Soviet Military Power

In addition to the majority English version, Soviet Military Power was translated, printed, and disseminated in a variety of languages, including German, French,[1] Japanese, Italian, and Spanish.

By direction, draft inputs were written at a classified level prior to being edited or downgraded by senior intelligence officers with the proper authorities.

The booklets were widely distributed within the government and press, and could also be purchased by the general public at local United States Post Offices (in 1981, for $6.50 [equivalent to $22 today]).

At the time of initial publication, Soviet Military Power constituted the largest release of declassified data in Pentagon history.

The first volume triggered an immediate response from the Soviet Union in the form of two countering propaganda documents Whence the Threat to Peace[3] and Disarmament: Who's Against?