Why Soviet naval NCOs mattered

Why should the simulated Soviet crew not simply be rated as recruits?

Because the Soviet Navy retained professional non-commissioned officers in its lower and middle ranks, preserving practical experience despite high turnover at the top.

Senior turnover and continuity in the lower and middle ranks are different parts of the Soviet naval personnel story. The navy retained an unusually professional non-commissioned officer cadre compared with other branches of the Soviet armed forces. Those NCOs preserved practical knowledge even when senior leadership changed. That continuity means the Soviet Navy cannot be judged only through purges, admirals, or platform counts. Personnel systems and institutional memory can matter as much as a fleet's headline equipment.