The author of the book is not an outside observer, but a participant in the events described in the book. Colonel Viktor Nikolaevich Baranets has been in the Armed Forces since 1965. Since 1983 he served in the General Staff. He was an expert advisor to the Chief of the General Staff, head of the information and analytical department, head of the press service and press secretary of the Russian Ministry of Defense. Participant in the Afghan war. Author of the books “Yeltsin and His Army”, “The Lost Army”. The book “The General Staff Without Secrets” presented to your attention is not just a unique eyewitness account of the events, it is an analytical study of the causes of the collapse and corruption in the army during the Yeltsin era, it is never before published documents, transcripts and records, it is a fascinating read from the first pages. The book is written masterfully. The author has a professional pen and knows the subject of his research thoroughly. Read this book and you will see much of what is happening in the Caucasus now with different eyes.