UPD: I made a slight typo in the title😅

1st Marine Division

This post will present the equipment and weapons of the 1st Marine Division of the USMC⚓, which is the key US🇺🇲 mobile unit in the region🌎, ready to quickly deploy anywhere in the Western Pacific🌏. The Division will be presented with an expanded wartime complement, which it could have received in anticipation of a Global War.

About 1st Marine Division:

The 1st Marine Division, also known as Blue Diamond - The oldest Division in the USMC (since February 1, 1941), stationed on the West Coast of the United States, in California, at Camp Pendleton.

The 1st MarDiv has an expanded complement of mobile battalions (L.A.I.) and full permanent complication of all regiments. As part of MEF I, it has one of the best support component. This Division is the backbone of the US Marine Corps in the Pacific, with a full complement and the latest weapons of the time!

Oorah!

Steel on Target!

https://preview.redd.it/qajpk59pn6bh1.jpg?width=2160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7ff1eb65eb1354ba7fd66b31a91223bb7988e42c

Shock, Mobility, Firepower!

The Division's tank component is represented by the 1st Tank Battalion, equipped with M60A1 RISE Passive tanks. Additionally, in preparation for combat, some tanks began to be equipped with ERA. These tanks had a slightly different ERA placement on the turret (K8, 9, 10, 11, and L1) compared to the 2nd Marine Division tanks.

Source: https://forums.kitmaker.net/t/m60a1-with-era/28278

https://www.amps-armor.org/SiteReviews/ShowReview.aspx?ID=14245

M60A1 RISE (P) ERA placement in 1st MarDiv

Furthermore, in preparation for war, the 1st Marine Division received the 3rd Tank Battalion, also located in California, from Regimental Combat Team 7.

This has not yet happened under WARNO scenario, so the Division will receive a battalion from the 7th Marine Amphibious Brigade when it is transferred out of its jurisdiction. This brings the total number of tanks in both Tank Battalions in the Division to 123.

Equipment of the 1st Marine Division during military deployment

These tanks can be represented by the following examples:

USMC M60A1 RISE (Passive) (without Searchlight)

+CV variant USMC M60A1 RISE (Passive) CP

USMC M60A1 RISE (Passive) ERA

(ERA also painted in NATO 3-Color)

• All these tanks have no AP greater than 17.

USMC M60A1 RISE (Passive) with M9 Dozer Blade, 1st MarDiv, september 1990

Source of photo: https://forums.kitmaker.net/t/m60-desert-storm/13599/2

USMC M60A1 RISE (Passive) Dozer (M9 Dozer Blade)

(7 units for engineer needs in 1990/1991)

+1 front armor

• All tanks are painted in NATO 3-Color, which tanks had before 1990s~

+LAV-AT from L.A.I. battalions.

All time - Ready to Fight!

https://preview.redd.it/r73gzexm26bh1.jpg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=37a020d1c7627f282add094bc28c3989af49c6d4

The 1st Marine Division, in its regiments (1st, 5th, and 7th), had a similar structure to the 2nd Marine Division. The infantry of these regiments is represented by the already well-known infantry formations:

USMC Rifleman /USMC Rifleman (AT-4) /USMC Rifleman (Dragon)

However, these USMC Rifleman squads variants operate older AAVP-7A1 (WEGS), without the MK. 19 grenade launcher, as the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion has only just begun training with the AAVP-7A1 (UGWS).

The AAVP-7A1 (UGWS) will be available only for the USMC Rifleman (AT-4)

Similarly, the support formations are:

USMC Gunners, USMC Assaultmen and USMC Engineers

M202 FLASH in USMC

Due to regional specifics, the division also had M202 FLASH tanks, which can be represented as:

USMC Assaultmen (FLASH)*- M16A2, M202 FLASH (Double)

The Old Breed Division also had extensive mobile capabilities capabilities:

Tip of the Spear!

1st and 3rd Light Infantry Battalion battalions of the 1st Marine Division

First to Fight units are to be the 1st Light Infantry Battalion and 3rd Light Infantry Battalion.

The two battalions are related, as 3rd L.A.I. emerged in October 1988 from a reinforced company of the 1st Light Armored Vehicle Battalion. In reality, by the spring of 1989, 3rd Battalion departed for Okinawa to join 3rd Marine Division, although soon after, in 1990, the battalion rejoined 1st Marine Division upon its deployment.

Under WARNO, 3rd L.A.I. battalion will not be transferred to 3rd Marine Division and will remain in California to reinforce 1st Marine Division in preparation for a Large-scale War.

The 1st and 3rd L.A.I. Battalions form the core of the division's reconnaissance and raiding capabilities, representing a mobile group on the LAV platform, including the LAV-25 with airborne troops. In reality combat use, some parts of Light Armored Infantry Battalions be designated as non-reconnaissance units, forming rapid strike forces, Vanguard of Division, on LAV-25s with 4-6 man L.A.I. Light Rifleman squads.

In WARNO this could be represented by a non-reco Light Infantry formation on non-reco LAV-25s, but with the better optics:

USMC L.A.I. Light Rifleman - M16A2, M60E3, M72A3

+Good/Very good optics

USMC L.A.I. Light Rifleman (AT-4) - M16A2, M249, AT-4

+Good/Very good optics

Transported by non-recon USMC LAV-25/M998

Also, in addition to the already familiar CV vehicles, there will be a LAV-25 CP from 3rd L.A.I.

Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/warno/s/gRezHOh5j9 (On 4th image of the post)

(In addition, the 3rd Marine Division has its own unique component with M60A1 tanks and LAV-25s - The 1st Tracked Vehicle Battalion - which reduces the need for L.A.I., as was subsequently the case)

• USMC MK. 19 and USMC TOW-2 in addition to the M998, the Humvee can also carry the LAV-25.

The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday!

NAVY SEALs soldier with RO727, late 1980s

There were also numerous Navy SEAL units on the West Coast, particularly near the division in California, Naval Amphibious Base Coronado/Naval Special Warfare Center. In WARNO, the unit can be represented with new weapons received in the late 1980s, since 1988:

NAVY SEALs (TEAM) - RO727, M249, AT-4, Satchel Charge

+Special forces and Shock trait

• The Colt Model 727 was purchased by the Navy SEALs as a cross between the M16A2 and the Colt Commando.

Artillery support:

Artillery of 11th Marine Regiment

The artillery divisions fielded the classic USMC M198, USMC M109A3 and USMC M110A2 artillery pieces from the 11th Marine Regiment, as well as USMC M252 mortars and USMC LAV-M mortars from the L.A.I.

Can also be presented variant of the USMC M198 [CLU] (DPICM) with the M864 cumulative-fragmentation cluster munition with 48 M42 (64mm~ pen.) and 24 M46 (72mm~ pen.) elements may also be introduced.

AN/TPQ-36 «Firefinder» in USMC

The 1st Division in the 11th Regiment also had a towed counter-battery radar (USMC) AN/TPQ-36 «Firefinder», carried on a HMMWV. It significantly increased the division's capabilities against enemy artillery, especially when using the M110A2.

• Its range is about 24km~ (15 miles)

AAVP-7A1 with towed M58 MICLIC (М200А1) during exercises

The 1st Marine Division also began receiving the First M58 MICLICs, which were attached as a trailer to the AAVP-7A1. May be presented as:

AAVP-7A1 (UGWS) MICLIC

Supply:

The division's logistics consisted of LAV-Ls (two cards), USMC M939s, USMC M998s (supply) and LCAC hovercraft.

By this time, LCACs had already been deployed to the US West Coast - Assault Craft Unit 5 (ACU-5)

• CH-53E and CH-46E from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW)

Anti-Air Defense:

In many ways, the 1st Marine Division's air defense is similar to the 2nd Marine Division's, represented by the USMC Stinger and USMC I-HAWK. However, as World War 3 escalates, the 1st Marine Division may receive the New Air Defense for Light Armored Infantry Battalions:

LAV-AD prototype

In the early 1980s, a competition for an air defense system for the US Air Force was held. In 1984, the MWS (Mobile Weapon System) vehicle was presented, armed with four Stinger missiles and one GAU-13 30mm gatling gun, but procurement was declined.

However, the USMC expressed interest in the vehicle, developing a new concept for Light Armored Vehicle Battalions (Later L.A.I.) armed entirely with LAV-platform vehicles. A prototype of the LAV-AD was presented as early as 1985/1986, the main difference being the lighter GAU-12/U Equalizer 25mm gun, common with the AV-8B Harrier II.

In reality, in 1987, the US Marine Corps issued new requirements for the LAV-AD to General Dynamics, leading to the creation of the well-known version in a Blazer-type turret in 1990/1991. Procurement of the early version in 1986-1987 was abandoned due to cost savings, and development was limited to a few prototypes.

This prototype was referred to in the late 80s as LAV-AD:

https://youtu.be/i8LTdqv2qLA?si=9sYBIiktbQO4R4Cw

1:33 - 2:04

LAV-AD during testings and showcase in 1980s

In WARNO, the USMC purchased a pilot batch on the eve of war, without waiting for a new version of the vehicle, to create a mobile, close-in air defense system for the L.A.I. This can be represented by a single card:

LAV-AD

It carries 8 FIM-92B Stinger POST missiles, 4 of which are on a launcher on the roof of the turret. It also has one GAU-12/U 25mm Gatling gun.

• May be called LAV-AD (MWS)

Interesting fact: It was the 1st Marine Division that historically received the only batch of 17 upgraded LAV-ADs in the 1990s, being the only operator of them in the USMC.

Recon:

Reconnaissance units is represented by the already familiar USMC L.A.I. Scouts, USMC Recon, and UH-1N DAS SCOUT's like in 2nd Marine Division. However, the 1st Marine Division's reconnaissance forces received entirely new weapons in the late 1980s:

Force Recon soldier with (X)M4 in 1987-1989

Force Recon (AT-4) - (X)M4, M249, M40A1, AT-4

In 1983, the Marine Corps issued new requirements based on experience with the M16A2, calling for a replacement for the aging M3A1 (Yeah, grease gun) in Force Recon units. In 1985, 40 Colt Model 720s were manufactured for testing. In 1987, the USMC purchased 892 XM4 Carbines for Force Recon trials from the 1st Marine Division. They subsequently saw extensive use by Force Recon units on the US West Coast for testing purposes in the late 1980s.

• Further deliveries of the new (X)M4s were blocked by Congress until the early 1990s.

https://baike.baidu.com/en/item/M4%20Carbine/1510797

USMC Snipers (M82) - Barrett M82, M40A1

The US Marine Corps received the first M82 Barrett rifles before the US Army. These anti-materiel rifles were delivered first to the 1st Marine Division, making them the first to operate in the USMC.

USMC M60A3 TTS

In reality several units were transferred to the 1st Tank Battalion of the 1st Marine Division during operation Desert storm for recon in Night/Combat. M60A3 TTS were supplied from US reserves and without ERA. A total of 11 units were transferred to USMC crews.

Under WARNO, this could be represented by a single reconnaissance tank card, as was the case in reality.

One of the sources: https://forum.finescale.com/t/m60a1-tanks-kuwaiti-airport/240233/14

Pioneer Of The Era

RQ-2 Pioneer UAV

Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 (VMU-1) was established on January 21, 1987, at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and assigned to the 1st Marine Division.

The VMU-1 «Watchdogs» were at that time equipped with the USMC's first reconnaissance drone - The RQ-2 Pioneer, which had been in production since the mid-1980s.

In WARNO, this can be represented by a single card of this UAV.

Helicopters:

The 1st Marine Division had Marine Aircraft Group 39 (MAG-39), which still had the AH-1J (HMT-303).

AH-1J [RKT2] - 16x Zuni rockets (4 pods)

New AH-1W SuperCobras were also arriving, but they were still fewer in number than the MAG-29, so there would be fewer variants, as well as fewer cards:

AH-1W [RKT2] - 38 Hydra 70, 8 Zuni

AH-1W [AT2] - 8x AGM-114 Hellfire

Aircrafts:

Tomcat's and Bombcat's!

F-14A+ of the VF-24 and VF-211 in 1987-1991

In the second half of the 1980s, the Navy began actively receiving upgraded F-14A+ Tomcat's, later known as the F-14B Bombcat. This aircraft had the capability to carry out air-to-surface strikes with guided weapons.

VF-24 became the first squadron on the West Coast to begin training for ground attack missions in early 1989, followed by VF-211 later. VF-24 in CVW-9, USS Nimitrz (CVN-68, Yeah)

The F-14A+ following payload configurations are available:

F-14A+ [AA1] - 2xAIM-9M, 6xAIM-54C Phoenix

F-14A+ [AA2] - 2xAIM-9M, 2xAIM-7M, 4xAIM-54C Phoenix

F-14A+ [HE] - 2xAIM-9M, 2xAIM-7M, 4xLDGP Mk 84 (2000 lbs)

F-14A+ [LGB] - 2xAIM-9M, 2xAIM-7M, 4x GBU-16 Paveway II (1000 lbs)

The Newest Hornet's

F/A-18C of the VFA-25 «Fist Of The Fleet» in 1988-1990

The second fighter to be showcased will be the brand-new F/A-18C, which has just entered USN service. Its first operator was VFA-25 "Fist of the Fleet" in 1989, deploying to the USS Independence (CV-62), which had just returned to the Pacific after maintenance, deployed with CVW-14.

In WARNO, the F/A-18C can be represented in several roles at once:

F/A-18C [AA1] - 2/4x AIM-9M, 6x AIM-7M

F/A-18C [AA2] - 2x AIM-9M, 4/8x AIM-120A

• This version was adapted to the new AIM-120A missiles, which were just beginning to be deployed at that time and could be sent to VFA-25 for testing in a real combat situation.

F/A-18C [AT] - 2x AIM-9M, 2x AIM-7M, 4x AGM-65F

Old Salt Intruder

A-6E Intruder firing AGM-123 Skipper's

In the mid-1980s, the US Navy acquired its first guided bomb with a booster engine - The AGM-123 Skipper. This bomb could be carried by A-6E Intruder's, particularly those from CVW-9/14.

In WARNO for these air wings could provide the A-6E with the following configurations:

A-6E Intruder [LGB] - 2x AGM-123 Skipper

A-6E Intruder [RKT] - 16x Zuni (4 pods)

• From VA-165 «Boomers» (CVW-9) and VA-196 «Main Battery» (CVW-14)

• Interesting fact: In 1989, the movie Flight of the Intruder, released in 1991, was filmed aboard the USS Independence, where VA-165 was based.

The Last Viking

The Navy also began receiving a new version of the S-3 Viking anti-submarine warfare aircraft, The S-3B, which boasts improved strike capabilities. In WARNO could be feature the S-3B Viking in several roles:

S-3B Viking [HE] - 10x Mk 82

S-3B Viking [CLU] - 6x Mk 20 Rockeye

AV-8B (NA) of VMA-214 \"Black Sheep\" in 1989-1990

The MAG-13, assigned to the 1st Marine Division in 1988/1989, was already actively re-equipping from old A-4M to new AV-8B aircraft, but due to the late transition, they immediately began receiving the newest version - AV-8B Harrier II Night Attack.

The VMA-311 «Tomcats» and VMA-214 «Black Sheeps» were the first to begin re-equipping these aircraft in 1988/1989, with VMA-211 receiving them later.

In reality, VMA-214 «Black Sheep» received the AV-8B Harrier II Night Attack only in September 1989, during WARNO's March to War program. This could have been changed earlier. Therefore, one card of this version will be presented:

AV-8B Harrier II (NA) [AT] - 2x AIM-9M, 4x AGM-65E (Laser guide)

Short Conclusion:

The 1st Marine Division is the USMC's primary presence in the Pacific, representing the largest and most comprehensive Division capable of forward deploy. The Division boasts extensive maneuver ability, as well as strong reconnaissance and strike capabilities. However, the Division has more expensive and fewer aircraft than the 2nd Marine Division. There are also fewer new AAVP-7s variants and no uranium shells.

I would say this is the most worthy vis-a-vis for the Soviet 55th Naval Infantry Division.

Album collection with 65+ images for this post (including what was unincluded in it):

https://photos.app.goo.gl/U4DJZrvgGR1HvERDA

Thank you for reading! =}

Created by Excellent Serpent8770

Links:

https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/U.S.%20MARINES%20IN%20THE%20PERSIAN%20GULF%2090-91%20COMBAT%20SERVICE%20SUPPORT%20%20PCN%2019000314600_2.pdf (1st MarDiv during ODS)

https://www.usmcu.edu/Portals/218/With%20the%201st%20Marine%20Division%20in%20Desert%20Shield%20and%20Desert%20Storm.pdf (1st MarDiv during ODS)

https://www.amps-armor.org/SiteReviews/ShowReview.aspx?ID=14245 (About M60A1s)

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235053031-taskforce-ripper-m60a1-rise-passive-academy-135/

https://youtu.be/1OWTV-KOcbw?si=SoinYr9u4_KYKEhO (1st MarDiv exercises, 29 Palms)

https://youtu.be/TUufV3WpT6w?si=KMFHKlhOj-6AFEdF

https://youtu.be/SIuf_FJAz7w?si=V_WpmtttIN_JzJ2B

https://youtu.be/s8FtRrhyVJA?si=KojOHlzyCPcou1sP

https://youtu.be/89kPZ493rvM?si=fO6yjHf60KrHMaby

https://youtu.be/s8FtRrhyVJA?si=irxtHNOGtM4SSGxo

https://youtu.be/afaOha3jqp4?si=vAQBk4V58TixGfu6 (AAV7)

https://forum.finescale.com/t/m60a1-tanks-kuwaiti-airport/240233/14 (M60A3 TTS in USMC)

https://baike.baidu.com/en/item/M4%20Carbine/1510797 (XM4/M4 Carbine)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M4_carbine

Mobile Weapon System (Since 1985 with GAU-12/U for USMC, LAV-AD) https://youtu.be/i8LTdqv2qLA?si=9sYBIiktbQO4R4Cw

(1:33 - 2:04 timecode)

https://youtu.be/EZZVnYGj5hY?si=RQSa7h0cyZ4Sl0jC

http://www.anft.net/f-14/f14-squadron-vf024.htm

https://www.seaforces.org/usnair/VF/Fighter-Squadron-24.htm

https://youtu.be/N-k3g4cEsqQ?feature=shared

https://man.fas.org/dod-101/sys/land/an-tpq-36.htm

LAV-AD:

https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA272077.pdf

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6403695 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6403694 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6403698

https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA272077.pdf

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6403695

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6403694

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6403698

https://btvt.info/2futureprojects/lav_ad.htm

https://andrei-bt.livejournal.com/2343251.html

https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA206944.pdf / https://gao.justia.com/department-of-defense/1989/12/defense-acquisition-programs-nsiad-90-30/NSIAD-90-30-full-report.pdf

( GAO/NSIAD-91-171 | GAO/NSIAD-90-30 | DTIC ADA220013 )

P.S.

Next week, another, final division of the US Marine Corps will be introduced - the 3rd Marine Division⚓ - «The Fighting Third», stationed in Okinawa.🌏🇯🇵

This is a reduced-strength regular Division, focused on combat operations in its region. It's the lightest armed Division in USMC, but no less dangerous!🐉

127th Motor Rifle Division

This post will present the equipment/weapon of the 127th Motor Rifle Division and adjacent units in the direction of the Soviet-Turkish border. This Division absorbed the innovations of the experience of the Afghan war, being a forward outpost in the border area in the southwest of the USSR.

About 127th Motor Rifle Division:

The 127th Motor Rifle Division is located in one of the largest town of the Armenian SSR, Leninakan (now Gyumri), 15 kilometers from the Turkish border in the direction of the strategically important town of Kars. In the late 1980s, the Division had a reduced equipment complement due to the new political course of the USSR, but it still received some of the modern weapons available at the time. However, under WARNO, the division is unlikely to be reduced so significantly due to its strategic importance in this section of the border, on the Leninakan-Kars route.

This region is characterized by mountainous terrain, but in the Kars area lies the Ardagan-Kars plateau, extending 100 kilometers from Leninakan. This almost entirely barren hills and plains are ideal for a rapid offensive westward toward the mountain ranges surrounding this plateau on all sides. The Transcaucasian Military District and the 7th Army in particular had first-stage training in conducting combat operations in the mountains, immediately after the units directly operating in Afghanistan.

Well, let's get started!

Avalanche of steel and fire!

T-72A/B in Transcaucasian Military District

The main composition of the 120th Guards Tank Regiment and motorized rifle regiments was the T-72B/B1 and a small number of T-72A Obr. 83/84.

• The regiment was reduced in size and later, in 1990 it was reformed into the 116th Independent Guards Tank Battalion, just historically

However, in the late 1980s, the 7th Combined Arms Army began receiving new

T-72B/B1 Obr. 1989 tanks!

T-72Bs of former 7th Combined Army

This is evidenced by photos of destroyed T-72B/B1 Obr. 1989 tanks in the Nagorno-Karabakh region in 1992 from Armenian side, as well as the presence of these tanks in the Armenian Armed Forces in the 90s/00s. These tanks were modified (Obr. 89) for training exercises, something that was not observed by Azerbaijan (Former 4th Combined Army)

• The Armenian Armed Forces are essentially based on the equipment of the 7th Combined Army, since it was the only army located on the territory of the Armenian SSR.

Destroyed Armenian T-72B Obr.89's in Nagorno-Karabakh region, 1992

(Furthermore, in the 1980s, the 7th Combined Arms Army received the earliest T-72B1 Obr. 1984 tanks (Link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Wm2wt87Y8ZeVekJ98 ), which did not yet have the Kontakt-1 ERA kit. Therefore, the appearance of the newest version of the T-72B/B1 Obr.89 in the late 80s was quite natural, which we can now observe)

The Afghan experience

T-72B with KBRE in 1980s

In the late 1980s, the Soviet Union tested a T-72B with slat armor from T-62MD variant, which it received as a result of its experience of using T-62 tanks in Afghanistan. This armor package was officially documented as a «Side Slat Screen Kit» - Komplekt Bortovykh Reshetchatykh Ekranov in short - KBRE.

The 127th Motor Rifle Division, like the entire Transcaucasian District located in the mountainous Caucasus region, was actively implementing the experience of the Afghan War, so The Division's T-72A/B tanks could be equipped with this armor kit, which provides:

+1 to Side armor, +1 Rear armor. (Like on T-62MDs in 56y)

Could be called: T-72B/B1 (KBRE)

T-72B Obr.89 with slats side armor (KBRE) in the following decade

Also, in the following decade, some T-72B/B1 Obr. 89 tanks received this side slat armor to enhance protection against RPGs.

Could be called: T-72B/B1 Obr.89 (KBRE)

• 8 side armor =}

+In addition, many other units of the Transcaucasian Military District began to receive T-72Bs, sometimes without a full set of ERA, but already with mounts for it.

The T-72BK CV tank will be represented.

+Photos of a figure skater from the Armenian Armed Forces with a new very rare T-72BK Obr. 89 (More details about this will be in the album at the end of the post by link)

Also, as reinforcement to the Division Shturm-S from anti-tank artillery regiment of army subordination from Kirovakan can be attached, at the first stage of the war campaign in open terrain in the Kars region.

(All T-72s version have only 1 card)

Mountain Infantry!

The 127th Motor Rifle Division, like other Divisions of the 7th Combined Arms Army (15/164th MotRifle Div), was highly trained for combat in mountainous terrain, which is why its regiments' tactics differed somewhat.

The 107th* Motor Rifle Regiment (similar to the 344th Regiment of the 164th Motor Rifle Division, which had 125 MT-LBs) was equipped with the MT-LB, as it had better all-terrain capabilities in mountainous terrain, in essence, it was a Mountain Rifleman regiment within a division. Other regiments of 127th MRD was primarily equipped with BTR-70s, BMP-1/1Ps and was the only one in the entire 7th Army to have BMP-2s.

In addition to the familiar Motostrelki on BTR-70s and Motostrelki (BMP) (1-2 cards) on BMP-1/1P and BMP-2, the division will also feature new infantry - Gornostrelki!

• May also be called - Gor. Motostrelki

Gornostrelki - AKS-74, PKM/PKMS, RPG-7V TBG (with TBG-7V, 105mm Thermobar) and RPG-7VS (Or RPG-22)

+Mountaineer trait

On MT-LB/BTR-70/Zil-131

(Gornostrelki - Mountain Rifleman)

Gornostrelki (SVD) - AKS-74, RPK-74N with USP-1, SVD, RPG-26

+Mountaineer trait

On MT-LB/BTR-70/Zil-131

• The USP-1 «Tyulpan», aka 1P29, is the first dedicated optical sight for the dovetail mount of the AK 5,45 series with letter «N» (Night ver.), adopted for use since 1988. It significantly improves the effectiveness of aimed fire with the RPK-74N at medium and long ranges, which is extremely important in mountainous areas.

