What was the official period of activity for the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army?

The Workers' and Peasants' Red Army was active from January 28, 1918, to February 25, 1946. This period covers its formation during the Russian Civil War through its existence as the primary military force of the Soviet Union until its renaming.

When was the Red Army officially renamed the Soviet Army?

The Red Army was renamed the Soviet Army in February 1946. This change reflected its status as the main component of the broader Soviet Armed Forces.

What significant role did the Red Army play in the European theatre of World War II?

The Red Army provided the largest ground force among the Allies, contributing significantly to the Allied victory in the European theatre of World War II. It was instrumental in pushing back and ultimately defeating Nazi Germany on the Eastern Front.

What percentage of German losses on the Eastern Front are attributed to the Red Army?

The Red Army accounted for approximately 75% to 80% of the casualties suffered by the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS during World War II. This highlights the immense scale of the conflict on the Eastern Front.

What were the official reported losses for the Red Army during World War II, and what are some higher estimates?

Officially, the Red Army reported 6,329,600 killed in action, 555,400 deaths from disease, and 4,559,000 missing in action, totaling 8,668,400 losses. However, other estimates suggest the total number of dead could be as high as 11 million, with Russian Central Defense Ministry Archive officials listing approximately 14 million dead and missing personnel in their database.

Which ethnic groups suffered the most losses within the Red Army during World War II?

Ethnic Russians suffered the most losses, with 5,756,000 killed or missing, followed by ethnic Ukrainians, who lost 1,377,400 personnel. These figures underscore the significant human cost borne by the Slavic populations of the Soviet Union.

What was Vladimir Lenin's proposed solution for the army's state in September 1917?

In September 1917, Vladimir Lenin proposed creating a people's militia and fusing it with the army, advocating for the replacement of the standing army with the arming of the entire populace as a way to prevent the restoration of the police.

What was the estimated condition of the Imperial Russian Army in terms of personnel losses and desertions by September 1917?

By September 1917, the Imperial Russian Army was in a state of collapse. General Nikolay Dukhonin estimated there were 2 million deserters, 1.8 million dead, 5 million wounded, and 2 million prisoners of war, with approximately 10 million troops remaining.

On what date was the Red Army officially formed, and by whom?

The Red Army was officially formed on January 28, 1918, by a decree of the Council of People's Commissars. This marked the establishment of a new military force for the nascent Soviet republic.

What was the stated purpose of the Red Army's formation?

The Red Army was formed to defend Soviet authority against adversaries, to serve as a basis for transforming the standing army into a force drawing strength from a nation in arms, and to support the socialist revolution in Europe.

What criteria were initially required for enlistment in the Red Army?

Initially, any citizen of the Russian republic aged 18 or older was eligible for enlistment. Enlistment required guarantees from a functioning military or civil committee, or from party or trade union committees, or in extreme cases, from two individuals belonging to such organizations.

Who were the initial leaders appointed to command the Red Army and its related commissariats?

Nikolai Krylenko was appointed supreme commander-in-chief, with Aleksandr Myasnikyan as deputy. Nikolai Podvoisky became the commissar for war, and Pavel Dybenko was the commissar for the fleet. Other people's commissars included Proshyan, Samoisky, Steinberg, and Vladimir Bonch-Bruyevich.

What policy did Leon Trotsky implement regarding officer selection and dissent within the Red Army in June 1918?

In June 1918, Leon Trotsky abolished the election of officers, replacing it with traditional army hierarchies. He also criminalized dissent with the death penalty, aiming to enforce discipline and loyalty within the rapidly expanding army.

What was the significance of employing former Tsarist officers, known as voenspetsy, in the Red Army?

The Red Army relied heavily on former Tsarist officers, known as voenspetsy (military specialists), to provide experienced leadership and technical expertise. By mid-August 1920, these former Tsarist officers constituted 75% of the Red Army's divisional and corps commanders, a crucial factor in its operational effectiveness.

What was the Revolutionary Military Council RMC and when was it established?

The Revolutionary Military Council (RMC) was established on September 2, 1918, as the primary military administration of the Red Army. It was headed by Leon Trotsky and played a crucial role in organizing and directing the army during the Civil War.

How did the Cheka operate to maintain control and suppress opposition within the Red Army?

