As part of a joint project and in close cooperation with the administrators of the site “Courage” (), the memoirs of a holder of two Orders of the Red Star and the Order of the Red Banner of the Republic of Afghanistan, reserve lieutenant colonel Valery Marchenko, have already been published. Many readers responded to his “Arab Caravan” (), as well as a story about one of the raids in Behsud, which was published as a separate chapter in the material “Come Back Alive”. Today we continue the publication of the memoirs of the courageous reconnaissance paratrooper, who served two terms in that undeclared war in Afghanistan. Valery Marchenko began it on December 25, 1979 as commander of a reconnaissance platoon of a separate reconnaissance company of the 103rd Guards Airborne Division, and ended on February 15, 1989 as commander of the 3rd Parachute Battalion of the 317th Guards Parachute Regiment 103 -th VDD.
Part 1. SHADOWS GO TO THE ENEMY'S REAR
The first combat missions of reconnaissance groups of the 80th separate reconnaissance company of the 103rd Guards Airborne Division with the task of conducting reconnaissance of the rebels (as the new government in Afghanistan under the leadership of Babrak Karmal called the enemy with whom the Soviet troops were gradually drawn into hostilities) revealed their active activities in the village areas adjacent to Kabul.
The rebels exchanged information in the dark using light signals using lamps, fires, and flashlights. The “illuminations” that the dushmans staged in the mountains and villages indicated that they had intelligence information about the Soviet troops. First of all, about the Guards Airborne Division, whose tent camp is located near the Kabul airfield.
The outings of my reconnaissance group to the village of Tarakheyl, which was adjacent by a network of duvals to the reverse slope of the dark peak, called the Black Mountain, were of a nightly nature. On frosty evenings, I led a reconnaissance group behind enemy lines, where, observing a residential area, I studied approaches to capture signalmen and couriers - the links between the Dushman underground and the rebels in the mountains. He left with a group on skis through a military outpost as part of a parachute platoon, whose fighters bit into a rocky plateau near a wide valley. I returned back in the morning.
While planning my next night out, I couldn’t get rid of nagging doubts: what if the “signalmen” had spotted my group performing a mission? Released? Didn't they strike from an ambush? – We left it for later, where do we supposedly go? And they could have been “spotted” anywhere: at the same military outpost, on Black Mountain, when returning to base. It is clear to the enemy that sooner or later we will appear on their territory to obtain information that interests us. Accordingly, a surprise in the form of an ambush or even an ambush was fully guaranteed! Thus, I thought, new, non-standard solutions for reconnaissance were needed that would eliminate accidental risks when a group operated behind rebel lines. Otherwise there will be no luck!
While waiting for the division intelligence chief, Major Skrynnikov, I warmed myself by the Polaris, contemplating an exit at night to the village area behind the Black Mountain.
"Polaris", red-hot, growled and bubbled menacingly. It seemed like it was about to explode. They say such cases have happened. And the tents caught fire from them more than once. Polaris is a purely military invention. They said they were invented by tank crews back in the Union. This is a long pipe mounted on a welded metal stand. Somewhere about a meter and a half from the ground, holes were drilled in it. At the base there is a pipe for filling solarium. The upper end of the Polaris goes into a hole in the roof of the tent. It sticks out like a rocket at its launch position. Hence the jokers dubbed the invention in a very unique way. The system was very easy to operate. Solarium was poured into the pipe almost to the very holes. Then paper or a rag was inserted into one of the holes and set on fire. The diesel fuel began to burn. Soon the pipe became hot. Everything would be fine. But due to frequent heating and cooling, the pipes became deformed, sometimes even dangerously... There was another feature associated with a serious danger. This is if one of the soldiers confuses diesel fuel with gasoline or aviation kerosene. Here the consequences could be the most unpredictable. The self-propelled gunners' orderly filled the Polaris with water. The burning diesel fuel splashed out and the tent began to burn. Luckily, no one was hurt. But the tent burned to the ground. It was impossible to approach her, as the cartridges in the magazines began to fire. It’s good that the grenades were stored without fuses. Didn't explode. The Polaris were brought to Afghanistan immediately, on the day of the entry of troops. There were not enough ordinary stoves, and there was nothing to heat them with. The wits joked: “Voice of America” has already reported that some “Red Colonel” (meaning the division commander - his last name was Krasny - Colonel Lev Markovich Krasny) ordered fifty Polaris to Afghanistan...
However, I digress a little. So I'll continue. My thoughts were based on the possible conclusions of the rebel commander, who received information about the Shuravi reconnaissance that had been spotted in his rear. From this position, he built the response actions of the “spiritual” commander in relation to the interception of the Russian reconnaissance group.
The “rebels” are mostly units of the regular Afghan army that have defected to the opposition camp. Their commanders, having a military education and graduates of military schools in European countries, including the Soviet Union, thought intelligently. The options for Russian intelligence officers to reach their rear were easy to calculate, and they understood that the “shuravi”, having studied the ridge dominating the area, “detected” the transmission of light information from the villages - to the mountain range and back.
Without a doubt, the Russians will be interested in the active activities of opposition units in villages and mountains, and will take measures to increase efforts to obtain information with the involvement of aviation. True, in this situation it is ineffective; the militants are hidden in caves, which excludes their detection from the air. Several sorties will show the futility of aerial reconnaissance, after which the Russians will have no choice but to use military reconnaissance. She has already explored the mountain range and she, no doubt, will not stop there and will delve further.
What follows? Russians will not go into villages - it’s dangerous, especially since they don’t know local conditions, and setting up ambushes within the area they are interested in is attractive. It remains to calculate the possible routes for Russian groups to reach the villages and organize their interception from several directions at once.
There is also a “clue”! Russian intelligence “ties” actions to security guards, which are armed with military equipment, machine guns, and an equipped stronghold. This means that the guarding of the “shuravi” is under visual control! Bachata and the local population will cope. The Russian guard itself does not send reconnaissance - it observes the area, defending its own positions. Conclusions: The Russians are conducting reconnaissance with special operations forces. At night, they secretly arrive at the outpost and go to the villages. Open areas of terrain are crossed at night or in bad weather, minimizing the risk of being noticed. From the logic of reasoning of the hypothetical rebel commander, it was possible to identify a dozen more factors that did not evoke optimism, let alone courage. Analyzing the situation from the enemy’s position is not in our favor!
Stop, map! How would a rebel commander think about setting up ambushes against our reconnaissance teams? Without a doubt, finding out possible routes for moving to the rear of villages, which is the main component in organizing an operation to intercept them! There are few routes - open space. The Russians can use the Mandeh, which crosses the foothill plateau from west to east, covertly and without leaving a trace. Or do something more cunning - go along the base of the ridge to the outskirts of the villages, getting lost in the folds of the terrain. This means that in this zone it is necessary to meet Russian reconnaissance groups, setting up ambushes in front of the ridge and after it. In case the “shuravi” leak through the first barrier.
“Yes, our role is not enviable,” I caught myself thinking, getting used to the image of the Dushman commander. We must forget the military outpost, it is under the control of the enemy! We need to find a non-standard solution for reconnaissance, especially with the capture of the “language”! The approach to it should be built by the opposite method. At the very least, it should have a “zest”! The enemy should not expect any actions from Russian reconnaissance to penetrate into the village zone. And at this time we must work on its territory. “Only extraordinary decisions for exploration,” I concluded, “can serve as success in achieving our goals! And what is there to hide? We will be more whole!”
Resting after a night of climbing to Black Mountain in the cold and squally winds, I thought that exploring the villages would take less physical effort, but - no matter how it is! The body was breaking from excessive stress and psycho-emotional stress. Nevertheless, I carefully prepared for my next combat mission. I worked with the scouts on “home preparations” for evading the enemy under force majeure circumstances, capturing the “tongue”, and covering the exit from the battle. I checked weapons, ammunition, equipment that was inconvenient in the mountains, and other issues developed in the forests of Belarus.
The division's intelligence chief, Major Skrynnikov, as usual, informed us, intelligence officers, about human intelligence data - ours, the Afghan one - listened to the reconnaissance group commanders, and set tasks. I had to report to him about the details of the ascent to Black Mountain and the decision to explore the coming night. After which, having secured his “good”, he left for the next combat mission, disappearing with the group in the foothills of Khingil.
