Service in the missile forces. How did the service in the missile troops begin

Once I managed to get into the Teykovskoye missile formation in the Ivanovo region. Journalists and bloggers were shown the departure of the Yars PGRK launcher, fragments of the actions of security units to repel the attack of potential saboteurs, a training base and a new type of barracks.

The reason for inviting the press was the re-equipment of the second regiment of the Teikovsky missile formation on the Yars PGRK with the RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missile.

The performance characteristics of the Yars PGRK are still closed for publication. They only said that in terms of its main characteristics it is in many respects comparable to the performance characteristics of the Topol-M PGRK, but more perfect. In contrast to the Topol-M single-block missiles, the RS-24 missile is with multiple warheads, i.e. the warhead hits multiple targets at once. Compared with the Topol missile system, the Topol-M and Yars mobile ground systems have improved combat and operational capabilities, the security of the complexes has been increased in case of emergencies: lightning strikes, short circuits in electrical circuits, fire, etc. .

2. "Yars" leaves the hangar

4. In all its glory (shooting is allowed only from certain approved angles)

6. Driver

10. Crew member

11. After we were shown the missile system itself, we witnessed a training session to repel the actions of a sabotage group.

12. The alleged enemy is surrounded

13. and destroyed

14. Military personnel return to their duties

After a spectacular action, a hearty lunch was waiting for us in the headquarters canteen. Then we went to look at the life of the military: new barracks and classrooms. In addition to the re-equipment of the regiment in the missile formation, the housing stock was updated, modern simulators appeared for training drivers of the Yars PGRK and escort vehicles.

15. Soldier's canteen

18. Simulators for testing the processes of control and launch of missiles

21. In the premises of the guard service, a practice was held to repel a sabotage attack

Soldier life. Modern barracks of the kubrick type were built.

25. Beds are now one-story

26. Gym

27. Funny wooden dummies of machine guns, knives and shovels

29. Koptyorka

30. Dryer for clothes and shoes

31. Showers

33. Here you can tidy up the shape: hem, iron, stretch the hat

34. Classroom

Finally, the most interesting - 3D simulators for the training of driver-mechanics. Everything is very realistic. The simulator helps to simulate various difficult situations: from poor visibility and impassability to shelling. You can also simulate the breakdown of the machine itself. At the same time, the car behaves very naturally: it shakes, leans, even makes real sounds. Simulators mainly work out situations that are difficult or impossible to work out in real conditions.

35. Cab driver PGRK

37. Cabin of the driver of the escort vehicle

Those who wished were allowed to try their hand as a driver :) It is worth noting that I don’t know how to drive a car - I tried it once - I started off and drove several tens of meters in a straight line. Of course it was difficult. At first, I didn't feel in control at all. For the first few seconds, despite the reality of the sensations inside the cockpit, the 3D scenery ahead was somewhat confusing. I got used to it pretty quickly. But I tried to steer too gently :) Then I realized what to do, and finally I was able to get the "wheels" into a rut and drive so little (not without the help of a real driver, of course). I even overcame a couple of easy turns. But on a sharp turn, I flew off the road and fell into a ditch :) Denis says that my virtual accident even scratched the very real door of the simulator a little.

As part of the "Portrait of a Warrior" column, the site's news agency correspondent talked to a serviceman from the Taman Missile Division. The ensign told why he chose the Strategic Missile Forces and why you need to be strict with your subordinates.

Tell us about your place of work, how did you get there?

I serve in the Strategic Missile Forces. At the age of 18 he entered the branch of the Military Academy of the Strategic Missile Forces. Peter the Great in Serpukhov, Moscow Region. He studied there for 2 years and 10 months, then was sent for distribution to the city of Atkarsk.

What do you know about the history of your unit?

The division was formed in September 1961 in the village. Birobidzhan. It included battalions that were part of the 229th Taman Fighter Aviation Division and the 46th Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment. The newly formed division began its first combat duty in 1964. In 1964, she was relocated to the village of Tatishchevo, Saratov Region, and became part of the 18th Separate Missile Corps. Withdrawn from it and transferred to the 27th Guards Vitebsk Army in June 1970. In 1978 she was awarded the Order of the October Revolution, and in 1982 she received the title "60th Anniversary of the USSR". Today, the unit is equipped with a silo missile system and nearly 50 Topol-M rocket launchers.

How are you fed? What is usually served for breakfast, lunch and dinner? What is the approximate weight or serving size?

