This study analyzes the Soviet award system, in particular the Prepared for Word and Defense (PWD) program. The PWD program is composed of five stages and embraces people from ages 10 to 60. Each stage has a section of requirements and a section of norms, which take into consideration age variations. The norms section, which is the most important part of the total complex, deals with items that test physical fitness and motor skillabilities. Upon completion of both the requirements and norms at each level, silver or gold badges are awarded as well as a badge with honors at stage four. The requirements section deals with basic principles of physical culture, personal and social hygiene habits, morning exercises, and fundamentals of civil defense. The five stages of the PWD program are: (1) brave and agile (boys and girls 10-13 years); (2) the rising sports generation (boys and girls 14-15 years); (3) strength and courage (boys and girls 16-18 years); (4) physical perfection (men 19-39 years, women 19-34 years); and (5) vigor and health (men 40-60 years, women 35-55 years). The PWD system is an essential part of the Soviet organizational plan, which is concerned with mass participation and the development of the elite, super-athlete. (The requirements, exercises, and norms for each stage are presented in tables.) (RC)