Skrynnikov was not in a good mood. Slipping his prickly gaze over our faces, Mikhail Fedorovich, slowly, outlined the situation:
– In Kabul, comrades, events are brewing... How can I put this? Serious! You and I, intelligence officers, have a responsibility that is difficult to understand, evaluate and understand the processes that are taking place in the country...
The chief's preamble did not evoke any emotion among the officers. Therefore, we silently listened to the boss. However, the divisional reconnaissance commander, Senior Lieutenant Ivan Komar, clarified:
– Can you give me more details, Comrade Major?
Sighing, Skrynnikov lowered his head:
- You can, guys, now everything is possible! I'll start with the main thing! Human intelligence has confirmed your information about the preparation of armed opposition uprisings in Kabul! Is this what you wanted to hear, Ivan Gennadievich?
- Yes sir! – the commander calmly confirmed.
– Indeed, rebel groups belonging to various parties and masters are infiltrating into the capital, but with a common goal - the overthrow of the Karmal government. Do you experience “light music” in the mountains? Right, Marchenko?
- Yes sir! – I jumped up. - In the villages too!..
“Sit down,” Mikhail Fedorovich waved him off. – I’m telling it like it is – the division is preparing for war! A limited contingent is drawn into hostilities with the rebels... And thoughts come to mind: do we, intelligence officers, correctly understand the tasks set by General Ryabchenko? A?
Assessing the silent reaction of the officers, Skrynnikov emphasized:
- In terms of information. Parts of the regular Afghan army are going over to the side of the government's opponents. The situation is unpredictable, I will say more - the command of the Soviet troops made a decision to conduct a military operation in the province of Kunar...
There was silence in the tent. It seemed that the Polaris, greedily devouring diesel fuel, had reduced its frightening roar. You could hear the blizzard howling, tearing at the tarpaulin of the army tent.
“From the reconnaissance units of the division,” continued Mikhail Fedorovich, “the reconnaissance company of the 317th Parachute Regiment, Senior Lieutenant Mostibrodsky, is involved in the operation. The rest work in the unit's area of responsibility.
- What about us, Comrade Major?
– And you, too, Ivan Gennadievich, form a reserve for the division commander in case of unforeseen circumstances in the development of the operation in Kunar.
“It’s kind of out of place,” Lentsov muttered.
- What else, Alexander Ivanovich! The information you obtain is of great importance, and there are parachute units to fight the rebels. Let them fight too! Our task is reconnaissance! So get to work! Look for the enemy! Knock out the data!
– Why did they “fasten” the “letter”? There aren’t enough “trigger” units, or what?
- The division commander knows better, Ivan Gennadievich, and don’t talk too much! Enough war for everyone! Let's get down to business! – Mikhail Fedorovich unbuttoned the top button of his field uniform. – Due to the fact that the opposition is concentrating in Kabul, the division’s intelligence has been ordered to focus on obtaining information about bases, collection points, places and methods of infiltration into the city. We must know the intentions of the rebels, comrade scouts! So think about it, Lentsov, do we stay in business or smoke bamboo?
The chief paused. The scouts were also silent.
– What do you have to do at night, Marchenko? Report!
Raising my head slightly from the unexpected transition, I unfolded the topographic map:
“The decision to conduct reconnaissance last night, Comrade Major, was implemented by me in linking Black Mountain and the village area to the system of security and defense of strategic facilities: the airfield and the division town. The nature of the rebels’ actions allows us to judge that they took objects of interest under visual control, which intensified the exchange of light information with the mountains... There is reason to believe that in the rocky workings of the ridges - here, here and here,” I pointed at the map with a pencil, “armed detachments spend the winter rebels... An observer was spotted in our rear zone - directly at the airfield...
– Did the rebels reveal themselves only by light signals, or maybe shots were heard? Is there movement? – the boss clarified.
- No, comrade major, the shots were not noted, the movement was not detected! But the access of opponents of the new government to light communications two or three times a night, I believe, has significant significance - there is something to transmit to the mountains. Otherwise, why this “illumination”?
- Reasonable! – the intelligence chief drew a circle on the map.
- Allow me to make a guess?
- Spit it out.
– Perhaps there is a closer connection between villages and mountains. And not only by means of light information, but through messengers and couriers. If information about the enemy is “strained” through factor analysis, the rebels have organized the collection of intelligence information about our units involved in combat guards along the perimeter of the capital. They, according to the reports of our commanders, are the objects of close attention of the local population. Therefore... The reconnaissance activity of the rebels in the strip seven to ten kilometers east of the Kabul airfield has, it is possible, the goal of an attack on combat security units.
- Uh-huh, uh-huh...
– If we look at the map, Comrade Major, we get the following picture: in the villages of Bakhtiaran, Shanikalay and Taniheil, signals were marked for three nights in a row. Who are they for? Dushmanam in the mountains! From the points of the Khingil ridge - look: here, here and here - they were answered. Thus, an active exchange of light information has been recorded... Conclusion! If the intelligence information you provided about the movement of the underground in Kabul is linked with the activity of the rebels on the approach to the capital, it seems that the events are becoming more than serious.
- Uh-huh...
Skrynnikov thought. There was something to think about for the intelligence chief of the unit! Major General Ryabchenko demanded information from the intelligence officers about the rebels: their composition, intentions, possible nature of actions. The complexity of the situation in the country was aggravated by the transfer of units of the regular Afghan army to the opponents of the Saur revolution, who had not shown loyalty to the country’s leadership. Moreover, elite units of mountain riflemen located in the border counties with Pakistan went to the rebels.
- I made a suggestion, Comrade Major, may I - a proposal?
– Just without voluntarism, Marchenko!
The division intelligence chief could smash my proposals with his own counterarguments, while not skimping on strong expressions, which Mikhail Fedorovich was so good at. However, these proposals of mine were based, first of all, on the feeling that last night my reconnaissance group was “spotted” at Black Mountain while carrying out a mission. It seems that they worked without a hitch, but, as they say, God protects the best... If we look at the situation without lyricism and drama, we didn’t want to repeat the route of entering the mission through our military outpost, where a “puncture” could have happened. Something said about this...
– The following proposal, Comrade Major: approve the decision on the group’s entry into the mission through the ridge of the Paimunar Pass. I won’t go into combat guards today.
Skrynnikov's face fell. “Will he send you to serve with the ‘adventurers’ or even further?”
The intelligence chief looked at the “hundred thousandth” “kilometer”, on which the division’s zone of responsibility was marked in red pencil.
Knowing the explosive temperament of my boss, I began presenting the essence of my proposal with a cautious phrase:
- The task does not change, Comrade Major, remains the same...
“I am adjusting the group’s exit to the Tarakheyl village zone not through the military outpost, which is most likely under enemy surveillance, but through the reverse slope of the Paimunar pass. That is, I propose to pull the rebels into the rear from behind the ridge.
– Is this a “hook”? – Skrynnikov looked up from the map.
- About seventeen kilometers...
- I don’t get the point...
– Cough, comrade major, I proceed from the fact that last night the “spirits” sensed us on Black Mountain - the signalmen were no more than three hundred meters away. In the mountains this is a long distance, but I do not rule out an ambush, interception of a group - these are real things, which is what worries me!
– There is another reason for concern related to the enemy’s “wiretapping” of our frequencies. Therefore, Comrade Major, I propose the following: include Tyutvin and a couple of signalmen in the mission. On the one hand, Nikolai will work as a repeater, ensuring a stable connection with me, on the other hand, he will explore the valley in the direction of Bagram - it will come in handy, and most importantly, he will “play along” with the curiosity of the “spirits” on the air. We have an expression in Siberia: “Knock you off your panties”!
– Uh-huh, uh-huh... You’re not “winding up”, Valera?
“Not yet, Comrade Major,” I tensed, understanding where the boss was going, “may I continue?”
- Come on, just without these... Do you understand?
- Yes sir! Listening to the broadcast, the “spirits” will come to the conclusion that we are supposedly interested in their northern direction – the villages, from which the mountains are just a stone’s throw away. But in reality we won’t be there!
– Why all this then?
– To ensure the cleanliness of entry into the task!
- Spit it out!
