Chechen epic 1994–1996. It started suddenly and ended unexpectedly. Today we openly call it war. And then we went to restore the “constitutional order”. We thought that everything would cost a little, and most importantly, we were sure that our actions were correct and justified.
That was then. We're back. But again and again the events of those days come to mind. The thought haunts me that our efforts, the strain of strength, will, nerves, the death of our comrades - no one needed all this. It’s scary to realize that, relying on the holy words about duty and honor to the Motherland, officer’s honor, we were made pawns in someone else’s game.
How it all began
Second half of January. Our 119th regiment of the Tula Airborne Division is located in Grozny itself, near the railway station. A few days ago, when the regiment entered the city, there was a continuous roar of gunfire, and machine gun fire scattered along the streets. Now there is a positional lull - there is time to take a break and get yourself in order.
Slush weather, cold chills to the bones. It’s good that they brought potbelly stoves - at least some warmth. There is a big problem with drinking water; you can’t even think about basic washing. Not far from the station, in a broken down warehouse, the soldiers got hold of three-liter jars of grape juice, which is how we are saving ourselves for now.
But, as they say, a person is an animal that gets used to everything. We got used to the cold and are organizing our life. In the short time we were here we began to feel almost like home.
Yesterday, around noon, militants fired at us with a mortar. The mines fell nearby, 20–40 m from our headquarters. We managed to fire back several times, but to no avail. Apparently, the militants' mortar was installed on the vehicle - they immediately disappeared from the fire.
A couple of days later the shelling was repeated. It seems that someone is adjusting the fire of the Dudayevites.
One day, while personnel were forming up for instruction, a deafening explosion was heard above our heads. A militant mine hit the second floor window, in the room of the combined battalion commander Glebov and artillery chief Orekhov. Half a minute later, the commander, covered in whitewash, jumped out - alive and unharmed. But junior sergeant Savelyev from my platoon was still there. It turned out that he was stunned by the door being ripped off its hinges. The main thing is that he remained alive.
Latest news: information and disinformation
There was a message on the radio that “...the other day the Dudayevites made an attempt to seize the railway station.” According to the journalist: “...the militants were successful in the raid. As a result, the airborne regiment from Naro-Fominsk was completely destroyed.” We forgot how to laugh a long time ago, but this journalistic nonsense amused us. However, our fun soon gave way to heavy thoughts. This The message could be heard by family and friends. At the thought of what was happening at home now, my fingers clenched into a fist of their own accord.
Such “reliable” media reports are not uncommon. In pursuit of the next sensation, journalists give out information, calling it “just received from the front line” for greater importance. For the majority of Russian citizens, the media is the only source of information about the situation in Chechnya. And it is not their fault that on the basis of such journalistic “misinformation” the majority has an erroneous idea of what is really happening. And during our entire stay at the station there was not a single correspondent nearby.
Today it is planned to seize a twelve-story hotel and the Ministry of Internal Affairs building. At dawn, the assault groups of the battalions of the Tula and Ryazan regiments will begin to advance through our positions, and I need to notify my posts.
The day before, tanks hit the hotel with direct fire. There seemed to be no living space left from the building. However, as soon as the shelling stopped, enemy snipers and grenade launchers resumed firing from the ruins.The hotel is the highest point in this area of Grozny. The goal of the upcoming operation is to completely clear the hotel of militants and put our fighters there.
I'm going to the posts. The snow has already stopped. Stars are visible in the night sky. There is an unusual silence around.
Suddenly - a stomp. A line of people stretches from the side of the houses adjacent to the station. These are the battalions that are to take the hotel tonight. Only you can’t call them battalions anymore, in companies there are a little more than half of the personnel. They walk in silence, only individual commands of officers can be heard. I peered into the concentrated faces of the soldiers passing by me. From under their helmets the eyes of young soldiers gleam, whom the war seems to have aged ten years. I mentally wish them good luck.
…Morning. According to the information received, the hotel was taken immediately after dawn. There are no casualties on our side, several people were wounded. Two dozen militants were killed. Among them, one Russian, as it turned out, is from Pskov. In essence, there is a fratricidal war going on. Damn disgusting and insulting...
House of Culture. Northern bank of the river Sunzha. Who should give in?
A funny episode happened. A message came from the forward posts: the commander of one militant detachment offers us negotiations regarding surrender. Believing that the militants had decided to surrender, battalion commander Prusakov went to the meeting. The bridge over the Sunzha was chosen as the venue for negotiations.
An hour later the battalion commander returned. Imagine our surprise when the results of the negotiations became clear. It turns out that it was the commander of the militant detachment who invited our battalion commander to surrender. The negotiations ended with Prusakov, in turn, inviting the militants to lay down their arms, finally warning that he would not agree to further negotiations. That's where we parted ways.
After listening to the battalion commander, he was bombarded with questions from all sides:
– What is a militant commander like?
- Weakling! The grip is weak and the hand is shaking.
Morning. The battalion has taken up its initial positions in the area of the bridge and is waiting for the signal to begin the attack...
We have to capture a bridgehead and a number of houses on Saykhanov Street. According to preliminary information, this is where the enemy strongholds were located.
Dawn came, the start of the operation had to be postponed an hour ahead of the scheduled date. During the offensive, they decided to split into two groups, which would go along two streets.
We moved quickly along the sidewalks, but never met the enemy. As a rule, the artillery works block by block, supporting the advance of the companies to the designated strong point. The militants knew about this and, probably, in order not to fall under heavy fire, retreated from their positions.
The assault groups are commanded by Major Prusakov. Through communication, he requested permission to begin seizing the block. The commander of the combined battalion gives permission, but warns: “Take your time, don’t get into trouble. Act according to the situation. In case of strong resistance, stop the offensive - artillery will engage the Dudayevites.” However, we never encountered anything serious.
Refugees
In recent days, more and more refugees have been coming to the regiment's location. These are mainly residents of Grozny, Russian by nationality. Many have one question: “How to leave Chechnya and go to relatives in Russia?” The commander gave instructions to his deputy: to organize the delivery of refugees to Severny airport. From there, it is planned to send refugees deep into Russia by military transport aircraft.
This news quickly spreads around the nearest basements of the block. Very soon large groups of people began to flock to the headquarters. This influx of Russian-speaking refugees is explained by the fact that railway workers live in this area of the city.
When they come to the location of our unit, they begin by trying to speak out, to throw out what is boiling in their souls. These stories paint a picture of the chaos that took place in Chechnya before the entry of federal troops. Most refugees note that with Dudayev coming to power, significant changes took place in the republic, from which the Russian population suffered mainly. Almost no new money was introduced - the old banknotes were used. Old people were not given pensions. The targeted oppression of Russians began.
A specific method of buying and selling real estate became widespread: individual Chechens chose a victim in advance, entered a Russian’s house, and announced from the doorstep that they were buying a plot of land from him. At the same time, they quoted a negligible price. In case of refusal, they threatened with weapons.
Under the barrel of a machine gun you can’t really object - the plot or house could have been taken away by force. I had to agree with the “offered” price and take as much as they give.
But the worst grief, according to local old-timers, is the burning of Russian houses, which has become widespread. As soon as such a family went for a short period of time to visit relatives living, say, in the Tver region, on the second or third day the house was set on fire. The family simply had nowhere to return.
According to Russian refugees, the local authorities turned a blind eye to everything that was happening. Through such “radical measures” an unspoken genocide of the Russian-speaking population was carried out.