They feed wonderfully. At breakfast you are full - and until lunch you are full of energy. We eat milk porridge, chocolate, buckwheat, sour cream, pasta, chicken, pork and beef, various soups: borscht, pickle, solyanka, cabbage soup - everything is very tasty and healthy. I can’t name the approximate portion size, the main thing is that I’m full.

In what conditions do you live, what opportunities are there for spending free time in the unit itself and outside it?

I live at home, as I serve in the rank of ensign, on the territory of the unit there is a gym where you can pull yourself up in terms of sports. In general, the whole day you have to work hard.

Tell us about your personal and team achievements during the service.

Developed a commanding voice, learned how to give commands correctly when moving in formation. During the celebration of the 70th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War, he took part in the parade.

What are your plans for the service? What rank would you like to achieve in the armed forces?

I do not build grandiose plans, but I set small goals: to enter a university, get a higher education and become an officer - at least a major.

Tell us about the relationship between officers and privates. Help in solving problems?

The commanders are sympathetic, understanding and competent people, you can’t speak badly of them. I am also a commanding officer and a link between the military and contract service. Always ready to compromise. I try to be courteous in problems, like my colleagues, I am always ready to help in some way.

Are you satisfied with the current level of technical equipment of your department?

Quite, absolutely satisfied. Satisfied with all equipment provided. For example, the VKPO form. It is designed for any weather conditions: rain, snow, heat, frost. The kit includes a lot of things that save you from all kinds of natural misfortunes.

In the rain we wear a rubberized windbreaker with pants, in the cold - a warm vest, a demi-season suit, warm winter berets (each weighing 2 kg), a hat, a balaclava (or a mask / balaclava), a fleece collar under the neck, winter underwear.

In the heat, we put on a light jacket and pants - and the skin breathes, and the appearance remains appropriate for a military man.

Of course, there are disadvantages: in winter form, even in severe frost it can be quite hot. But if you take something off, you freeze. It is also advisable not to cling to a sharp object like a nail or glass - the clothes will tear and the seam will be visible.

How do you assess the quality of combat training?

All at the highest level. There are various classes to improve various training skills.

What was the first thing you improved when you became a commander?

Each commander contributes something of his own and consults with his deputies, this is a well-known fact. Therefore, I am not ready to answer such a question.

Why did you choose to serve in the Strategic Missile Forces?

My grandfather is a Colonel of the Strategic Missile Forces. I followed in his footsteps and decided to continue the military dynasty in our family.

Are you interested in other branches of the Armed Forces?

I'm interested, but I don't want to go anywhere. Where they were sent - there I serve and will serve.

Do you read military literature, industry press?

From literature I prefer science fiction, otherwise I periodically read the newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda.

Have you already thought about getting housing from the Ministry of Defense?

Of course, everything must be taken from the army. After all, not everyone will be able to endure this burden: to live according to the charter, routine, and so on.

What do you think is the best way for you: military mortgage, in-kind housing, housing subsidy?

military mortgage. You serve, years go by, the mortgage is repaid at the expense of the state.

In your opinion, is it justified to send conscripts to serve in such strategically important types of troops as the Strategic Missile Forces, or would you be more comfortable serving in a team of professional contractors?

To be honest, I myself serve in the army not so long ago, before that I was a cadet. Therefore, I get used to the "army weekdays" to the end and cannot say where I would feel good.

Conscripts are needed in all branches of the military, it is interesting and useful to serve everywhere.

Now you are a commander, and some time ago you were the same soldier as you are now leading. What is it like to be on the other side of the barricades?

This is normal: at first, at 18, I complained, like everyone else. When I graduated from the Academy, I began to understand why the commanders behave this way. Working with personnel is like working with children: if they don't obey, you start wasting your nerves on them. You need to be stricter so that they don’t sit on your neck - it’s checked.

If you are a serviceman and want to tell the site about life in your unit, your achievements or problems that have arisen, please contact our editors. Let us recall that according to the Mass Media Law, the editorial office is obliged to keep the source of information secret and is not entitled to name the person who provided the information on condition of anonymity.

Nikolai Vladimirovich Yudin, 1971 graduate of the Perm Higher Command and Engineering School (PVKIU). He gave 44 years of service in the army, of which 37.5 years - service in the Strategic Missile Forces. Now the major general of the reserve is retired and is writing a book of memoirs, in our opinion, completely unique. With his kind consent, we are publishing excerpts from a future book dedicated to difficult events in the life of the Strategic Missile Forces.

