The Federation includes various troops (missile, ground, aerospace, etc.), and together they represent an organization for organizing the defense of the country. Their main task is to repel aggression and protect the territorial integrity of the state, but recently the tasks have changed a bit.
- Deterring not only military but also political threats to security.
- Implementation of military operations in non-war time.
- Ensuring the political and economic interests of the state.
- Use of force for security.
At the lessons of life safety, the composition of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is studied in grades 10-11. Therefore, this information should be known to all citizens of the Russian Federation.
A bit of history
The modern composition of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is indebted to history. It was formed depending on possible acts of aggression against the state. The most significant stage in the history of the development of the army is the victory at the Kulikovo field (1380), near Poltava (1709) and, of course, in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.
A standing army in Russia was formed under Ivan the Terrible. It was he who began to create troops with centralized control and supply. In 1862-1874, a reform was carried out with the introduction of all-class military service, the principles of leadership were also changed, and technical re-equipment was carried out. However, after the revolution in 1917, the army was gone. Instead, the Red Army was formed, and then the USSR, which were divided into 3 types: land, air force and fleet.
Today, the composition of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation has changed a little, but the main backbone has remained the same.
Ground troops
This species is the most numerous. It was created to be present on land and, by and large, the ground forces are the most important element of the army. It is impossible to capture and hold territories without this kind of troops, to repel the invasion of the landing force, etc. It is for these purposes that such units were created. In turn, they are divided into the following types:
- Tank forces.
- Motorized rifle.
- Artillery.
- Rocket troops and air defense.
- Special services.
- Signal Corps.
The largest personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation includes ground forces. This includes all types of military units listed above.
Tank (armored) troops. They represent the main striking force on earth and are an extremely powerful tool for solving problems of the first importance.
Motorized rifle troops are units with a large number of personnel and equipment. Their purpose is the independent conduct of hostilities over a large area, although they can act as support as part of other branches of the military.
Artillery and missile units always consist of formations, parts of tactical missiles, and artillery.
Air defense - troops providing protection for ground units and the rear from attacks from aircraft and other means of attack from the air. Special services perform highly specialized functions.
Military Space Force
Until 1997, they existed, but the Decree of the President of July 16, 1997 ordered the creation of a new type of aircraft. Since that time, the composition of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation has changed somewhat: the Air Force and space defense units have merged. This is how the Aerospace Forces were formed.
They are engaged in reconnaissance of the aerospace situation, determining the probable start of an air or missile attack and notifying military and government authorities about it. It goes without saying that the Russian Aerospace Forces are called upon, among other things, to repel aggression from the air or from space, even, if necessary, with the use of nuclear weapons.
The composition of the VKS
Modern videoconferencing of Russia include:
- Space troops.
- Air defense and missile defense troops.
- Military units of technical support.
- Communications and electronic warfare troops.
- Military educational institutions.
Each branch of the military has its own range of tasks. The Air Force, for example, repel aggression in the air, hit enemy targets and troops using conventional and nuclear weapons.
The Space Force monitors objects in space and detects threats to Russia from airless space. If necessary, they can parry possible blows. The space forces are also responsible for launching spacecraft (satellites) into the Earth's orbit and their control.
Fleet
The Navy is intended to protect the state from the sea and ocean, to protect the interests of the country in maritime areas. The Navy consists of:
- Four fleets: Black Sea, Baltic, Pacific and Northern.
- Caspian flotilla.
- Submarine forces, which are designed to destroy enemy boats, strike at surface ships and their groups, and destroy ground targets.
- Surface forces for strikes against submarines, amphibious landings, and counteraction to surface ships.
- Naval aviation for the destruction of convoys, submarine flotilla, ship groups, violation of enemy surveillance systems.
- Coastal troops, which are entrusted with the task of defending the coast and objects on the coast.
Rocket troops
The composition and organization of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation also include missile troops, which may contain a land, air, and water component. primarily intended for the destruction of nuclear attack weapons, as well as enemy groupings. In particular, the main targets of the strategic missile forces are enemy military bases, industrial facilities, large groups, control system, infrastructure facilities, etc.
