This edition of V.K. Triandafillov's classic contribution to Soviet military theory makes accessible to Western military historians and analysts one of the most important works from the interwar period. Triandafillov was an outstanding commander who helped to shape the military art, theory and doctrine of the Red Army as it sought to come to grips with the problem of future war. A conscript who rose through the ranks to become an officer in the Tsarist Army, Triandafillov saw combat in both the First World War and the Russian Civil War. As one of that first generation of young Red Commanders taught by some of the finest military specialists, he sought to link the theory and practice of war, to use past experience to comprehend future conflict. Triandafillov's contribution to the theories of deep battle, successive operations and deep operations, and to the study of 'future war,' is historically significant, and his methodology still merits serious reflection and study. First published in 1929, his book offers key insights into the professional military's assessment of the need for the industrialization and militarization of the Soviet economy and society in the light of the prevailing assumptions about probable opponents in a future war.

Translation of: Kharakter operaëtìsiæi sovremennykh armiæi. Includes bibliographical references (pages 171-176) and index. Originally published in 1929.

Foreword / Jacob W. Kipp -- Introduction / James J. Schneider -- Glossary of selected equivalent terms / William A. Burhans ; Part I. The state of modern armies. Development of military equipment following the world war -- Possible numerical strength of mobilized armies -- Established force organization ; Part II. Operations of modern armies. Premises -- The operation -- Successive operations.