The Cheka, the Soviet secret police, operated special punitive brigades within the Red Army to suppress anti-communists, deserters, and 'enemies of the state.' These brigades conducted summary executions and took hostages to enforce loyalty and discipline.

What were the three main periods of the Russian Civil War as described in the text?

The Russian Civil War (1917-1923) is divided into three periods: October 1917 to November 1918 (covering the revolution to the WWI armistice and Allied intervention), January 1919 to November 1919 (marked by the advance and retreat of White armies), and 1919 to 1923 (dealing with residual conflicts and remnants of White forces).

Who were the key White Army generals leading offensives against the Red Army in 1919?

In 1919, the key White Army generals leading offensives were Anton Denikin from the south, Aleksandr Vasilevich Kolchak from the east, and Nikolai Nikolaevich Yudenich from the northwest. Their combined pressure initially pushed back the Red Army on multiple fronts.

What was the impact of the Great Purge on the Red Army's doctrine and its use in conflicts like Lake Khasan and Khalkhin Gol?

The Great Purge of 1937-1939 led to the abandonment of the 'deep operation' doctrine and the removal of many leading officers, including Marshal Mikhail Tukhachevsky. Consequently, this doctrine was not employed in subsequent conflicts such as the Battle of Lake Khasan (1938) and the Battle of Khalkhin Gol (1939).

What was the outcome of the Winter War for Finland and the Soviet Union?

The Winter War concluded with the Moscow Peace Treaty in March 1940. Finland ceded territory and economic assets but retained its sovereignty, while the Soviet Union suffered heavy losses and damage to its international reputation, despite achieving territorial gains.

How did the Great Purge affect the Red Army's performance in the Winter War and the initial stages of Operation Barbarossa?

The Great Purge significantly reduced the Red Army's morale and efficiency by executing or imprisoning many experienced officers. This lack of experienced leadership contributed to the army's poor performance against Finland in the Winter War and its initial setbacks during the German invasion in Operation Barbarossa.

What was the state of the Red Army's mechanized corps in June 1941, and why were they considered a paper tiger?

In June 1941, despite the creation of 29 mechanized corps with a theoretical strength of nearly 30,000 tanks, the Red Army only had about 17,000 tanks available. Many of these were obsolete models, poorly maintained, and dispersed, making the mechanized corps a paper tiger that was ineffective in practice.

What were the primary shortcomings of the Red Army's equipment and logistics in 1941?

In 1941, the Red Army faced significant logistical challenges due to the invasion of western industrial areas, forcing the relocation of manufacturing east of the Urals. Until Lend-Lease supplies arrived in 1942, the army often improvised or lacked essential weapons, vehicles, and equipment.

How did the Soviet government attempt to boost the Red Army's morale and fighting spirit during the Great Patriotic War?

The Soviet government used propaganda that emphasized defending the Motherland and nation, drawing on historical Russian heroes and military traditions. They also temporarily eased repression of the Russian Orthodox Church and restored formal military ranks and decorations, including the Guards unit designation for exceptional units.

What role did the osobist, NKVD military counter-intelligence officers, play in the Red Army during WWII?

During WWII, the osobist (NKVD military counter-intelligence officers) held significant power within the Red Army. They had the authority to condemn soldiers and officers to death or spare their lives, serving as a crucial political control mechanism and internal security force.

What was the total number of men conscripted into the Red Army during WWII, and what were the total losses?

During World War II, the Red Army conscripted 29,574,900 men, adding to the 4,826,907 already in service. The total losses, including killed in action, deaths from disease, and missing in action, were officially reported as 8,668,400.

What was the total value of US Lend-Lease deliveries to the USSR during WWII?

Through the Lend-Lease program, the United States delivered approximately $11 billion worth of materials to the USSR during World War II. This aid was crucial in supporting the Soviet war effort.

What historical events are associated with mass rapes committed by Soviet soldiers in occupied territories?

Mass rapes by Soviet soldiers were committed in occupied territories, most notably in Germany during and after World War II. These wartime sexual violence incidents were followed by decades of silence, though NKVD files indicated leadership awareness and inaction.

What was the Red Army's objective in the Soviet invasion of Manchuria in August 1945?

