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Russian Deception Operations: Another Tool for the US Kit Bag
This monograph investigates the value of analyzing Russian deception doctrine and operations with a goal of improving U.S. deception doctrine or operations. The question asked can an analysis of Russian deception doctrine and their use of deception lead to improvements in U.S. deception doctrine, training, or operations?
Brief investigation has revealed that deception is not used often at Combat Training Centers and that the loss of surprise is the single greatest cause of poor performance. Deception is a key tool in surprising the enemy.
This monograph first summarizes popular deception theory and U.S. doctrine. It concludes that U.S. doctrine, although unapproved, is prescriptive and focuses on the concepts of developing a deception plan. It does not highlight the "how" of a deception operation and examples are only available through reading history. Theory supports surprise as a goal during all operations, but theorists support varying levels of commitment to the use of deception to attain surprise. The author concludes that in light of today's improved strategic and operational mobility, each theorist considered would support the use of deception.
After summarizing deception theory and U.S. doctrine, the monograph considers deception in Russian military operations. First, the social, historical, and political influences are described. From this it is evident that deception is endemic to Russian culture and is part of their military culture as well. Second, Russian doctrine is summarized. The summary is of open source writings and WWII experiences. The information tends to be directive in nature. The doctrine tells Russian units what actions they must do to deceive the enemy. Finally, five deception operations are summarized to give the reader a sense for the Russian ability to conduct deception.
Table of Contents
Chapter I Introduction
Methodology
Limitations
Chapter II Popular Theory
Clausewitz
Jomini
Sun Tzu
Liddell Hart
Modern Theorists
US Deception Doctrine
Chapter III The Russian View
Social, Historical, and Political Influences
Russian Doctrine
Operational Examples
WWII Against the Germans
WWII Against the Japanese
Hungary
Czechoslovakia
Afghanistan
Chapter IV Analysis
Chapter V Summary
Recommendations
Conclusion
Endnotes
Bibliography
Brief investigation has revealed that deception is not used often at Combat Training Centers and that the loss of surprise is the single greatest cause of poor performance. Deception is a key tool in surprising the enemy.
This monograph first summarizes popular deception theory and U.S. doctrine. It concludes that U.S. doctrine, although unapproved, is prescriptive and focuses on the concepts of developing a deception plan. It does not highlight the "how" of a deception operation and examples are only available through reading history. Theory supports surprise as a goal during all operations, but theorists support varying levels of commitment to the use of deception to attain surprise. The author concludes that in light of today's improved strategic and operational mobility, each theorist considered would support the use of deception.
After summarizing deception theory and U.S. doctrine, the monograph considers deception in Russian military operations. First, the social, historical, and political influences are described. From this it is evident that deception is endemic to Russian culture and is part of their military culture as well. Second, Russian doctrine is summarized. The summary is of open source writings and WWII experiences. The information tends to be directive in nature. The doctrine tells Russian units what actions they must do to deceive the enemy. Finally, five deception operations are summarized to give the reader a sense for the Russian ability to conduct deception.
Table of Contents
Chapter I Introduction
Methodology
Limitations
Chapter II Popular Theory
Clausewitz
Jomini
Sun Tzu
Liddell Hart
Modern Theorists
US Deception Doctrine
Chapter III The Russian View
Social, Historical, and Political Influences
Russian Doctrine
Operational Examples
WWII Against the Germans
WWII Against the Japanese
Hungary
Czechoslovakia
Afghanistan
Chapter IV Analysis
Chapter V Summary
Recommendations
Conclusion
Endnotes
Bibliography
57 pages, Paperback
Published September 5, 2025
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