DOCSLIB.ORG

(U) Russian Forces in the Western Military District

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

June 2021 Russian Forces in the Western Military District Konrad Muzyka Rochan Consulting DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release: distribution unlimited. Cleared for public release IOP-2020-U-028759-1Rev Abstract In this CNA Occasional Paper, Konrad Muzyka provides an in-depth assessment of Russia’s Western Military District, which consists of robust forces spanning regions including St. Petersburg, Moscow, Kursk, and Kaliningrad. Muzyka’s analysis provides an up-to-date overview of the current force structure and posture of this military district, which underwent deep structural reforms between 2013 and 2019 to better address Western threats. These forces include the 6th and 20th Combined Arms Armies, the 1st Guards Tank Army, three airborne divisions, the 6th Air and Air Defense Army, and a self-sufficient force in the Kaliningrad exclave. Muzyka also discusses the Zapad-17 military exercise, and provides assessments of ongoing modernization in the district. This report is part of a series generously funded by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. CNA’s Occasional Paper series is published by CNA, but the opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of CNA or the Department of the Navy. Distribution DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release: distribution unlimited. 6/28/2021 This work was performed under Specific Authority Contract No. G-19-56503 Cover image credit: Пресс-служба Президента Российской Федерации [Press Service of the President of the Russian Federation], “Совместные российско-белорусские стратегические учения «Запад-2017»“ [Joint Russian-Belarusian strategic exercises "West-2017"], September 18, 2017, http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55644/photos. Approved by: June 2021 Michael Kofman, Research Program Director Russia Studies Program Strategy, Policy, Plans, and Programs Division Request additional copies of this document through [email protected]. Copyright © 2021 CNA Executive Summary This paper provides an updated order of battle assessment of existing units in Russia’s Western Military District (mainland Russia and the Kaliningrad Oblast), analyzes roles assigned to them, and places Russian force posturing into a context of the post-2014 security situation. It analyzes how the Russian armed forces have developed their capabilities and how they have reorganized their forces in the last six to eight years and, subsequently, how they have prepositioned their presence to address threats emanating from the western operational direction. This is placed within the context of military operations in Georgia and Ukraine as well as increased NATO presence in the Baltic States. The paper also examines scenarios practiced during the Zapad-17 strategic-operational exercise and efforts needed for Russia to fully engage in high-end, high-tempo combat operations in its immediate neighborhood. Although the document lists equipment that is fielded into specific units, it does not seek to provide a detailed table of organization and equipment (TO&E). CNA Occasional Paper | i This page intentionally left blank. CNA Occasional Paper | ii Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 1 Methodology .......................................................................................................................................................... 2 The Western Military District – An Overview ................................................................................... 4 The 1st Guards Tank Army ...................................................................................................................... 9 The 6th Combined Arms Army ............................................................................................................. 18 The 20th Combined Arms Army .......................................................................................................... 22 Units Subordinate to the Western MD ............................................................................................... 24 Airborne Forces ......................................................................................................................................... 28 The 6th Air and Air Defense Army ...................................................................................................... 33 Fixed- and rotary-wing units ....................................................................................................................... 35 Air defense .......................................................................................................................................................... 