The Red Army's objective in the Soviet invasion of Manchuria, which began on August 9, 1945, was to overwhelm the Japanese Kwantung Army and associated forces. This campaign was part of the Soviet-Japanese War and aimed to secure Soviet interests in the region following Germany's surrender.

What was the initial administrative structure of the Red Army after the October Revolution?

Initially, military administration was handled by the People's Commissariat of War and Marine Affairs, led by a collective committee. This was later reorganized following the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, with Leon Trotsky taking over as Narkom of War Affairs.

How did the Red Army initially approach ranks and titles, and what terms did they use instead of officer?

The early Red Army abandoned the traditional officer corps, viewing it as a heritage of tsarism. They eschewed the word officer, preferring commander, and abolished epaulettes and ranks, using purely functional titles like Division Commander or Corps Commander instead.

When did the Red Army introduce personal ranks, and what was unique about this system?

On September 22, 1935, the Red Army introduced personal ranks, abandoning service categories. This system was unique in its mix of functional titles (like Comdiv for Division Commander) and traditional ranks, creating a complex structure.

What was the impact of the purges of the late 1930s on the Red Army's leadership and combat capabilities?

The purges of the late 1930s severely damaged the Red Army's combat capabilities by removing experienced officers, including many senior commanders and theorists. This led to a shortage of experienced leadership, a climate of fear, and a reduction in the army's overall effectiveness.

What was the Soviet military's approach to mechanization in the 1930s, and what were the first mechanized formations?

In the 1930s, the Soviet military heavily invested in mechanization, forming its first mechanized unit in 1930 and creating the first operational-level armored formations, the 11th and 45th Mechanized Corps, in 1932. These formations were designed to operate independently deep within enemy territory.

What was the role of the political commissar politruk in Red Army units?

Political commissars, or politruks, were assigned to Red Army units to ensure political control and loyalty to the Communist Party, with the authority to override commanders. The commissar's role was to ensure adherence to Communist Party principles.

What changes were made to the Red Army's rank system in 1940 and 1943?

In 1940, the ranks of General and Admiral replaced senior functional ranks like Combrig and Comdiv to rationalize the system. In early 1943, further unification occurred with the abolition of remaining functional ranks, the official endorsement of the term officer, and the reintroduction of epaulettes as rank insignia.

What was the Vesna Case and its significance in the purges of the Red Army?

The Vesna Case, also known as Operation Vesna, in 1930-1931 involved massive Soviet repressions targeting former officers and generals of the Imperial Russian Army who served in the Red Army and Navy. It represented a significant purge of the Red Army leadership preceding the Great Purge.

What was the significance of Red Army Day, celebrated on February 23, 1918?

Red Army Day, celebrated on February 23, 1918, holds dual significance: it marked the first day of conscription in Petrograd and Moscow, and it was also the first day of combat operations against the invading Imperial German Army.

How did the Bolshevik government's nationalization of Cossack lands contribute to the start of the Russian Civil War?

The Bolshevik government's nationalization of traditional Cossack lands in November 1917 directly provoked the insurrection of General Alexey Maximovich Kaledin's Volunteer Army in the Don River region, a key event initiating the Russian Civil War.

What was the impact of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk on the Red Army's situation?

The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, signed in March 1918, aggravated Russia's internal political situation and freed the Bolshevik government from international obligations. This allowed the Red Army to focus its efforts on combating internal anti-Bolshevik forces during the Civil War.

What was the significance of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact for the Red Army's actions in 1939-1940?

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact of August 23, 1939, led to the Red Army's invasion of Poland on September 17, 1939, following the Nazi invasion. It also facilitated the Soviet attack on Finland in the Winter War of 1939-1940.

What was the Soviet Union's approach to developing its indigenous arms industry in the 1920s and 1930s?

As part of Stalin's industrialization program, the Soviet Union significantly expanded its indigenous arms industry throughout the 1920s and 1930s, enabling the Red Army to be equipped with domestically produced weaponry.

What was the significance of the proposed Soviet invasion of Hokkaido?

A proposed Soviet invasion of Hokkaido, Japan's second-largest island, was planned as part of the operations following the Soviet invasion of Manchuria. However, this invasion was ultimately cancelled after Japan's surrender announcement.

