Order of the People's Commissar of Defense No. 307, October 9, 1942

Source: Tom 18

Order of the People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR

No. 307

October 9, 1942

On the Establishment of Full Unity of Command and the Abolition of the Institution of Military Commissars in the Red Army

The institution of military commissars was established at a time when the Red Army did not yet have its own, experienced, military-politically mature command cadres, when commanders who had come to us from the old army aroused a certain mistrust and were naturally placed under the control of commissars.

The military commissar at that time played a crucial role in the army. He was the guardian of the party's policy in the army, the guarantor of the loyalty of the command staff, the political educator of the Red Army soldiers and commanders.

However, times have changed. Our command cadres have undergone tremendous growth during the Patriotic War. Tens of thousands of new, tried and tested, faithful commanders have been promoted from among the most talented soldiers and junior commanders. These commanders have earned the trust of the soldiers and of the entire country. Under these conditions, the duality of command, when the commissar has the right to countermand the commander's order, has become a hindrance rather than a help.

The time has come to establish full unity of command and to make the commander the sole leader in the unit, fully responsible for all aspects of operations.

The People's Commissar of Defense orders:

1. To establish the institution of full unity of command in the Red Army and to abolish the institution of military commissars in all units and formations.

2. To introduce the institution of deputy commanders for political affairs instead of military commissars.

3. Deputy commanders for political affairs shall direct the party-political and educational work among the troops but shall not interfere in the operational-tactical leadership of units. Operational orders and combat directives shall be issued solely by the commander.

People's Commissar of Defense

I. Stalin