Introduction
Welcome back, comrade-cadets. Today we will discuss the Tank Formation, the symbol of Soviet might, and how to build a formation centred around an armoured fist.
Overview
This series of articles will explore the Soviet ground forces in detail and instruct rookies and veterans alike on the principles of Soviet combat doctrine and list-building in Team Yankee, which will be applicable in V1 and the upcoming V2 of the game. In this article, we highlight the core units available to the Tank Divisions and discuss the how the T-series vehicles differ in role, and the best supporting units for them.
The Tank Division
Tank divisions normally appear as the second echelon to motor rifle divisions as part of the Operational Manoeuvre Group (OMG) intended to exploit breakthroughs in enemy lines or shore up defences as required to achieve operational objectives. Working in conjunction with motor rifle troops, their tasks are:
- Breakthrough of enemy defences / deep strikes
- Destruction of enemy positions in meeting engagements and battles
- Support motor rifle troops in repelling enemy counterattacks
- Conduct counterattacks
Soviet armoured doctrine is built around the concept of manoeuvre warfare, and this is reflected in the design of their T-series main battle tanks and emphasis on firepower and speed. Keeping in line with the plan of advancing an average of 30-50 kilometres a day through enemy defences, the MBT’s mobility and range was key to maintaining the doctrine of rapid advance. Utilising this speed, Soviet commanders would strive to break through weakpoints across a front, and bypass strongpoints that could not be taken by force. Utilising reinforced tank battalions as part of a regimental manoeuvre, forward detachments would push through enemy territory to seize positions behind or along the axis of attack to destabilize enemy defences. A typical tank battalion would have 3 tank companies and either a platoon or company of motorised infantry attached, along with regimental artillery where available to neutralise enemy anti-tank positions.
The Soviets consider tanks to be the major ground force weapon, and the keystone of combined arms operation. Designed to operate in close cooperation with motorised troops, Soviet MBTs suffered harsh losses when unable to receive infantry support, and the lessons of Afghanistan and Chechnya showed the world ample evidence of burning wreckage. Commanders would do well to avoid the popular image of a horde of tanks rolling over enemy positions and instead concentrate on coordinating attacks in concert with attached infantry platoons to achieve victory.
The Tank Formation
For a time, Soviet MBTs lead the race in armoured warfare with technical innovations and capability, but always at the expense of crew amenities. The general rugged design and capabilities offered made tanks such as the T-54/55 and the T-72m extremely popular exports to developing nations in other parts of the world, leaving a legacy that has outlasted the Soviet Union itself. The main battle tanks available to the Soviets in Team Yankee, the T-62m, the T-64 and the T-72, will be covered in this section as we discuss their strengths and roles.
T-62m
A new addition to Team Yankee, the T-62m was introduced in Oil War and provides Soviet commanders with the option of fielding a low cost, mediocre tank with a very big gun. Introduced in 1961, the T-62 bears the distinction of being the first Soviet MBT to field a smoothbore cannon in response to the growing capabilities of western armour. Supplanting the existing T-54/55 of the Soviet army, the T-62 received numerous upgrades during its service life, culminating in the T-62m in 1983 and could still be found in reserve formations after being replaced by more modern tanks, particularly in Afghanistan and the Caucasus regions.
Having movement and protection identical to that of a T-55am, the T-62m does not stand out in terms of protection, and can be handily defeated by any other tank or ATGM in the game frontally. However, the tank brings a 115mm smoothbore cannon to the fray, boasting a solid AT21 with rangefinder and the sought-after Brutal trait. Able to smoothly move and fire, the T-62m works well as a fire-support MBT for motor rifle troops.
Unlike its more advanced cousins, the T-62m is not equipped with a stabilizer and as such, will find it difficult to move beyond 10”. Coupled with a mediocre terrain and cross-country dash, the tank will struggle to close distances fast. Furthermore, its abysmal cross rating of 4+ means the overloaded tank will probably spend a lot of time getting stuck in trees.
