Get to forty-five. Airborne special forces: history and structure of the 45th Guards Special Purpose Regiment
45th separate regiment special purpose airborne forces
Special forces units are separate units of troops that are designed to carry out special missions and operations. They can be part of the navy, ground and air forces, or part of the police and internal authorities. They use special tactics and means to carry out operations.
One type of special forces is the airborne special forces. This is a special forces unit that is part of the air force. airborne troops. Airborne special forces was formed in Russia in 1994. On the basis of two special purpose battalions - the 901st OBSpN and 218 OBSpN, a single 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment was formed. By July 1994 it was fully equipped. Already in December, the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment was sent to the war in Chechnya to destroy armed gangs.
Separate units of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment took part in hostilities until February 1995, and from March to June of the same year, a free detachment of the regiment continued to operate in Chechnya. The 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment is considered one of the most legendary in military history Russia - many of its soldiers and officers were awarded medals and orders, including the titles of Heroes Russian Federation.
Airborne special forces weapons
Airborne special forces are equipped with more quality equipment, equipment, weapons than the rest of the troops, and this requires a lot of funding. Airborne special forces use weapons that are rarely available to conventional troops. For example, the SVD rifle is often used, which is very powerful and reliable. There is a known case when a good shooter shot down a jet attack aircraft with an SVD rifle, hitting the pilot.
Very often the so-called “Vintorez” is used - a silent sniper rifle. With its help, a well-trained sniper can hit a target at great distances. The Vintorez rifle is so powerful that it can penetrate a steel helmet at a distance of up to 400 meters. The first use of Vintorez occurred during the First Chechen War. Vintorez is available only to special forces units; regular troops do not have access to this weapon.
Many countries use the Steyr AUG universal rifle to equip special forces. This weapon is designed for combat in urban environments and for performing lightning-fast combat missions. The rifle's magazine is made of translucent material, which even allows you to visually control the number of cartridges remaining in the magazine.
The Steyr rifle is automatic - it is also possible to install a grenade launcher, which makes it truly universal and indispensable for carrying out tasks by special units. It is not for nothing that at the end of the 19th century, Austria-Hungary adopted the very first sniper rifle from this company - the Steyr Mannlicher. This already indicated at that time that the weapon was reliable and effective. Since then, the rating of Stair's weapons has not decreased. Stair rifles entered service with the Airborne Special Forces quite recently, but they have already earned the respect of soldiers for their fighting qualities.
One of the types of weapons that are supplied to airborne special forces soldiers is the AS “Val”. This machine gun is a silent weapon, which is why it is used by special forces in sabotage operations. AS "Val" has the ability to attach night and sniper sights to it, which allows you to identify targets at a distance of up to 300 meters. AS "Val" is usually transported in a special case; its assembly takes from 30 to 60 seconds, depending on how prepared the shooter is.
Many countries purchase Russian export, so-called “hundredth” versions of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. This list also includes the AK-103 assault rifle. This weapon is much more effective than a conventional Kalash, and is therefore used by the armies of many countries. Moreover, the AK-103 is also used by some special forces units.
Another interesting version of the modernization of the Kalashnikov assault rifle is the AK-74M assault rifle. The AK-74M has the ability to mount an optical and night sight, and a stock that can be folded to the side. It is possible to use an attached grenade launcher, which is very important and convenient for special units. This is why the AK-74M is used by many special types of troops.
Also notable among the modifications is the AKS-74 model - a shortened Kalashnikov assault rifle. Moreover, the mobility and compactness of the machine gun does not make it worse in terms of characteristics in comparison with versions with a long barrel. The AKS-74 is complete in every sense, and is capable of hitting a target at a distance of more than 400 meters.
But of all the versions of Kalashnikov weapons, the most powerful, of course, remains the machine gun. Moreover, there are so many variations of the Kalashnikov Machine Gun that it is used from weapons of transport to infantrymen. The Kalashnikov machine gun was developed back in the 60s of the last century, but its popularity and the popularity of modified versions has not faded to this day. Many countries use the Kalashnikov machine gun, including for arming special units.
If in the arsenal of conventional troops all famous machine gun Kalashnikov, then the special forces use the PKM - a modernized Kalashnikov machine gun. The power of the PKM is significantly greater than that of a conventional machine gun and therefore the machine gun is used in special forces for assault operations.
Another popular weapon among all airborne special forces weapons is the Pecheneg machine gun. The Pecheneg machine gun is developed on the basis of the PKM and is suitable both for destroying enemy personnel and for hitting firing and transport positions and air targets. Widely used in many countries, Russia actively exports the “Pecheneg” machine gun.
In addition to the Kalashnikov assault rifle, a very similar weapon, the AN-94 Abakan, is widely used. This machine gun is created according to the classic design, with a clip in front, like the Kalash. The AN-94 Abakan is distinguished by its particular accuracy and accuracy of shots. For example, from a distance of one hundred meters, a good shooter can hit the same point on the target with two shots. This makes the AN-94 Abakan suitable for special combat operations, where the lives of many people depend on the accuracy of the shot.
In addition to all used special forces And Airborne troops rifles, machine guns and machine guns, RPG-26 grenades are widely used. These grenades were developed back in the 80s of the last century and since that time have been in constant service with the army. This once again confirms the effectiveness of RPG-26 grenades both against manpower and equipment and various fortifications and positions. RPG-26 grenades generally play a big role in the conduct of any combat operations, which is why they are used so widely in any wars.
Features of special forces units
Airborne special forces troops have a special status due to their specific activities. Each special forces mission requires special weapons, equipment, and equipment. Therefore, the financing of the units special purpose significantly more than the funding of other troops. The preparatory level of soldiers has an enhanced training base and special training centers. The most powerful centers train special forces for the Airborne Forces.
Usually, they serve in the airborne special forces under a contract. The contract is due to the high cost of the exercise and preparatory tests. As a rule, a contract in the Airborne Forces is concluded for no less than three years. In special forces Airborne troops Very high level moral, physical, ideological and psychological preparation, which is due to the need of future special forces soldiers to work in special conditions.
Airborne special forces require special weapons and equipment, as mentioned earlier. This is due to the specific operating conditions of the departments. Therefore, the equipment and weapons of the troops are of a very narrow profile. Reconnaissance companies, battalions and other special forces perform tasks autonomously and in extreme conditions. This type of unit is also engaged in reconnaissance. Usually special forces are thrown behind enemy lines, where the most important strategic points and centers are located.
Special forces of the Airborne Forces (Russian landing forces) travel very long distances on foot and carry all the equipment and equipment on themselves, which requires special training under a contract in the Airborne Forces. Our military store offers a wide selection of paratrooper symbols, which can be purchased at the best prices. Photo of a soldier of the 45th Separate Special Forces Special Forces:
A brief history of airborne special forces
There were no official special forces of the USSR Airborne Forces. Similar units in Russia date back to the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment in 1994. After the withdrawal of these troops from Chechnya in 1995, a monument was unveiled in Sokolniki in honor of those killed during military operations. In May of the same year, the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment was awarded a diploma from the President of the Russian Federation, and the regiment took part in the parade on Poklonnaya Hill in honor of the victory over the Nazis 50 years ago.