It has always been extremely pleasant for me to communicate with young officers who arrive after schools to serve in missile units. Already in the mid-80s, a whole ritual of meeting and putting them into operation, providing housing, placing children in a kindergarten or nursery was developed. Other small everyday tricks were also taken into account, without which the life of a young officer sometimes turned into continuous torment. Therefore, in each missile division, a plan was developed for accepting young officers and putting them into operation, where all the previously listed issues were taken into account.

All graduate officers came mainly from million-plus cities, and regional centers did not always please them, especially their wives. It happened, on this basis, what to hide, and such that the wives left and the family broke up.

Lutsk was a special place where everyone aspired to serve. As they said among the officers, Lutsk is a land that looks like paradise. It probably is! The regional center of Western Ukraine, a city with a thousand-year history and original culture. The officers, almost all 100%, are provided with apartments. Not far from the city center there was even a special DOS quarter (houses of officers), where the officers of the division, regiments and units of the special forces and rear lived. That is why the officers greatly valued their service in Lutsk and did not seek to leave even for a promotion to other God-forgotten places. Almost all of the young officers also wanted to serve in Lutsk. But it's one thing to want, and another - where you will be appointed.

But back to the ritual. That's how it was in the 80s. And in the 70s, no one thought about the procedure for meeting arriving officers. The command, apparently, was not up to us, they were solving more important issues from their point of view. And let the youth themselves find out “how much is a hundred scallops” and overcome the difficulties that they face!

After graduation, I ended up in a not the worst place in the Rocket Forces, in the 170th missile regiment, which was stationed in the Belarusian city of Lida. Clean, neat, compact regional town, where by 6 o'clock in the morning all the streets were swept, and in the heat watered. In that year, 1971, about 25 of us arrived in Lida. But only five remained in the Lida regiment. These were two true rocket scientists from the Perm VKIU (I and Volodya Shcherbinin), two doctors from the S. M. Kirov Military Medical Academy and one specialist in rocket fuels and fuels and lubricants from the Dzerzhinsky Academy. The rest of the fate scattered whom where. Someone went to Slutsk, someone - to Gezgaly and Novogrudok.

By and large, everyone was happy, except for those who ended up in Gezgaly - five houses, a school, a kindergarten, a club, a large lake, and all around - forest, forest and forest. And no work for the wives. And here we are, five, in full dress uniform, polished boots, like new copper nickels just issued at the Mint, appeared before the commander of the 170th missile regiment, Colonel Valentin Ivanovich Gorshkov. Colonel Gorshkov was an old, still that, front-line, hardening. He was under two meters tall, with a wart on his nose and a straight back, as if he had swallowed a crowbar, he even inspired fear with his appearance. He spoke slowly, pronouncing each word clearly and making small pauses, but always to the point. Subsequently, only when I saw him from afar, I always tried to bypass him, God forbid, ask a question, and, worse, give me some kind of job.

After the introduction to the commander, the personnel officer introduced us to the deputy commanders of the regiment, and then he took the two of us to the commander of the 1st division, Lieutenant Colonel Neverov. This was a completely different person. As it became known to me later, he had the nickname "Wagtail", and people do not give nicknames for nothing. Always in a hurry somewhere and afraid of everything, he spoke unintelligibly, swallowing the words. He only asked us where we were assigned, and sent us with the assistant on duty for the division to the second battery, to the commander of the battery of the guard, Major Ivan Ivanovich Starovoitov. Ivan Ivanovich set the main tasks, explained the procedure for passing on admission to independent work. And he asked us a question: “Where are you located and how did you get settled?” It was the first commander to ask such a question. We answered that we live with our wives and children in a hostel, that the money is running out, and in the hostel they charge an unbearable fee for living for us, as if we had come not to serve, but on a business trip. He said that he would figure it out, advised whom to contact, and gave two days to arrange and search for an apartment. With the help of the ubiquitous battery warrant officers, we quickly found rented apartments and two days later we were already in service, began to master the technique and get acquainted with the routine. It must be said that my wife, with her higher pharmaceutical education, was hired on the second day as a deputy manager of a district hospital pharmacy. And with the help of the head physician of this hospital, the son was placed in a nursery. Everyday problems of my family at this stage were solved! We got with Volodya Shcherbinin with the development of military equipment "like chickens in a pluck." In the Perm VKIU, they studied and underwent military training on 8K84 (SS-11 according to NATO classification), and ended up serving on the "old woman" 8K63 (SS-4).

