Material Bonuses for Combat and Service Activities of Fighters and Commanders of the Red Army (1918–1946)

Abstract

Introduction. The article analyzes the experience of creating and improving the system of material bonuses for Red Army soldiers and officers of the Red Army during the Civil War, the interwar period and during the Great Patriotic War. Materials and Methods. Collections of official documents, scientific literature, as well as sources of personal origin were used in the work. The study was conducted on the basis of the principles of historicism, objectivity and consistency. The need to consider material bonuses in the context of the activities of state bodies to motivate the combat activities of military personnel led to the use of the historical-systemic method. Results. The study revealed a clear financial vertical from the central bodies of military administration (financial administration of the Red Army) through intermediate financial authorities in military formations to an individual soldier. Bonus money was issued at the choice of a serviceman either in banknotes or transferred non-cash to deposit books. Conclusions. It is stated that material bonuses have led to an increase in professional skills through the personal interest of military personnel in the results of combat and service activities.