38 The Kaliningrad Oblast ........................................................................................................................... 42 Ground components ........................................................................................................................................ 43 Naval forces ........................................................................................................................................................ 47 Air and air defense forces ............................................................................................................................. 50 Ongoing Modernization, Finished Reform ....................................................................................... 52 Figures .......................................................................................................................................................... 55 Tables ............................................................................................................................................................ 56 Abbreviations ............................................................................................................................................. 57 CNA Occasional Paper | iii This page intentionally left blank. CNA Occasional Paper | iv Introduction Between 2013 and 2019, Russian forces in the Western Military District (MD) underwent deep structural and organizational reforms to ensure that they are able to respond to a range of contingencies on Russia’s western borders. Yet, there is little verified information in open sources on the full structure of units deployed to guard the Russian western flank. What has driven reorganization and rearmament in the Western MD? Where are the units deployed? What missions are assigned to front-level and operational-level units? How have reforms affected the ability to conduct all-arms warfighting operations? In 2012, the Russian ground force presence in the western parts of the country was scant. Land forces fielded the 6th and 20th Combined Arms Armies, with the latter one deployed in Mulino, 350 km (217 miles) east of Moscow. These two operational-level units generated field four motor rifle brigades (MRBs) and two tank brigades.1 Even though two additional MRBs under MD’s command provided supplementary firepower, maneuverability, and flexibility, it is fair to say that this part of Russia was insufficiently protected. These deficiencies stemmed from a rather benign view on threats to the Russian military security, which did not assume any immediate threats. The expansion of military presence in the Western MD and its reorganization commenced with the departure of the deeply unpopular minister of defense, Analoty Serdiukov, in 2012. The advent of Sergei Shoigu as Serdiukov’s replacement paved the way for a gradual reintroduction of more robust forces into the district, which manifested in the reestablishment of the 1st Guards Tank Army in 2013. Since then, modernization and reorganization processes have swept across the district, also largely as a consequence of the Russian military involvement in Ukraine. Since 1991, main organizational reforms seem to have concluded and Russian forces in the Western MD have never been more capable. This is seen through the deliveries of new equipment, increased readiness, expanded force structure, combined-arms exercises, and enlarged and improved combat support service and logistics. Although the defense of the homeland seems to be the primary mission, forces in the Western MD have a plethora of 1 Shinji Hyodo and Carolina Vendil Pallin (eds.), Neighbourhood Watch: Japanese and Swedish perspectives on Russian security, FOI, Oct. 2012, p. 60, https://www.foi.se/rapportsammanfattning?reportNo=FOI-R--3519--SE. CNA Occasional Paper | 1 capabilities to engage in offensive operations in Russia’s neighborhood and quickly deliver a preponderance of power to deliver a swift victory. This, combined with the willingness to use force in order to achieve foreign policy objectives (Georgia, Ukraine, Syria) have raised concerns in NATO as to the real goals of Russian military modernization in general, and in the Western MD in particular. This was particularly evident in the run-up to the 2017 iteration of the Zapad strategic-operational exercise.2 This study seeks to present the reader with an up-to-date assessment of the Russian force posture and structure in the Western MD. In doing so, it will present an analysis of the 1st Guards Tank Army, the 6th and 20th Combined Arms Armies, and units directly under the MD command. Next, the paper will analyze assets belonging to the 6th Air and Air Defense Army, which is tasked with air defense
Recommended publications
  • People's Liberation Army Air Force Aviation Training at the Operational

