Central Organizations of Defense in the Soviet Union

Baker, R.H. (2019) Central Organizations of Defense in the Soviet Union. In: Central Organizations of Defense :. Routledge, London, pp. 160-177. ISBN 9780367014858

Abstract

The contemporary character of the central organization and structures of Soviet defense may best be understood by locating their origins in the year 1953. The point is crucial to a historical understanding of Soviet defense policy and the character and relationships of defense institutions. In the 1950s and early 1960s, reference were beginning to be made in both Soviet and Western literature to the emergence of a Supreme Military Council of Defense in the USSR. The Constitution makes clear that the Defense Council is a state body rather than a party body. The importance of the Defense Council, therefore, lies in its being the linchpin of the Soviet defense establishment. The constituent branches of the Soviet Armed Forces have the principles of defense policy translated into specific roles and missions for them by the General Staff, the chief of which, ex officio, is also a first deputy minister of defense.