p Thus, an analysis of the military power of states, of its material and spiritual foundations, as well as of the military potential, shows that all their elements form a dialectical unity, and this makes it necessary to consider all of them comprehensively, and to use them in the defence of the socialist country against imperialist aggression.

p The high level of the defensive power, fighting efficiency and combat readiness of the Soviet Armed Forces is a result of the cognition and skilful utilisation by them of the laws of social and military development; it is based on the creative application of Marxism-Leninism, natural and military science.

p The vital requirements of the defence of the socialist country, the developments in the military field, the maintenance of the high and constant combat readiness of the army and navy make it necessary to raise the scientific level of the leadership in strengthening the defensive capacity of the country, in training and educating the servicemen. This level depends on how deeply one is able to understand the objective laws governing social development in general and military affairs in particular, on one’s ability to work out the most rational forms for the application of these laws.

An essential condition for the fulfilment of this task is the application of Marxist-Leninist philosophy to the military theory and practice, the solution of the problems of military science on the basis of the methodology of dialectical and historical materialism.