The Spanish Civil War will be remembered by most as a proving yard for German forces prior to WWII.

The right wing nationalist forces fought the leftists Marxists and it was here that the Soviet Political Commissar position was first seen outside of Soviet Union.

Communist Revolutionary forces instituted a formal Political Commissar position in to the military structure.

15th October 1936:  The Popular Army established a system of Commissars (Political officers) for each unit.

Political commissars were created in the Republican Army in October 1936.  These men served as education officers for soldiers who did not have a full understanding of fascism. This included the publication of army newspapers and the teaching of literacy.

The brigades and the Communist-led Republican troops shared a network of political commissars, party officials in charge of supervising army commanders.

The commissars worked to ensure the loyalty of the regular officers and to educate and maintain the morale of the troops. The Communists used the commissariat system both to indoctrinate the army with their viewpoints and to maintain control over military affairs.

Commissars: Once Russian advisors and aid began to take a paramount role in the Republican effort, Commissars were actively used.

The commissar was a political indoctrination and training officer who co-commanded with the actual unit commander. One was concerned with the military function of the unit, the other, the political reliability of the troops and commander.

Later, the wide use of conscript soldiers and battle fatigue amongst existing units brought about the use of the commissar as he is known in A.S.L.

Note the central Soviet Red Star and 'C' for Commissario.

The Political Commissar rank badges on the chest are also distinct and follow a military grading system.