From winter to spring 1997, a detachment of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment took part in peacekeeping operations in Gudauta - the zone of separation of forces of Abkhazia and Georgia. In the summer of the same year, 45 Guards. OPSPN were presented with the Battle Banner and a certificate of the Order of Kutuzov, 3rd degree. From the autumn of 1999 to the spring of 2006, a detachment of the regiment participated in operations against terrorists in the North Caucasus. In the summer of 2001, a memorial was opened in Kubinka in honor of the fallen soldiers of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment. Every year, Days of Remembrance for fallen soldiers take place within the regiment. The glory of the Airborne Forces comes precisely from such heroes, in whose honor the monument was erected.
In February 2008 it was renamed the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment of the Order of Alexander Nevsky. In the summer of the same year, individual units participated in operations to persuade Georgia to peace. Officer Anatoly Lebed was awarded the Order of St. George, IV degree. In the spring of 2010, a group of regiment soldiers carried out tasks for the security of Russian citizens on the territory of Kyrgyzstan. In 2012, the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment participated in joint exercises with the Green Berets in America, at Fort Carson.
Creativity associated with airborne special forces
About heroic deeds and the operations of the special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces, many films have been shot and many songs have been written. Many materials are also presented in the Voenpro informational feed. Read about this in our numerous articles. Watch movies and listen to music - Voenpro has it all. The airborne special forces in Chechnya went through a lot and greatly influenced the course of the war. Therefore, war veterans deserve eternal memory and respect. Many documentaries tell about what it was like for soldiers in Chechnya. They talk about the horrors they saw and what they went through.
A huge number of songs are still written about veterans of the Chechen war and about those who died in it. Comrades sing songs in honor and memory of their fallen friends, in honor of those with whom they were in conditions of life and death. There are also many amateur films on the Internet, both of combat operations and other special operations. The special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces are extremely popular among young people and many also want to serve in it.
Facilities mass media created a certain cult of airborne special forces, which is why it is so popular today. Young people are simply “dizzy” at the thought that they can freely use weapons and kill people. Computer games and television are filled with murder and violence, and people turn into animals ready to tear to pieces the enemy.
So, many films related to the actions of the airborne special forces in Chechnya can be found here. Videos of airborne special forces can be found, for example, this landing video:
An interesting clip was made about the special forces of the Airborne Forces “Leshy” - Vyacheslav Korneev. This clip can be viewed at the following link:
45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment - soldiers of the future
Oddly enough, in Chechnya the special forces are well remembered and known about it. Only the information that special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces would soon approach forced the militants to leave their positions and leave their place of stay. When the first Chechen war took place, the leadership of the Chechen militants promised a huge bonus to anyone who could bring at least one soldier of the 45th regiment into captivity. But no one received such a prize, because during those hostilities, not a single special forces soldier of the Russian Airborne Forces ended up with the Chechens, either dead or alive.
The 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment is, one might say, the youngest part of the Russian army. The regiment was created from two battalions in order to be ready to fight the Cold War. The units were supposed to conduct active reconnaissance and sabotage operations, mainly behind enemy lines. They also had to prepare a place for the landing of landing troops. Considering that the airborne special forces were created after “ cold war“, he is still able to solve such problems and prevent such situations.
Since the time when Afghanistan was introduced Soviet troops, the Russian Armed Forces are constantly involved in resolving various conflicts. Therefore, when the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment was formed, there was already enough experience to make the soldiers universal and truly prepared for war. In addition, many foreign developments and technologies were introduced, which affected the quality of the created special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces only in a positive way. Therefore, the main goal and purpose of the special forces soldiers of the Russian Airborne Forces is to resolve any military conflicts and problems of a local nature.
Consequently, the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment is a unique combat unit in Russia, which has all the necessary weapons, equipment, and devices to accomplish its missions. In addition to the battalions directly comprising the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment, it also has a detachment of aircraft that do not require pilots, a special purpose detachment for solving extremely important tasks, and a detachment for performing psychological operations.
The main task of the psychological detachment of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment is to demoralize and disorientate the enemy troops - that is, to destroy his faith in victory, in the meaning of resistance. Moreover, the detachment can turn “for” neutral civilians who have not yet decided which side to defend. And this is especially important in our information era. Therefore, the psychological detachment of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment, among other things, also has a compact television station, which provides the opportunity to broadcast programs within a radius of ten kilometers. That is, the influence on the civilian population is thus intensified.
The capabilities of the special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces are enormous. The core of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment are special units. These units did not arise, naturally, without reason - the battalions combined into one regiment already had accumulated experience under their feet. Battalion fighters fought during the Transnistrian conflict, and regimental fighters took part in operations during the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict. Basically, during the Georgian-Abkhaz war, the special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces ensured the safety of civilians and refugees.
But it was not only in the war that the fighters showed their worth. For several years, during international competitions of special units that take place in Bulgaria, the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment has taken first place, beating the Green Berets and British special forces.
But the goal to achieve the status of a universal airborne special forces soldier is not so close. If previously ordinary conscripts entered the school, now there are few of them. Consequently, there is no one to choose soldiers from. Previously, almost all applicants had sports categories in several categories, but now there are only a few such conscripts.
Basically, people enter service under a contract in the Airborne Forces, and from these recruits it is practically impossible to choose anyone intelligent. Units only have higher or special education, and the majority have the usual completed secondary. And then there is joy - if it is completed. But even such applicants are turned into real Russian special forces. First of all, the applicant undergoes many psychological and physical tests to determine his readiness and ability to serve in these troops.
After they determine your personal characteristics, they tell you what military specialty you are heading to. For example, people of a very calm and balanced character are better suited than anyone else to work as a sniper or sapper of the airborne special forces. The remaining part of the recruits who were not distributed anywhere are transferred to support units or to other military units.
After this type of selection there is a quarantine, an oath, and then, naturally, they move on to the exercises. To say that it is very difficult to serve in the airborne special forces, for example, in military unit 33842, is the same as remaining silent. Constant training is replaced by forced marches and night shooting, facade mountaineering is replaced by tactical exercises or sapper training. And so constantly in a circle.
Naturally, not all potential special forces fighters of the Russian Airborne Forces can withstand such loads and pace. Therefore, after about six months, only about forty percent of those new students who entered are left. Moreover, the number is decreasing for various reasons. Some people develop health problems from such stress, some cannot stand it physically, some are kicked out by commanders due to poor performance. Those places that remain from the departed airborne special forces are filled with the best paratroopers. As a result, after the first year of training, nobodies turn into real airborne elite fighters who are fluent in weapons and various devices.
