Territorial Defence in Yugoslavia?

[Pfc. Walnut]

Can anybody tell me something about TD in former Yugoslavia, and I don't mean during the Yugoslav Wars, but before the wars.
What weapons do they had, organization, insignia maybe, and so on?
Does enybode have a some kind of manuals for TD?
Thank you

[AN_TPS_63A]

Can anybody tell me something about TD in former Yugoslavia, and I don't mean during the Yugoslav Wars, but before the wars.
What weapons do they had, organization, insignia maybe, and so on?
Does enybode have a some kind of manuals for TD?
Thank you

I've seen that they used trucks borrowed from the local factories, M-48 rifles, M-53 MG, some anti aircraft guns (my father told me that he used during one exercise "some american antiaircraft gun made before WWII"), sometimes they used horses for the troop transport during exercises. But those exercises were held couple of times, nothing regular.

[Pfc. Walnut]

Did they used some SMG's?
Maybe some PPSH-41s, MP-40s, or Yugoslav made?

[ronnieraygun]

from US library of congress:


Yugoslavia's TND doctrine reconciled the country's domestic and foreign policies with its strategic realities and limitations. Formulated after the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia, TND became Yugoslavia's official military doctrine when the National Defense Law of 1969 was published.
Yugoslavia's determination to rely on its own resources and to remain independent and nonaligned conflicted with strategic reality. The invasion of Czechoslovakia showed that the standing conventional forces of a small country could not repulse a surprise attack by a qualitatively and quantitatively superior aggressor. TND was designed to allow Yugoslavia to maintain or eventually reestablish its independent and nonaligned status should an invasion occur.
TND prepared the entire population to contest the occupation of the country and finally to liberate it. The Territorial Defense Forces (TDF) would mobilize the population for this purpose (see Territorial Defense Forces (http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+yu0183)) , this ch.). The combat readiness of the TDF meant that the steps of organization and training could be bypassed after the start of hostilities. The TDF would supplement the YPA, giving it greater defensive depth and an armed local population ready to support combat actions. Large numbers of armed civilians would increase the cost of an invasion to a potential aggressor.
The most likely scenario in the doctrine of TND was general war between the Warsaw Pact and NATO in Europe. In such a situation, Yugoslavia would remain nonaligned, and it would not accept foreign troops of either alliance on its territory regardless of threats or inducements. The doctrine did recognize the likelihood that one side or the other might try to seize Yugoslav territory as a forward staging area, to ensure lines of communication, or simply to deny the territory to enemy forces. Such action would be considered aggression and would be resisted. Regardless of ideology, the occupiers would be considered Yugoslavia's enemy, and Yugoslavia would immediately join the opposing side for the specific purpose of liberating its territory.
TND was legally codified in article 240 of the Constitution of 1974. It declares that the armed forces consist of the YPA and territorial defense units organized for nationwide armed resistance. It stipulates that any citizen who resists an aggressor is a member of the armed forces. Article 238 declares that no one has the right to acknowledge or sign an act of capitulation, to accept or recognize the occupation of the country, or to prevent other citizens from resisting. To do so is high treason. This provision was written to prevent an occupying force from using a Yugoslav faction or group to request and legitimize an invasion. The National Defense Law of 1982 further elaborates these provisions and explicitly states the LCY's responsibility for defense efforts.



