Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (RF Armed Forces): structure, troops and service in the army. Types and branches of the armed forces of the Russian Federation
The armed forces in any state are a key element in ensuring the country's defense capability. Their proper management depends on their proper organization. The structure of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation ensures the rapid and correct performance of the functions assigned by law to the state military organization of the country.
Structure of the RF Armed Forces
The Armed Forces is a military organization of the Russian Federation, the main function of which is to repulse military aggression in order to ensure territorial integrity, as well as to fulfill tasks in accordance with Russia's international obligations. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation were created on May 7, 1992. The President of the Russian Federation is the Supreme Commander. In accordance with the Decree of the President of 2008, the strength of the Russian Armed Forces is set at 2,019,629 people, of which 1.3 million are military personnel.
Organizationally, the Armed Forces consist of three branches, three separate branches of service, Logistics, as well as the Cantonment Service, which is not a branch of the Armed Forces. In addition, the Structure of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation was also created according to the territorial principle: the territory of the Russian Federation is divided into 4 military districts.
Territorial structure
Today in the Russian Federation there are four military districts, which are assumed by the territorial structure of the Armed Forces:
- Western military district. The command and headquarters are in St. Petersburg.
- Eastern military district. The command and headquarters are in Khabarovsk.
- Central military district. The command and headquarters are in Yekaterinburg.
- Southern military district. The command and headquarters are in Rostov-on-Don.
The structure of the armed forces of the Russian Federation on the diagram:
Aircraft types
The main element of the Armed Forces are types of the Armed Forces. In the military department of Russia, the law establishes the existence of three types of armed forces: the Air Force, the Ground Forces and the Navy.
To date, the Ground Forces are the most numerous branch of the Russian armed forces. Their main function is to conduct offensive operations, the purpose of which is to defeat the enemy, capture and hold his territory, individual regions and lines, repulse the invasion of the enemy’s country and his large landing forces, and deliver artillery and missile strikes to great depths. In turn, the Ground Forces organizationally consist of military branches. These types of troops can perform tasks independently or jointly.
Motor Rifle Troops (MSV)- the most numerous branch of the army in the Ground Forces. They are also the most numerous branch of the military. To date, the motorized rifle troops are armed with armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, which should ensure the mobility of the infantry. MSV organizationally consist of motorized rifle subunits, units and formations.
Motorized rifle, tank, artillery and other subunits and units may be part of the MSV.
Tank Troops (TV)- the main strike force, characterized by high mobility, maneuverability and resistance to the effects of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear ones. The main tasks, based on the technical equipment of TV: the implementation of a breakthrough, the development of operational success. Artillery, motorized rifle, missile, tank units and subunits can operate as part of the TV.
Missile Forces and Artillery (RViA): nuclear and fire defeat of the enemy is the main task. It is armed with rocket and cannon artillery. The MFA includes units, units and formations of howitzer, rocket, cannon, anti-tank artillery, as well as structural elements of support, control, mortars and artillery reconnaissance.
Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces (Air Defense SV)- this type of troops must ensure the protection of the Ground Forces from air strikes, as well as counteraction to enemy air reconnaissance. Towed, mobile, portable anti-aircraft gun systems and anti-aircraft missile systems are in service with the SV air defense.
Also, the organizational structure of the Armed Forces implies the presence in the Armed Forces of special troops and services that perform highly specialized tasks in order to ensure the daily and combat activities of the ground forces.
- Signal Corps,
- Electronic Warfare Troops,
- engineering troops,
- automobile troops,
- Railway troops, etc.
are special forces.
Air Force
Air Force similarly, the Ground Forces consist of aviation branches that ensure the fulfillment of the tasks assigned to the Air Force.
Long-range aviation is designed to strike and strike at the strategic and operational depth of the enemy's military groupings, its important areas in economic and strategic terms, including with the help of nuclear weapons.
Front-line aviation operates at operational depth. It can perform tasks both independently and during joint operations on land and at sea.
Army Aviation provides support to ground forces by destroying enemy armored and mobile objects. Also, the forces of the Army Aviation provide the mobility of the Ground Forces.
Military transport aviation carries out the transportation of goods, troops and equipment, and is also involved in military air operations. In peacetime, the main function is to ensure the vital activity of the Armed Forces, and in wartime, the mobility of the Armed Forces.
