The most significant military event of this period occurred in 1979 when the Soviet government, at the request of the Afghanistan government, deployed troops into the country to help the Communist Afghani regime maintain its hold on power.  This action was viewed with much hostility by Western governments who made it point where the West could strike at the Soviet army without risking a world war.  Their assistance to the Mujahadeen (Islamic 'holy' warriors) resulted in high casualties for Soviet intervention forces.

 The Soviet Union attempted to justify their actions to the West as an effort to stabilize an allied government on their southern frontier, but the West saw it as more Soviet expansionism.  The Western perception was bolstered by a Soviet leader who said that 'our tired troops will wash the dust from their boots in the Indian Ocean'  The statement was mere political posturing, but it did little to relieve Western fears.

The conflict was of great importance to the Soviet military. It saw the first widespread introduction of camouflage uniforms, and was the first time the new AK-74 was fired in anger.  The conflict also gave many soldiers experience in mountain fighting and in anti-guerrilla tactics.  Despite this, the conflict had serious long term consequences for the Russians. The Soviet strategy during the Afghanistan war proved difficult.  Morale soon had little support on the home front. This was especially true in the later years as the casualties continued to rise.

Domestically the situation was beginning to deteriorate.  Long lines were common for even the simplest goods and services.  There were also numerous shortages.  While Gorbachev would attempt to solve these problems by Glasnost and Perestroika, it would take some time for these programs to take effect.  In the midst of these changes disaster struck.  The nuclear reactor at Chernobyl melted down and created a national crisis.