Motorized rifle troops
The motorized rifle troops , in short: mot. Rifle troops (NATO spelling: MotSchützentruppen / motor rifle troops ), were a main branch of the land forces of the Soviet Army , which was developed from conventional infantry after the Second World War . Based on their model, motorized rifle troops were also built up among the land forces of the National People's Army of the GDR and the other armed forces of the Eastern Bloc and the Warsaw Pact , which could carry out various types of combat . In terms of operational principles, equipment and combat value, they were comparable to the mechanized infantry of the NATO armies , but also to the mechanized and light troops , for example the Swiss army .
Mot. Schütze (n) , also disrespectful in soldier jargon as "Doktor mot." or "Mucker" was the general name for soldiers of the motorized rifle troops .
See also:
Operational principles
The mot. Protect troops possessed addition to the usual infantry armament on armored, highly mobile, off-highway and floating combat equipment. They were able to carry out or take part in combat operations independently of the year and time of day, under any terrain and climate conditions, mounted or on foot, independently or in association with other armed forces. The motorized rifle troops differed significantly from the infantry of the Second World War in terms of armament, equipment, organization and tactics. They were generally divided into:
- Mot. Rifle Associations = Mot. Rifle Divisions (MSD)
- Motorized rifle troops = motorized rifle regiments (MSR) / independent motorized rifle battalions (MSB)
- Motorized rifle units (according to NATO understanding = sub-units) = motorized rifle companies , motorized rifle trains and motorized rifle groups .
Motorized rifle group
The motorized rifle group was the smallest form of structure of the motorized rifle troops and was at the same time the smallest tactical unit / sub-unit. The armament consisted of the typical rifle weapons, such as submachine gun (MPi, according to NATO understanding assault rifle ), light machine gun (LMG) and reactive anti-tank rifle (RPG). The mot. Rifle group acted as a rule in the stock of the mot. Rifle platoon , whereby separate use was also possible.
Motorized rifle group:
- Squad leader
- MPi-Schütze, also deputy group leader
- LMG contactors
- RPG-7 shooter
- three to six other MPi shooters
Motorized riflemen
The motorized rifle train (MSZ) was usually part of the motorized rifle company , but could also act independently. In the offensive battle, his mission was to break into the enemy's position, continue the attack in the specified direction and repel counterattacks. The attack could be made while moving or from direct contact with the enemy. The defensive battle usually took place from an assigned, pioneer-like platoon base. In march protection, it could be used as a tip, side or back protection.
motorized rifle train:
- Platoon leader
- three motorized rifle groups
Motorized rifle company
The motorized rifle company (MSK) acted as a rule as part of the motorized rifle battalion , although short-term independent actions were also provided. For example, the motorized rifle company was able to do the following independently:
- Enlightenment - as a violent reconnaissance group
- Guard and security service - as a field guard department
- March - as march protection
- Attack and encounter combat - as an airborne unit.
In order to fulfill certain tasks, the motorized rifle company was to be reinforced by (partial) units of other branches of arms and special troops .
Motorized rifle company:
- Company commander
- Hauptfeldwebel (in the sense of company sergeant ), with Schirrmeister and Funkmeister
- three motorized rifle trains
- Machine gun group
- up to two sub-units of other branches of service (in group size)
Motorized rifle battalion
The motorized rifle battalion (MSB) was an integral part of the motorized rifle regiment and usually acted in its inventory, but could also be deployed independently over a certain period of time as a general tactical troop unit, such as an airborne unit, advance division, rearguard, etc.
Motorized Rifle Battalion:
- commander
- Staff with: telecommunication unit (in train strength), supply group, maintenance and repair group
- three motorized rifle companies
- two companies or platoons of other branches of service
Motorized rifle regiment
The motorized rifle regiment (MSR) was usually part of the motorized rifle division and armored division , acted under their leadership, but was also able to act as an independent unit . Participation in combat or combat activities should take place in conjunction with other combat units of the participating armed forces, armed forces and special forces .
guide
- Regimental commander
- Chief of Staff with staff
- two to three motorized rifle battalions (MSB)
- a tank battalion (PB)
- independent battalions / departments
- independent companies / batteries
Motorized rifle division
The motorized rifle division (MSD) acted as part of a large unit (usually General Army , Shock Army or Tank Army ) and was intended to conduct combat activities in conjunction with other forces and resources of the armed forces and armed forces involved in the military operation , or independently to act.
- guide
- Division commander
- Chief of Staff with staff
- two to three motorized rifle regiments
- a tank regiment (PR)
- independent battalions / departments
- independent companies / batteries
Standard combat vehicles
The following overview contains a selection of standard combat vehicles of the NVA mot. Rifle troops .
- Armored personnel carrier (SPW), armored personnel carrier
BTR-60 PA, SPW early version A
BTR-60PB, subsequent version B
BRDM-1 SPW reconnaissance variant , alternative name: SPW-40P2
BTR-50 PK = full-track SPW, buoyant, with roof armor
BMP-2 armored personnel carrier
Explanation of the used abbreviations:
| Type designation | Original designation | comment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| short form | Long form | ||
| BTR-60PA | SPW, all-terrain, version A | Bronetransportjor - 60, P (rochodimy), A (modernization version) | Crew transport armored car, all-terrain |
| BTR-60PB | SPW, all-terrain, version B | Bronetransportjor - 60, P (rochodimy), B (modernization version) | |
| BRDM-1 | SPW reconnaissance variant | Bronirovannaja rasvedyvatelnaja-dosornaja machine - 1 |
|
| BTR-50PK | Full-track SPW, buoyant, with roof armor | Bronetransportjor - 50, P (lawajuschtschi) K (ryscha bronirowannaja) | NVA designation: SPW-50P |
| BMP-2 | Armored personnel carriers | Boyevaya machina pechoty | |
Gun color
The gun color of the motorized rifle troops was generally white ; similar to the infantry of the German Wehrmacht until 1945. It was used in the form of white piping or piping .
- Edge-piping of the epaulettes / shoulder pieces uniformly up to and including colonel
- Collar piping on the parade jacket and piping on the outer seam of the uniform trousers for professional sergeants, ensigns ( ensign students ) and officers ( officer students )
- Collar piping of the society jacket for officers
- Edge-piping peaked caps ensigns and officers
literature
- Dictionary of German military history , 1st edition (Liz.5, P189 / 84, LSV: 0547, B-No. 746 635 0), Military Publishing House of the GDR , Berlin, 1985, Volume 2, p. 655 “mot. Rifle Division (MSD) ".
- Military Lexicon, 2nd ed. 1973, L-No .: 5, ES-No .: 6C1, BstNr: 745.303.1, page 261 Definition: "mot. Rifle troops ”.