The main and important property of the Strategic Missile Forces is the ability to accurately deliver strikes with a nuclear weapon over vast distances (ideally, anywhere in the world) and simultaneously on all important strategic targets. They are also designed to create favorable conditions for other branches of the Armed Forces. If we talk about the organization of the Strategic Missile Forces, then they consist of units that are armed with medium-range missiles and units with intercontinental missiles.
The very first unit was formed on July 15, 1946. Already in 1947, a successful first test launch of the R-1 (ballistic) guided missile was made. By 1955, there were already several units that had long-range missiles. But literally 2 years later they conducted an intercontinental test, with several stages. It is noteworthy that she was the first in the world. After testing an intercontinental missile, it became possible to create a new branch of the military - a strategic one. This logical step was followed, and in 1960 another branch of the Armed Forces, the Strategic Missile Forces, was organized.
Long-range or strategic aviation
We have already talked about the Aerospace Forces, but we have not yet touched on such a branch of the troops as long-range aviation. It deserves a separate chapter. The structure and composition of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation includes strategic bombers. It is noteworthy that only two countries of the world have them - the USA and Russia. Together with intercontinental missiles and submarine missile carriers, strategic bombers are part of the nuclear triad and are primarily responsible for the security of the state.
The composition and tasks of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, in particular, long-range aviation, is to bombard important military-industrial facilities behind enemy lines, destroy its infrastructure and large concentrations of troops, military bases. The targets of these aircraft are power plants, factories, bridges, and entire cities.
Such aircraft are called strategic bombers because of the ability to make intercontinental flights and use nuclear weapons. Some types of aircraft can use it, but are unable to make intercontinental flights. They are called long-range bombers.
A few words about the TU-160 - "White Swan"
Speaking of long-range aviation, one cannot fail to mention the Tu-160 missile carrier with a variable wing geometry. In history, it is the largest, most powerful and heaviest supersonic aircraft. Its feature is swept wing. Among the existing strategic bombers, it has the largest takeoff weight and combat load. The pilots gave him the nickname - "White Swan".
Armament TU-160
The aircraft is capable of carrying up to 40 tons of weapons, including various types of guided missiles, free-fall bombs and nuclear weapons. The bombs of the "White Swan" bear the unofficial name of "weapons of the second stage", that is, they are intended to destroy targets that have survived after a missile strike. Its huge arsenal is capable of carrying the Tu-160 aircraft, which is why its strategic status is fully justified.
In total, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation include 76 such bombers. But this information is constantly changing due to the decommissioning of old aircraft and the acceptance of new aircraft.
We have described the main points regarding the purpose and composition of the Russian Federation, but in fact the armed forces are an extremely complex structure, which is understood from the inside only by specialists directly related to it.
Types of the Armed Forces are components, each of which is distinguished by a certain type and set of weapons, quantitative composition, specialized training and features of the service of the military included in its personnel. Each type of the Russian army is intended to carry out certain tasks in various fields.
Types of troops of the armed forces of the Russian Federation
The entire Army of the Russian Federation is built according to a clear hierarchy. The Russian Armed Forces are divided into three main types, depending on the area in which the fighting is taking place:
- Land;
- Air Force (Air Force);
- Navy (Navy);
- Strategic Rocket Forces (RVSN).
The structure of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is constantly developing and replenished with new types of weapons, military personnel are trained in new tactics and strategies for conducting combat.
The composition and purpose of the ground forces of the Russian Federation
The land units of the Russian Federation are the basis of the army and are the most numerous. The main purpose of this type is to conduct combat operations on land. The composition of these army units is also very diverse and includes several independent militarized areas.
One of the most important characteristics of this type is its independence and high maneuverability, which allows you to inflict significant damage to the enemy with the most effective and powerful blows. In addition, the uniqueness of the land army is that its units can effectively interact with other types of army units.
The main task assigned to them is to repulse the first blow of the enemy during the invasion, to consolidate in the recaptured positions and to attack enemy units.
In the ground forces, there are the following types:
Tasks of tank and motorized rifle units
These types of troops are most effective in battles, the purpose of which is to break through the enemy's defenses. Also, tank and motorized rifle battalions help other types of military units to gain a foothold on the conquered heights and lines.
At present, taking into account the state-of-the-art equipment of the Russian army, motorized rifle units are capable of repelling any type of air attacks, including nuclear ones. The technical equipment of our troops can deal a significant blow to the enemy army.
