No. 0868, January 1, 1940, 00:50 hours

1. For the reconnaissance of the enemy's forward edge of defense, our divisions and corps are sending out large reconnaissance detachments of battalion strength and above. Such reconnaissance of the enemy's forward edge of defense, and especially of fortified zones, leads to entirely needless combat losses in our infantry.

I order categorically that for the reconnaissance of the enemy's forward edge of defense in a rifle regiment's sector, reconnaissance parties of no more than one or two platoons be sent out, and that these reconnaissance groups and platoons be composed of select, courageous rank-and-file soldiers and commanders, well-instructed and trained in reconnaissance. The personnel of reconnaissance platoons and groups must know how to navigate by compass. Any dispatching of battalions for reconnaissance purposes will be punished. Ground reconnaissance must be conducted in parallel with aerial reconnaissance involving the photographing of enemy positions. Categorically require the chiefs of air forces of the armies to carry out aerial photography and prepare maps of the enemy's fortified lines and strongpoints.

2. It has also been observed that our infantry units are brought up to occupy jumping-off positions at a distance of 300-400 meters from the enemy's fortified zone, in front of which every meter has been registered by the enemy's fire, and they lie exposed under the enemy's fire, suffering unnecessary and heavy losses. The occupation of jumping-off positions must be carried out immediately before the attack; until then, the first-line infantry battalions should, as a rule, be positioned no closer than 600-1,000 meters from the line of the enemy's fortified zone, depending on the terrain, and they must construct full-profile trenches with communication trenches to the rear and wire obstacles. Strong combat security must be posted forward of their positions.

These instructions are to be communicated to every regimental commander for strict execution, and army commanders are to verify compliance with these instructions.

Commander-in-Chief

K. VOROSHILOV

Member of the Main Military Council

I. STALIN

Chief of the General Staff

B. SHAPOSHNIKOV

Secrets and Lessons of the Winter War 1939-1940. Pp. 248-249.

RGVA. F. 37977. Op. 1. D. 233. L. 96, 97.