The Political Officer in the Soviet Army: His Role, Influence and Duties

摘要

This paper addresses two major questions: the role of the zampolit, and of political work in general in the Soviet Armed Forces. The paper briefly traces the evolution of the political officer system since the Russian Revolution. Next, the role of political work in the Soviet Army is analyzed with a view toward describing the environment in which the zampolit serves. The paper then evaluates the zampolit himself. The political officer at regimental level and below is examined, first in terms of 'what he should be', followed by 'what he is', his duties, role, influence with his commander and among the troops, his achievements and the problems he creates. Finally, general conclusions are offered pertaining to: (1) the importance of political work in Soviet perspective; (2) the integration of the zampolit into strictly military affairs and his contribution to overall unit readiness; and (3) the zampolit's relationship with his commander. (Author)