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Naval Ranks

One of the most striking features of the Soviet military organization in the Great Patriotic War was the revival of old imperialist traditions. In 1940, special Bolshevistic designations of rank were abolished, and ranks were made to conform with those of other navies; the main changes were in the designations of flag rank. Also, the titles of Engineer Lieutenant through Engineer Admirals as existed in the Imperial Navy were re-introduced. Military titles of Major General and Colonel General of Coast Defense were also introduced. The dirk for all officers other than commissars was reintroduced in 1940 and at the same time full dress uniforms similar to those of pre Revolutionary days were authorized for Soviet flag officers.

On August 10, 1943, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR issued an edict re-establishing an officers corps in the Russian Navy; at the same time, ratings were divided into two classes— enlisted men and petty officers. The same thing had been done for the Red Army less than a month before, so its coming was not entirely unexpected. Naval officers were divided into three classes: junior officers (junior lieutenant through captain lieutenant), senior officers (captains 3rd, 2nd, and 1st ranks), and high officers (Rear Admiral, Vice Admiral, Admiral, and Admiral of the Fleet). Of special interest in this decree was the fact that a class of flag officers, equal to that of general officers, was not established, although it would had been comparatively easy to had done so. Prior to the Russian Revolution, the social position of generals was always regarded higher than that of Admirals, and it appears as if this distinction had been continued under the Soviet regime.

Soviet Admirals were allowed a young officer on their-staffs, known as "the Adjutant", who combines the duty of secretary and Flag Lieutenant. These personal adjutants were not distinguishable as being part of the personal staff of Admirals, since they did not wear anything resembling aiguillettes, but some expected the white corded aiguillette of Tsarist days will be restored to them before the war's end.

On August 11, 1943, the day following the establishment of the Naval Officers Corps, an article appeared in "Red Fleet" official organ "of the Soviet Navy stating in part ",...... ..This act had a profound meaning and significance. The designation officer raises still higher the authority and dignity of our military leaders. It was a proof of their military maturity and ability. It emphasizes their membership in their glorious and honorable class of military professionals. ..."

It was probable that non commissioned ranks and enlisted men carried the same titles in other branches of the Soviet Navy as they do in the line and naval engineering corps.