Utilising the T-62m
The only Soviet MBT that can be purchased in large numbers, the T-62m is recommended to be fielded in platoons of 5 for a very affordable 10 points. 3 platoons provide more than enough anti-tank firepower against most threats frontally, and can be upgraded further with Stabber ATGMs if desired. Already a fairly static tank, the addition of the Stabber ATGMs will convert the T-62m into a pure sniper role, hanging back on hills or in cover to provide covering fire for their comrades.
As the T-62m suffers from poor mobility, flanking is not possible in most scenarios. The tank excels in fire support from mid-range, away from infantry anti-tank weapons such as Carl Gustavs or SMAWs. It goes without saying that with only bazooka skirts to protect its flanks, the T-62m should not be assaulting infantry with any anti-tank weapons.
One last caveat is that although the T-62m is the cheapest MBT in the soviet line-up, it is not as numerous as its older T55 counterparts which can be found in the Warsaw pact nations. Commanders should not needlessly throw the tanks away if they can avoid it.
T-64
A technological marvel, the T-64 represented a breakthrough of Soviet MBT theory and forwarded many concepts to future generations of Russian tanks. Highly innovative and also finicky, this costly tank boasted an autoloader, spectacular mobility and advanced stabilisers. Equipping elite units in the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany (GSFG) and other areas in Eastern Europe, the T-64 would finally see combat decades after the dissolution of the Soviet union in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The premier tank of the Soviet arsenal, the T-64 comes well equipped with decent armour, BDD, and advanced stabilizers, allowing the tank to stay mobile and conduct blistering flanking movements at speed. If there is any weakness, it is the tank’s mediocre ROF of 1 and its high cost relative to other tanks in the Soviet lists.
Boasting high movement values of 14” and good cross-country movement, the T-64 is able to threaten any unit on the battlefield and get under the minimum range of enemy ATGMs with cleaver use of smoke and cover.
Utilising the T-64
The T-64 is ironically, best employed in a single unit of 4-5 tanks in support of another tank or motor rifle formation. Its cost precludes its use as an exclusive formation, as the tanks will not be able to put out enough shots to overwhelm enemy positions on its own.
Used either as a mobile reserve or as a flanking unit, the T-64 needs to hug cover and avoid exposing itself until they can get into position to strike. Utilising it as a front-line unit will get it killed fast as its front armour of 17 will not stand up to concentrated fire from ATGMs or enemy tanks.
The T-64 excels in taking out enemy armour with a very good gun. The 125mm 2a46 smoothbore cannon threatens even the heaviest NATO tank with AT22 and is only let down by the middling ROF. Concentrated strikes on isolated tanks work best, and the T-64 can be likened to a pack of wolves bringing down larger prey.
Another area where the T-64 excels in is in assaults. BDD armour confers the T-64 immunity to light anti-tank weapons commonly carried by NATO troops, particularly USA infantry, which completely lack heavier anti-tank weapons in assault barring the SMAW. If heavier anti-tank assets can be neutralised, the T-64 can assault dug-in infantry with impunity to drive them off objectives.
T-64 can also be equipped with the AT-8 Songster ATGM, which turns them into mobile long-range snipers. However, doing so is considered cost-inefficient as other ATGM equipped units can perform the same job at a much cheaper points bracket and in much greater quantities.
Equipping the T-64 with dozer blades is an option that gives them immunity to rocket-launched mines and can be considered if there are points to spare, but should otherwise not be used as a mine clearing unit, a task which should always be left to infantry support.
T-72
The iconic workhorse of the Soviet army, the T-72 took the most successful concepts from the T-64 and married them to a budget chassis which would subsequently be fielded in huge numbers and make a name as a successful export tank second only to the T-54/55 in terms of production numbers. Supplied to motor rifle regiments and other mainline army units, the T-72 is a ‘mobilisation’ model which formed the backbone of the Soviet army. A pared-down T-64, the T72 suffers from a number of issues in Team Yankee that precludes its use in many Soviet lists. However, the tank occupies a certain niche which savvy commanders can take advantage of if they choose to field it.
The main differences between the T-64 and the T-72 are the tactical speed and the stabilisers. Sporting a normal stabiliser in lieu of the T-64’s advanced stabiliser, the T-72 must suffer penalties to accuracy in order to move faster than 10”. In addition, the T-72 has less armor than the T64 at FA16, a middling value that will not fare well against most ATGMs and enemy armour. For all these drawbacks, the T-72 is merely 1 point cheaper than its more technologically advanced predecessor.
