https://unconventionalsoldier.uk/2023/0 ... tle-orbat/It is an important question to ask and/or clarify as to why the regular artillery were required to stand up stay behind observations parties (SBOPs) to supplement other special forces undertaking this task as Stay Behind Patrols (SBPs) during the Cold War. General Nigel Bagnall had long since felt (when he was GOC 4th Armoured Division in the mid-1970s) that the static linear defence of the NATO General Deployment Plan (GDP) was far too reactive. When he became Commander 1st British Corps in 1980 and Commander Northern Army Group (NORTHAG) in 1983, he set about changing this.
The battle against Group of Soviet Forces Germany (GSFG) would now be one of mobile defence and defence in depth. It is understandable that West Germany continuously tried to pose restrictions on the concept of ‘mobile defence’ by insisting that the GSFG be engaged as close to the Inner German Border (IGB) as possible. But Bagnall set about persuading the West German Government that some ground would have to be surrendered in order to withstand a massive Soviet Army attack, and it was into this area that small parties of well-trained soldiers, in the guise of SBPs and SBOPs would deploy and operate. The Stay Behind concept, which had already been part of the more static NATO deployment plan, now evolved and expanded at a fast pace.
See oli evolutsiooni osa.
https://unconventionalsoldier.uk/2023/0 ... perations/