The structure of the armed forces of the Russian Federation assumes the presence in the composition Special Air Force, Anti-aircraft missile troops and Radio engineering troops which significantly expand the range of tasks assigned to the Air Force.
Navy
Navy- the main force of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation to protect the interests of Russia in the Exclusive Maritime (Economic) Zone, conduct search and rescue operations, as well as conduct military operations at sea.
The Navy is composed of:
- submarine force,
- surface forces,
- coastal troops,
- naval aviation,
- parts and connections for special purposes.
The Navy is also organizationally divided into:
- Baltic Fleet,
- Black Sea Fleet,
- northern fleet,
- pacific fleet,
- Caspian flotilla.
Independent branches of the military
Some tasks require special equipment and trained personnel. The structure of the Armed Forces assumes the existence of independent branches of service:
- Airborne troops;
- Strategic Rocket Forces;
- Aerospace Defense Troops.
Aerospace Defense Troops
The youngest branch of the military. Although our country began space exploration back in the 1960s, it was only in the 21st century that the Aerospace Defense Forces were separated into a separate branch of the Strategic Missile Forces.
The most important tasks are:
- detection of a missile attack;
- spacecraft constellation management;
- missile defense of the capital of Russia.
Strategic Rocket Forces
Today they are the main land component of Russia's nuclear forces. The main function is considered to be deterrence of possible aggression. But if necessary, they can deliver a preemptive strike on important economic and military targets of the enemy, as well as the destruction of his military groupings.
Airborne Troops
They were created in the 1930s. Today, they are entrusted with the function of conducting landing operations and conducting combat operations behind enemy lines.
Many people who are ignorant of military affairs may wonder what kind of troops there are in the Russian army. The answer here is very simple - Russian units include elite troops, ground units, navy, aviation. Each part performs its own function. For large units (navy, air force, ground forces), there are support departments such as air defense, artillery. Many parts are intertwined.
The regiments began to come to the modern look after the collapse of the Russian Empire. The delimitation of troops, according to Wikipedia and other open sources, was finally established in the early 2000s, when the last reform of the Main Military Directorate took place.
The general structure of the Russian army
The number of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for 2017 is 798 thousand military personnel. Most of them are employed by the ground forces. The structure of the RF Armed Forces 2017, despite the reduction in the number of employees, has not changed and remains the same since the reform in the 2000s. What troops are in the Russian army:
- ground troops;
- military air fleet;
- Navy.
Separately, you need to consider the elite units - the fourth point in the overall structure. This includes space troops whose members do not perform military functions, these are cosmonauts and employees who ensure the creation and dispatch of space rockets. The employees of these units do not need to be armed, but they receive military awards and badges.
The Russian military forces are commanded by the Main Directorate (GOU), which is subordinate to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. This body coordinates troop units in wartime and peacetime and determines their tasks.
The main tasks of the units according to the latest list of targets from the Ministry of Defense:
- Ground units - providing anti-tank protection, foot offensive, border protection, reconnaissance operations, the fight against terrorism, for example, in Syria.
- Aviation - ensuring air security, hitting targets at a great distance, transporting military units and military cargo.
- Elite units - technical support for the army, space exploration (for space troops), missile support.
- Marine fleet - protection of maritime borders, military maritime transportation, transportation of military and important cargoes, supply of weapons, resolution of military conflicts, naval protection.
The ground and naval forces are also entrusted with the responsibility of providing anti-terrorist protection. Naval personnel escort ships in dangerous areas, land personnel are engaged in the search and elimination of terrorist groups along with the police.
The composition of the Russian army changes every year. In 2016, there were about one million military personnel, and by 2017 the number of employees was reduced by 100,000. It should be borne in mind that some of them are conscripts undergoing military service.
The draft conscripts are annually reduced by several tens of thousands of people, which can explain the reduction in the number of employees. They provide an increase in the entire structure of troops in the Russian army according to the list above: conscripts replenish the composition of both ground, sea and air forces, they can be in artillery, infantry or motorized rifle units.
Each unit is controlled by its command staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (officers). For the fleet, these are admirals, for land units, they are generals. The entire volume of troops of the Russian army is subordinate first of all to the President of the Russian Federation, then to the Ministry of Defense.