“At 19.00, in a car with Tyutvin and his signalmen, I’ll go to the fuel and lubricants warehouse,” he pointed at the map with a pencil. – At this time, the “boxes” of the airfield security and the “greens” are still riding. We’ll carefully “fit” under one of them and reach the dismount line on the move. Let's dismount. Nikolai will move to the top of Khoja-Ravash - I will back him up on the climb, and he and the group will cross the ridge and descend from the reverse slope to the village of Paimunar. If everything is in order, we’ll make a dash at the base of the ridge to Tarakheyl behind the Black Mountain - to the rear of the village massif, from where the “spirits” are definitely not waiting for us... The safety of the group is ensured by a “detour” of seventeen kilometers, and this, Comrade Major, is half the success!
- And if?..
“If on the descent we get into trouble with the “spiritual” reconnaissance, here,” he drew a pencil on the map, “I’ll make a counter-ambush.” Let's put down the "spirits" and come back. We will look for other ways...
- M-yes-ah, cunning...
“It would be nice to have another group to “make extra money” for the illusion of moving north,” I was fired up, as it seemed, by the support of my boss, “but I don’t have enough strength, so I ask you to approve this version of this decision.”
- Hmm, approve... Approve... Let's think...
The boss’s doubts are understandable. The burden of entering the mission increased, and in the Dushman “hotbed” we found ourselves without cover, including military guards. And that's probably not all! At the extreme point of the Paimunar ridge there will be no communication with the group at all, even if Tyutvin works as a repeater. "Dead" zone for VHF radio stations.
“Comrade Major,” I carefully “wedged” myself into the boss’s “thoughts,” “an extra “detour” of seventeen kilometers is nonsense for us. And you know it! In the forests of Belarus, even ninety kilometers were covered in a day. A “safety cushion” is created when entering a task - that’s the essence of the idea, and we’ll figure it out!
– Another night without sleep, damn you, Valera! Honestly, I don’t like your idea,” the boss concluded, clearing his throat, “you’re “failing” in the “spiritual” rear. Well, will they tax you? Where are the guarantees of a successful exit? A? What are your opinions, comrade officers?
“M-yes,” I sighed to myself, “the report is not finished...”
The doubts of Guard Major Skrynnikov were explained by the difficult situation in general. The survivability of the reconnaissance group was at risk throughout the entire mission, and the commander wanted to make sure that the reasons for the search decision were reasonable. They seemed unconvincing to him in form or content - I don’t know, but I really didn’t want to repeat the route to the combat mission area. What if they did get caught? They'll slam you down! Although... Again... In the event of an unforeseen meeting with the enemy, the guards would provide backup with fire from combat vehicles, right? The safety of the group was ensured solely by the scouts’ own strength, ingenuity and endurance!
- Going behind enemy lines from behind the ridge, Comrade Major, is an unexpected decision, but a necessary one!
– Yes, I’ve convinced you... And what about the escape routes? Cover? Insurance? Does this “thing” mean nothing? – Skrynnikov pointed out on the map a cleft between the ridges.
- This! Don't make a fool of yourself!
- No way, Comrade Major! We’ll get past the “thing” before the “spirits” give chase. Comrade Major, let's break away from them! You know my “rexes”! We have no equal in the valley, and the best way out of the task is to rush near the ridge to the military outpost.
- Why?
– The valley is an open area. At night in a snowstorm you can’t see anything, and meeting the enemy head-on is easy! The one who turns out to be sharper will be lucky... The opposite is also possible!
- Will they “play” to intercept?
- They can, Comrade Major, the spread of light sources over the area is large, which means that the deployment of rebel detachments is extensive.
- What else? Are you lying, hiding something? – the boss narrowed his eyes.
There was nothing to lose.
“There I’ll cut down the tongue, Comrade Major,” I modestly recorded the “brilliant” thought of my reasoning.
- In the village?! "Language"? – Skrynnikov cried, jumping up from the table.
- Yes sir! – I barked in corporal style, “eating” my superiors with my eyes.
Major Skrynnikov rushed to the barrel of water:
- I forbid you to go into the village, Marchenko! Clear?
- That's right, Comrade Major! You misunderstood!
– What – “I misunderstood”?
– When “opening” a village, I work to capture the “tongue” outside the external duvals.
- Outside the Duvals, you say? – the boss concluded, cooling down.
- Yes sir!
Mikhail Fedorovich sat down.
- Otherwise it’s a village! Hack! "King of Parquet"! Look at me!.. Understand, eccentric head, agents confirm the strengthening of “spirits” in populated areas adjacent to Kabul. It is possible that Tarakheyl is a transit point, into which to go means to be exposed to mortal risk.
- Comrade Major, do I look like an adventurer?
- Looks like it, looks like it! – the boss reacted quickly, dismissing me.
- I won’t get into a fight with the “spirits” - I’ll explore everything around and around, look, “smell” the village and - back.
– That’s right, the area has not been studied, and the intelligence agencies are worried.
- “Spirits” are everywhere, Comrade Major, who doesn’t know this? Next to us, as military guards, in the villages. The illumination that was staged at night was amazing in its scale - they are masters!
- Give it up, “masters”...
The chief thought, studying the map beyond the Black Mountain.
- Although, maybe somewhere you are right...
Mikhail Fedorovich has “exploded” more than once, moving to high notes: he did not agree with Komar, Perepechin, Chernega, who proposed options for capturing the “language” - they argued, insisted! Creative work was underway to complete the combat mission.
- Comrade Major, it is clear that it is too early to “open up” the Dushman region with deep reconnaissance! I promise not to break any wood and to be back by dawn.
Skrynnikov jumped up again, waving his arms:
– Forget about deep reconnaissance and don’t go into the village! Your task is to capture a signalman in the outer zone of populated areas, I forbid you to interfere further! Adventurer! Pure adventurer, insult you! – Mikhail Fedorovich blurted out in his hearts, wiping his sweat with a soldier’s handkerchief.
In the end, they decided: at night I would work on the northern outskirts of the village of Tarakheyl and partially understand the situation along its perimeter - no other proposals were received.
– Weigh the group’s capabilities, Valera, the chances of survivability, I’ll be in touch, if you run into “spirits” - “get out” in plain text. Understood?
- Yes sir!
- Look at me! – Skrynnikov showed his fist.
“Yes, Comrade Major,” I stood at attention, “devouring” my superiors with my eyes, “permission to go?”
Hopelessly dismissive, Mikhail Fedorovich sighed:
“Ugh, it’s easier to go to the “spirits” and come back alive!”
Personal preparation for the exit took a little time. He put a pistol fastened to a sling into a special pocket of his landing jacket, tightened the AKMS 7.62 mm belt with PBS - a silent flameless shooting device, adjusted the “unloading” or “bra” for six magazines, an AK bayonet, rockets, grenades, promedol. I put on an RD (landing backpack) with additional ammunition of six hundred rounds, dry rations, water, a first aid kit, and a pair of dry footcloths. Jumped. Doesn't rattle. I went out to the scouts. Dusk was coming.
- Comrade Guard Lieutenant, a reconnaissance group has been built to carry out the combat mission. Deputy commander of the guard group, Sergeant Safarov.
- At ease.
Looking at the guys' faces, he smiled. Here they are, my “eagles”: Sergey Safarov, Andrey Ivonin, Vladimir Sokurov, Igor Nishchenko, Gennady Baravkov, Alexander Arkhipov, Alexander Fetisov, Mikhail Gaponenko, Vyacheslav Ksendikov... Warriors with tough and determined looks froze in the ranks! Their names, documents, letters from relatives, loved ones - everything that had to do with intelligence remained at the base. Shadows were leaving behind enemy lines!
- Comrade Guard Major, the reconnaissance group is ready to go on a combat mission! The commander of the guard group is Lieutenant Marchenko,” I reported to the intelligence chief, who came up with a parting word.
- At ease!
Mikhail Fedorovich walked along the line of scouts and, as always, was laconic:
- We have to complete the task, guys! Necessary! How do you look at this?
“We’ll try, Comrade Major,” answered Fetisov (nicknamed “Grandfather”).
- Okay, I’ll go and report to Colonel Petryakov, and you, with God, take care of yourself!
Having wished him success, Major Skrynnikov entered the tent to report by telephone to the division chief of staff about the group’s departure for a combat mission.
- People in the back, Sergei!
I approached Tyutvin, who was sending a signalman with me.
“Private Kibitkin,” the soldier introduced himself.
- Are you in the mood, scout?
- It's fine, Comrade Lieutenant.
– Remember, Kibitkin, no matter what happens, being next to me means not falling behind and not getting lost. Will it be difficult?
- I can handle it, Comrade Lieutenant.
I liked the private's calm confidence.