What was the role of political commissars in the Red Army, and when was this system abolished and reinstated?

Political commissars were assigned to Red Army units to ensure political control and loyalty to the Communist Party, with the authority to override commanders. This system was abolished in 1925 due to a sufficient number of trained Communist officers but was effectively reintroduced during WWII with the increased role of NKVD officers.

What was the deep operation doctrine developed by Soviet military theoreticians?

The deep operation doctrine, developed in the 1920s and 1930s primarily by Marshal Mikhail Tukhachevsky, envisioned simultaneous corps- and army-level maneuvers and attacks across the entire depth of enemy forces. This doctrine aimed for decisive victory through maneuver warfare, supported by aviation and armor.

How did the purges of the late 1930s affect the Red Army's combat capabilities?

The purges of the late 1930s severely damaged the Red Army's combat capabilities by removing experienced officers, including many senior commanders and theorists. This led to a shortage of experienced leadership, a climate of fear, and a reduction in the army's overall effectiveness.

What was the significance of the Guards unit concept introduced during WWII?

The Guards unit concept was introduced during WWII to recognize exceptionally heroic or high-performing units within the Red Army. Earning the Guards title denoted superior training, materiel, and pay, serving as an elite designation.

Red Army Wiki: The Red Army: Genesis and Evolution of a Revolutionary Force

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Origins

Revolutionary Decree

The Workers' and Peasants' Red Army (RKKA) was established on 28 January 1918, by decree of the Council of People's Commissars. This initiative aimed to counter the nation's adversaries during the Russian Civil War, particularly the White Army.^{^[1]}^{^[c]} The foundational principle was the creation of a force drawn from the most class-conscious elements of the working population, open to all citizens aged 18 and above.^{^[9]}

Collapse of the Imperial Army

By September 1917, the Imperial Russian Army was in a state of severe degradation. Out of approximately 19 million mobilized men, millions were deserters, wounded, or prisoners of war. General Nikolay Dukhonin estimated the remaining effective force at around 10 million, highlighting the critical need for a new, disciplined military structure.^{^[8]} Vladimir Lenin emphasized the necessity of replacing the standing army with an armed populace.^{^[7]}

Early Structure and Support

Initially, command and administration were delegated to the Commissariat for Military Affairs and its Special All-Russian College. Nikolai Krylenko served as the supreme commander-in-chief. To ensure peasant loyalty and participation, families of serving soldiers were guaranteed rations and assistance with farm work, fostering a sense of national contribution.^{^[11]}

Historical Trajectory

Russian Civil War (1917-1923)

The Red Army's formative years were defined by the brutal Russian Civil War. Its primary objective was to secure the Bolshevik regime against internal opposition (White Army, Green armies) and external intervention. Key figures like Leon Trotsky played crucial roles in reorganizing the army, implementing strict discipline, and utilizing former Tsarist officers (voenspetsy) while ensuring their loyalty through political commissars and, at times, hostage-taking.^{^[19]}^{^[21]} The war saw the Red Army expand significantly, employing conscription and facing internal challenges like desertion, which were met with severe measures.^{^[26]}^{^[29]}

Polish-Soviet War (1919-1921)

The conflict with Poland represented a major test for the newly formed Red Army. The Soviet westward offensive of 1918-1919 merged into this war, with the Red Army initially advancing deep into Polish territory. However, the decisive defeat at the Battle of Warsaw in 1920 halted the Soviet advance and marked a significant setback, ultimately concluding with the Polish-Soviet treaty.^{^[38]}

World War II (The Great Patriotic War)

The Red Army bore the brunt of the fighting against Nazi Germany on the Eastern Front, suffering immense casualties but ultimately playing a decisive role in the Allied victory. Despite initial catastrophic losses following Operation Barbarossa in 1941, exacerbated by the 1937-39 purges which decimated its officer corps, the army demonstrated remarkable resilience and capacity for adaptation.^{^[2]}^{^[62]} Key victories at Moscow, Stalingrad, and Kursk marked turning points. Lend-Lease aid from the United States proved vital in equipping the forces.^{^[79]} The army's final major campaign was the 1945 Soviet invasion of Manchuria, contributing to Japan's surrender.^{^[92]}

