Artillery in the Mountains: Field Artillery in Low Intensity Conflicts

Artillery in the Mountains examines field artillery operations in guerrilla warfare and counterinsurgency environments, with a focus on mountainous terrain. The book draws from conflicts in Afghanistan, Chechnya, and other regions where artillery units faced unconventional adversaries. The text breaks down technical aspects of artillery deployment in challenging geography, including mobility constraints, targeting procedures, and logistical considerations. Through case studies and operational analyses, it demonstrates how traditional artillery doctrine must adapt to irregular warfare scenarios. Analysis of specific battles and campaigns reveals patterns in how both government forces and insurgents utilized or countered artillery assets. The work includes maps, tactical diagrams, and historical photographs to illustrate key concepts. The book contributes to military scholarship by bridging the gap between conventional artillery doctrine and the realities of modern mountain warfare. Its examination of real-world examples highlights the evolution of artillery tactics in response to emerging battlefield challenges.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Lester W. Grau's overall work: Readers consistently highlight Grau's detailed research and first-hand sources. Multiple reviews on Amazon and Goodreads note his balanced presentation of both Soviet and Mujahideen perspectives in his Afghanistan war analysis. What readers liked: - Direct translations of primary Soviet military documents - Clear breakdown of combat tactics with maps and diagrams - Inclusion of actual battle accounts from both sides - Technical precision in military terminology What readers disliked: - Dense writing style can be challenging for non-military readers - Some repetition between chapters - Limited context about broader political situations - High price point of hardcover editions Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.6/5 (The Bear Went Over the Mountain) 4.7/5 (The Other Side of the Mountain) Goodreads: 4.2/5 average across main works One military officer reviewer noted: "Grau's analysis provides practical lessons still relevant to operations in Afghanistan today." Multiple readers cited the tactical diagrams as particularly useful for understanding mountain warfare concepts.

Mountain Combat by Franz-Wilhelm Lochmann This technical manual details Wehrmacht mountain infantry tactics and operations in World War II through firsthand accounts and military documents.

The Other Side of the Mountain by Lester W. Grau The text presents mujahideen tactics and operations against Soviet forces in Afghanistan through combat studies and military analysis.

Mountain Warfare and Other Modern Combat Operations by United States Army Command This field manual outlines doctrine, equipment, and procedures for military operations in mountainous environments across different climate conditions.

The Bear Went Over the Mountain by Lester W. Grau The book examines Soviet combat tactics in Afghanistan through military studies and battlefield reports from 1979-1989.

High-Altitude Leadership by Chris Warner and Don Schmincke The work analyzes military operations in extreme altitude environments through case studies from World War I through modern conflicts.

📚 Field artillery has been employed in mountain warfare since at least 218 BC, when Hannibal moved 37 elephants and artillery pieces across the Alps during his invasion of Italy. 🏔️ The thin air at high altitudes can extend artillery range by up to 25%, but also makes it much harder for crews to accurately calculate firing solutions. 🛠️ Author Lester W. Grau served as a Research Director at the U.S. Army's Foreign Military Studies Office and is considered one of the foremost Western experts on Soviet/Russian military tactics. ⚔️ Mountain artillery crews often must disassemble their guns into smaller components to transport them up steep terrain, with some modern mountain howitzers able to break down into 12 separate pieces. 🎯 The curved flight path of artillery shells makes them especially effective in mountainous regions, as they can reach enemy forces behind ridgelines and in deep valleys where direct-fire weapons cannot engage.