 tons. Additionally, there are two tankers in every company. Each transport company is capable of delivering a brigade's supply requirement for each day. Mixed Transport Platoon The mixed transport platoon consists of three ammunition and fuel squads. and a food and equipment squad. The authorized manpower in the platoon consists of 1 officer, 2 warrant officers, 29 NCOs, and 14 soldiers. The role of the mixed platoon is the transport of supplies to units in the brigade that are not able to reach the brigade distribution point. THE IRAQI ARMY: ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS