Through the medium of detailed case studies, this work examines the operational and tactical aspects of a major strategic operation- the Soviet offensive in Manchuria in 1945. The case studies, which involve army, core, division, regimental, and battalion operations, focus on the many problems commanders and soldiers at that level face. Constrained by time, a desperate enemy, rugged terrain, and severe climatic conditions- the realities of war- soviet commanders devised and implemented techniques that produced victory. This paper highlights those techniques in the knowledge that soviet theorists have likewise studied them in detail, both historically and in a contemporary context. -- From the back cover.

"June 1983." -- Cover.

Army penetration operations -- Division advance in heavily wooded mountains -- Army operations in swampy lowlands -- Set piece battle -- Reduction of a fortified region -- Army operations in arid mountains -- Forward detachment deep operations -- Joint ground and riverine operations -- Conclusions.