Afghan War RPG (80s)

The conflict erupted as a result of a profound domestic political crisis and civil war in Afghanistan following the Saur Revolution of 1978, which weakened the government, which had been friendly to the USSR. The Soviet Union's leadership decided to deploy a limited contingent of troops, seeking to prevent destabilization along its southern borders, the rise of Islamic radicalism, and the possible establishment of US bases in the region. This move also reflected numerous official requests from the Afghan leadership for military assistance to stabilize the situation in the country.

Unofficial markings for cargo may be encountered within the ranks of the Soviet army; they may be encountered, for example, in radio communications or in discussions at bases.
Cargo 100 - ammunition and supplies (cartridges, grenades, mines, shells and missiles)
Cargo 200 – a person killed in action or the body of a service member. They were flown out of Afghanistan in zinc coffins on An-12 aircraft.
Cargo 300 - a wounded soldier requiring evacuation
Cargo 400 - military personnel with concussion who also need to be evacuated.
Cargo 500 - medicines and drugs, as well as cargo delivered to the rear
Cargo 600 - prisoners of war
Cargo 700 - Valuable property (e.g. currency or gold)
Cargo 800 – especially dangerous weapons (chemical, bacteriological, nuclear). Not found in Afghanistan at all, but still useful for reference.

Mujahideen and Islamic radicals use guerrilla tactics. They never attack a stronghold or base in large groups. Instead, they attack in scattered, small groups and immediately retreat after striking. Alternatively, they set ambushes along logistics routes or in populated areas.
In terms of technology, there's a plethora of civilian cars, trucks, and minivans. Toyota and other pickup trucks are most commonly used. The trucks are usually old, Soviet- or Chinese-made. Mules, horses, camels, and donkeys are also used for transportation.
There is no aviation at all.
Small arms include obsolete Soviet and Chinese weapons. Western models, such as the M16 and Galil, are occasionally encountered. FIM-92 "Stinger" MANPADS are in abundance for countering Soviet aircraft.

The Soviet Union relies on the power of equipment and aviation. Soviet soldiers are always well armed and equipped. Equipment - tanks T-54, T-62, T-62, T-72 and T-80 (very rare). BTR-70, BTR-80, BTR-60, as well as BRDM-2, BMP-1, BMP-2 (a lot). Trucks Ural 4320, KamAZ 4310, ZIL-131, ZIL-157. KrAZ-255B. Aviation - Mi-6, Mi-8, Mi-24 (a lot), MiG-23, MiG-19, Su-25 (after 1987 in very small quantities), MiG-25 (reconnaissance), MiG-27.
Small arms include the AKM, AKMS, AK-74, AKS-74 (VDV), RPK-47, RPK-74, SVD, PK, PKM, GP-25, RPG-7, RPG-22, and RPG-26. 6x4 knives (for all soldiers), and the NR-43 "Cherry" (for commanders and units of the KGB of the USSR).

A term that Soviet soldiers may use to describe Mujahideen weapons. It refers to Chinese weapons, specifically the Type 56 rifles and Type 63 carbines. The Type 80 machine gun is also very rare among Mujahideen weapons.

Operation Cyclone was a CIA operation to supply the Mujahideen with weapons, particularly Stinger MANPADS, and train Mujahideen fighters in Pakistan. At the time of the war, it was considered a myth and was spread by rumors.

Shuravi is a term used by Afghan troops and citizens to refer to Soviet troops. Translated from Pashto as "Soviet," it is generally considered a benevolent term.

Dushman (in the ranks of the Soviet troops, "dukh") is a term used by the OKSVA and DRA forces. It translates from Persian and Pashto as "enemy" or "adversary." It is used in reference to the Mujahideen.