But it should be noted that, despite the complexity of the training and workload, there are no fewer people willing to serve in the special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces. All this is because the service is very interesting and useful for guys. There is no hazing here, and service in the 45th Special Operations Division is an excellent start for work and service in other structures of the internal bodies of the state. After finishing your service, you will be gladly hired into any type of security, security and protection, or secret units. The 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment offers excellent military and career prospects for a young man who can endure difficult service and workloads.
The result of your studies may be, if you wish, participation in hostilities. Although the experience accumulated by previous generations is little used as usual in our country, the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment resolves many issues independently. The soldiers have manuals that are printed by some regiment officers, which leads to the correspondence of what is written with reality. Nowadays, when the main actions in Chechnya have ended, the role of the airborne special forces, which can very usefully carry out reconnaissance, search and all sorts of raid missions, is significantly increasing. Therefore, the complete withdrawal of special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces from Chechnya is not yet planned in the near future.
IN given time Airborne special forces in Chechnya operate as a free detachment near the village of Khatuni. The importance of this place is very great for the state, and therefore special forces have enormous tasks and responsibilities on their shoulders. The combined detachment also includes units of the FSB, special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and others. Everyone has their own tasks within common goal. Fire training of fighters in this operation is especially important, so the exercises train fighters as needed. The loads are enormous, because of this, fighters lose five or even eight kilograms in a couple of months, even taking into account the fact that the nutrition here is enhanced.
Moreover, the special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the FSB sometimes have to perform tasks that are not within their competence. Therefore, they work together with the special forces of the Airborne Forces in Chechnya, which specializes in this type of combat operations. All these parts of the detachment are friends with each other and actively help and support each other in difficult situations in order to achieve a common goal. No one pays attention to departmental subordination in this situation.
Some part of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment is stationed in Sokolniki. There they are in the barracks of the Preobrazhensky Regiment. And this unit is very actively fighting to be part of the Preobrazhensky Regiment, according to all official documents. And there are several reasons for this.
Historically, the Preobrazhensky Regiment is the first regiment of regular weapons in Russia. And the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment - one might say, the first regiment new army Russia, regiment of the future. And the attitude towards fighters is completely new, compared to the old views. Now every airborne special forces soldier is a valuable asset into which a lot of finance and other resources have been invested. Previously, fighters were cannon fodder without much specific training, whom no one valued or counted in the war.
Now the fighters are highly professional and qualified. Now the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment is the place where experienced and skilled special forces personnel are trained. Many of those who went through this school serve in internal organs, Alpha, Omega and many others promising places. But it is worth noting that after many years of service in the regiment, most officers do not want to be transferred to other places for a service that is more promising. All because long years The 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment truly became a family and home for them, which they cannot and do not want to leave.
The regiment itself has developed special psychological and moral principles that make its officers friendly and brotherly. This can be seen from the fact that those officers who retired and settled well regularly sponsor those fighting in Chechnya. It is interesting to note that veterans of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment help not only with material means.
It happened that when we had to replace fighters in the Caucasus in 1999, there was no suitable replacement. Then the reserve officers decided to come to the aid of the regiment. They abandoned their lucrative official and career positions and formed their own detachment of veterans, which went to the Caucasus. Their very first task was to occupy an important height and ensure that they would repel enemy attacks for four hours. At this time, the regiment was able to train new special forces soldiers of the Russian Airborne Forces to send them to the Caucasus.
Over all the years of existence of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment, its officers have not stopped fighting. All conflicts that occurred in Chechnya, Bosnia, Dagestan, Kosovo were resolved with the help of special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces. During this period, there were awards from the minister and awards to five soldiers of the regiment as Heroes of Russia. And, oddly enough, various accusations were also present in the history of the regiment. But, be that as it may, the airborne special forces are still the real elite of the Russian army.
His warriors performed excellently during all conflicts and wars. A bunch of enemy weapons and drug warehouses were found, many civilian lives were saved, and many disasters were prevented. As a result, the officers have earned their proud existence with a strong and resilient body, and the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment is truly a regiment of the future.
News related to airborne special forces
There is news that the special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces recently adopted a foreign Steyr Mannlicher rifle. Their total, which the soldiers received amounted to more than thirty units. The representative of the Russian Ministry of Defense for the Airborne Forces, Alexander Kucherenko, spoke about this news. He says these are the first Mannlicher rifles of foreign origin to enter the regiment. In general, the purchase of Austrian weapons began in 2010.
Moreover, they say that the supply of Austrian sniper rifles will not end there, and the regiment will be provided with them regularly. The soldiers have already completed all the necessary training courses on the use of these weapons at the centers of the Ministry of Defense and are ready to use them. They do not specify which model of the Mannlicher rifle was adopted. Before this, the airborne special forces used the SVD sniper rifle.
They also say that the replenishment also affected equipment. The number of aircraft that do not require a pilot has increased significantly. Again, it does not say which devices were received. The Airborne Special Forces also received about two dozen reconnaissance location stations, more than three dozen other reconnaissance devices and several ground observation stations.
More about what's new
It was recently reported that an airborne special forces detachment destroyed a monument to the fallen SS soldiers in Lithuania. The state is trying by all possible means to prove that no such order was officially submitted from the headquarters. They're still trying to figure out what's going on.
According to the first information, it turns out that the commander of the airborne special forces detachment took all the blame upon himself. It seems that he, having gotten drunk, gave the order to his detachment, which at that moment was on training exercises in the Pskov region, to cross the border with Lithuania and destroy the SS monument there. The state confirms this version, citing the fact that there was no communication with the headquarters during the exercises, and therefore he could not give such an order according to objective reasons. The airborne special forces commander himself is under guard and cannot comment on this matter.
The fact is that no one would probably have known that it was the special forces of the Airborne Forces who destroyed the monument, but surveillance cameras recorded the crime. But the detachment worked so quietly that not a single civilian and not a single policeman saw the action itself. In addition, microphones were installed on the cameras.
And the Lithuanian government heard everything that the Russian airborne special forces said about those who allowed the installation of the SS monument. In general, at first the Lithuanian government was at a loss, because it is not every day that a special forces detachment of the Russian Airborne Forces destroys a monument in the center of a Lithuanian city. It couldn't even believe it if it weren't for the video. The Russian government did not initially give any comments, but was forced to do so under the influence of photographic evidence provided to it. Now all the details of the circumstances are being clarified.
One day of training
The Airborne Special Forces detachment moved very secretly and quietly through the dense forest. On all sides the detachment had gun muzzles sticking out, ready to fire at any necessary moment. The soldiers walked, covering each other, constantly observing and analyzing the situation around them. It was necessary to constantly listen and sniff everything around.