Rocket troops, artillery and air defense
The main task of this type of army units is to deliver fire and nuclear strikes against the enemy.
In most units designed to repel tank attacks, there are artillery units. They are equipped with the latest howitzers and cannons. Air defense units are engaged in the destruction of the enemy's air army directly in the air. Their units are already using anti-aircraft artillery and rockets. In addition, air defense units are designed to protect the ground army during enemy attacks from the air. And the radars available in service are effective for conducting reconnaissance activities and preventing possible enemy attacks.
VSN and ZAS
These units solve strategically important tasks, including intercepting and deciphering enemy communications during hostilities and obtaining data on enemy movement and attack patterns.
Tasks of the Airborne Forces and Engineering Troops
The Airborne Forces have always occupied a special place in the army. They include the best and most modern weapons: anti-aircraft missile systems, armored personnel carriers and airborne combat vehicles. Especially for this type of troops, a special technique was developed that allows using parachutes to lower various cargoes without taking into account the weather on almost any terrain.
The main tasks of the Airborne Forces are combat operations directly behind enemy lines. It is the Airborne Forces that are capable of destroying nuclear weapons, capturing and destroying the enemy's strategically important points, their command headquarters.
Engineer troops carry out military reconnaissance activities on the ground, prepare it for military maneuvers and demining if necessary. Also, these troops mount crossings for the army to overcome rivers.
Russian Air Force
The Air Force is distinguished by its high level of maneuverability and its mobility. The main task of this type of troops is to protect the airspace of our country. Also, the Air Force is effectively used in ensuring the security of the industrial and economic centers of the country in the event of a military attack.
In addition, the Air Force effectively protects other types of army units from enemy air attacks and contributes to the successful conduct of ground and water operations.
The Air Force is equipped with combat helicopters, special and transport equipment, training and combat aircraft, anti-aircraft equipment.
The main types of the Air Force are:
- army;
- distant;
- frontline;
- transport.
Also in the Air Force there are radio engineering and anti-aircraft units.
Navy
The troops that make up the Navy are also very diverse and perform various tasks.
Subdivisions deployed on land, are responsible for the defense of objects and cities located on the coast. In addition, these units are responsible for the timely maintenance of naval bases and ships.
Ships, aircraft carriers and boats form the surface part of the fleet, which also has many functions: from searching for and destroying enemy submarines to delivering and landing landing units on the enemy coast.
The navy also has its own aviation, which is designed not only to deliver missile strikes and destroy enemy ships, but also to carry out reconnaissance and defense of the fleet.
This type was specially created for combat operations in the conditions of a nuclear attack. The Strategic Missile Forces are equipped with the most modern missile systems, which are fully automated and the shells fired from them have a high accuracy of hitting the target.
At the same time, the range of finding the target is not of great importance - the army even has intercontinental missiles at its disposal.
At present, with the development of the defense industry and the need that has arisen, a completely new one has been formed from this type of army units - the military space forces (VKS).
The country spares no expense for its own defenders. All of them are provided with a modern and convenient form, computer equipment and means of communication. Now it is no longer difficult to contact relatives via Skype in their free time from outfits and service, or to see relatives in contact on WhatsApp. Each part has a sanitary unit where a soldier can always receive high-quality medical care. The size of the Russian army is quite large, and this list includes many of the most experienced military leaders and talented strategists. Currently, being among the military has become prestigious and honorable.
Different units have their own official holiday date for the formation of their particular type of troops.
The integrity of any state depends on many factors: external and internal opponents, the economic situation, the general standard of living. The leaders of the country have to take into account all these aspects and promptly resolve emerging situations.
Accordingly, the tools for performing a particular task are provided for their own. For example, in order to maintain sovereignty and protect their people from interventionists, the Russian armed forces exist.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation - V. V. Putin
The history of the creation of the RF Armed Forces
The Russian armed forces number about 2 million people. This number includes both professional military and conscripts. There are also civilian specialists in the Armed Forces. Billions of rubles are allocated annually for the needs of the Armed Forces. These funds are used for re-equipment, the development of new types of weapons, salaries for the military.