Utilising the T-72
Unlike its elite cousin, the T-72 is intended to be fielded en-masse as a tank formation. Clocking in at 12 points for 3 tanks or 17 points for 4, a formation of 3 platoons will cost 41-56 points and give soviet commanders a solid, if mediocre armored fist. Utilising them in this fashion affords list building 3-9 more points in comparison to the T-64 formation which can be spent on support options to help your T-72s.
A marginally slower and weaker T-64, the T-72 should also adopt similar tactics and utilise cover and smoke to get into a good firing position. Where possible, commanders should utilise the stabiliser move to get the T-72 into positions of cover and hammer enemy positions with the superb gun.
Similarly, T-72s can safely assault enemy infantry thanks to BDD armour. Again, enemy anti-tank assets should be neutralised before attempting this tactic. More so than the T-64, the T-72 is heavily reliant on infantry support to suppress ATGMs and must work in close support of them to achieve victory.
Having said all that, the T-72 is overshadowed by the T-64 in almost all other aspects for a small price increase. Additionally, the T-72m export variant used by other Warsaw Pact nations offer a good budget option to use in large numbers as a cavalry tank.
To MSU (Minimum sized unit) or not?
Many red players will notice a large points disparity between the basic 3-tank platoon and individual tank costs. At first glance, this ‘discount’ allows soviet players to field many more tanks than they should be able to, but this comes at the cost of morale and ceding easy victory points to opponents. Looking at historical models, tank companies in Soviet use were typically in 4-tank squadrons, with additional tanks attached as needed for the task at hand. In-game, a 4-tank platoon is 33% more difficult to fully destroy than a 3-tank platoon, assuming all other factors are equal. This translates to greater mileage over the course of the game as a savvy tank unit will have more chances to remount bailed tanks before having to take a morale test. Although Soviet morale is already excellent, a 33% chance to fail and lose the last tank should always be avoided where possible.
Additionally, the morale changes to both platoons and formations in Team Yankee V2 brings even more incentives to avoid fielding MSU, as a formation in bad spirits will automatically flee. Obviously, for Soviets this is harder with the sheer number of units you will have in a single formation, but remains a distinct possibility for tank formations, especially bare-bones ones without infantry or AA support.
Highlighted Support units
Infantry support (Organic)
As repeated thoroughly in this article, infantry support is a MUST for tank formations, and will act as the anvil to the tank’s hammer. BTR platoons are more suited towards defensive stances and provide a stable firebase of AT19 ATGM support, while BMP platoons are more aggressive and can hunt enemy tanks.
Infantry platoons must operate in conjunction with tank formations, staying within 4-8 inches of tanks to drive off potential flank attacks and infantry assaults as well as assist in destroying ATGM positions.
ATGMs
As always, Spandrels are cheap and should be taken whenever possible to provide extra ATGM support for your tank columns. A case can be made for the more expensive Storm ATGM carriers, which can threaten heavy MBTs with AT23 missiles from up to 56” away.
Recce (Organic)
Good reconnaissance is crucial for tank formations, which need to get into position as soon as possible or outflank enemy defensive positions as needed. Consider taking 1-2 recce options such as BRDMs or BMP1s to outflank your opponent, especially on manoeuvre/meeting engagement missions such as counterattack, encounter, free-for-all, and dust-up.
Anti-air (Organic)
AA assets are a must for Tank formations, which are very vulnerable to enemy helicopters or strike aircraft. 2 units of Gophers are preferred and provide the bare minimum of SAM support to drive off air units.
Artillery
Artillery bears the responsibility of neutralising enemy ATGM support through fire mission or smoke barrages, and should always be assigned to tank formations. The Hail provides cheap smoke and a handy salvo template for 4 points to provide cover for your tank formations to move into firing positions.
Aircraft
Although fearsome, the ROF of Soviet tanks will not be enough to stave off a dedicated armoured counterpush. Where possible, a unit of 4-6 hinds will provide adequate anti-tank support in any position.
