The book is devoted to the study of the formation of the Soviet military elite and its evolution on the eve of World War II. On the basis of unique declassified documents, the relationship between I.V. Stalin and the military elite, the activities of the Military Council under the People's Commissar of Defense, the People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR and his deputies, commanders of military districts and armies are considered. The course and scale of repression against the highest commanding staff of the Red Army in 1937-1939 was analyzed. The fate of the Stalinist nominees of the second half of the 30s is shown.