In the afternoon, a resident of Grozny came. She asked to be taken to the commander. From her story it followed that bandits were nearby. The map showed their locations. She explained that the militants come to the city by buses from the southwestern direction. Having driven along the streets of Saykhanov or Pavel Musorov, they stop at Minutka Square, from where they disperse in groups to point-positions.
After further clarification of the information, we carried out several fire raids.
In general, local residents often pointed out the houses where the militants were located. Thanks to such information, we were able to save many soldiers' lives. We also did not remain in debt - we always shared bread, food, and water with the locals.
Apparently, by morning the main part of the militants retreated. Only isolated shots can be heard in the distance. Several enemy groups did not have time to retreat and entrenched themselves in basements, from which they snarled with fire. We'll have to smoke them out.
The battalion commander decided not to waste precious time, to pursue the retreating enemy in hot pursuit. Part of the unit was left in the area liberated from militants for protection, while the rest continued the offensive.
Soon the battalion pursuing the enemy reached the outskirts of the city and occupied the defense area. Thanks to the timely decision of the battalion commander, the battalion completed the task in the shortest possible time and with the least losses.
Dudes and professionals
...At the end of February, our unit was moved to new positions. It’s quiet around, there’s no shooting, the sun is hot. It seems that the war is already over. In the distance the approaching roar of a motor was heard. A few minutes later, three armored personnel carriers arrived. On the armor are soldiers in camouflage and with masks on their faces. It turned out that they were riot police. They were relocated to our place to clean the neighborhoods.
Judging by the habits and unusually clean camouflages of the riot police, it is clear that they have not yet tried real gunpowder, although they are trying to look like tough professionals. Such clean and well-groomed fighters are often shown on television. Looking at them, my guys understand perfectly well that the main burden of the harsh military life will fall on the shoulders of the paratroopers and mother infantry.
March 1995. Argun
At the beginning of March, Grozny is filled with excitement. Residents return to the liberated city, carrying the few belongings that they managed to take with them. The city center is already bustling with life; there is even a small bazaar where they sell small goods and groceries. Cars are running on the streets again. Everything indicates that peaceful life is getting better. However, we should not forget that militants may again infiltrate the liberated city under the guise of townspeople to carry out sabotage. The order came to redeploy our airborne battalion to Argun.
Along the entire route there are separate checkpoints, mainly one tank and several infantry. Finally the column stopped. Nearby are brick buildings reminiscent of MTS workshops. Two battalions have already occupied strongholds along the banks of the Argun River. Our battalion will have to, after a thorough reconnaissance of the area and study the situation, cross the river and break through the defense of the Dudayevites.
The enemy has settled thoroughly. Through binoculars, you can clearly see the trenches dug by the militants in full view, and the hidden approaches to them. The media have already stated: “Dudayev’s people have turned Argun into an impregnable fortress.”
Frenchman
Spring has come. The sun is getting hotter and hotter. Today, two strangers to us came to the dining room for breakfast together with Lieutenant Colonel Glebov. After a short conversation, it turned out that one of them was a French correspondent, the other was a translator.
The appearance of a correspondent, and a Frenchman at that, came as a complete surprise to us. During our entire stay in Chechnya, we did not even see a Russian journalist, let alone a foreign one. Everyone is happy about the appearance of the correspondent: “At least one journalist will see what is really happening here,” for the first time in the entire Chechen campaign, truthful material about this war will appear in the press, albeit in the French one.
As it turned out, he ended up with us by accident - he got lost on the way and ended up in the location of Russian troops. However, judging by his mood, this vicissitudes of fate did not upset the correspondent very much: “You are closer to the front line here, and that’s exactly what I need.” As it turned out during the conversation, the North Caucasus is far from the first “hot spot” where the journalistic profession has thrown him. I have been to Afghanistan several times. And before arriving in Chechnya, he visited Yugoslavia, where, according to him, he saw enough arbitrariness, atrocities and violations of human rights.
The foreign correspondent stayed with us for a week. They dressed him in camouflage so that he wouldn’t stand out. The Frenchman was particularly impressed by the artillery fire. He was surprised by the fact that “in such difficult conditions, a Russian soldier not only fights well, but also maintains that vital activity that is inherent in people who are confident that they are right.” The journalist was most amazed when he saw Scott Fitzgerald's book in my hands!
I must say that it was much more difficult to communicate with our Russian journalists.
End of March. Northern bank of the Argun River
The operation plan provides for a certain tactical cunning. We preliminarily determined the location of the enemy strongholds, stretching in a chain along the river bank. We create the appearance of an expected breakthrough in one area, when a ford was scouted 1.5–2 km to the east, where, according to our data, the enemy’s defenses are much weaker. This is where the main direction of the strike will be.
Morning. 5 hours 20 minutes. Chilly. In a few minutes, the air will be shaken by shell explosions and the countdown of lives and deaths will begin. I reported to the division artillery chief about the division’s readiness and... the command was given to open fire. An artillery salvo broke the pre-dawn silence.
Afternoon. According to incoming information, advanced units have reached the railway track. The battalion penetrated the enemy's defenses for 3–4 km. All this time, the artillery does not stop working: salvo fire is replaced by “running at the target.” Data from division headquarters confirmed that our morning maneuver was a complete success; Dudayev’s men clearly did not expect an attack from this direction and began to hastily leave. From an enemy radio interception: “We did not expect that there would be so many of them here, about two thousand. We are retreating...” “Two thousand...” - where did so many of us come from? Apparently, wanting to justify his withdrawal from the position, the militant field commander deliberately overestimated the number of personnel in our battalion.
In two days
Finally we reached the outskirts of Argun. Defense area: from the eastern outskirts of the city to the village. Jalka. The division headquarters is in the building of a local enterprise. The commander returning from the meeting told the officers present: “The situation is going well. Apparently, there will be no more active and large-scale actions. The remnants of the gangs retreated to the mountainous regions, and the end of the entire campaign was a matter of a few days.”
First half of April 1995. Waiting for withdrawal
About two weeks flew by. Rumors spread throughout the group about our imminent withdrawal. In the evenings, soldiers increasingly reread worn-out letters from home. Most soldiers and officers have questions: “When will all this end? Who needs all this, and most importantly, for what?” Finally, the order came: tomorrow at 6.00 the convoy must leave for the loading station - Chervlennaya. The news quickly spread around everyone. The rise was scheduled for three o'clock.
Home!
The route runs through Argun. The column is walking along the main street. Children are running around in the courtyards. Women left their houses. Sitting on their haunches and cracking seeds, they follow us with curious glances. After a tiring ride across the plain, the column came to rest at the foot of the ridge. The cars shifted into lower gears and began to climb. Between two massive mountain ranges lies an endless plain. The tops of the mountains are shrouded in snow, while at their foot there are green meadows and fields. A fascinating picture.
Loading was planned in two echelons. The first is loaded with a battalion, and the second with a division and support units.
Last fireworks
Having settled matters at the station, I sat down on a bench waiting for the train. The usual bustle reigns at the station. Trade is brisk. Everything around is so ordinary and calm. It seems that there was no war at all. Only military trains with equipment remind us that the war is nearby - beyond the ridge.
The duty officer came running and reported the approach of the train. Leaving the Chervlennaya station, they fired a fireworks from signal flares - a bouquet of multi-colored lights bloomed in the air.