Gornostrelki (Metis) - AKS-74, PKM, 9M115 Metis

+Mountaineer trait

On MT-LB/BTR-70/Zil-131

Gorn. Pulemetchiki - AKS-74, 3x PKM, RPG-22

+Mountaineer trait

On BMP-1/1P/ new BMP-1 AGS (without ATGM)

BMP-1 with AGS-17 Plamya during the dividing of the military property of the 7th Army

A BMP-1 with an AGS-17 Plamya was seen in footage from 1991/1992 during the dividing of the military property of the 7th Army. The vehicle was probably retrofitted with an AGS-17 based on the Afghan war experience of using of the BMP-1.

Gorn. Plamya 30mm (AGS-17)

+Mountaineer trait

On MT-LB/BTR-70/Zil-131

They are also complemented by classic Saperi on BTR-70s and the new Ognemetchiki (RYS) from the 71st Independent Flamen Battalion (Formerly a reinforcement unit for the 7th Army)

Ognemetchiki (RYS) - AK-74, RPK-74, RPO RYS (dual?)

• This was a reinforcement unit within the NBC protection (RKhBZ) formations of the 7th Combined Arms Army.

+A ersatz MTLB AGS with AGS-17 Plamya can also be presented for squads of MT-LBs

Command vehicles can be represented by regular R-145BM Chaika, MP-21 and BMP-1K3, as well as rarer BTR-70KSh (KShM) and old GAZ-69.

Artillery support

The bulk of the artillery is fairly standard: D-30, 2S1 Gvozdika and BM-21-1 Grad. However, Leninakan also housed the 217th Artillery Regiment with 24 2A36 Giatsint-B and 36 D-20. The D-20 can be equipped with a new type of ammunition, such as the D-20 [CLU] and D-20 [3Sh2], with the unique 3Sh2 «Lepestok-2» – a shell with 8500 flechettes(!) against infantry, extremely effective between mountain passes.

(+36 BM-21-1 Grad from 943rd Rocket Artillery Reg.)

The division's subordinate units may also be assigned special mountain guns, which were deployed in the Transcaucasian Military District and proved themselves in Afghanistan – The 76mm M-99/1969 Light Mountain Gun.

• In support of long-range artillery, new counter-battery radar ARK-1M «Rys» from the 1479th reconnaissance artillery regiment, which was located in Leninakan, were also deployed.

Mine clearing systems were widely represented in the Divisions in the Caucasus region, the already well-known UR-67 and UR-77 (As in the DON-100), but in the 80s in the USSR another, a new type of mine clearing machine was created - The UR-88 Goboy (Oboy in ENG)

UR-88 Goboy in mid 1980s (One of the latest variant)

The UR-88 Goboy is a mine-clearing vehicle accepted into service in may 1989, but never entered mass production despite military requests.

• The prototype was built in 1983, and was further developed until 1988, with 4 more detonated charges added to the 32

It was developed based on experience gained from the war in Afghanistan and the need to clear mines ahead of a convoy. It is based on the T-72A tank chassis and is armed with a 12,7mm NSVT HMG and 32/36x 93mm~ explosive charges (grenades) for detonating a fuel-air explosive mixture (2140 liters) It has a short detonation range for aerosol incendiary mixtures, but it has a large area of explosion.

• The mine clearance system on the UR-88 received the index 9ETs (9ЭЦ)

It can fire explosive charges (grenades) to detonate a fuel-air explosive mixture or fire them separately as a grenade launcher at a target.

Range within WARNO: 150-300 meters for 93mm~ explosive charges and soil detonation zone by fuel-air explosive mixture from 10 to 50 meters (IRL from 6m to 25m~)

• Very limited (Only one card)

Link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/mpefJDihRQzowiRG8 (how it look)

Supply

The Division's supply does not stand out for its innovations and it was represented by:

ZIL-131, Ural-4320, GAZ-66, Mi-8T/MT Gruzovoi.

Anti-Air Defense

S-60 from Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment

The 127th Motor Rifle Division's air defense was represented by the Strela-10M2, ZSU-23-4M1/M3, as well as the ZU-23-2 and S-60 (AZP-57) from the 988th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment. None of the 7th Army's Motor Rifle Divisions had radar Air Defense systems due to their reduced effectiveness in mountainous terrain.

Later, based on the photo, some ZU-23-2 and S-60, based on the Afghan experience, were installed on the chassis of MT-LB, which were numerous in the Transcaucasian Military District and the 7th Army in particular, so it is possible to imagine examples of such ersatz AA, as was the case in the 71st Tank Division from Nemesis #8.

(More details about this will be in the album at the end of the post by link)

Krug-M1 of the 59th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade firing 3M8 missile

However, in this area, the 7th Combined Arms Army had only one unit, The 59th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, stationed in Alagez, in close proximity to Leninakan. This unit possessed older Osa-AK SAM (less effective against low-altitude targets) and heavy Krug-M1 SAM (which had a lower intercept rate against low-altitude and breakaway targets than the Krug-M3)

Recon

The 127th Division's reconnaissance in main is represented by the classic BRM-1K, Mot. Razvedka, Razvedka Saperi and also the border troops reconnaissance - Razvedka PV KGB.

Also, the PRP-4 «Nard» reconnaissance vehicle from the Leninakan-based 1479th Reconnaissance Artillery Regiment, 217th Artillery Regiment, 943rd Rocket Artillery Regiment.

