Soviet Airborne Operations in Theater War
Abstract
In July 1984, at a ceremony attended by numerous generals and officers of the Soviet Ariborne Troop Headquarters' Staff, Airborne Troop Commander - in - Chief, Army General Dmitry S. Sukhorukov presented the Hero of the Soviet Union (Gold Star) medal and the Order of Lenin to an Airborne battalion commander for courage and heroism displayed in Afghanistan. This award to an airborne soldier for combat operations in Afghanistan is one of many earlier and subsequent presentations of military decorations made since Airborne Troops spearheaded the invasion of that country in the closing days of 1979. Coming as the major's award did, on the eve of the 54th Anniversary of the Soviet Airborne Troops, it underscored the long-term and continuing Soviet commitment to airborne forces, a commitment that is striking both in terms of resource investment and in the development of innovative and demanding employment concepts. That is, Soviet military planners clearly think that airborne operations from small scale special purpose actions by lightly armed assault troops, to the large-scale strategic employment of armor - equipped Airborne Troops deep in enemy rear, are integral to the successful conduct of contemporary military operations. Reprints.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA199545
Entities
People
- Graham H. Turbiville Jr.