It was already the third day of training, and the scouts of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment were actively preparing for the previous competitions. The main composition of the detachment is soldiers who are under contract in the Airborne Forces and young conscript soldiers. The instructor said that in order to fully train a full-fledged airborne special forces soldier, it takes at least three years. It turns out that the conscripts were of no use, and they do not support the group in any way. Although, the detachment commander said that the conscripts have shown themselves very well in recent days and they are not a burden.
In addition to the detachment commanders, the group also included snipers, demolitions and signalmen. Of course, each has his own type of activity, task and specialization, but in the case of a missing link, each of the fighters is able to replace the other in a full-fledged manner. The special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces are, indeed, universal soldiers, capable of performing a wide variety of tasks.
The detachment's weapons were very diverse. Some fighters had SVD sniper rifles in their hands, others received Vintorez as their weapon. Some of the fighters were also armed with Kalashnikov machine guns. Of course, all fighters are trained to master bladed weapons in an excellent manner, so everyone must have a blade. In addition, everyone has pistols, and in some cases - with a silencer.
On this day of exercises, the tasks were very diverse and varied. At first, airborne special forces fighters had to carefully move through the forest, well camouflaged and preparing for a possible attack. After this, it was supposed to simulate the injury of one of the fighters and provide him with first aid. After this, it was necessary to capture the car, taking the enemy from it, and at the end it was necessary to overcome the water barrier.
The squad members had a wide variety of clothing and equipment, but mostly of high quality. In general, the airborne special forces soldiers wore what they didn’t mind and what was cheaper and better. This was explained primarily by the fact that the soldiers dressed entirely at their own expense. But, since the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment are universal soldiers, they are accustomed to working in the most diverse and specific conditions.
The shoes attracted particular attention. It was, oddly enough, non-standard, but, apparently, comfortable, high quality and expensive. What also aroused interest was what the airborne special forces soldiers use - socks or foot wraps. It turned out that there is no special law; you can wear both the first and the other. The only difference is which one is more convenient to use. Shoes are very important for airborne special forces, because they have to carry weight on themselves, sometimes reaching forty to fifty kilograms, but in this case they told me that the weight was about twenty to thirty kilograms.
After the detachment left the forest, the fighters crossed the road and successfully clashed with an unexpected enemy, as a result of which one of the special forces soldiers of the Russian Airborne Forces was seriously wounded. The wound was in the lower limb, and another bullet hit the eye. Everything was complicated by the fact that there was active bleeding that needed to be stopped.
The injured Airborne Special Forces soldier had his leg tied with a tourniquet and his head heavily bandaged. After this, it was necessary to inject the drug into a vein. The injection was done for real, only instead of cardiac stimulants, ordinary harmless glucose was injected.
Before capturing the enemy, the airborne special forces detachment split up on different sides of the road. As the truck approached the required distance, bags of paint flew into the windshield.
Under real conditions, bullets would have flown, but since there were exercises, bags of paint were flying. After this, the detachment successfully captured the prisoner. This took about thirty seconds. The 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment, as always, worked promptly and professionally. What aroused interest was what they do with the prisoner, because he can also remain silent, as we often see in films. But I was informed that such situations when a prisoner is silent practically never happen in history.
If a prisoner refuses to speak, such psychological and physical methods are applied to him by the airborne special forces that his will breaks and he gives out everything he needs. After interrogation, the fate of the captured person can be decided in two ways. The first is that he will be left alive if the Russian Airborne Forces special forces command still needs him. Then his will is limited, but he remains alive. If there is no longer any need for the prisoner, he can be destroyed.
When the time came to carry out the last task, that is, to cross the river, the soldiers were noticeably happy. The airborne special forces took off everything except their hats and T-shirts. In combat conditions, black fins are used for swimming, but during exercises - yellow ones, so that if they are lost they can be found. After completely collecting the things and packing them in special waterproof bags, the airborne special forces tied weapons to them. Next, a rope is tied from plastic bottles.
Two swimmers swim to the other side, and the rest prepare for swimming and defend themselves. When two special forces soldiers of the Russian Airborne Forces crossed, the next two floated, using a rope made of bottles to facilitate movement. And so the swimming continues. After all the soldiers of the detachment moved to the other side, everyone was very tired and hungry. The commander said that the detachment had four to five hours to rest, and after that they could move on. If, of course, it is necessary.
Among the units of the Russian Airborne Special Forces, the 45th Separate Guards Order of Kutuzov Order of Alexander Nevsky Special Purpose Regiment, or military unit No. 28337, occupies a special place. Firstly, some of them belong to the elite special forces troops, which are almost completely transferred to a contract basis. Secondly, there is simply enormous competition among conscripts who want to join the ranks of military unit 28337. And thirdly, the 45th Special Forces Regiment is the youngest of composition of the Airborne Forces Russian Federation.
History of military unit 28337
The military unit, formed on the basis of two separate battalions in February 1994, is currently stationed in the city of Kubinka, Moscow Region (formerly an academic campus). In 2007, the unit was reorganized into the linear 218th special forces battalion, but in 2008 the name of the 45th separate guards regiment was returned to it.
Despite the fact that military unit 28337 was formed 10 years ago, its soldiers and officers took part in the fighting in Chechnya and South Ossetia (August 2008).
Youth competitions are regularly held at the base of the military unit. The special forces group, formed on the basis of the regiment, has also been participating in international competitions between special forces units since 1995. The military unit regularly holds demonstrations in parachute jumping and hand-to-hand combat at events in Moscow and the region.
Awards
1996 – 3rd place in the overall competition of the Partnership for Peace program (Bulgaria);
1997 – champion of the “Partnership for Peace” program competition (Bulgaria);
2005 – Challenge Battle Banner, rank “Guards”, Order of Alexander Nevsky (from the disbanded 119th Guards Parachute Regiment);
February 2011 – Order of Kutuzov “For the successful completion of combat missions of the command and demonstrated personnel regiment courage and heroism."
Reviews of military unit 28337
Currently, there are practically no soldiers on active duty in military unit 28337; it is being transferred to a contract basis. The contract is for a period of three years, the criteria for selecting fighters are moral, physical and psychological preparation, as well as the ability to react in a difficult environment and the desire to serve in special conditions.
In order to enter into a contract for military service in the 45th Guards Regiment, the candidate is required to:
Be between 18 and 40 years old and have Russian citizenship;
Have a certificate of form A-1 for health reasons;
Submit a report or statement of desire to serve in the Airborne Special Forces, indicating the unit;
Arrive at the unit itself and undergo an interview with the regiment commander and the head of the personnel department;
Pass physical fitness tests (pull-up, cross-country standards, etc.);
Pass psychological tests for service compatibility in special units Airborne Forces
Such demands do not stop almost anyone - military unit 28337, judging by reviews, even attracts girls. True, few people want to go to “hot spots” and pass physical training standards, but there are plenty of people who want to work in a first-aid post, as a psychologist or as a radio operator in the unit.