By the way, this rocket was also produced in Perm at the plant named after V. I. Lenin (“Motovilikha Plants”). Few people even in Perm knew about it. And now there are detailed publications. For example, this one: http://www.arms-expo.ru/articles/124/72950/. But back to Lida. I was appointed to the position of senior operator of the gas station, and Volodya was appointed to the position of senior operator of the NKS (terrestrial cable network). Quite quickly, we passed for admission to independent duty: the basic knowledge acquired at the school allowed us to do this. And ... rushed!

Then they were on duty for a week, and not in the same way as later - “chained” to the chair and the launch control panel. The entire shift on duty was located on the territory of a residential town, and we resorted to the combat zone only at the signal "Alarm". And then they proceeded to prepare the rocket for launch or for the regulations and maintenance. I was always on duty with the battalion commander. And all the ups and downs of the personnel were, of course, mine. That is, "young", as he liked to call me. And there were three, or even four guards at the guardhouse per shift. And all this fell on my shoulders.

I did not grumble, I understood that the battalion commander, who was already aged, wanted to sleep in the morning and read in the evening or just relax and unwind. By the end of the shift, I was terribly tired, barely dragging my feet. And in the kung, which took the officers to the "winter apartments", where everyone usually played cards from the moment of landing until the very disembarkation, I instantly fell asleep and woke up only when someone pushed me after the stop.

The 4th section (tankers) is probably the most troublesome section in the battery. We were also called "barrels". In the department there were: two "barrels" 8G131 with AK-27I oxidizer and SRGS hoses (sealed welded steel hoses), they carried these "barrels" of KRAZA-214; "barrel" with fuel TM185 and starting fuel TG-02 with an ATT tractor; 8G210 hydrogen peroxide filling machine based on ZIL-157: 8G113 oxidizer tanker; two "water washers" 8T311 based on ZIL-157 and there was another car for two 8G11 batteries - for storing and transporting hydrogen peroxide. And all this economy at the right time had to reach the launch site, refuel the rocket with all four components of rocket fuels and still have time to "wash away" in a timely manner, that is, leave the launch site when refueling from full combat readiness ...

The head of the department was a captain, and at that time the heads of the departments were already captains, Nikolai Afanasyevich Efimenko was already aged. And everything that concerned the training and education of subordinates, as well as the maintenance of equipment, was placed on my broad shoulders. He himself rarely appeared in the regulations, and in the classroom for special training. His passion was playing cards, and not in preference, but in elementary borax. Lost often and a lot, then recouped, but almost always remained in the red. Many times I tried to tear him away from this pernicious passion, but nothing happened to me - he still continued to play and lose. He was "stubborn" in this respect, but otherwise a fine man.

I remember, as now, my first independent exit to the field positions at the Zapad-72 exercises. It all started really suddenly, on the night of March 9, when the country had not yet moved away from congratulating women. My task was to deliver 8 "barrels" with oxidizer to the field area, which was located at a distance of 120 kilometers. The weather at this time in Belarus is vile, drizzling rain, ice on the asphalt surface. The wheels of the tanks, even at the construction site, “stuck” to the concrete in such a way that it was necessary to move one tank with two tractors in a coupler.

By 11 p.m. the column was ready to march, the senior sergeants at KRAZ, the chiefs of the oxidizer crew and the drivers were instructed by me. We started. I lead the convoy in the front car. Speed 20 km per hour, no more, ice. We approached a small lift and my KRAZ stalled. The column is up! The tank - on the parking brake, unhooked. We pour sand under the wheels of KRAZ. Barely KRAZ climbed up the hill.

What to do next? The second one was attached to the first KRAZ, which was coming from behind. We hooked up the tanker, removed it from the parking brake, covered it with sand all the way, set off, constantly pouring sand under the KRAZA. And vnatyag managed to move the tank from its place and slowly pull it up the hill. But this is just one. And there are seven more. Here "come in large numbers" advisers from the regiment, or rather, from the city. Almost everyone is drunk and began to learn how to do everything right. He sent everyone to the well-known three Soviet letters, including the chief engineer of the regiment. And slowly pulled out all the remaining 7 tanks. And then he continued the march without problems and advisers. And then there was a serious dispute with the chief engineer of the regiment. He always tried to subjugate everyone to himself, and push the performer aside. I then asked him: “Are you on duty? Not! So, step back and do not interfere with my task, and if you want, lead the column yourself. After these words of mine, he stepped aside and no longer interfered with my leadership.