In addition to protecting state integrity and repelling foreign aggression, the Army of the Russian Federation is also involved in more subtle processes. Sometimes it is necessary to act on the territory of other countries to preserve the peace. A striking example is the situation in Syria. Where the army of the RF Armed Forces and its VKS (Aerospace Forces) of Russia took part in the defeat of terrorist groups.
Historical dates when the armed forces of the RF Armed Forces were created:
| Year | Developments |
| 1992 | The Armed Forces are formed on the basis of the armed forces of the USSR. The Russian Army includes military formations stationed on the territory of the country, as well as forces located outside its borders: in Germany, Mongolia, etc. |
| 1992 | The concept of Mobile Forces (MS) is being developed. In total, there should have been 5 groups, fully staffed. It was planned to switch from the conscription system to a contract basis |
| 1993 | It was possible to assemble only 3 mechanized brigades of MS |
| 1994 — 1996 | First Chechen war. Due to the incomplete recruitment of personnel, the military group had to be recruited from almost the entire country. Defense Minister Grachev proposed to Yeltsin that a limited mobilization be carried out. The president refused |
| 1996 | I. Rodionov becomes Minister of Defense |
| 1997 | I. Sergeev appointed Minister of Defense |
| 1998 | A new attempt is being made to reorganize the Armed Forces. The size of the Russian army is halved. Up to 1,200 thousand |
| 1999 — 2006 | Second Chechen. Airborne brigades were added to the ground units of the Armed Forces. Funding has improved. Increased percentage of contractors |
| 2001 | S. Ivanov becomes Minister of Defense |
| 2001 | Processes are underway to transfer military personnel to a contract basis. Reduced service life to 1 year (WWII - 2 years) |
| 2005 | Started the process to improve the management of the aircraft |
| 2006 | Launched the state program for the development of the army for 2007-2015 |
| 2007 | Serdyukov became the Minister of Defense |
| 2008 | Russian armed forces are taking part in the South Ossetian conflict. The result for the army was the recognition of the sluggishness and extreme non-optimization of the command system |
| 2008 | After the August conflict, they carried out global work to modernize the command and control system. More funds were allocated from the budget for the training of recruits. Simplified command structure for Ground Forces |
| 2012 | Sergei Shoigu appointed Minister of Defense by presidential decree |
| 2013 | The structure of the army began to return to the regiments and divisions |
| 2014 | The armed forces of the Russian Federation took part in events related to the referendum on the Crimean peninsula |
| 2015 | Unification of the Air Force and the Forces of the Military Space Defense into the Aerospace Forces |
| 2015 | Russian armed forces entered the territory of the Syrian Republic |
| 2016 | Formation of the 144th, 3rd and 150th motorized rifle divisions |
| 2017 | Russian military forces officially withdrawn from Syria |
Structure of the Russian Army
The composition of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation includes many different structures. All of them have a clear focus and division into areas of their responsibility. The structure of the Russian Army consists of various branches of the military.
Troop types:
- Ground Forces (SV);
- Aerospace Forces (VKS);
- Navy (Navy);
- Separate types of troops;
- Special Troops.
Ground troops
They are the most numerous. Their primary task is to carry out offensive and defensive operations. Thanks to the technical equipment, the modern armed forces of the Russian Federation can carry out operations to break through the enemy's echeloned defenses, capture key points and cities. At the head of the ground forces is Colonel-General Oleg Leonidovich Salyukov.
The SV includes the following types of troops:
| Troop name | Short description | |
 |
Motorized infantry capable of covering considerable distances. The composition includes infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, military trucks. Divided into divisions. Has tanks, artillery, etc. | |
 |
Main striking force. The primary purpose of a breakthrough behind enemy lines. Able to fight in conditions of high radiation. The composition also includes missile, motorized rifle and other units. | |
 |
The composition includes barrel, rocket, mortar artillery. There are intelligence and supply units | |
 |
Serve to protect the SV from enemy air attacks | |
 |
Special Forces | Various types of troops with a narrow specialization. This includes automotive parts, EW troops, chemical and biological defense, and others. |
The main purpose of this type of troops is the struggle for the health of soldiers in peacetime and wartime. The MV includes mobile and stationary hospitals. In addition, in peacetime, the duties of this service include providing army units with medical equipment and training personnel in first aid.