Russian Civil War

Discipline and Control

Leon Trotsky's reforms in June 1918 were pivotal. He abolished workers' control, reinstated traditional military hierarchies, and imposed the death penalty for dissent. Crucially, he integrated former Tsarist officers, enforcing loyalty through political commissars and hostage families. This approach, while harsh, was instrumental in forging a disciplined fighting force capable of defeating diverse opposition.^{^[19]}^{^[21]}

Key Engagements and Expansion

The war unfolded in distinct phases: the initial Bolshevik consolidation against Kaledin's forces and the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk's aftermath; the major White Army offensives under Denikin, Kolchak, and Yudenich, repelled by Trotsky's counterattacks; and residual conflicts extending into 1923. The Red Army also engaged in campaigns against newly independent states, incorporating territories like Ukraine into the Soviet Union.^{^[18]}

Strategy and Reprisals

The slogan "exhortation, organization, and reprisals" encapsulated the Red Army's operational ethos. Cheka brigades enforced discipline through summary executions and hostage-taking, effectively suppressing desertion and peasant rebellions like the Tambov Rebellion.^{^[33]}^{^[34]} Blocking units were deployed behind unreliable formations to prevent retreat.^{^[36]}

Polish-Soviet War

Soviet Westward Offensive

Following World War I and the Russian Civil War, the Red Army launched a westward offensive in 1918-1919, merging into the broader Polish-Soviet War. This campaign saw Soviet forces reach central Poland in 1920, aiming to export revolution.^{^[e]}

Battle of Warsaw

The advance was dramatically halted by a decisive Polish victory at the Battle of Warsaw in August 1920. This defeat forced a Soviet retreat and marked the end of the Soviet attempt to conquer Poland, concluding with the signing of a peace treaty.^{^[51]}

Impact of Purges

The war occurred shortly after Stalin's Great Purge, which had significantly weakened the Red Army's leadership and efficiency. Many inexperienced officers replaced seasoned commanders, contributing to the army's difficulties in overcoming Finnish resistance in the Winter War and initial German advances in WWII.^{^[52]}^{^[53]}

World War II

Eastern Front Dominance

The Red Army constituted the largest ground force on the Allied side in the European theatre, absorbing the vast majority of German military casualties. Despite devastating initial losses in 1941 due to Operation Barbarossa and the lingering effects of the officer purges, the army demonstrated immense resilience, ultimately pushing back the Wehrmacht and capturing Berlin.^{^[2]}

Lend-Lease and Industrial Mobilization

Material support from the United States through the Lend-Lease program, totaling over $11 billion, was crucial. This included vast quantities of trucks, armored vehicles (including T-34 tanks), and aircraft. Concurrently, the Soviet Union relocated its industrial base east of the Ural Mountains to protect it from German advances, ensuring continued production of essential war materiel.^{^[79]}^{^[76]}

Casualties and Reforms

The war resulted in staggering Soviet losses, officially estimated at over 8.6 million military personnel, though some estimates range up to 11 million. To improve morale and effectiveness, Stalin reintroduced formal military ranks, decorations, and the concept of elite "Guards units." Simultaneously, strict discipline was enforced through NKVD counter-intelligence and penal battalions for perceived failures.^{^[3]}^{^[68]}

Organization and Structure

Manning and Conscription

Initially voluntary, the Red Army implemented obligatory military service for men aged 18-40 in May 1918. Regional military commissariats (voyenkomat) were established to manage conscription. The mid-1920s saw the introduction of a territorial system, where soldiers served limited active duty periods annually for five years, supplemented by regular cadres. This system was fully abolished by 1937-1938, transitioning to a fully professional army.^{^[96]}^{^[97]}

Mechanization Doctrine

The Red Army was a pioneer in military mechanization. By the 1930s, under figures like Marshal Mikhail Tukhachevsky, it developed the "deep operation" doctrine, emphasizing coordinated armored and air assaults to achieve rapid, decisive victories. This doctrine influenced the creation of large mechanized corps, although initial implementation in 1941 suffered from equipment shortages and the effects of the purges.^{^[42]}^{^[101]}