– You can’t be captured, do you understand what I’m talking about?
- Yes sir!
- OK then. Our people - in the car, Kolya, and a few words...
- I’m coming, I’m coming, Valer...
“The highlight is the following, Nikolai,” I explained to the approaching commander of the communications platoon, “Paimunar “spirits”, intercepting our frequencies, will definitely draw the conclusion that the Russians are conducting radio communications in their own rear. They will rush into search. They will look for my group, wrinkle their “spiritual” foreheads, and by the time they finally figure out that there is no trace of us on their territory, I will be far away. By midnight I will cross the ridge and reach the northern outskirts of Tarakhail. Understand?
- I see, Valera. On-air inclusions?
– Turn on every thirty to forty minutes and give out some numbers.
- For how long?
- No. “Poburbulek” for a couple of minutes and – silence, then – again.
- Yes, I understand.
– The signals are as follows: pressing the PTT once – everything is in order, twice – I’m returning to base, three – urgent help. Well, how?
- I see, Valer.
– Climb Khoja-Ravash carefully - I’ll cover you from below, we’ll go with you along parallel routes, however, I’m leading the group east of the pass. Orient yourself in the following way: if you go halfway up the climb, I will already be on the crest of the ridge - I have less elevation difference. You will reach the top, I will go down to the reverse slope of the ridge, and then follow the script.
- How do we return?
– Push-to-talk series – take off and down, just don’t relax, Kolya.
- Let's get in the back.
After about forty minutes of driving the GAZ-66 at the edge of the airfield and going beyond its borders into the foothills, I gave the command:
- Prepare for landing.
Throwing back the awning, the scouts stood along the sides of the body.
- Don’t rattle your weapons, don’t break your foreheads!
Signal. A jump from the car, a somersault in the snow powder, and the group, bristling with trunks, was ready to repel the attack. The hum of the car died down. Listening to the silence, the scouts adapted to the background. It's time.
- Attention, Kolya! Match the route to the top with its contour against the sky - do you see?
- Good luck. And don't lose consciousness! Bathhouse tomorrow, let's take a steam bath!
– Yes, it’s somehow uncomfortable, Valerie!
- Nothing, Kolya, this is the first time! We will still win!
- Come on.
Tyutvin and the signalmen merged with the mountain range.
Take a deep breath.
- Ivonin, the direction of movement is five degrees on the compass - a pile of stones! Are you watching?
“He grabbed it,” nodded the head patrol leader.
– Beyond the watershed line, evaluate the reverse slope of the ridge. Descent east of the village.
- Prokopenko, “release” the patrol and follow him.
- Got it, Comrade Lieutenant.
– Signalman, are the signals clear?
- Yes sir.
– You follow Prokopenko and breathe down his back.
Turning to the capture group, he clarified:
- You, hussars, follow me, we are working according to plan.
- There are no questions, Comrade Lieutenant.
- Okay, Baravkov. Nishchenko?
– When descending from the reverse slope, pay special attention to the upper tier. Don’t miss the “spirits” that will be higher than us, otherwise... Am I clear?
“Extremely, Comrade Lieutenant,” confirmed the laughing sergeant.
- We're working.
Our range is not like the Black Mountain. Its height above sea level - about two thousand meters - is less, and the angle of elevation is not very steep. We will overcome it without difficulty, but there is a moment - “spiritual” reconnaissance, monitoring the airfield and the division’s military camp. God forbid, our routes intersect in boulders! A battle would arise in unfavorable conditions for us, therefore, to insure ourselves, we tracked the upward movement of the group using a night vision device.
Watch? - Visible! Ivonin climbed confidently, inspecting the slope for a possible enemy ambush. Ksendikov more often looked at his feet than to the sides, losing sight of the prospect of the hidden exit of the “spirits.” The impermissible liberty of a patrolman! The enemy must be seen earlier, preempting the attack with combinations of “blanks” worked out in training, otherwise the meeting with him will be the last.
He glanced at Nishchenko's scouts, who were covering the group from the rear - everything was fine. The guys kept their distance, two walked with their guns turned to the right, two to the left, the commander brought up the rear.
Reflections on the task quietly led to the watershed line of the ridge. The patrol explored the reverse slope, estimating the descent into the valley, and “grabbed” the landmarks of the downward movement so as not to go astray. Signal - lay down, observation. We took a breath and assessed the situation.
- Comrade Lieutenant, look, will he go?
Ivonin indicated the direction of descent to Paimunar, the southern edge of which rested on the base of the ridge.
- It'll do. Don’t press close to the outskirts - the wind is on us, the dogs won’t smell the smell. Control the tiers of the ridge.
Below is a vast valley with scattered villages and ravines, the contours of chains of ridges, vineyards occupying fields cut by ditches, and a network of irrigation systems. The lands of the village of Paimunar, at the outskirts of which we will find ourselves in about forty minutes.
We will make our next exit to the village of Paimunar as part of a reconnaissance group on March 8, 1980. On its western outskirts we will fall into a cruel and treacherous ambush of the enemy. We will accept the battle in unfavorable conditions for us, endure it, mislead the dushmans and, thanks to skill and mutual assistance, break away from the enemy and reach the base camp. But that will happen later...
In the meantime, having studied the direction of descent to a peaceful-looking village, he gave the command:
- Forward.
Fearing a meeting with enemy visual reconnaissance, the group was sent down along a conditional diagonal, which ensured wider control of the space. The lower we descended to the foot of the ridge, the stronger the sour smell of animals and the piercing cry of donkeys were felt. The important moment of the first part of the task was approaching, the “highlight” - a sharp throw along the bottom of the reverse slope of the ridge in the eastern direction. If the “spirits” nevertheless, having discovered the group, “led” us to the lowland in order to squeeze and destroy us in an open patch, we unexpectedly disappeared for them right here - near the village of Paimunar.
Another illusion was “thrown” at the enemy, supposedly of our movement to the north - into the depths of its territory. We, having merged with the terrain near the settlement, will rush away not in the northern direction, as logic dictated, but in the eastern direction - to Tarakheyl. Towards the goal of our mission! It will take time for the “Spirits” to figure out where the Russian group went. And while they figure it out, we will break away from them. Let's go to the rear of the Tarahail "spirits". We don't need the Paimunars today!
Tyutvin, most likely, got involved in the work, sending “mythical” “radiograms” onto the air, intercepting which the “spirits” went crazy from the easy bait. If they fall for her, that’s good, but not? It didn't matter! I led the group towards the object of our interests with an energetic dash. Let them catch up! We had no equal in running through the forests of Belarus, and there will be no equal in the “spiritual” valley!
Signal "Stop". They lay down in readiness for battle. I examined the north-facing ridge with a night sight, making sure that the “spirits” were not following, and studied the movement of Nishchenko’s subgroup, the peak of Tyutvin. Nothing special - go ahead.
- Turn around, Ivonin!
- Eat. Glory, attention - at the foot of the ridge.
“I understand, Andrey,” Ksendikov whispered.
They went further and further to the east. The lead patrol did not slow down the pace of movement, “punching” the route, gaining time to complete the main part of the task! Speed, speed again... Time? Fine. In about thirty minutes we will be drawn into the zone of no communication. Direct visibility to the peak where Nikolai was sitting would be blocked by a mountain spur. Overcoming the “dead” zone will take about an hour - the moment when a meeting with the enemy was excluded in principle.
– Signal “Okay”, Kibitkin.
- Yes, Comrade Lieutenant.
The division intelligence chief accepted the first information about the reconnaissance group being drawn into the “spiritual” “hotbed” - the Tarakheyl village massif. Mikhail Fedorovich will no longer fall asleep.
For about two hours, the group’s scouts ran through the snowy terrain, swearing in the most choice language in their hearts. Fatigue threw me into the snow, my dry throat stung with a wheezing that burned my trachea, but forward, only forward! Hold on…
Signal "Attention"! They fell, cooling their hot faces with snow.
“Dog barking,” Andrey whispered.
In the green background of the night sight, the outer duct of the village is visible. Did you get there? Let's clarify. Yes, guys, Tarahail is in front of us.
- Andrey, two hundred meters ahead, explore the outskirts with the entrance to the village and - back.
Ivonin returned excited.
- The village is not sleeping, Comrade Lieutenant, the dogs...
- Wow... Not sleeping, you say? The first hour of the night... The faithful sleep at this time... So, not everyone is sleeping? Any considerations?