In combat conditions, the value of MC increases many times. They provide timely medical care to wounded servicemen, provide inpatient treatment for the speedy return of the soldier to duty.
Aerospace Force
The main structure of the Russian Army is the VKS. They were created to gain air supremacy, conduct reconnaissance operations, transport military equipment and personnel in the operational mode, protect the SV from enemy air raids.
The composition also includes long-range, or strategic aviation. Its purpose is to disable industrial and economic facilities. Both cruise missiles with simple warheads and those equipped with nuclear elements can be used.
Separately, the Aerospace Forces includes the Anti-Missile and Air Defense divisions. Their tasks include:
- protection of objects on the territory of the country;
- obstruction of air reconnaissance by the enemy;
- defense against small, medium and long-range ballistic missiles, including components of nuclear weapons of the armed forces of the Russian Federation.
To ensure the protection of the Russian Federation in the space sphere, there are Space Forces.
commander in chief- Bondarev V.N.
Navy
It includes surface and submarine fleets, naval aviation and coastal rocket and cannon artillery, as well as coastal defense forces and marines. WWII is engaged in the defense of the sea borders of our country, but can also be used as offensive forces.
Submarines equipped with nuclear missiles are an important element of deterrence.
Commander-in-Chief of the Navy- Admiral V. Korolev.
The fleet is also engaged in the delivery of other types of troops to various parts of the world: tank, air, etc. Naval aviation includes aircraft and helicopters based on aircraft carriers.
Strategic Rocket Forces (RVSN)
Nuclear shield of our state. This includes ballistic missiles of different ranges: medium, small, intercontinental. They are based both in stationary facilities and on mobile platforms, wheeled chassis and even nuclear trains. They are the main tool of containment tactics.
commander in chief- S. Karakaev.
Airborne Troops (VDV)
Infantry of increased mobility, deployed through the air. It has a high level of combat training. It is equipped with special military equipment, also transported by air.
commander in chief- A. Serdyukov.
Emblems of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
| Picture | Type of army | Short description |
 |
Units conducting offensive and defensive operations on land. Equipped with tanks, artillery, air defense systems | |
 |
Provide medical support to the army | |
 |
Designed for the defense of the air and outer space of the Russian Federation. Includes strategic aviation | |
 |
Surface and submarine ships, naval aviation and infantry, defense of the country's water borders | |
 |
Russian nuclear shield | |
 |
Rapid reaction troops | |
 |
Separate genera | Rear services |
Armament
The modern Russian army uses the following weapons.
Tanks:
| A photo | Name | Short description | Crew | Armament | Add. systems |
 |
T-72 | Main battle tank with a carousel loading system. Crew of 3 people. 125 mm caliber gun. There is an anti-aircraft machine gun. It can have dynamic and active protection. Diesel engine. | 3 | The caliber of the main gun is 125 mm, the secondary one is 7.62 and 15.5 mm anti-aircraft machine guns. On later modifications, small-caliber 20-mm guns are mounted to work on infantry and lightly armored targets. | Thermal imagers, noctovisors, dynamic protection, active protection systems, devices for creating a smoke screen |
 |
T-80 | Tank with a gas turbine engine. It is a high-quality reinforcement of armored units. | |||
 |
T-90 | Shallow modernization of the T-72 tank. The main differences are in the suspension and the ammunition used. |
Infantry fighting vehicles:
| A photo | Name | Short description | Crew/ landing |
Armament |
 |
Infantry support. It has a fighting compartment in which soldiers are transported. Equipped with an automatic cannon and guided missiles. | 3/8 | 73 mm gun, anti-tank guided missiles | |
|
|
Quality upgrade. Better armor, weapons. | 3/7 | 30 mm autocannon, 7.62 mm machine gun, anti-tank missiles | |
 |
Installed another power plant and gun. | 2/9 | Combat module of 30 and 100 mm guns, 3 machine guns, ATGM |
Airborne combat vehicle:
| A photo | Name | Short description | Crew | landing | Armament |
 |
