Question/discussion about a book: WWIII: The Untold Story

[raketenjagdpanzer]

...by Sir John Hackett.

There was a matter in the book regarding the Soviets' final offensive to cut off a major portion NATO's forces (IIRC it failed) and during the planning for the operation, when the map was revealed a middle-echelon artillery officer voiced his approval, but noted that for maximum effectiveness of his rocket bombardment he'd have to shift his launchers back 1km and a little laterally against the grain of the main line of resistance. Without missing a beat a KGB general pointed at him and said "That man is guilty of retreating in the face of the enemy, place him under arrest and have him shot." and BAM, they dragged the guy out of the planning session.

Now I read the book when I was just a little mugwump and that scene always stuck with me, but was it really that bad in the Red Army? I've read Inside the Soviet Army by Viktor Suvorov, but that's about it. Now that scene, in reflection, seems patently absurd but if anyone would care to share any insight or thoughts...?