Thread by @ChrisO_wiki

1/ While Telegram is only part of a wider complex of communications systems used in the Russian army, it comprises a keystone without which the wider system falls apart. A commentary by a Russian warblogger explains the Russian army's communications ecosystem in detail. ⬇️

2/ Responding to comments earlier this week by presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov, 'Vault No. 8' provides a "briefing note" on the role of Telegram in the Russian military communications ecosystem.

3/ "A typical motorised rifle regiment (today, the basic tactical unit—the military unit that holds the front line) utilises several tools to manage its troops:

4/ — Radio communications.

"This refers to the tactical level (command and control of regimental units, from commanders and superiors down to individual soldiers).

5/ "— Landline telephone communications. Also at the tactical level.

6/ "— Long-distance communications. For information exchange between regimental headquarters and higher headquarters (division headquarters), as well as between regimental headquarters in the Northern Military District and the regimental headquarters at its…

7/ …permanent deployment point (PPP) in pre-war Russia.

— Military courier postal service. For the exchange of original paper documents between regimental headquarters and division headquarters, as well as with the PPP.

8/ "All of these communication methods have their own limitations, which is why so many of them are needed—they only partially complement each other.

9/ "1. Radio communication only allows for conversation, and even then only in short sentences, overcoming interference and adhering to code values, as radio communications are easiest for the enemy to eavesdrop on, even when encrypted.

10/ "Furthermore, radio communication is built on a system of repeaters placed along the front line and in chains at a distance of up to 20-30 km from the front line. Furthermore, each regiment has its own radio frequencies.

11/ "Therefore, the same regiment commander can communicate by radio with subordinates at the front line and slightly to the rear, but cannot contact neighboring units (without prior preparation), with the rear of his own regiment, or with the permanent post.

12/ "2. Wired telephone communication. It only allows conversation, but for a fairly long time, with little interference (in wet weather and rain, the wire connections—twisted connections—do play up, yes) and without complications, that is, without code tables, …

13/ …as to intercept a signal, the enemy would have to physically cut into the telephone line, which is impossible in most cases.

The limitations of landline telephone communication are the number of lines and telephones and the ability to exchange only verbal information.

14/ "For example, lines from battalions are laid to the regiment commander, and lines from companies are laid to the battalions. But there are no lines to the division headquarters or permanent post stations, and lines to neighbouring stations are not always laid.

15/ "3. Long-distance communication.

This allows for secure telephone conversations, military email, and the transfer of electronic files and document scans. This type of communication is only available to command posts and the commanders working there.

16/ "This is the limitation: any commander (let's take, for example, the regiment's chief medical officer, who oversees a medical company and battalion medical platoons) will only be able to communicate with higher headquarters and the permanent post,…

17/ …as well as with neighbouring military units. But since this communication is for superiors, the vast majority of soldiers and NCOs, as well as the majority of subordinate officers and warrant officers, are not allowed to access it.

18/ "Communication with subordinates is necessary, including exchanging documents, voice messages, and so on.

19/ "It's also important to understand that units of all regiment services and all regiment subdivisions are scattered across a vast area—from the front and near rear to the far rear (over 100 km from the front) and within the permanent post.

20/ "4. Courier postal service. This exists for the exchange of original paper documents only between superiors. This is the limitation—you can't send a letter to your sergeant major in the far rear by pigeon.

21/ "The role of Telegram (and any similarly rated messenger) is that Telegram combines most of the above-mentioned functions into a single app, which is what makes it so popular.

22/ "Telegram is available anywhere there's mobile internet, whether through cell towers, satellite, or wired internet. This means Telegram is available at almost every single dugout on the front lines, at every command post (and this isn't just a single bunker where everyone…

23/ …sits comfortably, only to be killed by a single missile), in every rear area, in the towns and villages through which the regiment's soldiers move, including permanent posts.

24/ "It's precisely the messenger, with its text and voice messaging, audio and video calls, and the ability to send photos, videos, and text documents, that allows for:

— Connecting all units of the regiment, down to individual members.

25/ "For example, the aforementioned regimental chief medical officer can quickly contact any of his soldiers in medical platoons on the front lines, the locations of his medical company, maintain contact with the division chief medical officer and the…

26/ …divisional medical battalion (i.e., the field hospital), as well as with medics at the permanent post—and all this while being located anywhere from the front lines to the far rear, at the permanent post, on a work assignment across Russia, and even on vacation.

27/ "— Connecting neighbouring regiments at the level of regimental commanders down to neighboring motorised rifle units on the front lines. This includes adjusting artillery fire, etc.

28/ "— Staying in touch with the families of all regimental service members, from the regiment commander to the last soldier. Taking an active part in the lives of their families daily or almost daily.

29/ "The messenger allows you to negotiate assistance with volunteer organizations and government agencies directly from the Special Military Operation zone.

Messenger and social media provide opportunities for relaxation and entertainment, depending on internet speed.

30/ "This is why Telegram has proven and remains indispensable—a single app on your phone for most military tasks and your personal life.

31/ "The problem with military messengers in the Russian Armed Forces.

The idea of ​​a military messenger naturally arises to increase information security and allow the transfer of certain types of official documents without constant leaks to the enemy.

32/ "The problem here is the same as with office equipment in the Russian Armed Forces:

33/ "❗️For some reason, high-ranking military officials still believe that such an effective tool as a military messenger should be provided only to the regiment commander and command staff. Only they are issued service smartphones with Russian military messengers.

34/ "All other users are forced to buy new smartphones at their own expense, submit them for inspection, and firmware updates (the service centre operates outside the regiment, so the wait time is several weeks—even if there's a malfunction).

35/ "That is, if the commander of a motorised rifle battalion (which makes up a motorised rifle regiment), or any other combat unit (tank battalion, anti-aircraft missile battery, artillery battalion, rocket battery, sniper company, unmanned aerial vehicle platoon, etc.), wants…

36/ …to provide access to a military messenger to at least his own command (battalion chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, communications chief, deputy battalion commander for armament, deputy for military-political work) and unit commanders (company commanders,…

37/ …mortar battery commander, support platoon commander, communications platoon commander, medical platoon commander), then the battalion commander will have to order all of these officers to use their own salaries to purchase smartphones,…

38/ …which will then be programmed with a military messenger. There is simply no other way.

39/ "Now imagine that within the battalion's smaller units—companies, platoons, and separate platoons (communications, supply, and medical)—the same applies. Buy it yourself, give it to the army - then you will have access to such an effective tool.

40/ "❗️That's why the military prefers Telegram—it's free to install after purchasing a smartphone, it's fast, has excellent customer support, and allows you to handle most essential tasks.

41/ "However, sending official documents is impossible without the risk of leakage, but long-distance communication and military courier services are available for that." /end

Source:
t.me/vault8pro/53768