I ran into the cold, damp wind that penetrated under warm clothes, got worried about completing the task, got into the KRAZ cabin - and then another misfortune appeared: I just wanted to sleep to death! Not only to me - to the driver too. It was the second hour of the night. He stopped the column, called the elders to him, told him what to do. And all my drivers and elders, including me, made a run from the beginning of the column to its end. The dream passed, we set off again. Three or four more times they made the same runs and by 8 o'clock in the morning they arrived in an organized column at the field position, called at that time SZPR (secret reserve position area). Later, my “barrels” helped the first squad install the SP-6, digging and biting into the frozen ground with crowbars and shovels, in order to subsequently install a launch pad on the SP-6. The division completed the task at these exercises, but I didn’t know how. For some reason, the results were not brought to the “snotty” lieutenants at that time. This is how my first combat independent exit to field positions ended, which taught me a lot and gave me a lot of commanding practice. How many more will be ahead, I could not even imagine then.

Each future conscript, before joining the army, asks himself two questions, where is it better to serve in the army and how to get into the right unit. To answer this question, you need to understand what goal you want to achieve by going to serve in the army. It is worth deciding on the presence of some specific skills and acquired knowledge in civilian life.

Passing the draft board, each conscript will be asked where the conscript would like to serve. The draft office will make a note about the preferences of the conscript, where it is better to send him, taking into account his medical characteristics and abilities.

True, often this mark does not play a special role. The distribution at the recruiting station takes place according to the needs of the "buyers" who came for the young replenishment. However, in some cases, the wishes of the conscript are taken into account, and the region in which the conscript lives is also taken into account. In some cases, he may be left to serve near the house, if there are certain reasons for that. Then, the conscript should take care of this issue in advance and choose for service those troops that are in his home region.

Types of troops

What are the troops and what skills do you need to have in order to get into these troops. All troops can be divided into three types: land, fleet, aviation. It is impossible to single out any type of troops in the category of elite. Each type of troops performs certain tasks and has its own goals. Therefore, it is better to worry in advance and decide where it is better to go to serve in the army.

Land

Tank forces. They are the main attacking force of the ground forces. The tasks of defense and offensive in battle are carried out. For these troops, recruits are selected no more than 174 centimeters tall, preferably of a strong physique, with no significant visual problems.

Find out: What is the tank army of Russia

Motorized rifle. They have versatility and the ability to perform any combat missions in any weather and in any terrain. There is no special selection for these troops. The health category goes from A1 to B4. The troops include many units, so everyone will be assigned to the service.
Railway troops. Participation in military operations carried out with the participation of trains, as well as the elimination of the consequences of natural disasters on the railway tracks. A conscript with not very good health has every chance of being in this type of troops.
Special Forces. Performing special tasks that are beyond the power of any military unit. Recruitment to this unit is conducted from candidates who have already served military service. The strictest selection and testing is carried out.

Air

Airborne troops. Conducting special operations on enemy territory. Organization of sabotage activities and disruption of control and communications, as well as the capture of enemy facilities. A candidate for these troops must meet very high requirements. Health category not lower than A1, physical endurance and psychological stability.

Aerospace Forces (VKS, Strategic Missile Forces, Air Defense). Protection and control of the aerospace of the Russian Federation and the repulsion of enemy attacks from the air. Conscripts of technical and engineering specialties are more likely to get into these units. When selecting, the emphasis is on the psychological qualities and mental abilities of the conscript.

Marine

Navy. Performing combat missions on sea and ocean waters, repelling enemy attacks on the water and conducting offensive operations from the sea. Includes surface, submarine troops, as well as naval aviation and marines. In order to be called up for military service in the Navy, you must have a height of at least 180 centimeters, a health category of at least A3 and good mental stability.

Where to go

If one or another branch of the armed forces is considered prestigious, then this issue is very controversial. Any army has its own elite units, such as intelligence and special forces. It is honorable and prestigious to serve in such units, but you will also have to work decently. Getting into such units is not an easy task. For service in these units, some recruits initially need to be in good physical shape and mental stability. In such a platoon, it is more likely to learn useful skills, such as hand-to-hand combat, weapons and other types of special skills.

Find out: How many serve in the Russian army on conscription in 2019

But at the same time, as practice shows, the selection of recruits takes place without the knowledge of the conscript. At the recruiting station, "buyers" usually say that the best troops are exactly where they came from, their task is to take the best with them. If a recruit goes to the recruiting station with certain knowledge, then there will be fewer problems with him in the combat unit. But after the oath is taken, a second distribution is carried out. At this point, in most cases, attention is paid to what virtues a young soldier has. In accordance with his skills, there is a division into divisions of the unit.

