[4] An agreement to set up a joint Commonwealth of Independent States military command was signed on 20 March 1992, but the idea was discarded as Russia created its own defence ministry and the other former Soviet republics decided to establish up separate national armed forces.

[6] The General Staff was created by Stalin in 1935, as the development of more complex military forces required leaders with greater training and specialization.

[7] It acted as the main organ of control for all Soviet military forces during World War II.

[9] Higher level subunits in the Ministry would have an associated military collegium, essentially a council responsible for dealing with various issues, all under the ultimate command of the Central Committee of the Communist Party.

The design, equipment and staffing of the military services, as well as the development of their individual doctrines was the responsibility of various deputies ministers, overseen by the General Staff.

[14] The General Staff was responsible for overseeing war plans, training, mobilization and combat readiness of forces.

[7] During times of war, the General Staff would act as the executive arm of the Supreme High Command, exercising direct control over the five military forces.