Those rare representatives of the fair sex who serve in the ranks of the 45th Separate Guards Regiment undergo the same training as men and live in similar conditions. However, many contract soldiers with families are provided with housing in the garrison.
The paratroopers do not have part of the barracks; its function is performed by the soldiers' dormitory. It consists of several blocks (two adjacent rooms, designed for 4-6 people in each). The soldiers' dormitory has showers, toilets, Gym, recreation room and classrooms for military training.
Eyewitnesses say that military unit 28337 currently includes two battalions. One of them is engaged in providing support for the regiment, and the second is training fighters.
Those who served in the military unit also note that talking on the phone with relatives in the evening is allowed here.
For the period of classes Cell phones are with the company commander.
Shoes are issued along with the uniform, but you can purchase them yourself. Jumping boots made by foreign armies are permitted.
As for classes, special forces paratroopers of military unit 28337 master not only practical skills, but also a theoretical course in military affairs. However, more attention is paid to the physical training of soldiers, for example, forced marches over long distances, when soldiers carry equipment and equipment on themselves.
The specific operating conditions of the unit require knowledge of certain military equipment and weapons. Therefore, both domestic models of machines and the collection captured weapons from the Armored Museum in Kubinka are carefully studied by soldiers. The military unit also trains intelligence officers, so field exercises are regularly held.
A year ago, when I heard the song “To the Airborne Special Forces Scout” in the tent of soldiers of the 45th Separate Guards Special Forces Regiment of the Airborne Forces, I at first thought that it was being performed by a professional musician, it sounded so good.
In response to a question about the author of the hit, the soldiers showed me a photo of a tall, strong man in a field uniform and a blue beret: “This is our intelligence officer, he served in a special detachment! Slava Korneev is his name, Leshy is his call sign. He is a holder of the Order of Courage, the medal of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, II degree, and two medals for courage. Not disguised, not fake, real. And he sings about a matter that he truly knows.”
Intelligence veteran and singer-songwriter Vyacheslav Korneev talks about himself, his service, life and songs.
I was born on February 25, 1976 in the polar city of Kovdor, in the Murmansk region. My school years flew by, and in the spring of 1994 I was drafted into the army. Despite my passionate desire to serve in the airborne troops, they brought me to artillery training in Pargolovo, near St. Petersburg. Trained to become a crew commander for the MT-12 anti-tank gun, awarded the rank of junior sergeant and assigned to the 134th Guards motorized rifle regiment 45th Motorized Rifle Division peacekeeping forces, which was based in the village of Kamenka, Vyborg region. The commander of our regiment was Guard Colonel Mikhail Yuryevich Malofeev. On January 17, 2000, he died in Grozny with the rank of major general and was posthumously awarded the high title of Hero of Russia.
One night, I, the duty officer at the soldiers' canteen, introduced myself to a passing general and asked to be sent to the Caucasus. Was it reckless? Don't know. Only in response did I hear: “Which unit? Hand over the outfit, run and march to the location! And it started spinning! Obtaining equipment, food. Formation of personnel. The commander reads out the lists of those leaving, but my name is not on this list! Why? Seeing my inflexibility, the commander took the guy out of action, covered in tears, and I took his place. So I became deputy platoon commander leaving for the war.
First impressions
The next day, as part of the battalion, we flew to Mozdok and unloaded at the takeoff. Cold, dirt, crowds of armed people scurrying here and there. Seeing musician Yuri Shevchuk among the soldiers, he made his way to him and asked for an autograph. He did not refuse and signed the top deck of my guitar. We even sang a couple of verses from “The Last Autumn” with him.
We moved to a field next to the takeoff and spent the night. And look in the morning - our battalion is gone! And we, 22 soldiers in bulletproof vests and helmets, with weapons and equipment, were left alone, without officers. Used by no one, wanted by no one!
After holding out for three days without hot food or water, having managed to chew dry rations and burn all the gas masks, overcoats and felt boots, we got hold of cartridges and grenades. They just stood in some kind of formation receiving ammunition and received half a cap of ammunition! They didn’t ask us for our names or force us to sign anywhere. And we stole two boxes of grenades at night from an unguarded caponier, filled to the brim with this stuff.
One day we met a colonel who stopped us in a menacing voice: “Who are they? What kind of herd? I introduced myself and explained. The colonel ordered us to follow him and led us to the bathhouse. After washing, he sent us to the dining room. Clean and well-fed, we boarded the bus and went with the colonel, as it later turned out, to the city of Prokhladny, to the 135th motorized rifle brigade.
In the brigade we were fed, changed clothes, rearmed, and a day later we were sent in a convoy to Chechnya. We didn't drive long, often avoiding public roads and abandoning several broken down cars along the way. Here are the artillery positions... Howitzers and self-propelled guns are hitting deafeningly where our column is crawling, drowning in the mud.
Jumping from the Ural to the ground, I slipped. Taking a stable position, I realized that I was standing on a corpse rolled out in a road rut. Helping the others get out of the car, he warned them to be more careful. A mutilated corpse is what we saw first in Chechnya.
The task assigned to our unit led us to the central market of Grozny. The trucks were closely packed into the courtyard adjacent to the market building, and while we unloaded dry rations, duffel bags and sleeping bags from them, they sadly awaited their sad fate.
Some guy running past, hung with “Flies”, grenades, knives and pistols, nervously adjusting the sawed-off shotgun of a hunting rifle dangling on his hip, attacked me: “You... on... Why did you bring the equipment on... here, motherfucking...? They’ll burn it all.”
Our only armored personnel carrier, it turns out, was burned on the way. Having finished unloading and leaving Mikola Pitersky to guard the dry rations, I went on a reconnaissance tour of the market building. The personnel were dying of thirst, and I discovered deposits of jars of compote! The mines that occasionally pierced the roof were no longer frightening, but my soul was uneasy.
And then it began! One of the first mines flew into the dry rations, burying Mikola Pitersky in them! They dug it up. Alive! Meanwhile, our Urals were already blazing! It's a pity that the guitar burned in the cabin. Someone screams: “They shot down a tank there!” Let's run and look. We carefully look out of the windows. Here he is! Very close! Lit. And suddenly a deafening shot! A shell hits a five-story building. They say that at this time it was stormed by paratroopers. Then - like in a dream. Explosion! We are thrown on broken glass! When the dust settled, we saw that the tank was gone. Everlasting memory…
After sitting in the market building for a day, we finally received the task of capturing a high-rise building on Karl Liebknecht Street, adjacent to a small market square.
Our new platoon commander outlined the task to us in a very clear form: “Run quickly, without tripping over corpses. Stopping is death! Let’s run into the house and sort it out!”
Let's run. The first of the three nine-story buildings was already occupied by paratroopers, and we got the second one without a fight. No residents, no militants, empty.