– Maybe the “spirits” came to spend the night?
- Yeah, on leave.
- What, Comrade Lieutenant? It's not stuffy in the mountains.
- Be quiet, otherwise they'll make it hot.
He signaled to the deputy.
– What do you say, Sergei?
Safarov is Tajik by nationality and was fluent in the local dialect. He knew well the life of rural Muslims.
“People should sleep, Comrade Lieutenant.” In the village, the movement and clatter of hooves are alien. Do you hear?
- Yeah, it smells like smoke.
– Shish kebab is made from lamb and kabli pilaf...
- Don’t tease, Safarov, I’ll choke on my saliva... Better watch...
In the sight, clay walls and flat roofs of buildings were visible, but there was nothing else to cling to. Come closer, study the situation in the village? It’s dangerous, damn it, the “beater” - my cheekbones cramped up.
- Ivonin?
- I, Comrade Lieutenant.
– With Ksendikov – ensuring our exit from the village.
– Are you listening, Sergei? – turned to Safarov.
- Shall we take it, Comrade Lieutenant?
- Let's take it! Are you sure there are strangers in the village?
- Sure!
- These are militants! We work quietly! Shall we get into a fight? They will surround you like wolves and will not let you out of the valley to guard!
- Let's work, Comrade Lieutenant! Remember near Vitebsk at the reconnaissance exit?..
- Quiet. What is this?
In the frosty night you can hear the creaking of the door opening and the clatter of animal hooves.
- Donkeys, Comrade Lieutenant. Three or four,” Safarov whispered.
“Oh, may Mikhail Fedorovich forgive me! We need to go to the village! When else will you be lucky? I'll take the risk."
- To the duval, Sergei! Tiptoe into the village: with Gena you sneak along the left side of the street, I - along the right. Your task is “language”, I’ll cover it. Clear?
– If we “shine”, quickly back away! Ivonin and Ksendikov will cover the exit, Nishchenko will ensure the retreat to Black Mountain. Yavol?
- Forward.
- Follow me, Gena.
Bent down, Safarov and Baravkov slid towards the duct. Stumbling into a village blindly is the same as giving yourself up to the dogs to be eaten. There are seven kilometers of snow-covered valley to the military outpost... Will we survive? Won't they be slaughtered like mammoths? We work cleanly – “without noise and dust”. What do we have with the repeater?
- Turn on, Kibitkin.
In the earpiece of the headset, Yesaulkov, Tyutvin’s signalman, said in a monotonous voice:
– 32241, 14552, 64528…
Five-digit numbers were broadcast, creating the illusion of the active work of the “shuravi” in the territory of the Paimunar “spirits”.
After waiting for the end of the transmission, I pressed the PTT button - yes! Yesaulkov accepted! Response click! Tyutvin will transmit the conditional figure over the radio station to the division intelligence chief - Marchenko is in order.
“Comrade Lieutenant,” Ivonin touched his shoulder.
I grabbed the night light. Sparks “splashed” over the flat roof of a building with a cubic tower, and shadow fluctuations are visible. The clatter of hooves and the creaking of wood left no doubt - the village was coming to life. It seems that, indeed, the “spirits”, having descended from the mountains, dispersed to their homes.
The tension has reached its limit.
– Safarov and Baravkov are with me – seizure of the “language”. Sokurov, Fetisov - covering the capture. You, Andrey, remain the eldest - you will earn us a way out of the village.
- What if we pull closer, Comrade Lieutenant?
- Dangerous. Your position a hundred meters from the outskirts will do. We won’t go deep...
- Nishchenko, in the event of a fight, you are the last to leave - you don’t leave anyone, you carry them out! You answer personally!
- Kibitkin, stay with Ivonin, every half hour - a signal “Normal”. Questions?
- No way.
The moment of truth came when the success of the mission and the lives of thirteen people lay on the altar of fate. Great number!
- Go ahead, Sergei!
In smooth runs we went to the village. A second, third wind opened up, courage - adrenaline, I tell you, was bursting over the edge!
We went out to the duval and lay down, listening to the sounds coming from the labyrinth of buildings. Clay wall, poles, mustiness... But the abandonment was deceptive: the smells of animals, smoke, the sound of hooves on the frozen ground. The village plunged into a secret life. Let's see.
The passage between the clay walls resembled a narrow street. In the middle is the ice of a frozen bed of sewage and waste with a smell that almost wrenches your soul. I looked around. The scouts remaining with Ivonin are hidden in the snow.
“Sokurov, don’t miss the rear,” whispered to the senior intelligence officer nicknamed “Siegfried.”
– Sergey, all attention – forward! I belay on the grab. You cut down the object and - to the ground! The rest I get from PBS.
Leaning against the clay wall, we stepped onto the street that smelled of infection - no one. We sat down, listening to the night: dogs were yapping, a donkey or a donkey was yelling - it’s hard to say. Knock on wood! We looked at each other. What is this? His forehead was covered with sweat... He nodded and went ahead. A terrible thing - a dushman's night!
He raised his hand. Stop! They fell under dilapidated and half-collapsed duvals. The sound of hooves and talking were heard, and behind the wall that hid the scouts of the capture subgroup. About twenty meters later they discovered powerful wooden doors - people and animals could be seen behind them. Stop.
– Listen to what they are talking about, Sergei.
The deputy crawled to the door.
“They’re talking about Kabul,” Sergei whispered, “... they’re going to the city... there’s a lot of weapons... they’re mentioning “tufancha beads” - I could tell. We just came down from the mountains, they say it’s bad in winter, cold... “zabistan”, “harban”... not enough food... waiting for spring, the rainy season... “bahor”, “bara”... it’s better in the mountains... Comrade Lieutenant, they say “darvaza” - door, exit.
- Capture.
He leaned back and prepared to fight. Gena and Sergei huddled near the massive door, which the spooks were opening, rattling the bolts and chains. The militant who appeared in the opening with an AK on his shoulder, barrel up, hardly understood what happened to him in the next second. Pulling the “spirit” towards himself, Sergei paralyzed his ability to resist with a chokehold.
The rebels who followed took a step or two by inertia... Towards death... From a position lying on my back, I shot at each target separately - they settled down. To the yard. No one. Shots from the PBS are hardly audible against the background sounds of the night village. “Walked” through the clothes of the dead - empty. Throwing Chinese-made Dushman AKs behind his back, he rushed after the capture group dragging the “tongue”.
- Control your retreat! – whispered to Sokurov, running past.
Having passed the last dwellings, we ran into the open valley - the village was left behind. Released? Chances of survivability have increased! Shooting and screams are not heard, but the “spirits” are about to discover the dead and arrange an interception at the Black Mountain - in a narrow gorge at the junction of the ridges.
- Be careful, don’t run over the “darling.”
- What do you! – Baravkov laughed. “You laid them down cleverly, Comrade Lieutenant.”
- No more deftly, Gena, than you and Sergei snatched the dushman. Well done.
We went to Ivonin’s subgroup:
– We’re leaving for the gorge, Andrey, don’t interfere in the fashion show, keep it under control!
- Got it, Comrade Lieutenant.
We walked seven hundred meters from the village, maybe more. Silence.
– Igor, cover the retreat until it’s guarded! If the “spirits” intercept us, you engage in combat and follow us.
Running across a snowy field is an ordeal from hell! Dushman's AKs prevented us from running, constricting our breathing.
“Fetisov, hold it,” he tossed the trophy to Alexander.
The scout caught the machine gun on the fly, continuing to run through the hard snow.
The prisoner came to his senses, trying to move his legs. Gena hit the plexus and went limp.
- Prokopenko, Gaponenko, take the “language”.
The prisoner was picked up by the next pair of scouts. After about fifteen minutes of hard running I decided:
- "Dukha" - to the snow! Misha, drive him in front of you.
“Buru, buru, dushara,” Safarov nudged the rumpled dushman.
Let's keep throwing! How far is it to the gorge? Thirty minutes? Fourty? Let's beat ourselves up!
To the left one could see the outlines of the Black Mountain, to the right – the Paimunara ridge. We passed through most of the valley without interference, all that remained was to pass the crevice in front of the military outpost.
- Halt.
They fell into the snow with a run, grabbing hard pieces of crust with their bitten lips. It’s not long before the fashion show - will we have time to get through it before the “spirits” block the passage?
- Sergey, strengthen with Gena Ivonin, the gorge is coming soon...