Specially designed for the needs of the Airborne Forces. Relative to the BMD, it has less weight and dimensions. The armament is identical. | 2 | 5 | 3 machine guns 7.62 mm, autocannon 73 mm, ATGM | |
 |
Improved model. It can parachute with troops in the fighting compartment. | 30 mm automatic cannon, machine guns, Konkurs ATGM | |||
 |
The latest modification. Significantly relieved. The weapons complex has changed. | Automatic grenade launcher, anti-tank missile launcher, machine guns and 30 mm cannon |
Armored personnel carriers:
| A photo | Name | Description | Crew | landing | Weapon |
 |
Used to transport infantry. They differ in the wheel-motor system and armor. | 2 | 8 | 14.5 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns | |
 |
3 | 7 | |||
|
|
3 | 7 | 30 mm gun |
Armored cars:
| A photo | Name | Description | Speed, km/h | Equipment |
 |
Armored car of Italian production of cross-country ability. | Up to 130 | Heavy machine gun, armored glass, protection against land mines and mines | |
 |
GAZ-2975 "Tiger" | Modern domestic armored car. It has good armor, anti-explosive protection. There is a modification with missiles "Competition" | Up to 140 | Installation of 30-mm autocannons, various machine guns, AGS and ATGMs |
Artillery and rocket troops:
| A photo | Name | Short description | Crew | Equipment | Range of fire, km |
 |
Cannon mount designed for fire support of advancing forces | 6 | 152 mm gun, machine guns | up to 26 | |
 |
4 | 152 mm gun | up to 20 | ||
|
|
4 | 122 mm gun | Up to 15 | ||
 |
"Grad", "Smerch", "Pinocchio", "Sunshine" |
Multiple launch rocket systems | Until 6 | Rockets up to 300 mm caliber | Up to 120 |
 |
Tactical missile systems | To 10 | Missiles of different ranges | Up to 120 | |
 |
Up to several dozen | Missiles, including those with nuclear warheads | Up to 500 | ||
 |
Buk, Thor, Pantsir-S, S-300, S-400 | Air defense systems | Up to several dozen | Missiles, mainly with small submunitions | Coverage up to 1000 |
Aviation of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation:
| Picture | Name | Description | Equipment | Max. speed, km/h |
 |
Fighters | Air-to-air missiles and small caliber guns | up to 2500 | |
|
|
up to 2500 | |||
 |
up to 2500 | |||
 |
Su-24, Su-34 | frontline bombers | High-explosive bombs, including cluster bombs | up to 2200 |
 |
Stormtrooper | Guided and unguided missiles, guns, bombs | Before 2000 | |
 |
Long range strategic bombers | Missiles, including those with nuclear warheads, and bombs | up to 2300 | |
 |
Up to 750 | |||
 |
up to 2200 | |||
 |
Transport aircraft | — | up to 800 | |
| An-72 | ||||
| An-124 | ||||
| IL-76 | ||||
 |
IL-96-300PU | Radar detection aircraft | Equipped with specific equipment for electronic intelligence | up to 800 |
 |
A-50 | air command post | — | up to 800 |
 |
Attack helicopters | Rockets, machine guns, cannons | Up to 600 | |
 |
Army helicopters | Rockets, guns | up to 800 |
Navy ships:
| Picture | Project | Type |
 |
Aircraft carrier. Carries fighter jets. For defense, small-caliber guns and anti-aircraft missile launchers are provided. | |
 |
1164 | Missile cruiser. It is used to destroy enemy fortifications and ships, using missiles of various calibers. |
 |
1155 | Anti-submarine ships. Armed with cannon artillery and torpedoes. |
 |
775 | Landing ship for transporting heavy armored vehicles and manpower. In addition to delivery, it provides cover for the landing forces. |
 |
949 | An underwater missile carrier carrying torpedoes in addition to missiles. Can launch from a submerged position. Carries nuclear weapons. |
Number of members
The size of the army is a state secret. Therefore, in open sources there is only information for 2011. According to these data, the RF Armed Forces number about 1,000 thousand people, which is more than two times less than at the time of the creation of the armed forces of our country.
Service in the Russian army
In 2017, the term of service of a conscript soldier is 1 calendar year (in the Navy - 2). During this time, his training takes place. The course includes combat and rifle training. In addition, it all depends on the type of troops where the recruit gets. Depending on this, additional skills are taught.
During the service, the soldiers live in the barracks. They eat in common canteens. In case of illness, treatment takes place in the medical corps of the military unit.
