Externals 1980-1989

Guide to Forces of
South West Africa and Angola

Cuban Forces in Angola

by Greg Novak

The Cuban forces first arrived in Angola in 1975 to serve as advisors for the forces of WLA as the Soviet Union began to back that faction. The Cubans served in 1975-77, officially training the new formed FAPLA in the use of these weapons, and on occasion actually operating them in the field against the forces of FNLA and UNITA. After MPLA had taken control of the country, the Cuban forces in Angola were increased during the 1980s until they numbered some 40,000. However, this figure, so often quoted as proof of the Cuban control of the country, is misleading in a number of ways.

Of the 40,000 Cubans present in Angola, some 8000 were actually civilians in medical, engineering, and other such tasks. It is often forgotten that Cuba gained a worldwide reputation during the 1970s and 1980s for its willingness to send doctors and teachers to the emerging nations of the world.

It may be argued that neither the doctors nor teachers were well trained by Western standards, but for many countries they help filled existing gaps in social services. Another 10-12,000 Cubans were military personnel in name, but served out of the front lines as technicians, teachers, and advisors helping build an infrastructure for FAPLA. They were not alone in this task, as Soviet Union and other Pact countries also furnished personnel for these tasks.

Of the remaining 20,000+ Cubans, these were actual military personnel who served in some 8-12 Motor Rifle Regiments, as advisors in the combat units of FAPLA, and as a sizable minority of the pilots and ground crews of the Angolan Air Force. The role of the Motor Rifle Regiments stationed in Angola after 1980 is rather interesting. Instead of serving as cutting edge for FAPLA, the chosen role of the Cuban Motor Rifles was to serve as security forces about the Cuban bases whenever possible. The Cuban Motor Rifle Regiments rarely fought as a regiment, and battle groups formed from a reinforced battalion were not committed to action unless the circumstances warranted it.

Looking back on the 1980s, it becomes apparent that while the Cuban government was willing to send troops to Angola, it was not interested in fighting the Cuban equivalent of the Vietnam War. A high body count would not be well-received in Havana, and the Cuban troops in the field acted accordingly. From time to time this caused problems between the Cubans and FAPLA, especially in dealing with the "externals" of the SADF. If deemed necessary, the Cuban forces would move to engage the invading troops, but if they were gone when the Cubans arrived, hot pursuit was not an option that was considered. If attacked, however, the Cubans would stand and defend their ground, so many external operations of the SDAF were planned with this in mind. If the operation was planned to avoid the Cuban positions, the chances of the Cubans being engaged are lessened.

The Cuban Motor Rifle Regiments were based on those of the Soviet Army, though with older equipment of the type used by FAPLA.

CUBAN MOTOR RIFLE REGIMENTS
Experienced; Morale: 7

Regimental Headquarters, with:

    1 command stand
    1 BTR 60PU
    1 staff radio van
    1 support stand
    1 medium truck

Regimental Recon Company, with:

    1 recon PT-76 light tank
    2 recon BRDM- 2s

Regimental Engineer Company, with:

    1 command engineer stand
    1 TMM bridge
    1 MTU bridge
    1 medium truck

Regimental AT Company, with 1 BRDM-2 AT-3
Regimental AA Company, with:

    1 SA-9
    1 ZSU-23

Regimental Supply Company, with:

    1 command stand
    2 support stands
    1 UAZ469
    4 medium trucks

3 Infantry Battalion, each with:

    Battalion Headquarters, with:
      1 command stand
      1 command infantry stand
      1 SA-7 team
      1 AGS-17 stand
      1 BRDM-2U
      2 BTR-60

    3 Infantry Companies, each with:

      3 infantry stands
      3 BTR-60s

    Mortar Company, with:

      1 120mm mortar
      1 medium truck
      1 gun crew stand (ds)

    Antitank Platoon, with:

      1AT-3 stand
      1 BTR- 60

Regimental Tank Battalion, with:

    Battalion Headquarters, with:
      1 command T-54/55 tank
      1 support stand
      1 medium supply truck with trailer
    3 Tank Companies, each with 2 T-54/55 tanks

Regimental Artillery Battalion, with:

    Battalion Headquarters, with:
      1 command stand
      1 FO stand
      2 UAZ-469s
      1 TOC van
      2 support stands
      2 medium supply trucks with trailers

    3 122 Batteries, each with:

      1 gun crew stand (ds)
      1 122mm D 30 howitzer
      1 medium truck

    MLR Battery, with 2 BM-21

Notes

1. A limited number of BMP-1s were sent to Angola in the late 1980s for use by the Cuban forces. Up to one company in one infantry battalion per brigade can be so equipped.

2. Those Motor Rifle Regiments on permanent security assignments often lacked the transport for two of the infantry battalions, as well as the MLR Battery.

More Externals 1980-1989: SW Africa and Angola

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© Copyright 1993 by Greg Novak.
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