- Yes, Comrade Lieutenant.
Chewing lumps of prickly snow, the scouts recovered from the incredible load. “Calm down,” he pounded in his head, “calmly, Valera, we’ll break through,” but it was too early to inform the commander of the combat outpost that the division’s reconnaissance was rushing to his outpost. They left the target of capture, but the enemy had contact, which means that the possibility of an ambush remained a real danger.
– Kibitkin, duplicate the “Normal” signal three times.
“Got it,” the signalman wheezed.
“Hold on, buddy, there’s not much left.” Everyone - all-round observation!
The snow cooled my face. Sweat, an infection, ate away at the eyes, in the bosom - at least squeeze it out. “This is not Borovukha, damn it,” a naive thought flashed, “but what about our “darling”?
He stood up and approached the captured prisoner. Gaponenko, lying in the snow, held him by the lunga - the turban with which his hands were wrapped.
– Don’t crush it, pack it properly.
- Yes, he is flimsy, Comrade Lieutenant.
- Don’t grumble, Misha, do what you need to do.
The scout swaddled the prisoner in a stinking, dirty turban. He put a noose around his neck and with the free end pulled his hands tied behind his back to the back of his head.
The prisoner was older than middle age. Far from being a young man. He clearly felt the pain that two masters of sports in freestyle wrestling inflicted on him. Misha correctly noticed - he’s flimsy, but if only he doesn’t give up prematurely...
- How many are left, Comrade Lieutenant?
- A little, Prokopenko, hold on! Let's cross the gorge and - home!
- It’s about six kilometers? Yeah?
- Not more. Climb. We are leaving for the foot of the ridge, do you hear me, Ivonin?
The corporal looked in the other direction...
- Comrade Lieutenant...
I've already seen the flashlight on Black Mountain. Flickering highlights, piercing the darkness of the night, flew into space: a series of signals for transmission - a pause and back - receiving the correspondent's information.
- They are signaling for our souls, Comrade Lieutenant, nothing else...
- Aim!
The transfer of information from the village area to Chernaya Gora is, without a doubt, the result of the capture of the “tongue” and the enemy taking measures to intercept the group before reaching the military outpost. Most likely, the dead were found in the village. It's time to really get going.
“There is order in the rear, Comrade Lieutenant,” reported the senior patrol officer.
- Okay, Andrey! The ambush is more obvious than ever! Shall we pass the gorge? - Fine! Do not have time? - The “spirits” will close it, and it will be bad. Clear?
- Okay, we'll fight again! Forward!
The exhausting run continued for what seemed like an eternity, burning my lungs with my hoarse breathing. The feet, buried in the snow, became entangled.
- Substitute, Misha?
“I’ll hold on for a while longer,” the scout exhaled.
- But sharper, Misha, sharper, the gorge is already visible...
Sweat poured into my eyes. A handful of snow in the face and - run, run, run...
- Three minutes halt.
Fell. He looked back at Nishchenko, who was covering the rear with Ivanov and Orlov - the guys were holding on.
- Forward!
They stood up and ran to the crevice at the junction of the ridges - the key to life and death for the reconnaissance group. Against the backdrop of the snowy valley, the Paimunar ridge looked like a fabulous monster. Its tip, adjacent to Black Mountain, formed a narrow passage to the military outpost. We will overcome it without interference - in an hour we will embrace the outpost paratroopers, no - we will lay our heads in a “fire bag”.
Less than a month later, on February 29, 1980, in the first Kunar operation near Barikot, the rebel special forces unit of the Afghan Army Mountain Riflemen would carry out a “bag of fire” ambush against the reinforced 3rd Parachute Battalion of the 317th Regiment. In a fierce battle, 35 paratroopers would die and the same number would be wounded. I will be lucky enough to command this battalion seven years later in my “second” Afghanistan...
The danger has reached its limit! He decided to lead the group to the rocky base of the ridge, where, hiding in its shadow, they could reach the gorge unnoticed. Having let the scouts dragging the prisoner through, he pushed the “spirit” with the barrel of a machine gun. The guys have weakened. They fell into the snow, got up, but walked forward, “tangling” their legs.
- Change the guys, Safarov.
Sergei and Gena again picked up the dushman.
- Listen, both of you! If we get involved in a battle, go to the outpost on your own, we will ensure a retreat, but save the “spirit”, Sergei!
“I see, Comrade Lieutenant.”
-Where are his shoes?
It seemed that the dushman was “scratching” through the snow without shoes. No, in sandals. Hmmm, fighting in flip-flops – excuse me! However, his legs are not needed, but he must save his head.
At the base of the ridge I looked around. If the “spirits” came to Black Mountain, “riding” the passage, you couldn’t think of a better place for an ambush! The crevice was alarming.
Here is the neck of the passage between the ridges. Silence. The crust of the crust creaked underfoot, glowing with a bluish sheen from the visible stars here and there. It's frosty. Eyelashes stuck together.
- How, Kibitkin?
- All right, Comrade Lieutenant.
- Hold on, guy - stop.
Fell. The capture group with the prisoner lay recovering their hoarse breathing. Burying his head in the snow, Baravkov held the end of the turban with which the dushman was tied. The “tongue” seemed to show no signs of life - no, the chest rose from the breathing of the lungs.
– What’s in front of the gorge, Andrey? Walk with a “night light” along the slope, which is facing us, we don’t really like it, it’s a “fairy tale” for an ambush!
Ivonin examined the crevice.
- It seems normal, Comrade Lieutenant.
– What do you mean “like”? Heads off! "Like"! Look carefully!
Having studied the fashion show, Ivonin corrected himself:
- All right, Comrade Lieutenant!
- Another thing! Today we have a benefit performance - you need to understand! Forward!
The danger came from the slopes of the ridges. If the “spirits” come upon them, they will allow them to enter the gorge and bring down fire from several directions and tiers at once. The group will find itself in a “fire bag” and the end will be clear.
I amused myself with the thought, I won’t hide it, that the dushmans could not get out faster than us and block the gorge. They couldn’t - and that’s it! The illumination arranged on Black Mountain is certainly connected with our appearance in the village. And the signal to intercept the group was either addressed to a pre-prepared ambush, or had a different meaning. The enemy physically could not play ahead! We slipped into his rear from behind the Paimunar ridge, fifteen kilometers from here! Thus, the Tarakheyli “spirits” have no reason to believe that the “shuravi”, having penetrated the base village at night, made a daring raid and returned through the narrow “gate”.
A pre-emptive ambush then? – A good option... But the downside is that now it’s 15-18 degrees below zero. And this is a convincing argument... The dushmans cannot withstand such cold in the mountains while waiting for a long time for the group. Have you changed? - They could. But then they must be discovered before they do!
Once again I “walked” with my night sight along the slopes of the ridges: stones, rocks, workings, recesses covered with snow - there was nothing to catch on. Is it really clean and we are working ahead of schedule?
– Ivonin, with you are Ksendikov, Prokopenko, Yarukov. You move along the left edge of the gorge. Keep your eyes on the back slope of the ridge! Clear?
- Yes sir.
– The main thing is to be the first to see the “spirits” and cut them off from the group with a barrage of fire! As they taught!
- Will not work? – You dive under the “visor”. You will engage the ambush in battle. Safarov, Paltsev, Gaponenko belay on the right side of the gorge. Can they hear me?
- Yes sir! – the deputy whispered.
– It is more convenient for you to fire from the right shoulder. Is the intent clear?
- Yasen, comrade lieutenant.
– Don’t get drawn into the battle - move, distract, push forward! The result is a tough defense - help us leave the “viper”. We'll cover your rear!
– For the “spirit”, Gena, you answer with your head.
- Get ready for the last throw. Left a little! Nobody except us!
- Nobody, Comrade Lieutenant!
- Go ahead, guys.
The scouts moved towards the gorge. Rather, it was a deep chasm about two hundred meters long, connecting two wide plains. On the other side, four kilometers from here, is our military outpost. Exit point from behind rebel lines.
- Nishchenko?
- I’m listening, Comrade Lieutenant.
– The trunks of the subgroup are on the slopes of the ridges!
Ivonin's scouts, pulled under the canopy of the left ridge, spread out, waiting for Safarov's subgroup. Great! Feeling the scheme for overcoming the dangerous area, Andrei understood that it was impossible to get ahead - he would be left without cover. Now, more than ever, the synchronized exit of both subgroups for a decisive throw is important. Happened. Safarov reached the starting line, looking for “tripwires” of mines or grenades.