Leninakan also located the 167th Independent Radiotechnical Regiment of the Special Purpose(OsNaz), whose mission is reconnaissance and suppression of enemy radio signals. It may present the new R-330U «Ukol» Jammer.

Soldiers of 173rd Independent Special Forces Unit of 12th Brigade

In the immediate rear of the 127th Division and the 7th Army was the 12th Spetsnaz GRU brigade from Lagodekhi, Georgian SSR. This brigade had partially deployed its units (specifically, the 173rd) to Afghanistan, thus gaining direct combat experience in mountainous terrain. The brigade's fighters were also known as *Lagodekhtsy* after their home base. One of the most important elements of the reconnaissance was the radio-technical (RTR), which was actively used in the brigade, which can be represented as a new infantry recon formation:

Spetsnaz GRU RTR - AKMS/AKS-74N, PKM, SVD, RPG-7VL (8-strenth)

+Signit trait

New Reys

https://preview.redd.it/0hcafcqz9z9h1.jpg?width=2160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5bece50683d93b1af84f67438ca6c8ae0092ddce

On March 6, 1981, the USSR Council of Ministers issued Resolution No. 249-76 on the development of the modernized VR-3D Reys-D system. In July 1987, the upgraded Tu-243 Reys-D UAV made its first flight, undergoing testing under various challenging conditions based on the experience gained during the Afghan War.

It featured more sophisticated Aist-M TV Rec./Zima-M IR Rec. equipment. One of the key improvements, in addition to extended range, flight time, and engine thrust, was the new NPK-243 navigation and flight system, built on modern components, significantly enhancing the tactical capabilities of the UAV and the entire system. Maximum/minimum altitude reached 5000 meters and 50 meters. New NPK-243 was adapted for low-altitude flights in mountainous terrain and recon in mountains areas.

Helicopters

Mi-24P of former 382nd Independent Helicopter Squadron, 1990s

The 7th Combined Arms Army was primarily responsible for transport helicopters, but there was only one 382nd Independent Helicopter Squadron in Yerevan, which had about 10 Mi-24V and MI-24P and 5 Mi-8 (modification not specified)

"Soviet-Apache"

https://preview.redd.it/0ufm0nw5az9h1.jpg?width=2160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2829843f69d8de96e0572f883edc44f0de7eea1

• Interesting fact: this MI-28A (Num.32) in the image above (photo from 1987/89) is painted in the camouflage used on vehicles in the Caucasus. (Like BTR-70s, BMP-2s and T-72Bs, they are shown in the last 2 images in album at the end of the post)

It's worth noting that prototypes of new Mil helicopters were tested in the Caucasus region, with the manufacturer in Rostov-on-Don. These were four Mi-28 prototypes for 1988. From 1985 to 1988, two MI-28A prototypes were manufactured, one of which (number 032) had a new X-shaped propeller.

Beginning in the summer of 1988, it underwent testing in the highlands of the Caucasus Mountains (the helicopter was based on experience from the Afghan War, like the Ka-50). This "Soviet-Apache" test prototype coul be represents in WARNO as:

MI-28A [AT] - 16x Ataka ATGM, 2x S-8KOM Rocket Pods (One in only 1 card)

Mi-28A with Ataka ATGM

By the way, some of the photos in the image are of this MI-28A (Num. 032) at Le Bourget, after testings, in the september of 1989 =>

Aircrafts

The Transcaucasian Military District's aviation wasn't widely represented in this region - all 34th Air Army air regiments were based in neighboring republics, despite having airfields in the Armenian SSR.

However, the closest airfield is Marneuli Airfield, which had just been reorganized after the 166th Guards Fighter-Bomber Regiment's deployment in Afghanistan into the 166th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment Air Defense Force, returning to the 14th Air Defense Corps after eight years. The air regiment received Su-15TMs, although Su-17M3s were still stationed at its airfield.

https://preview.redd.it/tsbb3v32bz9h1.jpg?width=2160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=27a4c548fa90929009b972c74d611485c4b53d53

Can be represented by one card:

Su-15TM [AA3] - UPK-23-250 (dual), 2x R-60M, 1x R-98MT, 1x R-98MR

• Interesting fact: On July 18, 1981, it was the 166th Guards Fighter Regiment of the PVO that carried out the last aerial ramming in the history of the USSR using a jet fighter, performed by Guards Captain V.A. Kulyapin on a Su-15TM, shortly before the temporary transition to the Su-17s.

Link: https://statehistory.livejournal.com/21301.html

168th Guards Red Banner Bomber Aviation Regiment:

https://preview.redd.it/i7wid644bz9h1.jpg?width=2160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=912ce4ab6f34e49f2ba61e37d84f8d8d22779b93

In addition, Bolshoye Shiraki Airfield was located nearby, housing the 168th Guards Red Banner Bomber Aviation Regiment, which was just finishing up its re-equipment with the new Su-24Ms and still had numerous Su-17M2/M3s at its airfield. They can be represented by 2~ cards of Su-24M as [TRM] and [CLU2] (and possibly several Su-17M2/M3 cards with varying combat loadouts)

New generation of successor's

T-10PU-5 and T-10PU-6 with T-10V-1 during flight demostration.