This is a salute in honor of the fact that we are leaving with a sense of accomplishment. And most importantly, this is a fireworks display in memory of our guys who died in Chechnya. Those twenty dead soldiers and sergeants of the regiment who will never return home. This is a salute to those guys who will be healing their wounds for a long time.
Goodbye Chechnya! Thank you for opening our eyes to many things, showing us the situation our country and its Armed Forces are in.
They wanted a quick victory from us. But how can a scolded, spat upon and humiliated army fight well?
Since the founding of this type of troops, the uniform of the Airborne Forces has been no different from the clothing of the Red Army Air Force or special purpose aviation battalions. The set of clothes for a USSR intelligence soldier included:
- Leather or blue-gray canvas helmet.
- Moleskin overalls (could be either leather or blue-gray canvas).
- The collar of the overalls was equipped with blue buttonholes, where insignia were sewn.
Already in the forties, the military uniform for aerial reconnaissance was changed to avisent jackets with trousers. The pants had huge patch pockets. The winter clothes of the USSR paratroopers were insulated with sheepskin uniforms: a brown or dark blue fur collar, which was fastened with a zipper.
The military clothing of the forces was divided into 4 groups:
- summer uniform for every day for sergeants and soldiers;
- summer casual clothing for sergeants, airborne cadets, soldiers;
- summer casual clothing of cadets, where buttonholes and shoulder straps indicated the branch of service;
- winter clothing for sergeants, cadets, military builders, where buttonholes, shoulder straps and a badge on the sleeve are according to the branch of service.
In addition, the military uniform in the USSR had to take into account the climatic features of the area where the troops were located. For example, in the Finnish war, a soldier’s winter clothing was supplemented with:
- hats with earflaps,
- padded jackets,
- cotton pants,
- white camouflage robes and hoods.
The rest of the military clothing in the USSR, for example, for rifle units, looked like a simple budenovka and boots. In addition to their canvas helmets, the paratroopers had large goggles for pilots. This attribute was issued due to the fact that they often had to parachute. If you take a close look at the photo or film materials of those times, you can see that even ceremonial clothing could consist of helmets and glasses, and a parachute jumpsuit.
The military uniform of a USSR officer had a cap with a chin strap for parachute jumping; ordinary Red Army soldiers hid their caps in their bosoms. There were no special shoes for jumping, so felt boots often fell off the feet when the parachute opened. Officer's shoes also presupposed the existence of fur boots.
The usual uniform of the Airborne Forces in Russia differed from other troops only in blue buttonholes; officers had gold trim around them. The piping on the buttonholes of political workers, sergeants or privates was black; this was considered a kind of office option. Officers were also distinguished by blue piping on the collar and the upper edge of the cuffs, and side stitched seams on the riding breeches. Caps with blue piping and red stars or dark blue caps with red enamel stars - all this was typical for the leadership of the Airborne Forces.
During the existence of the Soviet Union, the Ukrainian Airborne Forces were no different in their military uniform from the Russian troops; one single template was in effect throughout the entire USSR. After the collapse of the state, Ukraine had to “redraw” not only the meaning of the type of troops itself, but also the form of intelligence. Until recently, the airborne forces of these two countries could only be distinguished by different stripes, which depicted the coats of arms of different countries. Ukraine's uniform depicts a trident on a yellow-blue background.
Outdated samples of Airborne Forces uniforms
The winter uniform of an Airborne Forces officer used to be equipped with a dark blue double-breasted overcoat, then the color was changed to regular gray and ear flaps. The troops' field clothing did not differ from other units at the time of the war, so in winter everyone wore white camouflage overalls, and in summer the colors changed to camouflage.
The paratroopers were given special uniforms immediately before the landing; later the uniform was replaced with a regular one, one might say, office uniform, and the special forces clothing was confiscated. As soon as shoulder straps were introduced, the Airborne Forces began wearing aviation insignia. For privates and sergeants, blue shoulder straps with black edging were introduced, and the stripes were brick-red. The dress uniform has always been distinguished by a blue edging, and the caps have a blue band. The same form was characteristic of the Ukrainian Airborne Forces at the time of being part of the USSR and military operations on one side.
New form of airborne forces in Russia
Now let’s travel through 2014 with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Not long ago he visited a legendary motorized rifle brigade, known since the Chechen War. In 2014, the soldiers of this unit were transferred to Ugra, and the new uniform acquired a new modern look, so now the military in such uniforms are not afraid of any frost. The new clothes were tested in extremely low temperatures, piercing and cold winds.
Sergei Shoigu paid a visit to present awards, the action took place in an open area, and the military had to march in front of the highest leadership of Russia. At first, the form was delivered as an experimental one, but at the end of 2014 it was approved in 9 versions.
The new form for 2014 can be combined in different ways:
- for cool weather it will be enough to wear a lined jacket,
- for windy conditions it is recommended to wear a jacket under the jacket,
- in rainy weather, airborne special forces can wear a fleece shirt with a waterproof overall.
During the active training phase or the airborne assault march, the Airborne Forces wear their usual uniform. During theoretical classes, fighters wear lighter office uniforms.
The uniform of the Russian Airborne Forces in 2014 went through a number of changes: the ears on the earflap hat became longer, easily overlap at the back and are fastened with Velcro, this is quite important and comfortable for the chin. The hat has a top flap that can, if necessary, turn into a sun visor. Outerwear has also undergone many changes, for example, a jacket can be disassembled into several elements. It has become a kind of construction set that can be transformed from an ordinary windbreaker to a warm pea coat.
The entire 2014 field uniform consists of 16 pieces that easily fit into a backpack. Depending on the time of year, the backpack can be light or heavy. In the new field footwear, felt boots were replaced by warm boots with inserts. A winter paratrooper vest has also been added, which does not restrict movement. A warm scarf and a comfortable balaclava were added to the whole set. Reconnaissance overalls are made of waterproof material.
Demobilization and parade uniform of the Airborne Forces
The uniform in which a paratrooper goes on demobilization is the dress uniform. It is quite different from the usual field clothing and, in general, from all other clothing of other troops. Airborne reconnaissance, which has already completed its military service, can be seen from afar; one can really be proud of this form. It is considered the most beautiful and fashionable among other military uniforms.
Reconnaissance on demobilization looks something like this: a brave, handsome man in a vest with blue stripes and a blue beret, a tunic with blue stripes, with a lot of all possible decorations.
On May 9, on Victory Day this year, the soldiers and officers of the Airborne Forces were presented in new field equipment; their dignified appearance once again emphasized how the leadership cares about the health and comfort of its soldiers. The preparation of real future reconnaissance must take place in a wide variety of climatic conditions, so clothing must always meet these basic requirements.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them
The branch of the Armed Forces, which is a reserve of the Supreme High Command and specially designed to cover the enemy by air and carry out tasks in his rear to disrupt command and control, capture and destroy ground elements of precision weapons, disrupt the advance and deployment of reserves, disrupt the work of the rear and communications, as well as for covering (defense) of individual directions, areas, open flanks, blocking and destroying landed airborne troops, broken through enemy groups and performing many other tasks.
In peacetime, the Airborne Forces perform the main tasks of maintaining combat and mobilization readiness at a level that ensures their successful use for their intended purpose.
In the Russian Armed Forces they are a separate branch of the military.
Airborne forces are also quite often used as rapid reaction forces.