The Territorial Defense Forces (TDF) were formed in 1969 as an integral part of the TND doctrine (see Military Doctrine (http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+yu0175)) , this ch.). TDF units were a vehicle for mobilizing able-bodied civilian males and females to participate in national defense. Between one and three million Yugoslavs between the ages of fifteen and sixty-five would fight under TDF command as irregular or guerrilla forces in wartime. In peacetime, however, about 860,000 TDF troops were involved in training and other activities.
As originally formed, the TDF was highly decentralized and independent. TDF units were organized and funded by the party and governments in the republics, autonomous provinces, and communes. The units were commanded by TDF commanders, but they were responsible to both regional LCY leadership and the nearest YPA command. The formation of TDF units strained the budget, personnel, logistics, and training resources of the YPA without giving it direct control over them. Because of its high initial priority, the TDF also became a rival of sorts and detracted from the status and prestige of the YPA.
Tension between the TDF and the YPA persisted throughout the 1970s. The possibility that one republic might form its TDF units into an independent army capable of opposing the YPA brought gradual centralization of the TDF. The process culminated in the establishment of the Council for Territorial Defense under the control of the federal secretary for national defense in 1980 (see Government Organization for Defense (http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+yu0178)) , this ch.).
Additional changes made republican and provincial TDF commanders directly responsible to the chief of the YPA General Staff. Active duty and reserve YPA officers assumed command of TDF units throughout the country. It became increasingly apparent that the YPA would direct TDF units in combat, except in enemycontrolled areas or in case of a disruption in the chain of command.
Despite losing control over their TDF organizations, the republics and autonomous provinces continued to bear the financial burden of supporting them. Those jurisdictions were still required to provide infrastructure and logistical support to TDF units operating on their territory. During the 1980s, the cost of the TDF was estimated at approximately 1 percent of GNP annually.
The TDF concept focused on small, lightly armed infantry units fighting defensive actions on familiar local terrain. The typical unit was a company-sized detachment organized by more than 2,000 communes, neighborhood factories, and other enterprises. These units would fight in their home areas, maintaining local defense production essential to the overall war effort. The TDF also included some larger, more heavily equipped units with wider operational responsibilities. TDF battalions and regiments operated in regional areas with older artillery and antiaircraft guns and some obsolete armored vehicles. Using their mobility and tactical initiative, these units would attempt to alleviate the pressure of enemy armored columns, air strikes, and air assaults on smaller TDF units.
In coastal regions, TDF units had naval missions. They operated some obsolete gunboats in support of navy operations. They were organized to defend strategic coastal areas and naval facilities against enemy amphibious landings and raids. They also trained some divers for use in sabotage and other special operations.

The TDF was helped by the fact that most of its male citizen-soldiers were one-time YPA conscripts who had completed their term of compulsory military service. But TDF recruitment was somewhat limited by the YPA desire to include as many recently released conscripts as possible in its reserve. Other sources of TDF manpower lacked prior military service and required extensive basic training.



doctrine according to wiki:


The Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) had a unique operational doctrine for a conventional military force. Yugoslavia based its defence doctrine upon the concept of "Total National Defence" (opštenarodna odbrana), which drew upon Yugoslavia's rich partisan history during World War II. Total National Defence gave the JNA the role of defending borders against aggressors with the intention of delaying an invader long enough for Territorial Defence Forces to enter the field and start wearing the invader down with partisan tactics. The entire Yugoslav population under this concept was to be engaged in armed resistance, armaments production, and civil defence. The concept of Total National Defence was believed by the Yugoslav planners to be the best method by which a smaller nation could properly defend itself against a much stronger invader.

http://i4.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/7e/43/04bd_1.JPG

insignia patch-vojvodina TD

[Knez Eru]

I know that my parents/aunt/uncle had terretorial defense classes in secondary school. My aunt was trained to use an M-48 rifle, and had to read a (text)book on organising/participating in partizan activity.

[AN_TPS_63A]

I know that my parents/aunt/uncle had terretorial defense classes in secondary school. My aunt was trained to use an M-48 rifle, and had to read a (text)book on organising/participating in partizan activity.

They even trained pupils in the primary school how basics how to use to use a M-48 (but without shooting practice) ...heh this is great idea for Hugo Chavez, maybe Castro didn't inform him of this possibility ;-)

[AN_TPS_63A]

from US library of congress:


