As we head into the holiday season moving our eyes from the Taiwan Strait to the Donbas region of Ukraine, let’s pause a bit on the later.
Most readers here are up to speed on the huge Russian military buildup on the border there, so no reason to rehash that.
If the diplomats and politicians fail and conflict does come – what can we expect from the Russians the the lessons they have learned about modern combat the last half decade ago?
Well, let’s go to primary sources. In the spring of 2018, Russian General Staff Chief, General of the Army Valery Gerasimov gave a speech at the Russian Academy of Military Science. Of note, he’s held that position for 9 years.
I encourage you to read the whole thing while pondering what additional items of emphasis he’s refined in the last 3-years, but there are certain common themes.
When General and Flag Officers repeat themselves they do it for a reason. When a Russian General Officer repeats himself, listen closer.
How are we manned, trained, and equipped for these challenges in both an offensive and defensive profile?
What kind of Armed Forces are necessary so as to guarantee the safeguarding of Russia’s military security and protect its national interests?
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The role of radio-electronic warfare, information-technical effects, and information-psychological effects is expanding.
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Combat command and control systems ensure the maximum automation of support and decision-making processes, weapons control, communication of orders and delivery of information about their implementation.
Achievement of success in contemporary military operations is impossible without gaining superiority in the command and control of troops and forces.
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Economic targets and the enemy’s system of state control will be subjected to priority destruction.
In addition to traditional spheres of armed struggle, the information sphere and space will be dynamically involved. Countering communications, reconnaissance, and navigation systems will play a special role.
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…air assault forces are being developed as the foundation of the rapid reaction forces. Tank subunits have been formed to increase their combat capabilities and ensure independence of operation in air assault formations. Radio-electronic warfare subunits and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) subunits are being created as part of all formations.
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Forces are being outfitted with equipment for radio-electronic warfare against aerospace resources, navigation systems, and digital radio communications systems. Resources for countering precision weapons are being improved.
Have you hugged your EW professional today?
After a few decades of fighting relatively unsophisticated enemies – and losing one conflict against them – we should be a bit humble and critical of how good we are against the way more significant opponents intend to fight the next war against us.
They’ve been watching us a lot more than we’ve been watching them.
h/t Gray Connolly.