Schemes of the military structure of Russia
You can imagine the structure of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2017 with a diagram to make it more clear and understandable.
The most branched body of the army is the ground forces.
For an even more visual explanation of the structure of the VS, you can download a short video on this topic. All units are divided into subordinate associations - battalions, companies, platoons, brigades.
Due to the large branching of the military network of the Russian Federation, the country annually spends a large amount on providing troops. Military spending data is presented in the presentation of the overall 2017 budget schedule in the spending column. 1,021 billion rubles are spent on military needs (defense). The support of intelligence groups takes part of the funds aimed at supporting security.
The military structure is the most specific among other bodies. The military even have one, which is separate from the Supreme Court of Russia.
Land units
The structure of this division includes several support departments:
- motorized rifle units;
- artillery;
- tank forces;
- air defense installations.
The main tasks are performed by motorized rifle units. They are tasked with a forced, quick attack, reconnaissance and defeat of enemy infantry. The main goal is to capture enemy territories. Tank troops are allocated to support motorized rifle units. They reinforce offensive positions and help protect the occupied territories.
Tank forces are mostly used for strategic purposes to break through blockades and echelons. They attack from the flanks or lead a frontal attack. The main advantage of these units is high damage, an armored hull, the ability to destroy not only enemy military personnel, but also equipment, important enemy defense systems. The disadvantage is the lack of maneuverability.
Artillery mounts are used to destroy enemy points from a long distance. Artillery is hard to destroy, so a small amount of equipment and personnel is enough to provide defense. The defeat of artillery points is complicated by the fact that they are installed in hidden high locations.
To ensure the protection of the airspace while the remaining units are attacking, air defenses are used. They prevent mortar strikes from the air, the landing of nuclear missiles, the dropping of point shells. Air defense is capable of shooting down not only bombers, but also enemy cargo or military passenger aircraft.
Navy
There are several divisions in the naval units. The first is the coastal troops, which guard the Russian-Japanese, Russian-Ukrainian and other maritime borders and defend Russian national interests in the maritime sector. The composition of the military personnel in this unit is significant and is almost as good as the “dry” unit.
Another service option is . These soldiers provide protection for ships and act as defenders in naval conflicts. And finally, directly the sailors themselves, who serve on warships.
High demands are placed on people who want to serve in the Navy - high growth, increased health characteristics, developed muscles. The candidate must show that he is mentally stable; it is best if he began to prepare for the service as a child. Such a policy is associated with a high risk of injury in the navy, the presence of overloads. Due to the increased danger of service, the military of these units retire at the age of 30.
The fleet is located on all maritime platforms accessible to Russian employees - the Black Sea, the Baltic, and the Pacific Ocean. Some employees cooperate or come into contact with the sailors of NATO countries.
Aviation and elite troops
Aviation can be long-range, front-line and army. Long-range strikes targets at a great distance. The front-line provides an attack, dropping mines directly above the target. Army aviation ensures the supply of cargo and military personnel. Together with aviation, air defense installations are always used (when defending positions).
Separate elite units include space troops, special forces, and privileged structures. They carry out the tasks of ensuring internal and external security, and the space forces are responsible for scientific activities and space exploration.
The military structure of the national army is dynamic and may soon undergo reforms again, this is due to modernization, new management requirements, new opportunities in the technical field.
Young states began to create their own army. Russia was no exception. Today, the Russian armed forces have the world's largest stockpile of weapons of mass destruction. In addition to a large nuclear potential, Russia has a well-developed system of nuclear weapons delivery vehicles. Information about the structure of the armed forces of the Russian Federation is contained in the article.
Acquaintance
The date of the formation of the armed forces of the Russian Federation was May 7, 1992. By that time, 2,880,000 military personnel were represented. The number of staff members issued by decrees is established by the President of the Russian Federation. He is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Russian Federation. According to the latest published decree, which came into force at the end of March 2017, the number of military personnel was 1,013,000.
Functions of the commander-in-chief
The President of Russia forms and heads the Security Council of the Russian Federation, approves the military doctrine of the state, appoints and dismisses the high command of the Armed Forces. In addition, the commander-in-chief approves the statutes of the armed forces of the Russian Federation and is responsible for a number of other issues related to the military development of the country. In peacetime, the leadership of the army is political in nature. During a war, martial law is introduced by the president in order to prevent or repel aggression.