My platoon was tasked with gaining a foothold on the sixth floor and preventing the enemy from entering the house through the roof of the neighboring five-story building.
The apartment, the windows of which overlooked the roof of this five-story building, was impressive; it was a very rich apartment.
We emptied the refrigerator and set up an impromptu table in the hallway, but before we had time to pick up open cans of condensed milk for the recent New Year and housewarming, something serious came into the house. The building shook and a fire started. The fire spread so quickly that we barely jumped out of the apartments into the entrance before they burned to the ground, and while the apartments were burning, we sat on the flights of stairs, choking in the smoke, because there was death on the street. There were “spirits” in the third nine-story building.
Sausage
The next day, the commander set the task: “Due to the enemy’s destruction of the entire food supply of the battalion, it is necessary to force our way to the market with the help of four volunteers and a miraculously surviving infantry fighting vehicle of unknown origin. Find there and then take out the maximum amount of food!”
I turned out to be the main volunteer. I decided to involve my squad commanders in this task. Good guys. Reliable. We went down and found an infantry fighting vehicle and even its driver in the ruins of the house. There was no one else in the crew, and where his unit was located, the guy had no the slightest idea. After listening to the task, the mechanic nodded: “We’ll do it, but... the car doesn’t turn left. The cravings are broken! Let's waltz! Well, turn left, spinning 270 degrees to the right!”
We loaded into the landing force and took off. First turn to the left... spinning... scary. Forward! We're spinning around the second turn. There is no light in the car, we don’t know how to open the hatches from the inside, if anything, it’s creepy! And now, through the roar and clang of the tracks, bullets began to knock on the armor! And suddenly a blow! We crashed! "Everybody is alive? We’ve arrived!” - it was the mechanic who shouted. As it turned out, he rode in the “stowed” position all the way! Under bullets! Well it does! And he said to me: “Why? The triplexes are broken, you can’t see a damn thing!” Hero man!
We ran through the market. It’s empty, our troops have gone somewhere, and we don’t know what to expect. The products were found quickly. Sausage! There was a lot of it. Having filled their mouths with the Krakow soldiers and throwing their machine guns behind their backs, they quickly loaded the landing compartments of the infantry fighting vehicles and their own duffel bags and pockets with sausage. Childish greed played a cruel joke on me. Realizing that the loaded provisions for the battalion were not enough, I decided to leave my guys at the market and, climbing into the turret of the vehicle, personally deliver the cargo and return for the second batch. "Let's go!" - I yelled to the mechanic as soon as I reached the hatch. And he went. Surely so, with afterburner! And he didn’t know, didn’t know that behind his back I, in a bulletproof vest stuffed with sausage and with a plump duffel bag, was trying to get into the tower. By the time we got to the treasured house, I didn’t have a single whole store left! And I threw the empty ones onto the armor.
Having made three raids in a row, we completed the task. Thanks brother mechanic!
Storm
On Friday, January 13, my platoon received orders to occupy one of the houses on Rosa Luxemburg Street. It faced the presidential palace, and attempts to capture it have so far been unsuccessful. The paratroopers who held out to the last were trapped in his basement, and “spirits” ruled the house.
We ran to our house through a vacant lot between five-story buildings and came under fire. There was nowhere to hide except behind the burnt BMP. The whole platoon crowded in for her, it was scary to go further. But it is necessary, otherwise they will put everyone on the flank. They rushed to the brick booth, a heating center with pipes and valves, and took refuge behind the wall.
We sat at the booth for over an hour, waiting for “Shilka”. She was supposed to cover us by shooting at the windows of the palace. Moreover, we had to run right under the barrage of her fire! Before our eyes, three soldiers from another unit jumped out from somewhere and rushed headlong towards our house! To our entrance! One of them fell a meter from the door, shot by a sniper, and two jumped inside. One threw a rope to the wounded man from the entrance door, but he could not cling to it, the bullets hit him one after another. The second fighter exchanged fire with the militants inside the house.
Suddenly, about twenty meters from us, a mine flies in with a characteristic whistle and explodes! One of ours was hit by shrapnel in the leg. Well, I think, bandaging the wounded, it began! He suggested that the commander position the platoon inside the house: “Probably the “spirits” are adjusting the fire of their mortar at this moment!” The platoon commander voiced the proposal to the battalion commander. The answer is bright: “No, wait, the team will come now! Better check this house for a sniper. Got it, bastard!
Well, we split into three groups, three people in each, ran around the house from the opposite side and jumped into the windows. Purely. When we were returning, on the second floor we heard two strong explosion contract. About where we just left our platoon. Throw down! And there... Blood, smoke, groans! The squad commander Dan Zolotykh and his troika finished searching his entrance before us, came out, and he was covered - he was lying in blood! The commander, Stas Golda, was wounded. Later, doctors counted eighteen shrapnel wounds on his body, and the Motherland awarded him the Order of Courage.
Where is the signalman, is the station alive? Our P-159 on the chest of Mikola Pitersky took several fragments, but worked properly! “Cutter,” I shout. - “Freza-12”, I have “200” and “300”, I’m checking the quantity, and the commander is wounded! I ask for help in evacuating!” And the battalion commander calmly replies that the command has been given for the assault and that I must gather the healthy ones and complete the task. And he promises to evacuate the wounded, without even asking how many there are. The platoon is consolidated, it is unknown who was assigned and from where, we did not exchange addresses with everyone, we do not know the names of many of them. That's how they fought for their homeland.
Indeed, to the left of us, a Shilka came out for direct fire and roared with fire. I had no choice but to send “Freza” to hell and start helping the bleeding guys. I finally achieved their evacuation. And we completed the task assigned. Blood and sweat. So I became a platoon commander. A platoon of nine people. Minus thirteen!
Then everything went smoothly. Are you ready, Freza-12? Ready, I answer! "Forward!" - shout from the walkie-talkie. What is it like to storm a house with nine people, without smoke cover, not understanding where ours are and where the strangers are? Now I remember all this as if horrible dream or stills from a film. Covered in blood, black with dirt and soot, behind my back there are seven machine guns left over from the evacuated guys, in the hands of the PKM, shredding the house from forty meters to which my guys are running! Tactics? What the hell are the tactics? We reached the fifth floor, throwing grenades at the doors as we went and sometimes shooting. We have gained a foothold. We counted. All.
Later, when we had to pull out the main forces, we cleared all the apartments in our entrance from top to bottom. Walking down the street at that time was bad manners, so the main forces pulled up to us through the wall, in which we punched a hole with the help of a grenade launcher, some mother and a sledgehammer that came from God knows where!
It was in this house, having “borrowed” his SVD from a friend Sashka Lyutin, on the butt of which there were already three cuts with a bayonet-knife, I became a sniper. He equipped a wonderful, tactically competent position. He settled down in the bathtub, on a stool. For emphasis - a previously emptied refrigerator. From there, through a small hole punched by a shell in the wall, an impressive section of the area in front of the house was shot through, namely, the annex to the presidential palace and part of the palace itself.
