Komdiv is the syllabic abbreviation to commanding officer of the division (lit. 'commander of the division / division commander'), and was a military rank in the Soviet Armed Forces of the USSR in the period from 1935 to 1940. It was also the designation to military personnel appointed to command a division sized formation (XX). Until 1940, it was the fourth highest military rank of the Red Army, and was equivalent to Division commissar (дивизионный комиссар) of the political staff in all military branches, Flag Officer 2nd rank in the Soviet navy, or to 'senior major of state security' (старший майор государственной безопасности). With the reintroduction of regular general ranks in 1940, the designation komdiv was abolished, and replaced by Lieutenant general.

History

This particular rank was introduced by disposal of the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Union and the Council of People's Commissars, from September 22, 1935. The new rank structure was as follows:

Rank insignia