    People's Liberation Army Air Force Aviation Training at the Operational

    C O R P O R A T I O N From Theory to Practice People’s Liberation Army Air Force Aviation Training at the Operational Unit Lyle J. Morris, Eric Heginbotham For more information on this publication, visit www.rand.org/t/RR1415 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available for this publication. ISBN: 978-0-8330-9497-1 Published by the RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, Calif. © Copyright 2016 RAND Corporation R® is a registered trademark. Limited Print and Electronic Distribution Rights This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited. Permission is given to duplicate this document for personal use only, as long as it is unaltered and complete. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial use. For information on reprint and linking permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions. The RAND Corporation is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. RAND’s publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors. Support RAND Make a tax-deductible charitable contribution at www.rand.org/giving/contribute www.rand.org Preface About the China Aerospace Studies Institute The China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) was created in 2014 at the initiative of the Headquarters, U.S.
  • Redalyc.Full Spectrum Operations: the Rationale Behind the 2008

    Redalyc.Full Spectrum Operations: the Rationale Behind the 2008

    Revista Científica General José María Córdova ISSN: 1900-6586 [email protected] Escuela Militar de Cadetes "General José María Córdova" Colombia Fernández-Osorio, Andrés Eduardo Full Spectrum Operations: the Rationale Behind the 2008 Russian Military Reform? Revista Científica General José María Córdova, vol. 13, núm. 15, enero-junio, 2015, pp. 63-86 Escuela Militar de Cadetes "General José María Córdova" Bogotá, Colombia Available in: http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=476247223003 How to cite Complete issue Scientific Information System More information about this article Network of Scientific Journals from Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal Journal's homepage in redalyc.org Non-profit academic project, developed under the open access initiative Revista Científica General José María Córdova, Bogotá, Colombia, enero-junio, 2015 Estudios militares - Vol. 13, Núm. 15, pp. 63-86 issn 1900-6586 Cómo citar este artículo: Fernandez-Osorio, A. E. (2015, enero-julio). Full Spectrum Operations: the rationale behind the 2008 Russian Military Reform?. Rev. Cient. Gen. José María Córdova 13(15), 63-86 Full Spectrum Operations: the Rationale 2 Behind the 2008 Russian Military Reform?* Recibido: 05 de enero de 2015 l Aceptado: 20 de febrero de 2015. Operaciones militares de espectro total: ¿fundamento de la Reforma Militar Rusa de 2008? Des opérations militaires à spectre complet: le raisonnement caché derrière la réforme militaire russe de 2008? Operações de pleno espectro: a lógica subjacente da Reforma das Forças Armadas da Rússia de 2008? Andrés Eduardo Fernández-Osorioa * Research paper based on the first and second chapter of the author’s master dissertation, completed at University College London, United Kingdom and National Research University - Higher School of Economics, Russian Federation.
  • United States Air Force and Its Antecedents Published and Printed Unit Histories

    United States Air Force and Its Antecedents Published and Printed Unit Histories

    UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AND ITS ANTECEDENTS PUBLISHED AND PRINTED UNIT HISTORIES A BIBLIOGRAPHY EXPANDED & REVISED EDITION compiled by James T. Controvich January 2001 TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTERS User's Guide................................................................................................................................1 I. Named Commands .......................................................................................................................4 II. Numbered Air Forces ................................................................................................................ 20 III. Numbered Commands .............................................................................................................. 41 IV. Air Divisions ............................................................................................................................. 45 V. Wings ........................................................................................................................................ 49 VI. Groups ..................................................................................................................................... 69 VII. Squadrons..............................................................................................................................122 VIII. Aviation Engineers................................................................................................................ 179 IX. Womens Army Corps............................................................................................................
  • Russia and Strategic Non-Nuclear Deterrence Capabilities, Limitations and Challenges

    Russia and Strategic Non-Nuclear Deterrence Capabilities, Limitations and Challenges

    Russia and strategic Briefing Paper non-nuclear deterrence Russia and Eurasia Programme Capabilities, limitations July 2021 and challenges Summary — An analysis of Russian military theory and practice suggests that Russia’s views have undergone an evolution, moving from reliance on nuclear deterrence towards a greater emphasis on non-nuclear deterrence. The development of Russia’s new long-range precision-guided weapons strongly supports the notion of such a shift. — At the same time, Russia is pressing ahead with the development of both non-nuclear and nuclear capabilities. It ceaselessly emphasizes its nuclear weapons, and its nuclear projects continue to proliferate. — In Russian theory and practice, nuclear and non-nuclear (conventional) deterrence are inextricably linked. A picture emerges of a flexible package of capabilities, with non-nuclear strategic systems complementing non-strategic and strategic nuclear weapons. — In anything less than large-scale high-intensity warfare, Russia’s non-nuclear strategic deterrent is valid conceptually and has clear practical utility. — This paper examines Russian non-nuclear deterrence in its primary, military manifestations. It outlines the capabilities involved in the exercise of non-nuclear deterrence and explores its potential limitations as well as its ambiguities. Studying these nuances offers a way to gain a fuller understanding of the challenges that they present, including for NATO. Valeriy Akimenko Russia and strategic non-nuclear deterrence Capabilities, limitations and challenges Introduction An analysis of Russian military theory and practice suggests that Russia’s views have undergone an evolution, moving from reliance on nuclear deterrence towards a greater emphasis on non-nuclear deterrence. Uncertainty surrounds this emphasis, both conceptually and practically.
  • Biosecurity in Putin's Russia