The main method of delivering airborne forces is parachute landing; they can also be delivered by helicopter; During World War II, delivery by gliders was practiced.
Airborne Forces of the USSR
Pre-war period
At the end of 1930, near Voronezh, a Soviet airborne unit was created in the 11th Infantry Division - an airborne detachment. In December 1932, he was deployed to the 3rd Special Purpose Aviation Brigade (OsNaz), which in 1938 became known as the 201st Airborne Brigade.
The very first use of airborne assault in the history of military affairs occurred in the spring of 1929. In the city of Garm, besieged by the Basmachi, a group of armed Red Army soldiers was dropped from the air, and with the support of local residents, they completely defeated the gang that had invaded the territory of Tajikistan from abroad. But still, Airborne Forces Day in Russia and a number of other countries is considered to be August 2, in honor of the parachute landing at a military exercise of the Moscow Military District near Voronezh on August 2, 1930.
in 1931, on the basis of an order dated March 18, a non-standard, experienced aviation motorized landing detachment (airborne landing detachment) was formed in the Leningrad Military District. It was intended to study issues of operational-tactical use and the most advantageous organizational forms of airborne (airborne) units, units and formations. The detachment consisted of 164 personnel and consisted of:
One rifle company;
-separate platoons: engineer, communications and light vehicles;
-heavy bomber aviation squadron (air squadron) (12 aircraft - TB-1);
-one corps aviation detachment (air squadron) (10 aircraft - R-5).
The detachment was armed with:
Two 76-mm Kurchevsky dynamo-reactive guns (DRP);
- two wedges - T-27;
-4 grenade launchers;
-3 light armored vehicles (armored vehicles);
-14 light and 4 heavy machine guns;
-10 trucks and 16 cars;
-4 motorcycles and one scooter
E.D. Lukin was appointed commander of the detachment. Subsequently, a non-standard parachute detachment was formed in the same air brigade.
In 1932, the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR issued a decree on the deployment of detachments into special purpose aviation battalions (BOSNAZ). By the end of 1933, there were already 29 airborne battalions and brigades that became part of the Air Force. The Leningrad Military District (Leningrad Military District) was entrusted with the task of training instructors in airborne operations and developing operational-tactical standards.
By the standards of that time, airborne units were an effective means of disrupting enemy command and control and rear areas. They were to be used where other types of troops (infantry, artillery, cavalry, armored forces) could not currently solve this problem, and were also intended to be used by the high command in cooperation with troops advancing from the front; airborne assaults were supposed to help encircling and defeating the enemy in this direction.
Staff No. 015/890 1936 of the “airborne brigade” (adbr) in wartime and peacetime. Name of units, number of wartime personnel (number of peacetime personnel in brackets):
Management, 49(50);
-communications company, 56 (46);
-musician platoon, 11 (11);
-3 airborne battalions, each, 521 (381);
-school for junior officers, 0 (115);
-services, 144 (135);
Total: in the brigade, 1823 (1500); Personnel:
Command staff, 107 (118);
-Commanding staff, 69 (60);
-Junior command and command staff, 330 (264);
-Private personnel, 1317 (1058);
-Total: 1823 (1500);
Material part:
45 mm anti-tank gun, 18 (19);
-Light machine guns, 90 (69);
-Radio Stations, 20 (20);
-Automatic carbines, 1286 (1005);
-Light mortars, 27 (20);
-Cars, 6 (6);
-Trucks, 63 (51);
-Special vehicles, 14 (14);
-Cars “Pickup”, 9 (8);
-Motorcycles, 31 (31);
-ChTZ Tractors, 2 (2);
-Tractor trailers, 4 (4);
In the pre-war years, a lot of effort and funds were allocated for the development of airborne troops, the development of the theory of their combat use, as well as practical training. In 1934, 600 paratroopers were involved in Red Army exercises. In 1935, during the maneuvers of the Kyiv Military District, 1,188 paratroopers were parachuted and a landing force of 2,500 people was landed along with military equipment.
In 1936, 3,000 paratroopers were landed in the Belarusian Military District, and 8,200 people with artillery and other military equipment were landed. The invited foreign military delegations present at these exercises were amazed by the size of the landings and the skill of the landing.
“31. Parachute units, as a new type of air infantry, are a means of disrupting the enemy’s control and rear. They are used by the high command.
In cooperation with troops advancing from the front, air infantry helps encircle and defeat the enemy in a given direction.
The use of air infantry must be strictly consistent with the conditions of the situation and requires reliable support and compliance with measures of secrecy and surprise."
- Chapter two “Organization of the Red Army troops” 1. Types of troops and their combat use, Field Manual of the Red Army (PU-39)
The paratroopers also gained experience in real battles. In 1939, the 212th Airborne Brigade took part in the defeat of the Japanese at Khalkhin Gol. For their courage and heroism, 352 paratroopers were awarded orders and medals. In 1939-1940, during the Soviet-Finnish War, the 201st, 202nd and 214th airborne brigades fought together with rifle units.
Based on the experience gained, in 1940 new brigade staffs were approved, consisting of three combat groups: parachute, glider and landing.
In preparation for the operation to annex Bessarabia to the USSR, occupied by Romania, as well as Northern Bukovina, the Red Army command included the 201st, 204th and 214th airborne brigades in the Southern Front. During the operation, the 204th and 201st adbr received combat missions and troops were sent to the area of Bolgrad and Izmail, and after the closure of the state border to organize Soviet control bodies in populated areas.
Great Patriotic War
By the beginning of 1941, on the basis of the existing airborne brigades, airborne corps were deployed, each numbering more than 10 thousand people.
On September 4, 1941, by order of the People's Commissar, the Directorate of the Airborne Forces was transformed into the Directorate of the Commander of the Airborne Forces of the Red Army, and formations and units of the Airborne Forces were removed from the subordination of the commanders of the active fronts and transferred to the direct subordination of the commander of the Airborne Forces. In accordance with this order, the formation of ten airborne corps, five maneuverable airborne brigades, five reserve airborne regiments and an airborne school (Kuibyshev) was carried out. At the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, the Airborne Forces were an independent branch of the Red Army Air Force.
In the counter-offensive near Moscow, conditions appeared for the widespread use of airborne forces. In the winter of 1942, the Vyazma airborne operation was carried out with the participation of the 4th Airborne Corps. In September 1943, an airborne assault consisting of two brigades was used to assist the troops of the Voronezh Front in crossing the Dnieper River. In the Manchurian strategic operation in August 1945, more than 4 thousand personnel of rifle units were landed for landing operations, who quite successfully completed the assigned tasks.
In October 1944, the Airborne Forces were transformed into a separate Guards Airborne Army, which became part of long-range aviation. In December 1944, this army was, based on the order of the Supreme High Command Headquarters dated December 18, 1944, transformed into the 9th Guards Army, based on the command of the 7th Army and formations of a separate Guards Airborne Army with direct subordination to the Supreme High Command Headquarters. The airborne divisions were reorganized into rifle divisions.
