The Soviet Armed Forces were the military forces of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) from 1917 until its dissolution in 1991. They consisted of the Ground Forces, Navy, and Air Forces, and were known for their large size and significant role in global military affairs during the Cold War. The armed forces were heavily involved in various conflicts and were a key component of the Soviet Union's strategy to project power. The Soviet Armed Forces were characterized by their emphasis on large-scale maneuvers and the use of combined arms tactics. They developed a range of advanced military technology, including tanks like the T-34 and aircraft such as the MiG-15. The military also played a crucial role in the Warsaw Pact, a collective defense treaty among communist countries in Eastern Europe, countering the influence of NATO.