About central administrative bodies
The Ministry of Defense is the governing body of the Russian Armed Forces. Conducts state policy in the defense sphere, following the constitutional federal laws and international treaties signed by Russia, organizes the use of the armed forces of the Russian Federation. The current Minister of Defense - S. K. Shoigu.
The General Staff is the central body exercising operational control of the Armed Forces: it coordinates the border troops, the FSB, the Foreign Intelligence Service and other military formations. Since 2012, the General Staff has been headed by General of the Army V. Gerasimov.
Tasks of the Armed Forces
The troops of the armed forces of the Russian Federation were created to protect national interests in the world and localize an external military threat. Also, the army can be involved in various activities that are not directly related to it. For example, together with the police forces to resist organized criminal groups, to participate in peacekeeping missions. In addition, the task of the armed forces of the Russian Federation is to ensure the security of the CIS countries.
About territorial affiliation
The Russian Armed Forces are divided into districts. There are four of them:
- Oriental;
- Central (CVO);
- Western (ZVO);
- Southern.
Classification
Depending on the spheres of action, the following types of armed forces of the Russian Federation are distinguished:
- ground troops;
- Navy (Navy);
- VKS (aerospace forces).
Thus, at the legislative level in Russia, the operation of army formations on land, in water and in space is provided.
There are also two types of troops:
- Strategic Rocket Forces (RVSN). They are in constant combat readiness as part of the ground strategic nuclear forces (SNF). The task is to prevent a possible nuclear attack. In addition, the Strategic Missile Forces themselves have all the means to destroy the enemy using nuclear weapons.
- Airborne Troops (VDV). They carry out combat raids behind enemy lines, neutralize the landing force and other enemy army groups.
About the ground forces. Composition and purpose
This type of aircraft is the largest in terms of numbers. The forces of the ground forces carry out offensive activity, liquidation of the enemy and further liberation of the captured positions. This type of troops fires artillery and rockets at enemy formations deployed at a distance. Equipped with the following types of troops:
- Motorized infantry troops. The largest among all other genera in terms of numbers. The rapid movement of infantrymen is carried out thanks to the presence of armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. Motorized rifle troops can additionally be equipped with tank, artillery and other units. In conjunction with the tank ones, they hold the occupied territories, repel enemy attacks, destroy enemy military formations, and also overcome the defended enemy lines.
- Tank troops. Possesses the increased passableness and maneuverability. They are not affected by the nuclear weapons used by the enemy. If necessary, to perform individual tasks, they are equipped with motorized rifle units.
- Rocket troops and artillery. Inflict nuclear fire strikes on the enemy. It is armed with rocket-propelled, howitzer and barreled anti-tank artillery and mortars. Rocket troops suppress paramilitary enemy groups, destroy manpower and specialized equipment used by the enemy for a nuclear attack.
- Air Defense Forces. They control the airspace by detecting attacks with further notification of the protected units.
- Special troops - reconnaissance military formations and units. Subordinate to the command headquarters. Special forces collect information about weather conditions and enemy movements. Using the information received, the army leadership makes decisions and prevents an enemy breakthrough.
- Engineering Troops. They are engaged in camouflage and erection of structures for army formations, mine clearance of territories, maintain the efficiency of crossings and military roads, and deliver clean water to the front lines.
- RHBZ troops. This abbreviation refers to a military formation whose task is to provide radiation, chemical and biological protection. RKhBZ military personnel identify the degree of infection and take response actions in order to minimize its impact in combat conditions.
- Signal Corps. They are engaged in the installation of various systems for communicating command with units and subunits.
Navy
The place of activity of the navy is the sea and ocean zones. The Russian Navy is represented by the Black Sea, Baltic, Pacific, Northern Fleets and the Caspian Flotilla. The tasks of the Navy are to destroy enemy boats, surface ships and their groupings, to attack enemy ground targets. In addition, the fleet is involved in escorting civilian ships. The Navy is represented by the following formations:
- Surface forces. Navy personnel cover submarines, transport and insure the landing force. Also in the list of their duties is mining and demining.
- underwater forces. At the service of this formation are nuclear strategic and multi-purpose submarines, with the help of which military ground points of the enemy and various enemy ships are destroyed. In addition, the submarine forces carry out reconnaissance, laying mines and landing on enemy territory.