- Igor, closer.
– I’m listening.
– You bring up the rear of the group and hold the rear. What if?.. - Don’t leave anyone! Understood?
- Got it, Comrade Lieutenant.
The climax has arrived - is there an ambush or not? Five minutes - silence, seven - silence... Now, now... Closed my eyes... Now... Eternity has passed... Silence...
He touched the sight. The slopes of the ridges, highlighted by the green background of the converter, did not arouse suspicion. “Well, then, go ahead!” - and crawled through a pile of stones covered with snow.
Some three hundred meters separated us from the valley in front of the military outpost. Pressing his shoulder against the rock, he carefully entered the crevice, not taking his eyes off the slope of the ridge along which Ivonin’s scouts had passed. He looked around - Baravkov was dragging the “tongue”, trying not to trip over the stones. He sat down, looking out for suspicious places in the snow-covered rocks. The gorge widened with a “bell”, behind it there was a platform on which the scouts of Ivonina and Safarova, having taken positions, covered the group’s exit into the snow field. Are you out?
The plateau was met with drifting snow. Not a moment's pause! Forward to the combat guard! Huge ridges disappeared behind them, getting lost in the veil of the approaching morning. Exhausted, they fell, got up, fell again, but stubbornly walked towards their own, covering the last hundreds of meters before the military outpost.
- Turn on, Kibitkin!
Turning on the radio station, the signalman handed over the headset:
- “Mountain”, I am “03”, accept “111”, accept “111”. I hear you! Tell “101st” to ensure access to the “economy” and receive confirmation.
“Got it, “03,” got it,” answered Tyutvin’s signalman.
How easy and free! “Come out! They didn’t fall under the bullets of the “spirits”! So we can!” – I thought while waiting for Nikolai’s answer.
- “03”, “03”, I accepted “Mountain”, “101st”. Meets! See you!
“I’m glad to hear, “Mountain,” bye,” he couldn’t contain his gushing emotions.
We're back!
- “Base”, I am “03”, went to “101st”. Completed the task. I’m waiting for the “box”, reception...
During the interrogation of the captured dushman, serious information was obtained about the preparation by the political opponents of Babrak Karmal of an armed uprising in Kabul. Handed over to the KGB advisory apparatus under the Light of Ministers of the USSR, the prisoner confirmed his testimony, which allowed the armed rebellion in Kabul on February 22-23, 1980 to be minimized and suppressed on the second day. Scouts from the 80th separate reconnaissance company of the 103rd Guards Airborne Division took an active part in this operation.
Material prepared
Alexander Kolotilo.
"A red star".
Photo from the archive of Valery Marchenko
Airborne troops. History of the Russian landing Alekhin Roman Viktorovich
DEEP RECOVERY (RECOUNTING AND LANDING COMPANIES)
Back in the mid-70s, reconnaissance and landing companies were created in separate reconnaissance battalions of motorized rifle and tank divisions, which in the first years of their existence were called “deep reconnaissance companies.” Since they were usually third in line ranking in battalions, they were unofficially called simply “third companies,” and those who were in the know knew what they were talking about. The servicemen of these reconnaissance and airborne companies wore the uniform of their divisions, but they were given a jump uniform for jumping. Often, soldiers and commanders in these companies wore blue berets. These companies did not have their own numbers, since they were not separate units.
Having been thrown behind enemy lines in the offensive zone of their division, these companies, as part of their activities in the front line, essentially carried out tasks similar to those assigned to special reconnaissance. With their own forces, the reconnaissance groups of the “third companies” behind enemy lines could organize the destruction of almost any rear object that they encountered along the way, and in any case they had to destroy the enemy’s nuclear weapons.
The training of personnel for these companies was mainly carried out by the 597th separate reconnaissance battalion, located in the village. Peschanny village, in the Leningrad Military District. There were also several more training battalions scattered throughout the vast country.
I will try to list these reconnaissance and landing companies as of the mid-80s, when Soviet military power was at its peak.
Group of Soviet Forces in Germany (Western Group of Forces):
RDR 5th Orb (military unit 60495) 27th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Halle;
RDR 6th Orb (military unit 83059) 207th Motorized Rifle Division, Stendal;
rdr 7th orb (military unit 47250) 47th guards TD, Burg;
rdr 9th orb (military unit 47596) 11th guards TD, Dresden;
rdr 10th orb (military unit 83083) 79th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Jena;
rdr 11th Orb (military unit 86881) 39th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Meiningen.
By the way, this division had one very interesting regiment - the 120th Guards Motorized Rifle Regiment, which was formed on the basis of the 201st Airborne Brigade during the Great Patriotic War, thus being the heir to the very first airborne unit , 3rd airborne brigade and airborne detachment of the Leningrad Military District. During the period of defeat of the remnants of the former Soviet power, in 1993, this regiment will be ingloriously disbanded;
RDR 12th Orb (military unit 83068) 94th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Schwerin;
rdr 13th orb 9th TD, Zeithain;
rdr 17th orb (military unit 35018) 16th TD, Neustrelitz;
RDR 17th Guards Orb (military unit 34161) 32nd Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Uteborg;
rdr 18th orb (military unit 60491) 12th TD, Manwinkel;
rdr 30th orb (military unit 60549) 90th TD, Bernau;
rdr 34th orb (military unit 58593) 21st motorized rifle division, Perleberg;
rdr 40th orb (military unit 47368) 7th TD, Quedlinburg;
rdr 53rd orb (military unit 34810) 25th TD, Vogelsand;
rdr 59th orb (military unit 58545) 35th motorized rifle division, Olympics Dorf;
RDR 68th Guards Orb (military unit 23562) 20th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Plauen;
RDR 107th Guards Orb (military unit 58447) 32nd Guards TD, Uteborg;
RDR 112th Guards Orb (military unit 35094) 10th Guards TD, Halberstadt;
RDR 113th Orb (military unit 60544) 57th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Rudolstadt.
Central group of troops:
RDR 20th Guards Orb 30th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Riečki;
RDR 31st Orb 48th Motorized Rifle Division Visoko Mito;
RDR 45th Guards Orb (military unit 67001) 18th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Decin;
rdr 81st Guards Orb (military unit 34965) 15th Guards TD, Milovice;
rdr 84th orb 31st TD Bruntal.
Northern Group of Forces:
RDR 96th Guards Orb (military unit 28348) 20th Guards TD, Svetoshchuv;
RDR 126th Guards Orb (military unit 74256) 6th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Bialogard.
Southern Group of Forces:
RDR 15th Guards Orb (military unit 75569) 254th Motorized Rifle Division, Szekesfehervar;
RDR 16th Guards Orb (military unit 64802) 93rd Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Kecskemet;
RDR 56th Guards Orb (military unit 30248) 13th Guards TD, Veszprem;
rdr 99th Guards Orb (military unit 81154) 19th Guards TD, Esztergom.
Leningrad Military District:
RDR 597th training orb (military unit 54052) 56th Guards Training Center, Pesochny;
RDR 789th Guards Orb 45th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Kharitonovo;
rdr 790th orb (military unit 15745) 54th motorized rifle division, Alakurti;
rdr 792nd orb (military unit 40335) 64th motorized rifle division, Sapernoye;
RDR 794th Orb 77th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Arkhangelsk;
rdr 795th orb 111th motorized rifle division, Lahdenpokhya;
rdr 796th orb 131st motorized rifle division, Luostari.
Baltic Military District:
RDR 19th Guards Orb (military unit 14044) 1st Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Dolgorukovo;
rdr 79th orb (military unit 71677) 1st TD, Kornevo;
RDR 80th Guards Orb 40th Guards TD, Sovetsk;
RDR 86th Orb 3rd Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Klaipeda;
RDR 148-ro Guards Orb (military unit 48853) 144th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Klooga;
rdr 640th orb 107th motorized rifle division, Vilnius;
rdr 45th Guards Orb 18th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Gusev;
RDR Guards Orb 26th Guards Motor Rifle Division, Sovetsk;
Urdr 381st training orb (military unit 10940) 54th training center, Dobele.
