Who is Pavel Alekseyev from Red Storm Rising and what is their importance?

Pavel Alekseyev is the deputy commander of the Southwestern Theater of the Russian military. Alekseyev says that the "Red Storm" plan calls for surprise, and he believes that extensive preparation is certain to attract attention, thus, the only way to truly present a surprise attack is to attack immediately. His idea is rejected by the others, including his military counterparts. Alekseyev later becomes a commander on the front, holding a position of authority.