Research for Conventional Forces

A review of Marshal N.V. Ogarkov's writings from 1977-85 reveals that the former Chief of the Soviet General Staff has consistently augured that phenomenon which General William Odom recently dubbed the 'third revolution' in Soviet military affairs. Far from signally the slightest attenuation of his public views, Ogarkov's 1985 book indicates that he has in fact intensified his drive to galvanize awareness of the altered military utility of nuclear weapons, the qualitatively new combat characteristics of conventional means, and the need to adapt the forms and methods of combat action accordingly. His latest 'operation in a TVD' may indeed reflect a 'revolutionized' Soviet military science, and his own activities since September 1984--its formal debut.