Belarusian Military District:
RDR 3rd Guards Orb 6th Guards TD, Grodno;
RDR 6th Guards Orb 8th Guards TD, Pukhovichi;
RDR 46th Guards Orb (military unit 43194) 120th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Uruchye;
rdr 50th orb 29th TD, Slutsk;
rdr 52nd orb 193rd TD, Bobruisk;
RDR 53rd Guards Orb 37th Guards TD, Borovukha;
rdr 56th orb 19th guards TD, Zaslonovo;
rdr 90th orb 50th motorized rifle division, Brest;
rdr 97th orb 28th TD, Slonim;
rdr 134th orb 34th TD, Borisov;
rdr orb (military unit 12344) 76th TD, Brest.
Moscow Military District:
RDR 136th Guards Orb (military unit 33755) 2nd Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Kalininets;
rdr 137th Guards Orb 4th Guards TD, Naro-Fominsk;
RDR 39th Guards Orb 32nd Guards MSD, Tver;
Odessa Military District:
rdr 95th Guards Orb 28th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Chernomorskoe;
rdr 102nd Guards Orb (military unit 48383) 59th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Tiraspol;
rdr 103rd orb 126th motorized rifle division, Simferopol;
rdr 129th orb 180th motorized rifle division, Belgorod-Dnestrovsky;
Kyiv Military District:
RDR 15th Orb 254th Motorized Rifle Division, Artemoven;
RDR 74th Guards Orb 17th Guards TD, Krivoy Rog;
RDR 117th Orb 72nd Motorized Rifle Division, Bila Tserkva;
RDR 130th Guards Orb (military unit 24066) 25th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Lubny;
RDR 1377th training orb (military unit 54057) 169th training center (former 48th guards department), Oster.
Carpathian Military District:
rdr 21st Guards Orb (military unit 15727) 51st Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Vladimir-Volynsky;
RDR 29th Orb 24th Motorized Rifle Division, Rava-Russkaya;
rdr 47th Guards Orb 128th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Mukachevo;
rdr 54th Guards Orb 30th Guards TD, Novograd-Volynsky;
rdr 83rd orb (military unit 22356) 23rd TD, Ovruch;
rdr 91st Guards Orb 70th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Ivano-Frankovsk;
rdr 92nd orb (military unit 15331) 161st motorized rifle division, Izyaslav;
RDR 93rd Orb 17th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Khmelnitsky;
rdr 94th Guards Orb 97th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Slavuta;
RDR 1262nd Training Guards Orb 110th Guards Training Center, Chernivtsi.
Transcaucasian Military District:
RDR 766th Orb 10th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Akhaltsikhe;
RDR 767th Orb 15th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Kirovakan;
RDR 768th Orb 23rd Motorized Rifle Division, Ganja;
rdr 769th orb 60th motorized rifle division, Lenkoran;
rdr 770th orb (military unit 15729) 75th motorized rifle division, Nakhichevan;
rdr 772nd orb (military unit 15732) 127th motorized rifle division, Leninakan;
rdr 773rd orb 45th motorized rifle division, Gonio;
rdr 774th orb 147th motorized rifle division, Akhalkalaki;
RDR 776th Orb 164th Motorized Rifle Division, Sovetashen;
RDR 777th Orb 295th Motorized Rifle Division, Baku.
North Caucasus Military District:
RDR 107th Orb 9th Motorized Rifle Division, Maykop;
RDR 249th orb (military unit 12356) 19th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Vladikavkaz;
rdr 417th orb (military unit 55034) 173rd training center, Grozny;
RDR 347th orb 14th TD, Novocherkassk.
Volga Military District:
RDR 1378th training orb 43rd military division, Chernorechye.
Ural Military District:
RDR 206th Orb 213th Motorized Rifle Division, Totskoye;
RDR 907th Orb (military unit 35652) 34th Motorized Rifle Division, Sverdlovsk.
Turkestan Military District:
RDR 650th Orb 5th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Afghanistan;
rdr 781st orb 108th motorized rifle division, Afghanistan;
RDR Orb 4th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Termez;
rdr orb (military unit 61205) 88th motorized rifle division, Kushka;
Central Asian Military District:
rdr 85th orb 78th TD, Ayaguz;
RDR 105th Orb 8th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Panfilov;
rdr 106th orb 58th motorized rifle division, Saryozek;
rdr 236th orb 155th motorized rifle division, Ust-Kamenogorsk;
RDR 783rd Orb 201st Motorized Rifle Division, Afghanistan;
RDR ORB 167th Motorized Rifle Division, Semipalatinsk;
RDR ORB 203rd Motorized Rifle Division, Karaganda.
Siberian Military District:
RDR 121st Orb 85th Motorized Rifle Division, Novosibirsk;
RDR 172nd Orb 242nd Motorized Rifle Division, Abakan;
rdr 1263rd orb 62nd motorized rifle division, Itatka;
RDR ORB 13th Motorized Rifle Division, Biysk.
Trans-Baikal Military District:
RDR 109th Guards Orb (military unit 15349) 11th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Mirnaya;
RDR 128th Guards Orb (military unit 21757) 122nd Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Dauria;
rdr 186th orb 2nd guards TD, Choibalsan;
rdr 192nd orb 245th motorized rifle division, Gusinoozersk;
RDR ORB 110th Motorized Rifle Division, Bratsk;
rdr 1914 orb 49th TD, Chita;
RDR Guards Orb 5th Guards TD, Kyakhta;
RDR ORB 52nd Motorized Rifle Division, Nizhneudinsk;
rdr 110th Guards Orb (military unit 59335) 38th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Sretensk;
rdr 132nd orb 12th motorized rifle division, Mongolia;
RDR ORB 41st Motorized Rifle Division, Choiren, Mongolia;
rdr orb 51st TD, Nalaikh, Mongolia;
rdr orb (military unit 96599) 149th motorized rifle division, Erdenet, Mongolia.
Far Eastern Military District:
RDR 27th Orb 277th Motorized Rifle Division, Sergeevka;
rdr 88th Guards Orb 21st Guards TD, Belogorsk;
rdr 115th orb 265th motorized rifle division, Ekaterinivka;
RDR 118th Guards Orb 81st Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Bikin;
rdr 127th Guards Orb 123rd Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Barabash;
rdr 129th orb 121st motorized rifle division, Sibirtsevo;
rdr 131st orb 135th motorized rifle division, Grushevoye;
RDR 154th Orb 73rd Motorized Rifle Division, Komsomolsk-on-Amur;
RDR ORB 22nd Motorized Rifle Division, Yelizovo;
rdr orb 29th motorized rifle division, Kamen-Rybolov;
RDR ORB (military unit 20187) 33rd Motorized Rifle Division, Khomutovo;
RDR ORB 40th Motorized Rifle Division, Smolyaninovo;
RDR Orb 67th Motorized Rifle Division, Skovorodino;
RDR ORB 79th Motorized Rifle Division, Poronaysk;
RDR ORB 87th Motorized Rifle Division, Petropalovsk-Kamchatsky;
RDR ORB 192nd Motorized Rifle Division, Blagoveshchensk;
RDR Orb 199th Motorized Rifle Division, Krasny Kut;
rdr orb (military unit 48319) 262nd motorized rifle division, Vozzhaevka;
RDR ORB (military unit 04030) 266th Motorized Rifle Division, Raichikhinsk;
RDR orb 27th TD, Zavitinsk;
RDR ORB 270th MSD, Khabarovsk.
It is clear that this list is completely incomplete (and requires clarification), but even the companies listed are an impressive force. The vast majority of these companies existed in a cadre or folded state, but those that included personnel underwent full airborne training.
Usually, scouts went to jumps in units of the Airborne Forces or GRU special forces. Most of the “live” reconnaissance and landing companies in the second half of the 80s wore the uniform and symbols of the Airborne Forces.
From the book Great Soviet Encyclopedia (VO) by the author TSB From the book Great Soviet Encyclopedia (GL) by the author TSB From the book Great Soviet Encyclopedia (DE) by the author TSB From the book Great Soviet Encyclopedia (OR) by the author TSB From the book Great Soviet Encyclopedia (PE) by the author TSB From the book "Afghan" Lexicon. Military jargon of veterans of the Afghan war 1979-1989. author Boyko B L From the book GRU Spetsnaz: the most complete encyclopedia author Kolpakidi Alexander Ivanovich From the book Japanese Manual for the Training of Tank Units, 1935. author Ministry of Defense of the USSRairborne airborne troops, airborne forces And the combat traditions of the airborne forces live on, and still every soldier, officer, general proudly says: “We serve in the airborne forces!” )
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