At the same time, an Airborne Forces directorate was created with direct subordination to the Air Force commander. The Airborne Forces retained three airborne brigades, an airborne training regiment, advanced training courses for officers and an aeronautical division. At the end of the winter of 1945, the 9th Guards Army, consisting of the 37th, 38th, 39th Guards Rifle Corps, was concentrated in Hungary southeast of Budapest; On February 27 it became part of the 2nd Ukrainian Front, and on March 9 it was reassigned to the 3rd Ukrainian Front. In March - April 1945, the army took part in the Vienna Strategic Operation (March 16 - April 15), advancing in the direction of the front's main attack. At the beginning of May 1945, the army as part of the 2nd Ukrainian Front participated in the Prague operation (May 6-11). The 9th Guards Army ended its combat journey with access to the Elbe. The army was disbanded on May 11, 1945. The army commander is Colonel General V.V. Glagolev (December 1944 - until the end of the war). On June 10, 1945, in accordance with the order of the Supreme High Command Headquarters dated May 29, 1945, the Central Group of Forces was formed, which included the 9th Guards Army. Later it was transferred to the Moscow District, where in 1946 its directorate was transformed into the Airborne Forces Directorate, and all its formations again became guards airborne units - the 37th, 38th, 39th Corps and the 98th, 99th, 100th, 103rd, 104th , 105, 106, 107, 114 airborne division (airborne division).
Post-war period
Since 1946, they were transferred to the ground forces of the Armed Forces of the USSR, and were directly subordinate to the Minister of Defense of the USSR, being the reserve of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
In 1956, two airborne divisions took part in the Hungarian events. In 1968, after the capture of two airfields near Prague and Bratislava, the 7th and 103rd Guards Airborne Divisions were landed, which ensured the successful completion of the task by formations and units of the Joint Armed Forces of the countries participating in the Warsaw Pact during the Czechoslovak events.
In the post-war period, the Airborne Forces carried out a lot of work to strengthen the firepower and mobility of personnel. Numerous samples of airborne armored vehicles (BMD, BTR-D), automotive vehicles (TPK, GAZ-66), artillery systems (ASU-57, ASU-85, 2S9 Nona, 107-mm recoilless rifle B-11) were made. Complex parachute systems were created for landing all types of weapons - “Centaur”, “Reaktavr” and others. The fleet of military transport aircraft, designed for the massive transfer of landing forces in the event of large-scale hostilities, was also greatly increased. Large-body transport aircraft were made capable of parachute landing of military equipment (An-12, An-22, Il-76).
In the USSR, for the first time in the world, airborne troops were created, which had their own armored vehicles and self-propelled artillery. During major army exercises (like Shield-82 or Friendship-82), personnel with standard equipment numbering no more than two parachute regiments were landed. The state of military transport aviation of the USSR Armed Forces at the end of the 1980s allowed for the parachute drop of 75% of the personnel and standard military equipment of one airborne division in just one general sortie.
By the fall of 1979, the 105th Guards Vienna Red Banner Airborne Division, specially designed for combat operations in mountainous desert areas, was disbanded. Units of the 105th Guards Airborne Division were stationed in the cities of Fergana, Namangan and Chirchik of the Uzbek SSR and in the city of Osh of the Kyrgyz SSR. As a result of the disbandment of the 105th Guards Airborne Division, 4 separate air assault brigades were created (35th Guards, 38th Guards and 56th Guards), 40th (without the “Guards” status) and 345th guards separate parachute regiment.
The entry of Soviet troops into Afghanistan in 1979, which followed the disbandment of the 105th Guards Airborne Division, showed the profound fallacy of the decision taken by the leadership of the USSR Armed Forces - an airborne formation specially adapted for combat operations in mountainous desert areas in an ill-considered and rather hasty manner was disbanded, and the 103rd Guards Airborne Division was ultimately sent to Afghanistan, whose personnel had no training at all to conduct combat operations in such a theater of operations:
105th Guards Airborne Vienna Red Banner Division (mountain-desert):
“...in 1986, the Commander of the Airborne Forces, Army General D.F. Sukhorukov, arrived, he said then what fools we were, disbanding the 105th Airborne Division, because it was specifically designed to conduct combat operations in mountainous desert areas. And we were forced to spend huge amounts of money to transport the 103rd Airborne Division to Kabul by air..."
By the mid-80s, the airborne troops of the USSR Armed Forces included 7 airborne divisions and three separate regiments with the following names and locations:
7th Guards Red Banner Order of Kutuzov II degree airborne division. Based in Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR, Baltic Military District.
-76th Guards Red Banner Order of Kutuzov, II degree, Chernigov Airborne Division. She was stationed in Pskov, RSFSR, Leningrad Military District.
-98th Guards Red Banner Order of Kutuzov, II degree, Svirskaya Airborne Division. It was based in the city of Bolgrad, Ukrainian SSR, Kodvo, and in the city of Chisinau, Moldavian SSR, KodVO.
-103rd Guards Red Banner Order of Lenin Order of Kutuzov II degree airborne division named after the 60th anniversary of the USSR. She was stationed in Kabul (Afghanistan) as part of OKSVA. Until December 1979 and after February 1989, it was stationed in the city of Vitebsk, Belarusian SSR, Belorussian Military District.
-104th Guards Red Banner Order of Kutuzov II degree airborne division, specially designed for combat operations in mountainous areas. She was stationed in the city of Kirovabad, Azerbaijan SSR, Transcaucasian Military District.
-106th Guards Red Banner Order of Kutuzov II degree airborne division. Stationed in Tula and Ryazan, RSFSR, Moscow Military District.
-44th training Red Banner Order of Suvorov II degree and Bogdan Khmelnitsky II degree Ovruch airborne division. Located in the village. Gaizhunai, Lithuanian SSR, Baltic Military District.
-345th Guards Vienna Red Banner Order of Suvorov III degree parachute regiment named after the 70th anniversary of the Lenin Komsomol. It was located in Bagram (Afghanistan) as part of OKSVA. Until December 1979, he was based in the city of Fergana, Uzbek SSR, after February 1989 - in the city of Kirovabad, Azerbaijan SSR, Transcaucasian Military District.
-387th separate training parachute regiment (387th airborne assault regiment). Until 1982, it was part of the 104th Guards Airborne Division. In the period from 1982 to 1988, the 387th OUPD trained young recruits to be sent to airborne and air assault units as part of OKSVA. In the cinema, in the film “9th Company”, the training unit refers to the 387th OUPD. Based in Fergana, Uzbek SSR, Turkestan Military District.
-196th separate communications regiment of the Airborne Forces. Located in the village. Bear Lakes, Moscow Region, RSFSR.
Each of these divisions included: a directorate (headquarters), three parachute regiments, one self-propelled artillery regiment, and combat support and logistics support units.
In addition to parachute units and formations, the airborne troops also had air assault units and formations, but they were directly subordinate to the commanders of military districts (groups of forces), armies or corps. They were practically no different, except for tasks, subordination and OSH (organizational staffing structure). Methods of combat use, combat training programs for personnel, weapons and uniforms of military personnel were the same as in parachute units and formations of the Airborne Forces (central subordination). The air assault formations were represented by separate air assault brigades (odshbr), separate air assault regiments (odshp) and separate air assault battalions (odshb).
The reason for the creation of air assault formations in the late 60s was the revision of tactics in the fight against the enemy in the event of a full-scale war. The emphasis was placed on the concept of using massive landings in the near rear of the enemy, capable of disorganizing the defense. The technical capability for such a landing was provided by the significantly increased fleet of transport helicopters in the army aviation by this time.
