The navy at all times was considered a strategic branch of the armed forces. Only economically developed powers could have powerful but expensive ships in their arsenal. The fleet can demonstrate the maximum efficiency of its potential only in close cooperation with coastal structures and air forces. General Ivan Skuratov developed a doctrine that optimally concentrates the power of coastal artillery and the maneuverability of ships in solving the assigned task.
Theoretical background
The armed forces of the Soviet Union were formed on the basis of the doctrine of nuclear deterrence. The main efforts of our state were aimed at achieving sufficient parity in strategically important regions of the world. When the future Colonel-General Ivan Sidorovich Skuratov was preparing for the tenth grade exams, the basic concept for the use of naval forces in the oceans had already been drawn up. During that period, the economic competition between the USSR and the United States was on an equal footing. Moreover, according to some indicators, the Union overtook America. Further developments showed that it was a temporary phenomenon.
In the mid-50s of the last century, Soviet boys willingly went to serve in the army. Each of them watched the motivating film "Maxim Perepelitsa". Ivan Skuratov clearly followed the general trend. His biography was clear and reliable. According to the entry in the birth certificate, the boy was born on June 2, 1940 in a peasant family. Parents worked on a collective farm. From a young age, Vanya knew how much she was a penny. To have bread on the table, you need to get up early and stay up late. Skuratov managed to help his mother with housework and do homework for school. As a teenager, he was already able to drive a tractor, seeder and other agricultural machines.
After graduating from school, together with a classmate, they decided to enter the famous Black Sea VVMU them. Nakhimov. The Naval Military School was stationed in Sevastopol. Skuratov successfully passed the entrance exams and became a cadet of the Faculty of Coastal Forces and Naval Aviation Weapons. He took up his studies conscientiously, with peasant thoroughness. He was regularly engaged in general physical training. Natural observation and a penchant for creativity brought Ivan Skuratov to the list of the best. Soon the badges "Warrior-athlete", "Excellent worker of the Navy" and others flashed on the cadet's chest.
After completing his studies in 1964, Lieutenant Skuratov was assigned to the legendary Pacific Fleet for further service. It is important to note that upon arriving at the base, Ivan was not thinking about a career, but about how to properly fulfill his duties. First of all, I got to know the personnel thoroughly. The next step was to assess the condition of the material part and the entrusted structures. Without fuss and show, he set to work. Systematic day-to-day exercise yielded the expected results. He rose through the ranks consistently and deservedly. Having started his service as a squad leader, in 1971 he became a regiment commander.
Service in the Baltic
After the next certification, the judicious commander and zealous serviceman were given a referral to the Naval Academy by the authorities. Every officer dreams of getting an academic military education. It is important to emphasize that by that time Lieutenant Colonel Skuratov had accumulated a certain amount of ideas and proposals for improving the preparation of coastal units. The officer did not make a secret of his ideas. Rather, on the contrary, he tried to introduce his rationalization proposals into the daily procedures for combat training. At the military bases of the Pacific coast, the methods and regulations developed by Skuratov were used.
While studying at the academy, Skuratov formalized his proposals in one multi-page document and, on its basis, defended his Ph. D. thesis. The contribution of the young scientist to increasing the combat readiness of the troops was appreciated by the General Staff. Upon completion of the course, in 1974, Colonel Skuratov takes command of the coast guard regiment, which was armed with rocket launchers. The new commander managed to significantly improve the combat readiness of the entrusted unit, and expand the observation horizon over the Baltic Sea. Since the officer's creativity brought real benefits, he was promoted and transferred to a higher post.
Since 1979, Skuratov has served as chief of coastal artillery units and marines of the Baltic Fleet for seven years. Over the past period, the quality of combat alert in a difficult region has noticeably improved. The units entrusted to Skuratov responded to all training and real-life alarms adequately and in a timely manner. In 1988 he was sent to the Academy of the General Staff. After completing his studies, he continues to serve in the highest positions of the Ministry of Defense. In 1993 he defended his doctoral dissertation and was promoted to colonel general.
Civilian work
When the fire of the war in the North Caucasus flared up, the units of the coastal troops of the Navy were recruited to carry out combat missions. In 1995, Colonel-General Skuratov retired from the armed forces to the reserve. On this, his active life position has not changed. He conducts a lot of educational work with young people.
The general prefers not to talk about his personal life. It is known that he is married. Children have grown up in the family, and grandchildren have appeared. His great life experience allows him to say that husband and wife should be one. This is primarily important for officers. Long-term practice shows that the country's defense capability is largely determined by the officers' wives.