    Biosecurity in Putin's Russia

    EXCERPTED FROM Biosecurity in Putin’s Russia Raymond A. Zilinskas and Philippe Mauger Copyright © 2018 ISBN: 978-1-62637-698-4 hc 1800 30th Street, Suite 314 Boulder, CO 80301 USA telephone 303.444.6684 fax 303.444.0824 This excerpt was downloaded from the Lynne Rienner Publishers website www.rienner.com Contents List of Tables and Figures vii Acknowledgments ix 1 Putin’s Direction in the Biosciences 1 Notes 6 2 The Legacy of the Soviet Union’s Biological Warfare Program 7 The First-Generation Program, 1928–1971 7 The Second-Generation Program, 1972–1992 9 Legacy in Russia 10 Conclusions 23 Notes 25 3 Russian Biosecurity and Military Modernization 33 Russia’s Military R&D Doctrine 35 Biosecurity Threat Perceptions and Biodefense Programming 51 A Warning Sign: The Hawks Within the NBC Troops 66 Conclusions 68 Annex 3.1 Selected Russian Documents and Statements 75 Annex 3.2 Russia’s Science and Technology Priorities Since 2002 76 Notes 77 4 Biodefense and High-Technology Research and Development 87 Russian Ministry of Defense Institutions 91 Military Institutions Responsible for Advanced Weapons Acquisition Planning and R&D 115 Select Military-Industrial Complex Institutions 125 Civilian Research Institutes with Biodefense Roles 131 v vi Contents Open Financial Flows Throughout Both Military and Civilian Networks 154 Conclusions 159 Annex 4.1 A 2008 NBC Troops’ Tender Describing Future Infrastructure Work 162 Annex 4.2 Russia’s Scientific Electronic Library: eLibrary.ru 165 Notes 167 5 Civilian Bioscience and Biotechnology Since 2005 199 Developments in Biotechnology 200 Federal Programs, 2005–2016 207 Case Study 1: Consolidation of Russian Pharmaceutical Production 227 Case Study 2: Space Biology Projects 235 Case Study 3: Reforming the Russian Academies 240 Conclusions 249 Annex 5.1 Excerpts from Science in Siberia no.
  • Russia’S Presence Eldin Inthe the Military Fi That October, Russia Dispatched Two Tu-160 Strategic Middle East and Africa Has Been Growing

    Russia’S Presence Eldin Inthe the Military Fi That October, Russia Dispatched Two Tu-160 Strategic Middle East and Africa Has Been Growing

    Part 1 Security Environment Surrounding Japan Section 4 Russia ❶ General Situation ● President Vladimir Putin, who has been seeking the revival sanctions—has emerged among some of the countries with of Russia as a strong and infl uential power, successfully a close economic relationship to Russia. On the other hand, achieved reelection in 2018. In his inaugural address in May Russia’s ability to withstand sanctions has been growing, of that same year, President Putin stated that Russia is a as it has promoted import substitution, while on the foreign strong, active and infl uential participant in international life, policy front, President Vladimir Putin has taken the stance and that the country’s security and defense capability are that “there are other organizations which play an important Chapter reliably secured. He also stated that quality of life, wellbeing, role in world affairs” and the country has been demonstrating 2 security and health were his main goals, and that Russia has a growing presence in the G20 and multilateral diplomatic risen like a phoenix a number of times throughout history, forums in which Western countries do not participate, such Defense Policies of Countries Defense Policies and believes it would achieve a breakthrough again. as the SCO and the association of fi ve major emerging At the annual presidential address to the Federal economies (BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Assembly of Russia in March of that same year, held prior to Africa). the presidential election, President Putin said, “Russia ranks In addition, Russia’s presence in the military fi eld in the among the world’s leading nations with a powerful foreign Middle East and Africa has been growing.
  • Introduction to Army Leadership

    Introduction to Army Leadership

    8420010_LT1_p002-015 8/14/08 1:31 PM Page 2 Leadership Track Section 1 INTRODUCTION TO ARMY LEADERSHIP Key Points 1 What Is Leadership? 2 The Be, Know, Do Leadership Philosophy 3 Levels of Army Leadership 4 Leadership Versus Management 5 The Cadet Command Leadership Development Program e All my life, both as a soldier and as an educator, I have been engaged in a search for a mysterious intangible. All nations seek it constantly because it is the key to greatness — sometimes to survival. That intangible is the electric and elusive quality known as leadership. GEN Mark Clark 8420010_LT1_p002-015 8/14/08 1:31 PM Page 3 Introduction to Army Leadership ■ 3 Introduction As a junior officer in the US Army, you must develop and exhibit character—a combination of values and attributes that enables you to see what to do, decide to do it, and influence others to follow. You must be competent in the knowledge and skills required to do your job effectively. And you must take the proper action to accomplish your mission based on what your character tells you is ethically right and appropriate. This philosophy of Be, Know, Do forms the foundation of all that will follow in your career as an officer and leader. The Be, Know, Do philosophy applies to all Soldiers, no matter what Army branch, rank, background, or gender. SGT Leigh Ann Hester, a National Guard military police officer, proved this in Iraq and became the first female Soldier to win the Silver Star since World War II. Silver Star Leadership SGT Leigh Ann Hester of the 617th Military Police Company, a National Guard unit out of Richmond, Ky., received the Silver Star, along with two other members of her unit, for their actions during an enemy ambush on their convoy.
  • "OPERATIONS OP the 65Th ARTILLERY O.A.O. with the FRENCH XVII ARMY CORPS."

