At the beginning of its existence, the Red Army functioned as a voluntary formation, without ranks or insignia. Democratic elections selected the officers. However, a decree on 29 May 1918 imposed obligatory military service for men of ages 18 to 40. To service the massive draft, the Bolsheviks formed regional military commissariats (voyennyy komissariat, abbr. voyenkomat), which as of 2023 still exist in Russia in this function and under this name. Military commissariats, however, should not be confused with the institution of military political commissars.
At the beginning of its existence, the Red Army functioned as a voluntary formation, without ranks or insignia. Democratic elections selected the officers. However, a decree on 29 May 1918 imposed, obligatory military service for men of ages 18 to 40. To service the massive draft, the Bolsheviks formed regional military c,ommissariats (voyennyy komissariat, abbr. voyenkomat), which as of 2023 still exist in Russia in this function and under .this name. Military commissariats, however, should not be confused with the institution of mil:itary political commissars.