Inside Look at Soviet Military Reform.

摘要

This paper examines a range of military-political issues associated with Soviet military reform from the perspective of a Soviet military officer. It begins by identifying the main reasons--both domestic and foreign--for the current military reform effort in the USSR and analyzes the two main reform plans. The paper then identifies the economic factors that must be taken into consideration: the costs of military reform as well as the possible effects that conversion and the transition to a market economy may have on Soviet military reform. The positions of numerous political organizations on various military issues are examined, followed by an overview of interethnic tensions and changing demographics, and their effects on the military (including the creation of national formation). Soviet troop reductions and withdrawal from Eastern Europe and Mongolia present additional problems for consideration, namely from the perspective of the social problems they cause. The sixth chapter addresses legal guarantees for military reform and the idea of social protection for service personnel and their families. Finally, the paper examines the need to change the current conscription system and explains why a mixed system of conscripted forces combined with more volunteers is the best option available. It concludes with a discussion of options for alternative service and presents data from public opinion surveys on this issue.