One day, marines ran into our house: two officers and a sailor. The sailor, as it turned out, was real, from a warship! Perhaps that's why he almost shot me when I changed position. But the Marines impressed me in other ways. Hunting for live bait! One, standing in the window opening, began to fan out the palace with tracers, and the second, in the back of the room, having prepared an RPG-18 for battle, waited. As an artilleryman, I understood that the guys were walking on a razor's edge, but they were stubbornly lucky. The bite on live bait was excellent, and soon I joined this “fishing team,” and the sailor made sure that none of the fighters came to my bullet while moving around the apartment.
Combat Commonwealth
There was a day when the company commander gave me the task of taking three volunteers and with them finding and evacuating from the street rubble the bodies of two dead - Sergei Les and Dima Strukov from the third platoon. They died a few days ago. Attempts to find them had already been made by the company sergeant major, warrant officer Purtov. Then the “spirits” squeezed him and the fighters behind a pilaster (this is a protrusion from a house the size of two bricks) and began to methodically destroy the shelter, firing incredibly dense fire at it from the house, which we then occupied with a platoon. Together with my fellow countryman Pomor, we pulled them out, covering the retreat with our fire. I will never forget how Warrant Officer Purtov, while running, stumbles, falls, and in the place where he had just been, a machine gun burst bites into the brick...
In general, the task is clear. I am a machine gun on my shoulder, a helmet on my head. I suggest one fighter go, the second, the third, and they - some with a stomach, some with a sudden headache, some from their post. They don’t want to take risks, no matter what. But when the search for volunteers reached the guys from Dagestan, they, without further ado, put their helmet on their cap and off they went, commander! But they didn’t know the dead for whom we had to go! And with this composition, I, two Dagestanis and a Kazakh went on a search.
We found Sergei's body quickly, brought it to that same booth, and then stop. The fire is so dense that it becomes clear that we won’t get through in daylight. Even smoking this damn area. We tried it. We managed to return to the house only in the morning, leaving Sergei in place, but placing the body so that it could be seen from our windows. They were able to pick up and transfer the body to the rear no earlier than a few days later, when the militants left the palace without a fight.
Once, at the height of the fighting in our sector, the battalion commander needed to go to the rear, and he took me with him for protection. The rear units were then located in Lenin Park. Left to my own devices for a while, I wandered around the park, wondering how they live here in tents? What if it's a mine? And suddenly something seemed strange to me. Everywhere I went, everyone froze, stopped preparing firewood, cleaning, and silently looked at me. And there was some kind of reverence in these views, respect mixed with compassion. “Look, look, there’s a guy from the front line!” - I heard and, as if waking up, looked around. Then invitations to warm up in the tents, questions, and congratulations on being alive poured in! "What's the matter?" I ask. “How do you know that I’m from the front line?” “Have you seen yourself in the mirror?” - asks one. "Of course not! Where are the mirrors in the city from? Everything is burned and broken!” - I laugh. “Here, look! People like you are only brought to us dead!” - The soldier, embarrassed, handed me a mirror. Well, I took a look. He looked and got scared. A monster in a dirty, torn black cap with a black, sooty face, burnt stubble and eyebrows, and red, watery eyes looked at me from the mirror.
A little later, when the fighting for the city moved to other neighborhoods, we decided to visit the less damaged entrances to our house. Find something like mattresses. My platoon was lucky to have apartments that burned to the ground, and for the last week I slept on two VOG boxes, without a sleeping bag, of course. Having collected some junk, on the way back to our “temple” we saw an interesting picture: Dudayev’s palace was dashingly stormed by guys in white camouflage suits and in unprecedented unloading gear. Special forces, no less, I thought angrily, a couple of days ago you would have been here!
A decade and a half later, while celebrating the 30th anniversary of the 901st OBSPN with my fellow soldiers, we were watching a Chechen chronicle, when suddenly... The end of our house and the hole made by a shell through which I once fired my first shot from an SVD flashed in the frame. So those guys in camouflage suits turned out to be my current friends! It's a small world!
Then our war began to wane. We stayed for a month in the village of Andreevskaya Dolina at the Central Budgetary Institution, then in Shali. In May, when the war moved into the mountainous regions, our battalion, which had lost more than half of its personnel, was taken to Khankala for rest and replenishment.
At the shooting range in the quarry I met fellow countryman Dima Koksharov. We started talking. He served in the 45th Airborne Regiment. And the tough guys who were lowering down into the quarry on ropes and performing tactical exercises that were incomprehensible to me at that time with “screw cutters” unprecedented in the infantry turned out to be his colleagues. Cool scouts, I thought, what do I care about them!
New life
In September the war ended for us. The battalion departed in a column to its permanent deployment point in Prokhladny. I was riding on the armor of the trailing infantry fighting vehicle, and all the way a broom tied to the armor was trailing behind us, never to return here. Sign!
Resigned to the reserve. I came to my parents in the Smolensk region. And there is darkness! A depressing impression from a dying village. Unemployment, alcoholism, drug addiction. The youth were engaged in stupid self-destruction.
The only right decision was to return to the army, seriously and for a long time. The commander of the 45th Special Operations Division, Colonel Viktor Kolygin, to whom I came for a relationship in 1996, told me: “We don’t take a contract from a civilian, sign up for the Tula division, and we’ll transfer you from there.”
In the 173rd separate reconnaissance company in Tula I heard something similar: “Let’s go to the regimental reconnaissance company first, and then we’ll see.” So, as a reconnaissance officer in the reconnaissance company of the 51st Parachute Regiment, I began my combat career in the Airborne Forces.
During my year of service, I managed to go on a three-month business trip to Abkhazia. For several years in Gudauta, paratroopers carried out a peacekeeping mission, and I made my small contribution to the restoration of peace on the southeastern coast of the Black Sea.
After Abkhazia, the assistant chief of intelligence of the division, Major Sergei Konchakovsky, paid close attention to me. He asked provocative questions, monitored my answers and actions. Soon Konchakovsky invited me to go to Sokolniki and talk with the commander of the special detachment of the 45th regiment, where I left, having secured the necessary recommendations.
Special Squad
Service in a new place captivated and absorbed me completely. I liked everything: the people, the equipment, the weapons, the technology, the approach to conducting training sessions.
When I arrived in Tula for the weekend with a whole backpack of special forces gadgets and in a fashionable padding polyester and told the officers about everything that I had seen and learned during my month of service in special intelligence intelligence, most of them were eager to transfer there. Which they soon did.
the appearance of my call sign - Leshy - is very funny. The commander of the reconnaissance group, Captain Stanislav Konoplyannikov, lined us up, young scouts, and ordered us to come up with call signs for ourselves. I came up with “Leshy”, but did not voice it, for fear of getting into an awkward situation, suspecting that the regiment already had such a call sign. And when the commander, walking around the formation and writing down the call signs he had come up with, stopped in front of me, I told him: “I didn’t come up with it, Comrade Captain.” To which he replied: “Well, then you’ll be Leshy!” Since then, since 1998, I have been Leshy.