    "OPERATIONS OP the 65Th ARTILLERY O.A.O. with the FRENCH XVII ARMY CORPS."

    ha-c GROUP R0BAROH. Group IX SubJ«ot% "OPERATIONS OP THE 65th ARTILLERY O.A.O. WITH THE FRENCH XVII ARMY CORPS." By Willla-a F, Marquat captain O.A.C.(DOL) I I Fort Leavenworth, Kansas 15 May, 1935 j MEMORANDUM FOR: The Directorf aeoond Year Glass, The Oommand and General Staff bohool, ^ort L#avenworth# dUBJBOT: Operations of the 65th Artillery, C*A.C, with tho XVII French Army Corps. 1. PAPERS ACUOMPAN11.,G: i 1. A Bibliography for this study. 2. tracing of a map showing the operations of the French XVII Corps and a diagranatio repre« sentation of the operations of the 65th ArtiL lery, in this action• I note: Other than tha tthe 65th Artillery C.A.C. i actually participated in this engagement, there is little j j Information available from official sources• borne of the j dLata presented is from personal records which necea&arily are uncorroborated* Reference is made to such personal records when used in this document. II THE STUDY PRESENTED*— Operations of the 65th Artillery, O.A.C. with the XVII Corps (French) during the period 7 to 25 October 1918. III. HISTORICAL PACTS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. Forces t XVII French Army corps: Fro15tmh Colonialeft tol righDivisiont , drench 10th Colonial Division, French (X) A29 - PP 2 and 3 SIA - Chap V, Part 5 AAEC - pp 293-295 incl. 33EAEF - pp 5 and 6 H33D - P 5 * Pagea of this document are not numbered. Page 26 DI (Prenoh) 18 DI {Prenoh) 58th Brigade^ 29th Division ( U.S.) 33rd Division, less detachments (U.S.) Artillery: 158th Field Artillery Brigade lattaohed) 65th Artillery O.A.O., lest 3rd
  • Military Aviation Safety

    Military Aviation Safety

    Order Code RL31571 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Military Aviation Safety Updated November 25, 2003 /name redacted/ Specialist in National Defense Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress Military Aviation Safety Summary Military aviation safety is a concern to policy makers in both the Department of Defense (DoD) and Congress. DoD is concerned about improving safety because aviation accidents erode DoD’s war fighting capabilities in many tangible and intangible ways. DoD aviation accidents are classified by the severity of injury or property damage. Class A accidents are the most severe events and the rate at which these accidents occur is the most frequently used yardstick for measuring aviation safety. The Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the military Services (including the Coast Guard) have different roles and responsibilities in military aviation safety promotion and mishap investigations. Generally speaking, the Services have the most active and involved role in promoting aviation safety. The Services conduct two types of mishap investigations, generally referred to as safety investigations and legal investigations. In the commercial and civil sector, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducts a single investigation. The status of military aviation safety depends heavily on one’s viewpoint. There is no consensus on how well the Services are doing in promoting and improving aviation safety. Some believe that the current mishap rate is acceptable. Others believe that it is unacceptable and can be improved. Others believe that DoD should strive for, and achieve, a “zero mishap rate.” Over the past 50 years, data show that the total annual number of accidents and the rate at which they occur have significantly decreased.
  • Fm 3-21.5 (Fm 22-5)

    Fm 3-21.5 (Fm 22-5)