Wartime Reorganization

Combat experience led to significant organizational adjustments. Rifle corps, initially deemed ineffective in 1941, were reintroduced by 1942-1943 as the army gained experience. Mechanized corps were largely replaced by separate tank brigades and battalions after suffering heavy losses in 1941, before larger tank formations (corps and armies) were reconstituted by mid-1943.^{^[105]}^{^[107]}

Personnel and Ranks

Evolution of Ranks

The early Red Army eschewed traditional officer ranks and insignia, favoring functional titles like "Division Commander." Service categories (K1-K14) were introduced in 1924. In 1935, personal ranks were established, blending functional titles (e.g., Comdiv) with traditional ones. The Marshal of the Soviet Union rank was introduced the same year. By 1943, the system was largely reformed to resemble the pre-revolutionary Imperial Army structure, reintroducing "General" and "Admiral" ranks and reinstating epaulettes.^{^[109]}

Political Commissars

Political commissars (politruks) were assigned to units to ensure ideological adherence and political reliability, holding the authority to override commanders' decisions. Initially abolished in 1925 due to a sufficient number of trained Communist officers, the system was reinstated during WWII to bolster morale and political control amidst the existential threat.^{^[108]}

Officer Corps Challenges

The Great Purge of 1937-1939 decimated the experienced officer corps, replacing many with less experienced personnel. This, combined with rapid army expansion, led to a shortage of seasoned commanders, particularly at higher echelons, significantly impacting the army's combat effectiveness in the early stages of World War II.^{^[114]}^{^[115]}

The Purges' Impact

Pre-War Repression

Massive Soviet repressions targeted former Imperial Army officers serving in the Red Army, notably during the 1930-1931 "Vesna Case," which saw thousands convicted and executed. This purge preceded the larger Great Purge, aiming to eliminate perceived political unreliability.^{^[111]}^{^[112]}

The Great Purge (1937-1938)

Stalin's Great Purge led to the dismissal, imprisonment, or execution of thousands of Red Army officers, including prominent figures like Marshal Mikhail Tukhachevsky. This campaign aimed to remove political rivals and unreliable elements, but severely damaged the army's combat capabilities and fostered an atmosphere of fear and inaction.^{^[114]}^{^[116]}

Consequences for Combat Readiness

The purges resulted in a critical shortage of experienced commanders, particularly at senior levels. By June 1941, only a small percentage of army and military district commanders had significant experience. This lack of seasoned leadership, coupled with widespread fear of reprisal, contributed significantly to the Red Army's initial defeats against the German invasion.^{^[115]}^{^[121]}

Military Education

Foundational Academies

During the Civil War, officer training relied heavily on the former Nicholas General Staff Academy, which was reorganized into the Frunze Military Academy in the 1920s. Advanced training for senior command staff occurred at the Higher Military Academic Courses, later supplemented by an Operations Faculty at the Frunze Academy.^{^[110]}

Development of Command Staff

The General Staff Academy was reinstated in 1936, becoming the primary institution for training senior and supreme commanders. This focus on professional military education was crucial for developing the strategic and operational capabilities required for modern warfare, despite the disruptions caused by the purges.^{^[110]}

Weapons and Equipment

Industrialization and Mechanization

Soviet industrialization programs in the 1920s and 1930s significantly expanded the arms industry. The Red Army was highly mechanized, fielding large numbers of tanks, armored cars, and aircraft. By 1941, despite issues with obsolescence and maintenance, the army possessed a formidable quantity of armored vehicles.^{^[99]}^{^[101]}

Lend-Lease Impact

American Lend-Lease aid provided essential equipment, including over 400,000 trucks, 12,000 armored vehicles (notably T-34 and M4 Sherman tanks), and over 14,000 aircraft. This support was vital for sustaining the Red Army's war effort, particularly in logistics and armored capabilities.^{^[79]}

Tank Superiority

While initial Soviet tank forces in 1941 often comprised older models, the introduction of advanced designs like the T-34 medium tank and KV-1 heavy tank provided a qualitative edge over most German armor in the later stages of the war. These tanks became iconic symbols of Soviet industrial and military prowess.^{^[77]}

