CHAPTER 1: OPFOR Structure and Task Organization Principles

1-13 AIR DEFENSE TASK ORGANIZATION.

    The OPFOR unit’s mission and location determines the amount of air defense coverage, regardless of what has been actually attached to that unit. As with artillery and antitank assets, the OPFOR allocates the majority of air defense units to support maneuver units conducting the main effort. For example, in general order of priority, the division air defense regiment provides air defense coverage to the division command post, main axis maneuver units, division artillery group, second echelon and minor axis units, and the logistics tail. Therefore, the first echelon of the main effort or a battalion operating as an FSE or advance guard’s coverage will be substantially different from a second echelon force. For example, the vast majority of brigade air defense assets are allocated to the first echelon, leaving the second echelon dependent upon protection provided by the division SAM regiment.

    a. Deployment of Systems.

        (1) SA-7/14/16/18.

• A squad (one vehicle with three launcher teams) from the MIBN AD platoon is normally assigned to each MIC. It is usually deployed within 20-30 m of the company commander.

• Brigade and divisional HQS have dedicated SA-7/14/16/18 squads for self-protection as do SA-6/8/15 batteries.

• The OPFOR may use these systems to establish air defense ambushes or as roving units to cover gaps or less likely air avenues.

        (2) 2S6/ZSU-23-4.

• Normally employed in pairs with systems located within several hundred meters of each other.

• If two pairs are employed together they are separated by 1000 to 2000 m.

• A section or platoon normally supports advance guards and forward detachments.

• In the assault, sections normally support first echelon battalions, moving directly behind the first echelon companies.

• In the defense, sections again are used to support first echelon battalions. They are normally located within a battalion's defensive area.

• These systems may also be used to establish air defense ambushes or as roving units to cover gaps or less likely air avenues.

        (3) SA-9/13.

• Provide area coverage to the brigade.

• Normally operate as a platoon (four systems).

• On the march, the platoon moves with the brigade main body.

• Probable missions in the offense include protection of the brigade main CP and supporting artillery.

• In the defense, the platoon locates in the brigade defensive area positioned where it can provide coverage of the brigade CP and artillery battalion/BRAG.

        (4) SA-6/8/15.

• Typical employment is to have one battery support each first echelon brigade with the remaining batteries providing area protection to the rest of the division.