By the mid-80s, the USSR Armed Forces included 14 separate brigades, two separate regiments and about 20 separate battalions. The brigades were based on the territory of the USSR according to the principle - one brigade per military district, which has land access to the State Border of the USSR, one brigade in the internal Kiev Military District (23rd brigade in Kremenchug, subordinate to the Main Command of the southwestern direction) and two brigades for the group Soviet troops abroad (35th Guards Brigade in the GSVG in Cottbus and 83rd Guards Brigade in the SGV in Bialogard). The 56th Army Brigade in OKSVA, located in the city of Gardez of the Republic of Afghanistan, belonged to the Turkestan Military District in which it was created.
Individual air assault regiments were subordinate to the commanders of individual army corps.
The difference between the parachute and airborne assault formations of the Airborne Forces was as follows:
Standard airborne armored vehicles are available (BMD, BTR-D, self-propelled guns “Nona”, etc.). In the air assault units, only a quarter of all units were equipped with it - in contrast to 100% of its strength in the parachute units.
-In the subordination of the troops. Airborne assault units, operationally, were directly subordinate to the command of military districts (groups of forces), armies, and corps. The parachute units were subordinate only to the command of the Airborne Forces, whose headquarters were located in Moscow.
-In the assigned tasks. It was assumed that the airborne assault units, in the event of the outbreak of large-scale hostilities, would be used to land near the enemy's rear, mainly by landing from helicopters. The parachute units were supposed to be used deeper behind enemy lines with parachute landing from MTA (military transport aviation) aircraft. At the same time, airborne training with planned training parachute landings of personnel and military equipment was mandatory for both types of airborne formations.
-Unlike the guards parachute units of the Airborne Forces deployed at full strength, some air assault brigades were squadroned (incomplete) and were not guards. The exception was three brigades that received the name Guards, created on the basis of the Guards parachute regiments, the 105th Vienna Red Banner Guards Airborne Division disbanded in 1979 - the 35th, 38th and 56th. The 40th air assault brigade, created on the basis of the 612th separate airborne support battalion and the 100th separate reconnaissance company of the same division, did not receive “guards” status.
In the mid-80s, the Airborne Forces of the USSR Armed Forces included the following brigades and regiments:
11th separate air assault brigade in the Trans-Baikal Military District (Chita region, Mogocha and Amazar),
-13th separate air assault brigade in the Far Eastern Military District (Amur region, Magdagachi and Zavitinsk),
-21st separate air assault brigade in the Transcaucasian Military District (Georgian SSR, Kutaisi),
-23rd separate air assault brigade of the South-Western direction (on the territory of the Kyiv Military District), (Ukrainian SSR, Kremenchug),
-35th separate guards air assault brigade in the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany (German Democratic Republic, Cottbus),
-36th separate air assault brigade in the Leningrad Military District (Leningrad region, Garbolovo village),
-37th separate air assault brigade in the Baltic Military District (Kaliningrad region, Chernyakhovsk),
-38th separate guards air assault brigade in the Belarusian Military District (Belarusian SSR, Brest),
-39th separate air assault brigade in the Carpathian Military District (Ukrainian SSR, Khyrov),
-40th separate air assault brigade in the Odessa Military District (Ukrainian SSR, Bolshaya Korenikha village, Nikolaev region),
-56th Guards Separate Air Assault Brigade in the Turkestan Military District (created in the city of Chirchik, Uzbek SSR and introduced into Afghanistan),
-57th separate air assault brigade in the Central Asian Military District (Kazakh SSR, Aktogay village),
-58th separate air assault brigade in the Kiev Military District (Ukrainian SSR, Kremenchug),
-83rd separate air assault brigade in the Northern Group of Forces, (Polish People's Republic, Bialogard),
-1318th separate air assault regiment in the Belarusian Military District (Belarusian SSR, Polotsk) subordinate to the 5th separate army corps (5oak)
-1319th separate air assault regiment in the Trans-Baikal Military District (Buryat Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, Kyakhta) subordinate to the 48th separate army corps (48oak)
These brigades included a command, 3 or 4 air assault battalions, one artillery division and combat support and logistics support units. The personnel of fully deployed brigades ranged from 2,500 to 3,000 troops.
For example, the regular number of personnel of the 56th General Guards Brigade as of December 1, 1986 was 2,452 military personnel (261 officers, 109 warrant officers, 416 sergeants, 1,666 soldiers).
The regiments differed from the brigades by the presence of only two battalions: one parachute and one air assault (on BMD), as well as a slightly reduced composition of the units of the regimental set.
Participation of the Airborne Forces in the Afghan War
In the Afghan war, one airborne division (103rd Guards Airborne Division), one separate airborne assault brigade (56ogdshbr), one separate parachute regiment (345guards opdp) and two air assault battalions as part of separate motorized rifle brigades (in the 66th Motorized Rifle Brigade and in the 70th Motorized Rifle Brigade). In total, in 1987 these were 18 “line” battalions (13 parachute and 5 air assault), which amounted to a fifth of the total number of all “line” OKSVA battalions (which included another 18 tank and 43rd motorized rifle battalions).
In almost the entire history of the Afghan war, not a single situation arose that would justify the use of parachute landing for the transfer of personnel. The main reasons for this were the complexity of the mountainous terrain, as well as the unjustification of the material costs of using such methods in counter-guerrilla warfare. Delivery of personnel of parachute and air assault units to mountainous combat areas impassable for armored vehicles was carried out only by landing using helicopters. Therefore, the division of line battalions of the Airborne Forces in OKSVA into air assault and parachute assault should be considered conditional. Both types of battalions operated according to the same scheme.
As in all motorized rifle, tank and artillery units within the OKSVA, up to half of all units of the airborne and air assault formations were assigned to guard duty at outposts, which made it possible to control roads, mountain passes and the vast territory of the country, significantly limiting the the very actions of the enemy. For example, battalions of the 350th Guards RPD were often based in various points of Afghanistan (in Kunar, Girishk, Surubi), monitoring the situation in these areas. The 2nd parachute battalion from the 345th Guards Special Operations Division was distributed among 20 outposts in the Panjshir Gorge near the village of Anava. With this 2ndb 345th opdp (together with the 682nd motorized rifle regiment of the 108th motorized rifle division stationed in the village of Rukha) completely blocked the western exit from the gorge, which was the enemy’s main transport artery from Pakistan to the strategically important Charikar Valley.
The most massive combat airborne operation in the USSR Armed Forces in the period after the Great Patriotic War should be considered the 5th Panjshir Operation in May-June 1982, during which the first mass landing of the 103rd Guards Airborne Division in Afghanistan was carried out: only During the first three days, over 4 thousand people were landed from helicopters. In total, about 12 thousand military personnel of various branches of the military took part in this operation. The operation took place simultaneously throughout the entire 120 km depth of the gorge. As a result of the operation, most of the Panjshir gorge was taken under control.
In the period from 1982 to 1986, all OKSVA airborne units systematically replaced standard airborne armored vehicles (BMD-1, BTR-D) with armored vehicles standard for motorized rifle units (BMP-2D, BTR-70). First of all, this was due to the rather low security and low motor life of structurally lightweight armored vehicles of the Airborne Forces, as well as the nature of combat operations, where combat missions performed by paratroopers will differ little from the tasks assigned to motorized riflemen.