Applying manoeuvre principles in list building
As covered early in the article, tank formations are tasked to perform breakthroughs, counterattacks and engage the enemy through meeting engagements. Ill suited to direct frontal attacks, tank formations fare best in manoeuvre type missions, particularly for the following scenarios: Encounter, Dustup, Counterattack, Bridgehead and Breakthrough. Therefore, the list must be built around a core of first echelon motor rifle troops with tank units to attack enemy positions from an enfilade position where possible.
Being very mobile, the success of tank troops hinges on their ability to position themselves in areas where concentrated firepower cannot be brought to bear against them. Avoid chokepoints like the plague or areas where 2 or more ATGM platoons can be brought to bear and concentrate fire on units on the objective. if coming in from reserves, which will be a very common occurrence, tank units should always position themselves where they can fully exploit the situation.
Additionally, because most Russian tanks have BDD or Bazooka skirts coupled with a high native side armor rating, they are functionally immune to NATO IFVs and LAWs (a caveat exists for Gepards, beware!). If the tanks are able to punch a line through defenses, it is optimal to utilise this chance to attack rear units such as enemy artillery or other support units. However, as with all Team Yankee games, the destruction of these units should always be towards the goal of capturing objectives.
Tank troops are very reliant on artillery and infantry support to suppress and destroy anti tank units. Smoke is invaluable for enabling tanks to get under ATGM minimum range, and infantry and their supporting IFVs can force enemy ATGMs to concentrate their fire on a more serious threat. As with the earlier article, infantry platoons are the key to either defense or attack and should always be present and threatening an objective. In tank heavy lists, infantry support tanks on the advance, assisting to pin down enemy infantry in close support and flooding the objective with bodies. If assaulting enemy infantry with tanks, make sure first to kill enough Carl Gustavs/SMAWs/APILAS/RPGs before diving in. BDD provides only enough protection against LAWs and is wholly insufficient vs anything AT15 or higher.
Unlike their NATO counterparts, Soviet tank units suffer from ROF 1 and are not optimal at the destruction of enemy tanks except in flanking moves. However, they possess the much loved brutal trait on all tank guns. This jack of all trades nature should be exploited as they are able to threaten any enemy unit they face, although they will not be able to hard-counter them. Target priority should always be as such: Enemy units on objectives >>> targets without saves >>> targets of opportunity.
Below is a sample 100pt list utilising a T-72 formation to give commanders some ideas on how to craft a list applying these principles. How would you create your forces along these lines of thought?
T-72 formation
T-72 CO
4 T-72
4 T-72
4 T-72
Medium BTR platoon w/ 2 Spigots
Small BRDM-2 platoon
4 Gophers
Division support
4 Mi-24 Hinds
4 Gophers
3 BM-21 Hails
Small BTR platoon w/ 1 spigot
Total: 100 points
No. of Platoons: 11
Additional thought exercise:
Manoeuvre forces should always prepare to operate with units in reserve. How would you split this force up?
ADDENDUM
Due to popular demand (from a certain Mr. Robinson), here is a sample list utilising T-62m and 12 Shilkas.
T-62m formation
T-62m CO
4 T-62m
4 T-62m
4 T-62m
Med BMP2 platoon
2 BRDMs
4 shilkas
4 gophers
T-62m formation
T-62m CO
4 T-62m
4 T-62m
4 T-62m
Med BTR platoon w/Spigot
4 shilkas
Division support
3 hails + OP
4 shilkas
Total: 100 points
No. of platoons: 16
26 T-62m, 2 medium infantry platoons and 12 shilkas. Make of that what you will.
Closing
The next article will cover the Afghansty air assault battalion, a unique formation for the Soviets. Check in next week to learn more about these hard-bitten veterans!
About the Writer:
Eddie is an avid painter who also enjoys anime, studying military history and hopes that Girls Und Panzer will come true one day so that everyone can resolve their differences with tank Airsoft.
Resources:
The Soviet army: Operations and tactics FM 100-2-1 ,1984, Headquarters, department of the Army (USA)
The Russian way of war, 2016, Lester W. Grau & Charles K. Bartles, Foreign Military Studies Office
