ABSTRACT
The navy's tradition, people, and command and control system are three of the four immutable characteristics of the Soviet Navy. They also involve many of the major weaknesses and few significant strengths under which the navy operates. As such, each should be a major focus of attention when the West attempts to assess the Soviet Navy as it develops its long-range strategy. One of the reasons that the West pays so little attention to Soviet naval tradition is that its effects on morale and performance are difficult to quantify. The Soviet Navy is a major instrument to be used in attaining four long-range goals: to provide security from external threats and to preserve the ruling elite's unlimited power; to enhance the Soviet Union's political position in the world community; to project the Soviet Union's power beyond its national borders; and to provide a capability to change the international political system to suit Soviet purposes.