Also, to increase the firepower of the airborne units, additional artillery and tank units will be added to their composition. For example, the 345th opdp, modeled on a motorized rifle regiment, will be supplemented with an artillery howitzer battalion and a tank company; in the 56th brigade, the artillery division was deployed to 5 fire batteries (instead of the required 3 batteries), and the 103rd Guards Airborne Division will be given the 62nd separate tank battalion for reinforcement, which was unusual for the organizational and staffing structure of Airborne Forces units on the territory of the USSR.
Training of officers for airborne troops
Officers were trained by the following military educational institutions in the following military specialties:
Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School - commander of an airborne (airborne) platoon, commander of a reconnaissance platoon.
-Airborne Faculty of the Ryazan Military Automotive Institute - commander of an automobile/transport platoon.
-Airborne Faculty of the Ryazan Higher Military Command School of Communications - commander of a communications platoon.
-Airborne Faculty of the Novosibirsk Higher Military Command School - deputy company commander for political affairs (educational work).
-Airborne Faculty of the Kolomna Higher Artillery Command School - commander of an artillery platoon.
-Poltava Higher Anti-Aircraft Missile Command Red Banner School - commander of an anti-aircraft artillery, anti-aircraft missile platoon.
-Airborne Faculty of Kamenets-Podolsk Higher Military Engineering Command School - commander of an engineering platoon.
In addition to graduates of these educational institutions, graduates of higher combined arms schools (VOKU) and military departments that trained motorized rifle platoon commanders were often appointed to the positions of platoon commanders in the Airborne Forces. This was due to the fact that the specialized Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School, which graduated on average about 300 lieutenants every year, was simply not able to fully meet the needs of the Airborne Forces (at the end of the 80s there were about 60,000 personnel in them) as platoon commanders. For example, the former commander of the 247gv.pdp (7gv.vdd), Hero of the Russian Federation Em Yuri Pavlovich, who began his service in the Airborne Forces as a platoon commander in the 111gv.pdp 105gv.vdd, graduated from the Alma-Ata Higher Combined Arms Command School.
For quite a long time, military personnel of units and units of the Special Forces (now called army special forces) were mistakenly and/or intentionally called paratroopers. This circumstance is connected with the fact that in the Soviet period, as now, there were and are no special forces in the Russian Armed Forces, but there were and are Special Forces units and units (SPT) of the GRU of the General Staff of the USSR Armed Forces. The phrases “special forces” or “commandos” were mentioned in the press and in the media only in relation to the troops of a potential enemy (“Green Berets”, “Rangers”, “Commandos”).
Starting from the formation of these units in the USSR Armed Forces in 1950 until the end of the 80s, the existence of such units and units was completely denied. It got to the point that conscripts only learned about their existence when they were accepted into the personnel of these units and units. Officially, in the Soviet press and on television, units and units of the Special Forces of the GRU of the General Staff of the USSR Armed Forces were declared either units of the Airborne Forces - as in the case of the GSVG (officially in the GDR there were no units of the Special Forces), or, as in the case of OKSVA - separate motorized rifle battalions (omsb). For example, the 173rd separate special forces detachment (173ooSpN), based near the city of Kandahar, was called the 3rd separate motorized rifle battalion (3omsb)
In everyday life, military personnel of units and units of the Special Forces wore dress and field uniforms adopted by the Airborne Forces, although they were in no way related to the Airborne Forces either in terms of subordination or assigned tasks of reconnaissance and sabotage activities. The only thing that united the Airborne Forces and the units and units of the Special Forces was the majority of the officers - graduates of the RVVDKU, airborne training and possible combat use behind enemy lines.
Russian Airborne Forces
The decisive role in the formation of the theory of combat use and the development of weapons of the airborne troops belonged to the Soviet military leader Vasily Filippovich Margelov, commander of the Airborne Forces from 1954 to 1979. The name of Margelov is also associated with the positioning of airborne formations as highly maneuverable, armored units with sufficient fire efficiency to participate in modern strategic operations in various theaters of military operations. On his initiative, the technical re-equipment of the Airborne Forces began: serial production of landing equipment was launched at defense production enterprises, modifications of small arms were made specifically for paratroopers, new military equipment was modernized and created (including the first tracked combat vehicle BMD-1), which were adopted by weapons and new military transport aircraft entered the troops, and finally, the Airborne Forces’ own symbols were created - vests and blue berets. His personal contribution to the formation of the Airborne Forces in their modern form was formulated by General Pavel Fedoseevich Pavlenko:
“In the history of the Airborne Forces, and in the Armed Forces of Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union, his name will remain forever. He personified an entire era in the development and formation of the Airborne Forces, their authority and popularity are associated with his name not only in our country, but and abroad...
…IN. F. Margelov realized that in modern operations only highly mobile landing forces capable of wide maneuver can operate successfully deep behind enemy lines. He categorically rejected the idea of holding the area captured by the landing force until the approach of troops advancing from the front using the method of rigid defense as disastrous, because in this case the landing force would be quickly destroyed."
During the Second World War, the largest operational-tactical associations of airborne troops (forces) - the army - were formed. The Airborne Army (Airborne Army) was specifically designed to carry out major operational-strategic missions behind enemy lines. It was first created at the end of 1943 in Nazi Germany as part of several airborne divisions. In 1944, the Anglo-American command also created such an army consisting of two airborne corps (a total of five airborne divisions) and several military transport aviation formations. These armies never took part in hostilities in full force.
-During the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, tens of thousands of soldiers, sergeants, and officers of the airborne units of the Red Army Air Force were awarded orders and medals, and 126 people were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
-After the end of the Great Patriotic War and for several decades, the USSR (Russian) Airborne Forces were and probably remain the most massive airborne troops on Earth.
-Only Soviet paratroopers in full combat gear were able to land on the North Pole back in the late 40s
-Only Soviet paratroopers dared to jump from many kilometers in height in airborne combat vehicles.
-The abbreviation VDV is sometimes deciphered as “Two hundred options are possible”, “Uncle Vasya’s troops”, “Your girls are widows”, “I’m unlikely to return home”, “A paratrooper will endure everything”, “Everything for you”, “Troops for war”, etc. .d.
On August 2, 1930, air force (VVS) exercises were held near Voronezh. A special feature of the exercises was the parachute landing of a military unit of twelve people from the Farman-Goliath aircraft. This date became the day of the Red Army, which later became a separate branch of the military, the command of which was exercised by the commander. Airborne Forces commanders were appointed from among experienced combat officers.
New branch of the military
The first airborne unit was formed in the USSR in 1931. In December 1932, the Revolutionary Military Council, by its Resolution, introduced airborne units. The massive deployment of units of a new type of troops began, the motto of which in the future will be “Nobody but us.”
Initially, airborne units were part of the structure of the Red Army Air Force, but on June 3, 1946, by decree of the USSR government, the Airborne Forces were transferred to the personal subordination of the Minister of the Armed Forces (AF) of the USSR. In connection with this, a staff unit of the commander of this type of troops was introduced.
The commanders of the Airborne Forces of the USSR and the Russian Federation, each in their time, contributed, some more, some less, to the development of their troops.
Commanders of the "winged infantry" of the USSR
During the existence of the Airborne Forces, the command of this special one was entrusted to fifteen commanders.
The list opens with Vasily Vasilyevich Glagolev - in 1946 he headed a new branch of the military in the USSR.
Since October 1947, after the sudden death of V.V. Glagolev, Alexander Fedorovich Kazankin is appointed commander.
For less than a year (end of 1948 - September 1949), the airborne troops were under the command of Sergei Ignatievich Rudenko, air marshal.
