In this engaging discussion, Senior Intelligence Analyst Jerry Leverich, veteran Flip Boyer, and Colonel (Retired) Rich Creed unpack the complexities of Russian military tactics compared to those of the U.S. They explore the evolution of defense strategies amid modern conflicts like the war in Ukraine. Key highlights include the intricacies of Russian logistics, command dynamics, and the contrasting artistic versus scientific approaches to warfare. The insights shed light on how these two military giants adapt and rethink their strategies on the evolving battlefield.
The U.S. Army has revised its defensive doctrine to recognize the critical role of defense in contemporary warfare, emphasizing terrain retention and tactical flexibility.
Russian military strategy heavily relies on artillery as a central component of combat operations, reflecting a distinct approach to integrating firepower and ground maneuvers.
Deep dives
Reevaluating Defense Doctrine
The current U.S. Army doctrine regarding defense has undergone significant revisions to address its historically offensive-oriented mindset. Previously, the doctrine suggested that defense was merely a prelude to an attack, which failed to account for various tactical situations that necessitate strong defensive strategies. The lessons learned from the 2022 Ukraine conflict highlighted the need for a nuanced understanding of defense, emphasizing its contextual purpose in retaining terrain or fixing the enemy. This acknowledgment has led to a broader acceptance within the U.S. military of the defense as a critical element of warfare, which is now tailored to modern challenges like transparency on the battlefield and advanced enemy capabilities.
Comparing U.S. and Russian Offensive Operations
In offensive operations, the U.S. Army emphasizes a systematic approach, leveraging echelons of formations to conduct operations effectively. The goal is not only to defeat enemy forces but also to gain vital intelligence and secure key terrains, often coordinating efforts across multiple units. In contrast, Russian doctrine has historically emphasized artillery and fires as the primary means of destruction, with ground maneuvers typically following rather than leading the attack. This divergence in strategy showcases a fundamental difference in how each military prioritizes the integration of offensive capabilities, reflecting broader cultural and operational philosophies.
Understanding Russian Tactical Evolution
The Russian military has faced challenges in adapting to modern warfare, particularly in logistics and integration of smaller units during the conflict in Ukraine. Initial efforts reflected a reliance on battalion tactical groups (BTGs) that struggled with efficient logistics and command structures, leading to operational difficulties. However, recent reforms signal a return to traditional division structures combined with an emphasis on artillery, allowing for better logistical support and enhanced operational effectiveness. This evolution demonstrates Russia's efforts to integrate combined arms operations more effectively, reflecting a commitment to learn from past shortcomings encountered in recent engagements.
The Role of Artillery and Fires in Russian Doctrine
Artillery is viewed as the foundational element of Russian military strategy, often dominating their approach to combat. This is encapsulated in the doctrine that prioritizes predetermined firepower calculations to obliterate enemy forces before maneuvering into position. Despite early challenges faced in the Ukraine conflict, the Russian army has adapted by enhancing its artillery capabilities and integrating advanced targeting systems, thereby increasing the effectiveness of fire support in operations. This reliance on massed fire highlights a distinct operational philosophy where volume of fire often outweighs precision, shaping the modern battlefield experience.
Our host Lieutenant Colonel Lisa Becker returns to the conversation on Russian Threat Doctrine based on ATP 7-100.1, Russian Tactics. She is joined by TRADOC G2’s Senior Intelligence Analyst, Mr. Jerry Leverich, Mr. “Flip” Boyer, and Colonel (Retired) Rich Creed. In this episode, they place Russian and US doctrine side-by-side to discuss the defense, offense, use of fires, employment of combined arms, and planning ofmilitary operations. They use historical events and current operations to showcase the differences and similarities between how these armies fight.
Check out more on this topic at Russia Landing Zone | How Russia Fights | TRADOC G2 Operational Environment Enterprise: https://oe.tradoc.army.mil/russia-landing-zone-how-russia-fights/
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