There are also higher military educational institutions. The future officers are being trained there. Each military university has its own narrow specialization.
When the international situation escalates, the population becomes more and more interested in such issues:
- the size of the army;
- its structure;
- type of troops, etc.
At the same time, quite often, military personnel are not exactly able to answer these questions. In this article, we will try to cover this in as much detail as possible.
Structure of the RF Armed Forces
The ground forces include:
- motorized rifle formations;
- tank armies;
- air defense;
- rocket troops;
- artillery;
- other auxiliary and special services.
The military air fleet consists of forces:
- long range;
- front-line;
- army;
- special compounds;
- anti-aircraft missile troops;
- air defense;
- radio engineering parts.
The Navy includes:
- coastal defense;
- submarine and surface forces;
- Marines.
Ground troops
Motorized rifle units are combat units, which include:
- infantry;
- armored personnel carriers;
They are also given artillery and more tanks to reinforce. This is done in order to maximize the effectiveness of such units - both on the offensive and in defense. The main purpose of these forces is to ensure the rapid capture of new frontiers or the reliable protection of those already conquered.
Tank forces are a reliable and time-tested "steel fist". They are used to break through the enemy's echeloned defenses or to deliver unexpected flank strikes. This type of troops has high maneuverability and great fire potential.
Artillery is capable of destroying enemy positions at long distances. At the same time, its vulnerability is quite low, because the enemy can only get it with the help of aircraft or their own guns.
Air defense duties include protecting other units from attacking enemy aircraft. Its effectiveness is no less than that of artillery. However, the cost is much higher.
Various kinds of auxiliary units are engaged in ensuring the vital activity of army formations. Special services work in certain areas, where the effectiveness of other branches of the military is unacceptably low.
Aviation
Long-range aviation is assigned exclusively strategic tasks. Its bombers are armed with nuclear warheads and are capable of delivering them over a distance of over 10,000 kilometers. The specialists who are entrusted with the control of such aircraft are recognized as the most experienced professionals in the Russian army.
Few people will be able to point out the difference between front-line and army aviation. In reality, it is quite significant. In the first case, this refers to the air force, crushing the enemy’s positions and rear infrastructure with bombing strikes, while in the second case, we are talking about transport aircraft performing the tasks of transferring forces and means to strategically significant areas.
Special aviation is engaged in both identifying enemy targets and destroying them.
The anti-aircraft missile forces of Russia are a reliable shield of the country from the enemy air fleet. For the most part, they are deployed near large cities and strategically significant objects.
Air defense and missile defense - stand guard over the population, protecting it from missile attacks, including nuclear ones.
Radio engineering troops are engaged in reconnaissance and identification of enemy targets.
Marine fleet of the Russian Federation
Russia currently has five military fleets. This is about:
- Caspian;
- Pacific;
- Northern;
- Baltic;
- Chernomorsky.
The coastal defense of Russia is a fairly powerful structural component of the Navy. The number of its personnel is not much inferior to other branches of the military. Taking into account the stretching of the country's coastline, the importance of such units in ensuring the security of the state can hardly be overestimated.
The Marine Corps is truly the elite troops of the Russian Federation. Her black uniform stands out in a special way in parades. Also, in a sense, it served as a prototype for uniforms for the Airborne Forces - it was from there that the famous vests and blue berets came.
Those wishing to be in the ranks of the Marines must pass a two-stage selection. Initially, you need to win the competition at the level of the military registration and enlistment office. Once in a group of recruits sent to the fleet, you will also have to later prove your right to a black marine uniform by showing yourself as a man:
- physically strong;
- strong-willed;
- morally stable;
- completely healthy.
Service in the submarine fleet is considered the most dangerous and difficult. It is for this reason that people retire from here after 30 years.
What other elite units are there
The Strategic Missile Forces is a huge, well-functioning system whose tasks include the nuclear deterrence of potential adversaries. This type of troops is armed with modern missiles, each of which individually is capable of destroying an entire region. These forces are almost never manned by conscripts. To serve here, you will need an excellent knowledge of mathematics and physics.
In addition, there is also the Airborne Forces - these forces are called upon to operate behind enemy lines. They can be deployed in the shortest possible time to any part of the world and capture certain objects, as well as hold them, until the arrival of the main parts.