Yugoslavia's TND doctrine reconciled the country's domestic and foreign policies with its strategic realities and limitations. Formulated after the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia, TND became Yugoslavia's official military doctrine when the National Defense Law of 1969 was published.
Yugoslavia's determination to rely on its own resources and to remain independent and nonaligned conflicted with strategic reality. The invasion of Czechoslovakia showed that the standing conventional forces of a small country could not repulse a surprise attack by a qualitatively and quantitatively superior aggressor. TND was designed to allow Yugoslavia to maintain or eventually reestablish its independent and nonaligned status should an invasion occur.
TND prepared the entire population to contest the occupation of the country and finally to liberate it. The Territorial Defense Forces (TDF) would mobilize the population for this purpose (see Territorial Defense Forces (http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+yu0183)) , this ch.). The combat readiness of the TDF meant that the steps of organization and training could be bypassed after the start of hostilities. The TDF would supplement the YPA, giving it greater defensive depth and an armed local population ready to support combat actions. Large numbers of armed civilians would increase the cost of an invasion to a potential aggressor.
The most likely scenario in the doctrine of TND was general war between the Warsaw Pact and NATO in Europe. In such a situation, Yugoslavia would remain nonaligned, and it would not accept foreign troops of either alliance on its territory regardless of threats or inducements. The doctrine did recognize the likelihood that one side or the other might try to seize Yugoslav territory as a forward staging area, to ensure lines of communication, or simply to deny the territory to enemy forces. Such action would be considered aggression and would be resisted. Regardless of ideology, the occupiers would be considered Yugoslavia's enemy, and Yugoslavia would immediately join the opposing side for the specific purpose of liberating its territory.
TND was legally codified in article 240 of the Constitution of 1974. It declares that the armed forces consist of the YPA and territorial defense units organized for nationwide armed resistance. It stipulates that any citizen who resists an aggressor is a member of the armed forces. Article 238 declares that no one has the right to acknowledge or sign an act of capitulation, to accept or recognize the occupation of the country, or to prevent other citizens from resisting. To do so is high treason. This provision was written to prevent an occupying force from using a Yugoslav faction or group to request and legitimize an invasion. The National Defense Law of 1982 further elaborates these provisions and explicitly states the LCY's responsibility for defense efforts.



The Territorial Defense Forces (TDF) were formed in 1969 as an integral part of the TND doctrine (see Military Doctrine (http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+yu0175)) , this ch.). TDF units were a vehicle for mobilizing able-bodied civilian males and females to participate in national defense. Between one and three million Yugoslavs between the ages of fifteen and sixty-five would fight under TDF command as irregular or guerrilla forces in wartime. In peacetime, however, about 860,000 TDF troops were involved in training and other activities.
As originally formed, the TDF was highly decentralized and independent. TDF units were organized and funded by the party and governments in the republics, autonomous provinces, and communes. The units were commanded by TDF commanders, but they were responsible to both regional LCY leadership and the nearest YPA command. The formation of TDF units strained the budget, personnel, logistics, and training resources of the YPA without giving it direct control over them. Because of its high initial priority, the TDF also became a rival of sorts and detracted from the status and prestige of the YPA.
Tension between the TDF and the YPA persisted throughout the 1970s. The possibility that one republic might form its TDF units into an independent army capable of opposing the YPA brought gradual centralization of the TDF. The process culminated in the establishment of the Council for Territorial Defense under the control of the federal secretary for national defense in 1980 (see Government Organization for Defense (http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+yu0178)) , this ch.).
Additional changes made republican and provincial TDF commanders directly responsible to the chief of the YPA General Staff. Active duty and reserve YPA officers assumed command of TDF units throughout the country. It became increasingly apparent that the YPA would direct TDF units in combat, except in enemycontrolled areas or in case of a disruption in the chain of command.
Despite losing control over their TDF organizations, the republics and autonomous provinces continued to bear the financial burden of supporting them. Those jurisdictions were still required to provide infrastructure and logistical support to TDF units operating on their territory. During the 1980s, the cost of the TDF was estimated at approximately 1 percent of GNP annually.
The TDF concept focused on small, lightly armed infantry units fighting defensive actions on familiar local terrain. The typical unit was a company-sized detachment organized by more than 2,000 communes, neighborhood factories, and other enterprises. These units would fight in their home areas, maintaining local defense production essential to the overall war effort. The TDF also included some larger, more heavily equipped units with wider operational responsibilities. TDF battalions and regiments operated in regional areas with older artillery and antiaircraft guns and some obsolete armored vehicles. Using their mobility and tactical initiative, these units would attempt to alleviate the pressure of enemy armored columns, air strikes, and air assaults on smaller TDF units.
In coastal regions, TDF units had naval missions. They operated some obsolete gunboats in support of navy operations. They were organized to defend strategic coastal areas and naval facilities against enemy amphibious landings and raids. They also trained some divers for use in sabotage and other special operations.

