Document No. 122: Soviet Explanation of the
Warsaw Pact's New Military Doctrine at the Chiefs of
Staff Meeting in Moscow, May 18–25, 1987
These two statements by Soviet marshals Sergei Sokolov and Sergei Akhromeev were intended to explain to their Warsaw Pact military colleagues the important impending shift in strategy by Gorbachev from offense to defense. The meetings they are address- ing preceded by a few days the full PCC session at the end of May 1987, at which the new concept was adopted (see Document No. 123). While the two officers are con- strained to follow the orders of their civilian leadership, Sokolov in particular betrays the military's reluctance to accept unilateral reductions in armaments or give up the capability to "definitively crush" the enemy.On May 18, 1987, the Minister of Defense of the USSR, Comrade Marshal of
the USSR "Vasilii" Sokolov, invited the chiefs of staff of the Warsaw Treaty member-states to a presentation of the draft "Military Doctrine of the member-states
of the Warsaw Treaty" that is due to be considered by the Political Consultative
Committee."…"Even if every country has its own military doctrine, it is important at the present
time to draw up a military doctrine for the Warsaw Treaty.It is especially important to decide on the doctrine's political content, which will
be binding for all member-states.For 20 years, NATO has declared its own military doctrine to be a defensive doctrine and accused the Warsaw Treaty of having an aggressive military doctrine.Although the Warsaw Treaty member-states have repeatedly stated their position
on military issues, the military doctrine of the Warsaw Treaty has never been presented to the world community.However, it is important to explain to the whole world:Warsaw Pact's New Military Doctrine at the Chiefs of
Staff Meeting in Moscow, May 18–25, 1987
| • | our relation to war and to the fight for peace, as well as |
| • | our view of the likely nature of an aggressor and our planned counter-measures in case of an attack. |
For this reason, it has been suggested that a unified military doctrine of the Warsaw Treaty be presented to the world community.
"…"
The military doctrine of the Warsaw Treaty States is decidedly defensive in nature.
We will never be the first to begin a war.
"…"
Our defense doctrine requires that the army command and troops concentrate more than ever on defensive operations in their education and training.
This is an extremely difficult task.
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