The organization of the Soviet motor rifle division (2)

The foundation of the post-war Soviet army was the motor rifle division.  Essentially a mechanized infantry division by Western standards, the motor rifle division of the day was a powerful combined arms formation that relied heavily on the mobility provided by armored fighting vehicles to transport its infantry over large distances in any kind of military environment (including nuclear, chemical, and biological).  A large armored component aided the unit in the assault by providing the heavy firepower and mobility needed to break through an enemy line.  Organic artillery and anti-aircraft support further aided the division in both the attack and defense.  Its high 'tooth to tail' ratio is clearly shown in the heavy emphasis on offensive firepower as opposed to its logistical train.  The tables below illustrate the various component units that made up the basic Soviet motor rifle division of the Cold War between 1960 and 1978.  Links to relevant vehicles and weapons are included to enhance the reader's understanding.

• Motor Rifle Division
• Artillery Regiment
• Motor Rifle Regiment
• Tank Regiment
• Motor Rifle Battalion
• Tank Battalion
• Motor Rifle Company
• Mortar Battery
• Tank Company
• Motor Rifle Platoon
• Tank Platoon
• Motor Rifle Squad

1 x Vehicle Driver (armed with PM)
1 x Vehicle Gunner (armed with AKMS)

(1) Norby, M.O. AF Pamphlet 200-21 Soviet Aerospace Handbook, Washington D.C.: Department of the Air Force, 1978. Print.
(2) Organization of the Soviet Motorized Rifle Division, Fort Benning, Georgia: US Army Infantry School, 1977. Print.
(3) FM-100-2-3 The Soviet Army, Troops, Organization, and Equipment, Washington D.C.: Department of the Army, 1984. Print.