- Naval aviation. This type of troops is engaged in reconnaissance, search and liquidation of convoys, ships and important strategic objects. Naval aviation also provides air defense.
- Coastal troops. Protect the coastal area.
VKS
The Russian Aerospace Forces operate in a vacuum. VKS perform the following tasks:
- They monitor space. If a threat from space is detected, the Russian Aerospace Forces can parry the blow.
- Engaged in launching spacecraft.
- They monitor satellites, namely, they control and maintain their combat capability.
Finally
The Russian standing army was formed during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. Even then, the troops had centralized command and control. From 1862 to 1874, as a result of the reforms, all-class military service was introduced. The changes also affected the principles of management. Today, the composition of the armed forces of the Russian Federation is a rather complex structure, which only a specialist can thoroughly understand.
The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation consist of central bodies of military control, associations, formations, units, subunits and organizations that are included in the types and types of troops, in the rear of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and in troops that are not included in the types and types of troops.
To central authorities include the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation (Ministry of Defense of Russia), the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, as well as a number of departments in charge of certain functions and subordinate to certain deputies of the Minister of Defense or directly to the Minister of Defense. In addition, the composition of the central governing bodies includes the High Commands of the branches of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
Type of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation- this is their component, distinguished by special weapons and designed to perform the assigned tasks, as a rule, in any environment (on land, in water, in the air). These are the Ground Forces, the Air Force, the Navy.
Each branch of the RF Armed Forces consists of branches of service (forces), special forces and rear services.
Under kind of troops is understood as a part of the service of the RF Armed Forces, which is distinguished by its main armament, technical equipment, organizational structure, the nature of training and the ability to perform specific combat missions. In addition, there are independent types of troops. In the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, these are the Strategic Missile Forces, the Aerospace Defense Forces and the Airborne Forces.
Associations- these are military formations, including several formations or associations of a smaller scale, and TE.KZh6 units and institutions. The formations include the army, flotilla, as well as the military district - a territorial combined arms association and the fleet - a naval association.
Military district- is a territorial combined-arms association of military units, formations, educational institutions, military institutions of various types and branches of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The military district covers the territory of several subjects of the Russian Federation.
Fleet- the highest operational association of the Navy. Commanders of districts and fleets direct their troops (forces) through headquarters subordinate to them.
Formations are military formations consisting of several units or formations of a smaller composition, usually various types of troops (forces), special troops (services), as well as units (subdivisions) of support and maintenance. Formations include corps, divisions, brigades and other equivalent military formations. The word "connection" means the connection of parts: the division headquarters has the status of a unit to which other units (regiments) are subordinate. Together, this is the division. However, in some cases, the brigade can also have the status of a connection. This happens if it includes separate battalions and companies, each of which in itself has the status of a unit. The brigade headquarters in this case, like the division headquarters, has the status of a unit, and the battalions and companies, as independent units, are subordinate to the brigade headquarters.
Part- is an organizationally independent combat and administrative-economic unit in all types of the RF Armed Forces. The concept of "part" most often refers to the regiment and brigade. In addition to them, division headquarters, corps headquarters, army headquarters, district headquarters, as well as other military organizations (military department, army hospital, garrison clinic, district food warehouse, district song and dance ensemble, garrison house of officers, garrison consumer services complex, central school of junior specialists, etc.). Parts can be ships of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd ranks, separate battalions (divisions, squadrons), as well as separate companies that are not part of battalions and regiments. Regiments, separate battalions, divisions and squadrons are awarded the Battle Flag, and the ships of the Navy - the Naval Flag.
Subdivision- all military formations that are part of the unit. Squad, platoon, company, battalion - they are all united by one word "unit". The word comes from the concept of "division, divide", i.e. part is divided into divisions.
To organizations include such structures for ensuring the life of the RF Armed Forces, such as military medical institutions, officers' houses, military museums, editorial offices of military publications, sanatoriums, rest houses, camp sites, etc.
Rear of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation designed to provide all types of material resources and maintenance of their stocks, prepare and operate communications, ensure military transportation, repair weapons and military equipment, provide medical care to the wounded and sick, carry out sanitary and hygienic and veterinary measures and perform a number of other logistics tasks. The rear of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation includes arsenals, bases, warehouses with stocks of materiel. It has special troops (automobile, railway, road, pipeline, engineering and airfield, etc.), as well as repair, medical, rear guards and other units and subunits.
