How Russia Makes War Soviet Military Doctrine

This book, first published in 1954, is a key analysis of the guiding policies, basic assumptions, fundamental principles and methods of the Red Army, in many respects the most powerful force in the Cold War. This analysis examines the strategy and tactics, weapons systems, training, discipline and political doctrine of the Red Army, as well as focusing on the political control of the USSR and its satellite states.

Part 1. Bases of Soviet Military Doctrine 1. Soviet Strategy, Military Doctrine and ‘Cold War’ 2. The Soviet Conception of Military Doctrine 3. Fundamental Influences on Soviet Military Doctrine Part 2. Soviet Principles of War 4. The Principle of the Offensive, and Defence 5. The Principles of Manoeuvre and Initiative 6. Forms of Offensive Manoeuvre 7. The Principles of the Concentration and Economy of Force Mass 8. The Principles of Momentum of Advance and of Consolidation 9. The Principle of Annihilation 10. Retreat 11. Reserves 12. The Principles of Unity and Combined Arms 13. Leadership, Planning and Command 14. Morale, Political Controls and the Soviet Soldier 15. Prediction, Intelligence and Reconnaissance 16. Deception, Surprise and Security 17. Preparation, Training and Improvisation 18. The Importance of the Rear Part 3. Soviet Doctrine on the Operational and Tactical Employment of the Combat Arms 19. Soviet Employment of Ground Forces 20. Soviet Employment of Air Power 21. Soviet Employment of Sea Power and Amphibious Operations 22. Special Combat Conditions 23. Soviet Employment of Partisan Forces

Raymond L. Garthoff