    FM 3-21.5 (FM 22-5) HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY JULY 2003 DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. *FM 3-21.5(FM 22-5) FIELD MANUAL HEADQUARTERS No. 3-21.5 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY WASHINGTON, DC, 7 July 2003 DRILL AND CEREMONIES CONTENTS Page PREFACE........................................................................................................................ vii Part One. DRILL CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 1-1. History................................................................................... 1-1 1-2. Military Music....................................................................... 1-2 CHAPTER 2. DRILL INSTRUCTIONS Section I. Instructional Methods ........................................................................ 2-1 2-1. Explanation............................................................................ 2-1 2-2. Demonstration........................................................................ 2-2 2-3. Practice................................................................................... 2-6 Section II. Instructional Techniques.................................................................... 2-6 2-4. Formations ............................................................................. 2-6 2-5. Instructors.............................................................................. 2-8 2-6. Cadence Counting.................................................................. 2-8 CHAPTER 3. COMMANDS AND THE COMMAND VOICE Section I. Commands ........................................................................................
  • Bulletin 10-Final Cover

    Bulletin 10-Final Cover

    COLD WAR INTERNATIONAL HISTORY PROJECT BULLETIN Issue 10 Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Washington, D.C. March 1998 Leadership Transition in a Fractured Bloc Featuring: CPSU Plenums; Post-Stalin Succession Struggle and the Crisis in East Germany; Stalin and the Soviet- Yugoslav Split; Deng Xiaoping and Sino-Soviet Relations; The End of the Cold War: A Preview COLD WAR INTERNATIONAL HISTORY PROJECT BULLETIN 10 The Cold War International History Project EDITOR: DAVID WOLFF CO-EDITOR: CHRISTIAN F. OSTERMANN ADVISING EDITOR: JAMES G. HERSHBERG ASSISTANT EDITOR: CHRISTA SHEEHAN MATTHEW RESEARCH ASSISTANT: ANDREW GRAUER Special thanks to: Benjamin Aldrich-Moodie, Tom Blanton, Monika Borbely, David Bortnik, Malcolm Byrne, Nedialka Douptcheva, Johanna Felcser, Drew Gilbert, Christiaan Hetzner, Kevin Krogman, John Martinez, Daniel Rozas, Natasha Shur, Aleksandra Szczepanowska, Robert Wampler, Vladislav Zubok. The Cold War International History Project was established at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., in 1991 with the help of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and receives major support from the MacArthur Foundation and the Smith Richardson Foundation. The Project supports the full and prompt release of historical materials by governments on all sides of the Cold War, and seeks to disseminate new information and perspectives on Cold War history emerging from previously inaccessible sources on “the other side”—the former Communist bloc—through publications, fellowships, and scholarly meetings and conferences. Within the Wilson Center, CWIHP is under the Division of International Studies, headed by Dr. Robert S. Litwak. The Director of the Cold War International History Project is Dr. David Wolff, and the incoming Acting Director is Christian F.
  • This Index Lists the Army Units for Which Records Are Available at the Eisenhower Library

    This Index Lists the Army Units for Which Records Are Available at the Eisenhower Library

    DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER LIBRARY ABILENE, KANSAS U.S. ARMY: Unit Records, 1917-1950 Linear feet: 687 Approximate number of pages: 1,300,000 The U.S. Army Unit Records collection (formerly: U.S. Army, U.S. Forces, European Theater: Selected After Action Reports, 1941-45) primarily spans the period from 1917 to 1950, with the bulk of the material covering the World War II years (1942-45). The collection is comprised of organizational and operational records and miscellaneous historical material from the files of army units that served in World War II. The collection was originally in the custody of the World War II Records Division (now the Modern Military Records Branch), National Archives and Records Service. The material was withdrawn from their holdings in 1960 and sent to the Kansas City Federal Records Center for shipment to the Eisenhower Library. The records were received by the Library from the Kansas City Records Center on June 1, 1962. Most of the collection contained formerly classified material that was bulk-declassified on June 29, 1973, under declassification project number 735035. General restrictions on the use of records in the National Archives still apply. The collection consists primarily of material from infantry, airborne, cavalry, armor, artillery, engineer, and tank destroyer units; roughly half of the collection consists of material from infantry units, division through company levels. Although the collection contains material from over 2,000 units, with each unit forming a separate series, every army unit that served in World War II is not represented. Approximately seventy-five percent of the documents are from units in the European Theater of Operations, about twenty percent from the Pacific theater, and about five percent from units that served in the western hemisphere during World War II.