General Gorbatov A.V. commanded the Airborne Forces from 1950 to 1954.
The legendary man V. F. Margelov led the airborne paratroopers for more than 20 years (1954 - January 1979).
In subsequent years, the commanders of the USSR Airborne Forces held their posts for a maximum of a year or two, with the exception of D.S. Sukhorukov:
- Tutarinov I.V. (1959 - 1961);
- Sukhorukov D. S. (1979 - 1987);
- Kalinin N.V. (1987 - early 1989);
- Achalov V. A. (1989 - 1990);
- Grachev P. S. (January - August 1991);
Podkolzin E.N. became the last commander of the “winged infantry” of the USSR and the first of Russia (August 1991 - November 1996).
Commanders of the Russian Blue Berets
With the formation of the Russian Federation, there has been a certain stability in the leadership of the Airborne Forces: commanders hold their positions for a longer period of time, which indicates the seriousness of personnel selection in the country’s Ministry of Defense.
For the last quarter of a century, the Russian Airborne Forces have been under the command of generals:
- Podkolzin Evgeniy Nikolaevich (September 1991 - December 1996);
- Shpak Georgy Ivanovich (December 1996 - September 2003);
- Evtukhovich Valery Evgenievich (November 2007 - May 2009);
- Shamanov Vladimir Anatolyevich (May 2009 - present);
First Commander
After the withdrawal from the subordination of the Air Force, the first commander of the Airborne Forces was appointed Minister of the USSR Armed Forces: General Vasily Vasilyevich Glagolev.
Born February 21, 1896. He received his primary education in elementary school and secondary school in Kaluga.
With the outbreak of the Civil War (1918), he fought on the side of the Red Army in the cavalry. After the end of the fratricidal war, Glagolev attended the Third Baku Commander Course and continued to serve in the 68th Cavalry Regiment.
In 1941, after the Higher Academic Courses at the Military Academy (VA) named after. Frunze receives the rank of colonel. During the war he showed himself to be a skilled commander. For his actions in the battles on the Dnieper on October 27, 1943, Glagolev received the rank of lieutenant general, and soon the star of Hero. In 1946, Glagolev was appointed commander of the USSR Airborne Forces.
For outstanding services he was awarded the Order of Lenin (twice), the Order of the Red Banner (twice), the Orders of Suvorov and Kutuzov.
The exercises on September 21, 1947 were the last for the commander - he died during them. The grave is located at the Novodevichy cemetery.
The streets of Moscow, Minsk, Kaluga bear his name.
Uncle Vasya's troops
This is how the abbreviation Airborne Forces was deciphered during the period when the “winged infantry” was commanded by Filippovich, a legend of the USSR Armed Forces.
Commander of the USSR Airborne Forces Margelov V.F. was born on January 9, 1908 in Yekaterinoslavl (now Dnepropetrovsk). In 1928, on a Komsomol ticket, Margelov was sent to a military school in Minsk, from which he graduated with honors in 1931. During the Soviet-Finnish war, a young officer shows military valor.
Margelov faced the attack of Nazi Germany as commander of an infantry regiment, and since 1944 he has been entrusted with the 49th Infantry Division of the 28th Army of the 3rd Ukrainian Front.
For skillful leadership of the entrusted units during the division commander, Margelov receives a Hero's star.
After the Victory, he studied at the VA General Staff of the USSR Armed Forces named after. Voroshilov, upon graduation commands a division. Then there was the Far East, where Margelov was entrusted with the corps.
From 1954 to 1979 (with a break in 1959 - 1961) Margelov commanded the Airborne Forces. In this position, “Suvorov of the 20th century” proved himself to be a remarkable organizer: thanks to him, the “blue berets” became a formidable striking force that had no equal.
Margelov's stern character was organically combined with his father's warmth towards his subordinates. Taking care of people was the commander's priority. Theft was punished mercilessly. Combat training was combined with the training of soldiers and officers. Margelov's name was "father".
It was during his tenure as commander of the Airborne Forces in 1973 that the landing of armored vehicles with a crew inside became possible for the first time.
The Ryazan Higher Command School of the Airborne Forces was named after Margelov. In Ryazan, St. Petersburg, Pskov and many other cities, the memory of “Paratrooper No. 1” is immortalized in the names of streets, squares, and monuments.
Commander of the Airborne Forces of two states
The commander of the Airborne Forces, Colonel General E. N. Podkolzin, is a unique military leader to a certain extent: being a commander, with the collapse of the USSR he continued to hold this position in the airborne forces of the Russian Federation.
He graduated from the Airborne Forces School of Almaty, then from the VA named after. Frunze. In 1973 he commanded an airborne regiment, and three years later - already the 106th division.
In 1982, after studying at the VA of the General Staff. Voroshilov, is appointed first deputy chief of staff of the Airborne Forces, then chief of staff-first deputy commander of the Airborne Forces. In 1991, Podkolzin was appointed commander.
With the collapse of the Union, Evgeniy Nikolaevich continues to serve as commander of the Airborne Forces, but now of a new state - Russia. In 1996, Podkolzin was transferred to the reserve.
Podkolzin's years of service were marked by orders, including the Red Star.
Commander Shpak G.I.
Commander of the Russian Airborne Forces Georgy Ivanovich Shpak is from the city of Osipovichi, which is located in the Mogilev region. Date of birth: September 8, 1943.
After the Ryazan Higher School, the Airborne Forces continued to serve in the school’s training units and airborne units.
In 1978, Shpak after the VA named after. Frunze holds the positions of regiment commander, chief of staff of the 76th Airborne Division, and then commander of this division.
In December 1979, his regiment was the first to take part in the military conflict in Afghanistan.
After the VA of the General Staff of the USSR Armed Forces (1988), he held the positions of army commander, chief of staff of the Turkestan and Volga districts.
In December 1996, he was appointed commander of the Airborne Forces. Shpak remained in this position until September 2003, after which he resigned upon reaching retirement age.
Georgy Ivanovich was awarded government awards, including the Order of the Red Banner.
Second Ermolov
The commander of the Russian Airborne Forces, Vladimir Anatolyevich Shamanov, stands out from all his predecessors: he has two wars to his credit - the Chechen ones.
Born in Barnaul on February 15, 1957. In 1978, after the Ryazan School, on the recommendation of the Airborne Forces commander Sukhorukov himself, he was appointed battalion commander. Extreme demands on himself and his subordinates made his career very rapid.
In the 90s, Shamanov took part in the Karabakh conflict, commanding a group of the 7th Airborne Division in Chechnya. At the end of 1995, he became deputy commander of the Russian Armed Forces group in Chechnya, and a year later - commander of this group.
Shamanov’s rigidity in decision-making is compared by many with the famous General Ermolov, who at one time “forced peace” in the Caucasus.
In May 2009, Vladimir Anatolyevich was appointed commander of the Russian Airborne Forces. He currently holds this position. Serves firmly and effectively.
The role of airborne commanders
The Airborne Forces commanders undoubtedly played a decisive role in the formation and development of our country's airborne assault force. Each of them did everything to ensure that the “winged infantry” became a formidable force, capable of solving any problems anywhere on the planet.
It is difficult to overestimate the contribution of such commanders as Glagolev, Margelov, Shamanov. They have earned the honor and respect of their colleagues and civilians, and the people pay tribute to them.
