Activity 1 - What forces fought in the war?

  1. Research - Research the differences between both the Soviet/Afghan forces and Mujahideen forces. Complete this worksheet by noting down key facts about the force structure, foreign support, strategy and tactics, and key leaders. Use the following sources to help you:
    1. Fremont-Barnes, G. (2012). Osprey Essential Histories: The Soviet-Afghan War 1979-89, pp. 22-30
    2. Isby, D., & Volstad, R. (1986). Osprey Men-at-Arms Series: Russia’s War in Afghanistan, pp. 9-37
    3. Mujahideen Tactics in the Soviet-Afghan War 
  2. Discuss - Review your findings as a class. What were the strengths and limitations of both the Soviet/Afghan and Mujahideen forces?

Activity 2 - How did the war evolve?

  1. Explore - Complete this worksheet examining the course of the Soviet-Afghan War. Using the Lesson Presentation and any other resources, investigate the actions of both the USSR/DRA and Mujahideen forces.
  2. Watch - Watch this three part series on the military evolution of the Soviet-Afghan War. Add notes to your worksheets examining the evolution of the conflict.
  3. Locate - Research the chronology of the war and create a timeline to show the main events, 1979 to 1989. Arrange the notes on your worksheets to show this.
  4. Write - What were the most significant turning points of the conflict? Pick three events and explain your choice in a paragraph.'
  5. Discuss - What were the main mistakes made by the Soviet/DRA forces? What could or should the USSR have done to win the war?

Activity 3 - The Nature of the Fighting

  1. Analyse - Examine the following primary sources on this worksheet. Make a simple table comparing both Soviet and Mujahideen tactics. Make notes from the sources on the effectiveness of each sides’ tactics.
  2. Research - In small groups, research one of the following military operations of the Soviet-Afghan War and then create a short 2-3 mins presentation for your class. Use text, maps, images and videos to answer the following questions:
    1. What were the aims of the operation?
    2. What forces and equipment were involved?
    3. What strategies and tactics were used?
    4. What was the outcome and significance of the operation?
    5. Summary - What does it reveal about the nature of the fighting?
  3. Select - In your group, choose one of the following military operations to explore and present on:
    1. Panjshir Offensives - 1980-1985
    2. Siege of Urgun - Aug 1983
    3. Operation Curtain - Mar 1984 - Apr 1988
    4. Battle of Maravar Pass - April 1985
    5. The Laghman Massacre - April 1985
    6. Battles of Zhawar - Sep 1985 and Feb 1986
    7. Battle of Arghandab - May 1987
    8. Operation Magistral - November 1987
    9. Battle for Hill 3234 - Jan 1988
    10. Operation Arrow - Oct 1988
  4. Discuss - After reviewing the presentations, discuss the following questions as a class:
    1. What mistakes did the USSR make in Afghanistan?
    2. Why were Mujahideen tactics so effective?
    3. What strategies should the USSR have used in Afghanistan?
    4. Was Soviet defeat in the war inevitable?

Further Reading

OBLIGATORY READING
  1. Fremont-Barnes, G. (2012). Osprey Essential Histories: The Soviet-Afghan War 1979-89, pp. 37-62
RECOMMENDED READING
  1. Isby, D., & Volstad, R. (1986). Osprey Men-at-Arms Series: Russia’s War in Afghanistan, pp. 9-37
SUPPLEMENTAL READING
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