Administration

Early Command Structure

Following the October Revolution, military administration initially fell under the People's Commissariat of War and Marine Affairs. Key figures included Vladimir Antonov-Ovseyenko, Pavel Dybenko, and Nikolai Krylenko. After the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, Leon Trotsky replaced Podvoisky as Narkom of War Affairs in March 1918, overseeing the creation of the Revolutionary Military Council (RMC) in September 1918.^{^[1]}^{^[110]}

Post-Revolutionary Changes

The RMC, headed by Trotsky and later Sergey Kamenev, served as the primary military administration. The establishment of the Soviet Union in December 1922 led to the transformation of the Council of People's Commissars on War and Navy Affairs into the People's Commissariat for Military and Naval Affairs in November 1923.^{^[110]}

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References

15 January 1918 (Old Style).

Overy 2004, p. 446: 'at the end of the civil war, one-third of Red Army officers were ex-Tsarist voenspetsy.'

Williams 1987. 'Conscription-age (17â40) villagers hid from Red Army draft units; summary hostage executions brought the men out of hiding.'

Merridale 2007, p. 157: 'Red Army soldiers who shot or injured themselves to avoid combat usually were summarily executed, to save the time and money of medical treatment and a court martial'.

Tolstoy 1981: 'Stalin's Directive 227, about the Nazi use of the death penalty and penal units as punishment, ordered Soviet penal battalions established.'

Overmans 2000: 'It seems entirely plausible, while not provable, that one half of the missing were killed in action, the other half however in fact died in Soviet custody.'

Lend-Lease Shipments: World War II, Section IIIB, Published by Office, Chief of Finance, War Department, December 31, 1946, p. 8.

Hardesty 1991, p. 253

A full list of references for this article are available at the Red Army Wikipedia page

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The Red Army

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Origins 📜

✊ Revolutionary Decree

📉 Collapse of the Imperial Army

🛡️ Early Structure and Support

Historical Trajectory ⏳

⚔️ Russian Civil War (1917-1923)

⚔️ Polish-Soviet War (1919-1921)

🌍 World War II (The Great Patriotic War)

Russian Civil War ⚔️

⚖️ Discipline and Control

💥 Key Engagements and Expansion

🎯 Strategy and Reprisals

Polish-Soviet War ⚔️

🇵🇱 Soviet Westward Offensive

📉 Battle of Warsaw

💪 Impact of Purges

World War II 🌍

🔥 Eastern Front Dominance

🤝 Lend-Lease and Industrial Mobilization

⚖️ Casualties and Reforms

Organization and Structure 🏗️

👥 Manning and Conscription

⚙️ Mechanization Doctrine

🔄 Wartime Reorganization

Personnel and Ranks 👥

🎖️ Evolution of Ranks

🏛️ Political Commissars

🎓 Officer Corps Challenges

The Purges' Impact ⚖️

🔪 Pre-War Repression

💀 The Great Purge (1937-1938)

📉 Consequences for Combat Readiness

Military Education 🎓

🏫 Foundational Academies

📈 Development of Command Staff

Weapons and Equipment ⚙️

🏭 Industrialization and Mechanization

🇺🇸 Lend-Lease Impact

T-34 Tank Superiority

Administration 🏛️

📜 Early Command Structure

🔄 Post-Revolutionary Changes

Further Exploration 🔗

📚 Related Topics

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Origins

Revolutionary Decree

Collapse of the Imperial Army

Early Structure and Support

Historical Trajectory

Russian Civil War (1917-1923)

Polish-Soviet War (1919-1921)

World War II (The Great Patriotic War)

Russian Civil War

Discipline and Control

Key Engagements and Expansion

Strategy and Reprisals

Polish-Soviet War

Soviet Westward Offensive

Battle of Warsaw

Impact of Purges

World War II

Eastern Front Dominance

Lend-Lease and Industrial Mobilization

Casualties and Reforms

Organization and Structure

Manning and Conscription

Mechanization Doctrine

Wartime Reorganization

Personnel and Ranks

Evolution of Ranks

Political Commissars

Officer Corps Challenges

The Purges' Impact

Pre-War Repression

The Great Purge (1937-1938)

Consequences for Combat Readiness

Military Education

Foundational Academies

Development of Command Staff

Weapons and Equipment

Industrialization and Mechanization

Lend-Lease Impact

Tank Superiority

Administration

Early Command Structure

Post-Revolutionary Changes

Further Exploration

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