Speculations about a conflict between NATO and Warsaw Pact

Unlikely. The Soviet Army had been firmly subservient to the Party since the Revolution. Events would have to spiral badly out of control before the military chiefs decided to step in. Even in OTL it was hardliners from within the CP, and not the military, that led the August Coup as the USSR was on the brink of collapse

This was even acknowledged in Red Storm Rising with it being a Hollywood Hero, and not the military top brass, who decides to take action

The army was a power in itself. Power in the Soviet Union could be boiled down roughly to three sources: Party, army, and KGB. If the Army decided that the Communist Party leadership or the KGB were leading the motherland down the path of destruction, a coup (probably in a coalition with a faction or more of the Party or the KGB, depending on the scenario) is quite possible.

Does anybody remember who in the USSR controled nuclear weapons? I believe that the Strategic rocket forces manned the weapons, but they were armed by KGB forces. Not sure about it, however. Can't find my sources or remember off the top of my head.
 
Top