The TDF was helped by the fact that most of its male citizen-soldiers were one-time YPA conscripts who had completed their term of compulsory military service. But TDF recruitment was somewhat limited by the YPA desire to include as many recently released conscripts as possible in its reserve. Other sources of TDF manpower lacked prior military service and required extensive basic training.



doctrine according to wiki:


The Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) had a unique operational doctrine for a conventional military force. Yugoslavia based its defence doctrine upon the concept of "Total National Defence" (opštenarodna odbrana), which drew upon Yugoslavia's rich partisan history during World War II. Total National Defence gave the JNA the role of defending borders against aggressors with the intention of delaying an invader long enough for Territorial Defence Forces to enter the field and start wearing the invader down with partisan tactics. The entire Yugoslav population under this concept was to be engaged in armed resistance, armaments production, and civil defence. The concept of Total National Defence was believed by the Yugoslav planners to be the best method by which a smaller nation could properly defend itself against a much stronger invader.

http://i4.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/7e/43/04bd_1.JPG

insignia patch-vojvodina TD

In the almost all republics those TD forces instead of fighting external enemy formed nucleus of the forces which at the end fought Yugoslav army heheh :-)

[Killerkai1]

Can some one help me, if i want to start a thread, how do i do this?
KK

[mack pl]

Click "New Thread" button

[Killerkai1]

Thank you Mack
KK

[Killerkai1]

I just like to add on the issue of TND defence that its central flaw was the exposure of Northern Serbia, flat land and long border making it easy for an invader to cross (though the Danube and Tisa rivers would have made cross river operations problematic). Kosovo's mountain/hilly borders though protected Serbia's southern flank from the possibility of armed aggression (very useful in 1999 as a deterent to NATO land thrust)

[themacedonian]

They even trained pupils in the primary school how basics how to use to use a M-48 (but without shooting practice) ...heh this is great idea for Hugo Chavez, maybe Castro didn't inform him of this possibility ;-)

There was a class called Opsta Narodna Odbrana (Total Civil Defense) and you get to learn about caring for wounds, then learning about dangers from attack, chemical attack ( I remember a gas mask shown by the teacher in the class), signs of chemical attack, then shooting classes. There was a text book maybe some Yugo can scan it.

They still teach it I think in R. Macedonia. I remember in 1999 a British journalist "found" the text book in Kosovo and displayed and said:

"Serbian kids are taught how to kill Albanians" that was the lowest BBC propaganda I have seen.

It was a nice book.

[AN_TPS_63A]

I just like to add on the issue of TND defence that its central flaw was the exposure of Northern Serbia, flat land and long border making it easy for an invader to cross (though the Danube and Tisa rivers would have made cross river operations problematic). Kosovo's mountain/hilly borders though protected Serbia's southern flank from the possibility of armed aggression (very useful in 1999 as a deterent to NATO land thrust)

Rumour says that Tito's generals in the case of Soviet invasion had a plan to a dynamite part of the Danube gorge close to the rumanian border and flood the vojvodina...heh

[Pfc. Walnut]

I think the TDY should never been "closed". We needed her in Kosovo War and Nato agression.

[noneck11]

I have one of the textbooks somewhere. I found it in an empty school in Kijevo, Croatia in August of 1993 while serving with CANBAT1.

We occupied the village, which was completely abandoned and while clearing the area came across the school.

The text had a blue cover and contained info on basic map and compass, NBC, first aid, marksmanship and fieldcraft. It was exactly like an army cadet pam. This was a newer text as well circa late 80's.

The school also had several empty rifle racks in the basement, which would be suitable for the Yugo version of the Mauser K98 rifle.

I'll have to see if I can find it.

Noneck

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

In the Republic of Macedonia, all state college students still have to pass in freshmen year, the subject called "Defense & Protection".