However, it is worth pointing out that there is no concept of "elite troops" in Russian legislation. Thus, their exclusivity largely depends on the perception of the population.
In particular, in addition to the above, the following are considered:
- Space Forces;
The first department is engaged in the protection of high-ranking civil servants, including the president (in its structure there is a special regiment that serves directly in the Kremlin). Every year, 240 people are recruited there by conscription. Applicants must go through a very rigorous selection process. The main criteria are:
- minimum height should be 1.8 meters;
- good physical training;
- Slavic appearance.
The staff strength of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (RF Armed Forces) since January 1, 2018 - by 293 people, or 0.016%, from 1 million 903 thousand 51 people to 1 million 902 thousand 758 people.
At the same time, the number of military personnel remained the same: 1 million 13 thousand 628 people. The TASS-DOSIER editors have prepared a certificate on how the staffing of the Russian armed forces has changed.
The number of the Armed Forces after the collapse of the USSR
The number of military personnel in the USSR Armed Forces by the end of 1991 reached 3.7-3.8 million people (not including civilian personnel). On May 7, 1992, Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed a decree "On the Creation of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation." This document, among other things, required the Ministry of Defense to develop and submit proposals for "reducing the size and combat strength of the RF Armed Forces." At that time, according to various estimates, there were 2.5-2.8 million military personnel in Russia.
According to data from open sources, by 1994 the number of military personnel in Russia had decreased to 2.1 million, by 1996 - to 1.7 million (by 40% compared to 1992). On May 31, 1996, Yeltsin signed the Defense Law. Article 4 of the document stated that the powers of the head of state include the approval of the staffing level of military personnel of the Armed Forces, other troops, military formations and bodies. From that moment on, the number of military personnel is established by decrees of the President of the Russian Federation. In total, seven such decrees have been published since 1997 (excluding the decree of November 17, 2017).
Decrees on the number of military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
On July 16, 1997, Yeltsin, by decree "On Priority Measures to Reform the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and Improve Their Structure," established from January 1, 1999, the staff strength of the Armed Forces at 1.2 million people. On March 24, 2001, there was a further reduction in the staffing level of the Armed Forces. By Putin's decree "On Ensuring the Construction and Development of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Improving Their Structure", the regular number of military personnel was reduced by 16.7% from January 1, 2006, to 1 million.
On November 28, 2005, by his decree, for the first time after the collapse of the USSR, Putin increased the number of military personnel (by 13%) - from 1 million to 1 million 134 thousand 800 people (since January 1, 2006). The same decree established for the first time the authorized strength of the RF Armed Forces (including civilian personnel) - 2 million 20 thousand 500 people.
On January 1, 2008, Putin left the number of military personnel unchanged from the date of signing the decree, slightly reducing only the total staff strength of the Armed Forces - to 2 million 19 thousand 629 people.
On December 29, 2008, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, by decree "On Certain Issues of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation", again reduced the total number of military personnel by 12%, to 1 million. At the same time, as part of the military reform launched by Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, it was announced the liquidation of the institute midshipmen and warrant officers, as well as the reduction of the central apparatus and administration of the Ministry of Defense by 2.5 times - from 22 thousand to 8.5 thousand people. In the same 2008, Serdyukov promised to reduce the officers of the Armed Forces by 2.3 times - from 355 thousand to 150 thousand.
However, already in 2011, the scale of the reduction of the officer corps was reduced. The institute of warrant officers and warrant officers was returned to the Armed Forces by the new Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu. In April 2015, Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Nikolai Pankov said that the number of officer corps in Russia is about 200 thousand people.
On July 8, 2016, Putin signed a decree "On the regular strength of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation", which left the number of military personnel unchanged (1 million), but increased the total number of the Armed Forces by 542 - up to 1 million 885 thousand 371 people.
On March 28, 2017, for the first time since 2005, Putin increased the number of military personnel of the Armed Forces by 1.3% - from 1 million to 1 million 13 thousand 628 people. By the same decree, the total staffing of the Armed Forces (including civilian personnel) was increased from January 1, 2017 by 0.6% - up to 1 million 897 thousand 694 people, and from July 1, 2017 - by another 0.3% - up to 1 million 903 thousand 51 people.