In order to get into good troops, before going to serve in the army, you must take the following steps:

Increase physical activity. Good physical shape is appreciated everywhere.
To raise organization and independence, you need to learn self-discipline.
Get a profession. In the army, soldiers with any skills are in demand.

Pre-conscription training

It is worth mentioning the pre-conscription training of a conscript, because it is advisable to think in advance about where to go to serve. If there is a strong desire to go to serve as a driver or in the airborne brigade, it would be nice to take care of this in advance. In Russia, in every major city, there are DOSAAF branches that are engaged in pre-conscription training. Through this training system, you can not only get rights, but also increase the chances of serving at the wheel of any military equipment.

On December 17, the Strategic Rocket Forces celebrate the 55th anniversary of its founding. According to the commander of the Strategic Missile Forces, Colonel-General Sergei Karakaev, the missilemen are able to carry out the assigned combat missions in any situation with a guarantee. Read about the service in the missile forces today and what awaits the military personnel of the Strategic Missile Forces in the future in our material.

400 ballistic missiles from the Strategic Missile Forces group are on combat duty in Russia every day. "About two-thirds of the nuclear warheads of Russia's strategic nuclear forces are concentrated in it." - said the commander of the Strategic Missile Forces, Colonel-General Sergei Karakaev.

In total, about 400 missiles with warheads assigned to them are on combat duty.

“In 2014, we continued to re-equip the group with the latest missile systems, which have enhanced capabilities to overcome the existing and prospective missile defense,” Karakaev said. According to him, the troops received 16 intercontinental ballistic missiles RK "YARS". 12 of them are mobile ground-based, and 4 are mine-based. As part of the rearmament, the personnel of three missile regiments were retrained for new missile systems.

In addition to new missile systems, the Strategic Missile Forces are equipped with modern digital information transmission technologies, advanced electronic warfare and camouflage systems.

Active rearmament will make it possible by 2015 to significantly increase the share of modern missile systems, both mobile and stationary, in the Strategic Missile Forces grouping. “By the end of December this year, the share of modern missile systems will be about 50%,” Karakaev specified.

A photo: Strategic Missile Forces

It is planned to create the latest combat railway missile system (BZHRK) "Barguzin".

According to Karakaev, it will be developed exclusively at the enterprises of the domestic military-industrial complex and will become the embodiment of "the most advanced achievements of our military rocket science."

Components and assemblies of the newest heavy liquid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile "Sarmat" are currently being tested. It is planned that the rocket will be created by 2020.

Since July 2014, the State Rocket Center named after academician V.P. Makeev has been extending the life of the Voevoda missile system.

Ukrainian enterprises were withdrawn from industrial cooperation, which ensures the maintenance of the complex in technical readiness.

In 2015, the Strategic Missile Forces will increase the number of combat training and test launches of missiles. “14 launches are planned for 2015, providing for flight tests of advanced weapons and monitoring the technical readiness of missile systems put into service,” Karakayev said. In 2014, 8 launches were carried out, two more are planned to be carried out in December.

Military units of the Strategic Missile Forces will not be formed on the territory of Crimea.

According to Karakaev, this is not necessary: "the firing range of modern ballistic missiles allows you to hit targets anywhere in the world without approaching the borders of Russia."

More than 98% of missile officers have higher education, while the average age of the Strategic Missile Forces in 2014 was 31 years.

Interest in serving in the Strategic Missile Forces is not weakening, as evidenced by the high "competitive bar". “This year, 4,300 candidates were selected, and contracts were signed with only 2,700 of the best of them,” says Karakaev.

To date, more than 40% of the military positions of privates and sergeants are staffed by contracted military personnel.

It is planned that in 2015 the number of contractors in the Strategic Missile Forces will increase to 50%.

Photo: Andrey Luft/Defend Russia

In 2014, command and staff exercises of the missile forces with the Tatishchevsky and Barnaul missile formations were held in the Altai Territory, during which more than 4,000 servicemen and about 400 pieces of military equipment were involved.

Particular attention was paid to the issues of withdrawing units and subunits of the Strategic Missile Forces from attacks by a mock enemy and countering modern and advanced air attack weapons, as well as warning about the threat of their use in cooperation with formations and units of the Central Military District.

In 2014, about 800 military personnel received permanent housing, and another 206 received housing through a housing subsidy.