Since 1988, a replacement for the Su-27P air defense fighter (T-10P) was being tested. This was the T-10PU, a two-seater like the Su-27UB, and two prototypes of its fuselage, the T-10PU-5 and T-10PU-6 (future Su-30), which began to undergo testing at the State Flight Test Center in Akhtubinsk. These prototypes could be deployed to the Caucasus region for combat application (similar to the MiG-29S with the R-77 from the DON-100)

T-10PU-5 during testings

In WARNO can be represented as two patrol-fighters T-10PU-5 (and the similar PU-6) in only one card:

T-10PU-5 [AA] - 4x R-73, 2x R-27ET, 4x R-27ER

T-10V-1 during testings

Since the early 1980s, the Su-27Sh was being developed as a response to work on the F-15E Strike Eagle. From 1981 to the mid-80s, this project resembled the Su-27UB with a tandem pilot and navigator arrangement, but since the spring of 1986, the cockpit layout became similar to the Su-24, so the Su-27IB (future Su-34) appeared.

However, the project was delayed and only in 1988/1989 one Su-27UB was converted with a replaced nose section. The first flight took place on April 13, 1990, and already in the summer the T-10V-1 prototype was relocated to the State Flight Test Center in State Flight Test Center in Akhtubinsk, after which in July-August 1990 it was shown to Gorbachev when he was on the new aircraft carrier Tbilisi (future Admiral Kuznetsov), then the machine simulated landing on the deck of an aircraft carrier as part of a demonstration event.

Under the WARNO scenario, work on the Su-27IB (T-10V-0/1) could have been accelerated, and the first flight would have occurred a year earlier, allowing for full-scale testing to begin in early summer 1989 in Akhutbinsk, and then for combat testing in the Caucasus. It could be presented as a universal fighter-bomber in single-unit in one card:

T-10V-1 [AT] - 4x R-73, 4x R-27R/ER, 4x Kh-29T

(IB - means istrebitel bombardirovshchik, fighter bomber in English, Sh - Shturmovik, Attack/Assault aircraft in Eng.)

+

Dislocation of Soviet Armed Forces in Transcaucasian Military District:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Csq7fabSg94uK1JG8

Short Conclusion:

The 127th Motor Rifle Division is one of the most important elements of Soviet Forces in the Transcaucasus, serving as the spearhead of the 7th Combined Arms Army on the Leninakan-Kars direction. The Division possesses high firepower with strong and large number of Artillery support, as well as reconnaissance, but has a small number and high-cost Tabs of Tanks, Helicopters and Aircraft, as well as a large but outdated Anti-Air Defense tab.

Album collection with 80+ images for this post (including what was unincluded in it):

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zbpBuuhrhsqHJRSc7

Thank you for reading! =]

Created by Excellent Serpent8770

Links:

https://www.ww2.dk/new/army/msd/127msd.htm

https://www.ww2.dk/new/army/armies/7gvoa.htm

https://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/army/34va.htm

https://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/regiment/bap/168gvbap.htm

https://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/regiment/iap/166gviap.htm

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/7-%D1%8F_%D0%B3%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%B9%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%8F

https://voenhronika.livejournal.com/1087589.html

Videos from the former 127th Division, which became the 102nd military base of the Russian Federation in Armenia: 90s/early 00s:

https://youtu.be/YNVh89slc1g?si=Fyhc_n8Z1izLnhun

https://youtu.be/Pc41BsgNb5w?si=D2UHyPjyOVeAHRoG

https://youtu.be/ILXNwXoJw6A?si=JlOlaczX2JMDXTpJ

https://youtu.be/zrUOr-rlgrY?si=mlWuXpnyp3zH6olY

https://youtu.be/m33yQRHGARY?si=BrSan8kLpF233SfL

https://youtu.be/YEdXFp2p9uw?si=-Dw4H5C5bZPRZW0i

|

https://youtu.be/P3RItvLjTSg?si=r9bURGmhhiLZajC8

https://youtu.be/dhvemQyG8KI?si=wHknXTDvvsjh9alD

https://youtu.be/GwsT7PZ4sYE?si=FR_n-Yp0E8oPc1Bz

https://youtu.be/7ZV_10zyEeY?si=vBxU-H1TtXf9QWbG

https://youtu.be/Zy0KuGfs17Y?si=FPfKB2_LgHnMoqgp

https://sirviper.com/index.php?page=fighters/su-27/su-34

https://andrei-bt.livejournal.com/2486772.html

http://www.sukhoi.mariwoj.pl/su-30-ru-27pu.htm

https://mr-aug.livejournal.com/635910.html

http://www.easternorbat.com/html/transcaucasian_military_distri.html

http://www.easternorbat.com/html/ad_of_the_transcaucasian_md_83.html

https://photos.app.goo.gl/mpefJDihRQzowiRG8 (UR-88 Goboy)

https://youtu.be/s8DVXN39TJg?is=wjKhgbr7R7ahZhck (BTR-70KSh)

+About 7th Combined Army and All Transcaucasian Military District:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Csq7fabSg94uK1JG8

P.S.

On Saturday, in July, I'll try to introduce a new🌊 Division🌎 for NATO, I think you'll definitely be pleased with it! =]