Soviet Force Structure in an Era of Reform. Revision.

摘要

Today the Soviets are confronted by changing conditions which impel them to alter their force structure. Purely military considerations, in particular the accelerating pace of technological change and the evolving battlefield environment, necessitate fundamental changes. For a decade the Soviets have gradually adjusted their force structure to accommodate these new realities, but today the existing force structure has evolved as far as it can. Clearly, new forms of forces are required which will permit further accommodation. The more flexible corps, brigade, and battalion structure can provide the vehicle for further change. The new defensiveness in Soviet military doctrine provides yet another motive for force structure changes. The current structure is inexorably linked with the former more offensive posture. The enunciation of new defensive precepts requires the creation of a less offensive looking force structure (or at least a force structure which Western observers are unfamiliar with). Although the Soviets have long-standing experience with the employment of corps and brigades, most Westerners are ignorant of it. The key issue in the future will be what form this new force structure will take and what its capabilities will be. (kr)