Quartering and arrangement of troops- the activities of the Russian Ministry of Defense in the creation and engineering support of military infrastructure facilities, quartering troops, creating conditions for the strategic deployment of the RF Armed Forces and the conduct of hostilities.
The troops that are not included in the types and types of troops of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation include the Border Troops, the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation (MVD of Russia), and the Civil Defense Troops.
Border troops designed to protect the state border, the territorial sea, the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation, as well as to solve the problems of protecting the biological resources of the territorial sea, the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation and exercising state control in this area. Organizationally, the Border Troops are part of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation.
Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia designed to ensure the security of the individual, society and the state, to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens from criminal and other unlawful encroachments.
Civil Defense Troops- these are military formations that own special equipment, weapons and property, designed to protect the population, material and cultural values on the territory of the Russian Federation from the dangers arising from the conduct of hostilities or as a result of these actions. Organizationally, the Civil Defense Troops are part of the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergency Situations and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters.
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 | Events |
| 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 | |
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Russian nuclear shield | |
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Rapid reaction troops | |
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Separate genera | Rear services |
Armament
The modern Russian army uses the following weapons.
Tanks:
| A photo | Name | Short description | Crew | Armament | Add. systems |
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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 |
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T-80 | Tank with a gas turbine engine. It is a high-quality reinforcement of armored units. | |||
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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 |
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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 | |
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Quality upgrade. Better armor, weapons. | 3/7 | 30 mm autocannon, 7.62 mm machine gun, anti-tank missiles | |
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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 |
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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 | |
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Improved model. It can parachute with troops in the fighting compartment. | 30 mm automatic cannon, machine guns, Konkurs ATGM | |||
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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 |
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Used to transport infantry. They differ in the wheel-motor system and armor. | 2 | 8 | 14.5 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns | |
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3 | 7 | |||
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3 | 7 | 30 mm gun |
Armored cars:
| A photo | Name | Description | Speed, km/h | Equipment |
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Armored car of Italian production of cross-country ability. | Up to 130 | Heavy machine gun, armored glass, protection against land mines and mines | |
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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 |
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Cannon mount designed for fire support of advancing forces | 6 | 152 mm gun, machine guns | up to 26 | |
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4 | 152 mm gun | up to 20 | ||
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4 | 122 mm gun | Up to 15 | ||
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"Grad", "Smerch", "Pinocchio", "Sunshine" |
Multiple launch rocket systems | Until 6 | Rockets up to 300 mm caliber | Up to 120 |
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Tactical missile systems | To 10 | Missiles of different ranges | Up to 120 | |
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Up to several dozen | Missiles, including those with nuclear warheads | Up to 500 | ||
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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 |
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Fighters | Air-to-air missiles and small caliber guns | up to 2500 | |
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up to 2500 | |||
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up to 2500 | |||
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Su-24, Su-34 | frontline bombers | High-explosive bombs, including cluster bombs | up to 2200 |
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Stormtrooper | Guided and unguided missiles, guns, bombs | Before 2000 | |
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Long range strategic bombers | Missiles, including those with nuclear warheads, and bombs | up to 2300 | |
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Up to 750 | |||
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up to 2200 | |||
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Transport aircraft | — | up to 800 | |
| An-72 | ||||
| An-124 | ||||
| IL-76 | ||||
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IL-96-300PU | Radar detection aircraft | Equipped with specific equipment for electronic intelligence | up to 800 |
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A-50 | air command post | — | up to 800 |
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Attack helicopters | Rockets, machine guns, cannons | Up to 600 | |
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Army helicopters | Rockets, guns | up to 800 |
Navy ships:
| Picture | Project | Type |
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Aircraft carrier. Carries fighter jets. For defense, small-caliber guns and anti-aircraft missile launchers are provided. | |
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1164 | Missile cruiser. It is used to destroy enemy fortifications and ships, using missiles of various calibers. |
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1155 | Anti-submarine ships. Armed with cannon artillery and torpedoes. |
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775 | Landing ship for transporting heavy armored vehicles and manpower. In addition to delivery, it provides cover for the landing forces. |
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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.
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