In September 1999, we flew to Dagestan, into the heat of the flaring war. They carried out various tasks to reconnaissance the area, search and destroy militant bases. In October, working in the interests of the 61st separate Kirkenes Red Banner Brigade Marine Corps Northern Fleet, were the first to reach the Terek.
October 14, having completed the task of conducting optical reconnaissance settlement S., our group moved to the evacuation area. They walked with increased attention. It always seemed that something was wrong to the left of the course, as if someone was looking at us.
And here comes the armor! It became calmer. Suddenly the radio station comes to life. An order follows that radically changed our plans, and for many, the destinies. We had to inspect the forester's house, which was located nearby, but in the opposite direction.
Our two armored personnel carriers (group commander Pavel Klyuev was the eldest in the first, V. was in the second) went along the narrow road along the Terek. The river bank is low, the places are overgrown, wild, beautiful. To the right of the road there are four-meter reeds, to the left there is a turn and thick greenery on a one and a half meter artificial bank.
At the entrance to the right turn, in front of a huge puddle, the car slowed down, and something made me turn back. It seemed that with my peripheral vision I caught something similar to a “grenade launcher” target. Three seconds passed before I realized - it really was a grenade launcher! Bearded, camouflaged by branches, he prepared to shoot from his knees, and it seemed that he was aiming straight at my forehead from some fifteen meters! I didn’t want to allow this, so with a shout: “There he is...!”, I turned the SVD in his direction. My next cry: “Attention! Left,” drowned in the roar of a shot and an explosion that killed the armored personnel carrier. I don’t remember how we ended up behind the armor; apparently, persistent tactical training took its toll. Due to excess pressure in the engine compartment, the power hatches vomited and lifted. I think this saved the lives of many of our group, because at least a dozen militants were shooting at our lifeless car point-blank from a roadside embankment, while their grenade launcher was preparing for the second shot. Having dropped off the store, the machine gunners lay down to reload, and the grenade launcher again planted a “flea” in the rear of our vehicle. And again lead rain! And so three times in a row. And all three times the grenade launcher hammered into the stern.
Hiding under the nose of the “box” with a rifle that was useless at a distance of 10–15 meters, I had no idea what was happening to the group. Are the guys alive? Near Novosel. What about the rest? Abrek crawled up to us from the side of the road and gestured upward to the armor, and there was Klyuev. He lay slumped over the bleeding Igor Salnikov - Gosha. Believing that we would save him, Abrek and I carefully pulled them off the armor. Gosha's head was broken, but signs of life gave us hope. I tried to find signs of life in the group commander, but, alas. “How’s Pasha?” - Abrek asked, bandaging Gosha. “No more Pasha!” - I answered, dropping the useless bandage. Gosha died a few days later, already in the hospital. On the day when Pasha was buried.
The “spirits” themselves suggested how to deal with their attack, starting to throw grenades at us. Abrek stayed with Gosha and Pasha, and I returned to Novosel under the nose of the armored personnel carrier, when suddenly an F-1 flies out from behind the shaft and falls onto the road five to seven meters from us! These were endlessly long seconds, as if in slow motion. I shout: “New settler, grenade!” “What grenade?” - he rolls his eyes. “In my opinion, efka!” - and I fall between Pasha and Gosha, covering my head with my hands. I extend my tightly clenched legs towards the center of the explosion and wait - where will the fragment fly to me? Explosion. It's gone! And a confident run back to where the damn grenade had just exploded.
We fall, take all our grenades out of unloading and calmly, methodically, with the pins fired, confidently throw them to the other side of the shaft! How do you like this, fighters?
It helped! Novosel guessed to climb into the armored personnel carrier and, using a mechanical release, empty the PKT box. There was a turning point in the combat situation, the shooting died down for a while, the groans of the wounded and the cracking of branches began to be heard. Vetok! This means that the militants were preparing for evacuation. Then a second armored personnel carrier rolled up, for some reason it was lagging behind, and its appearance forced the militants to speed up their retreat, covering it with active fire. So dense that two of our machine gunners, who had climbed onto the rampart, had to leave their positions and crawl down to the road. Then again, as in slow motion of an action movie: on the shaft in full height V. rises, raises his AKMS with a drum for 75 rounds, branches mown down by enemy bullets fall nearby, and he, as if under a spell, shoots at the brilliant green until the drum jams. Bark and shreds of leaves fly into his face, but he shoots without bending down!
V. is a man of unparalleled courage, will and uncompromisingness. A real Russian officer. I am glad that his numerous exploits were noticed, and by Decree of the President of Russia he was awarded the title of Hero of Russia. After few years.
The battle died down. "Who?" - V. asked briefly. “Pasha, Gosha,” Novosel and I answered. They also brought Vitya Nikolsky, a bullet went right through his thigh. We approached the guys lying on the ground. I squeezed the group commander’s wrist in my hand in the hope of feeling a pulse, and suddenly: there is! I shout: “Comrade Major! There is a pulse." V. touched Pasha’s neck and silently shook his head. It turns out that out of excitement I squeezed my hand too hard and felt my pulse.
An infantry fighting vehicle with scouts from the Stavropol regiment flew up to the battlefield. Having dismounted, they took up defensive positions around us, moving their heads in disbelief in search of the enemy. We’re probably tired, we’ve been evacuated and evacuated all day, but nothing happens. Here our second armored personnel carrier turned around and began to back up in order to pick up a damaged fellow on a trailer and drag it to the regiment’s location. The wheel of an armored personnel carrier drove into a puddle on the side of the road. There's a mine there. Knock powerful explosion, and the multi-ton machine jumped up. Everyone was thrown to different directions by the blast wave!
A moment, silence, I was lying in the middle of the road, looking in surprise at the black rubber snow - this wheel of an armored personnel carrier, split into rubbish by a mine explosion, slowly and sadly waltzed like small black snowflakes to the ground, settling on the faces of living and dead scouts. Thank you, I think, brother, driver of the first reservation, you listened to our advice not to run into puddles. If we had run over this mine first, there would have been no one left alive.
As soon as my hearing returned, I heard a painful groan through the ringing in my ears. Stavropol resident Minenkov was lying on the rampart. His leg is torn off, but he is conscious and even tries to apply a tourniquet. "How is your leg?" - asks. “It’s okay, you’ll walk!” - I answer, and I quietly move the severed leg, which lies next to his head, down. The blood was stopped and the man was saved.
I will add that by decree of the acting President of Russia dated January 17, 2000, Mikhail Minenkov was awarded the title of Hero of Russia.
Having removed the machine guns from the broken armored personnel carriers and shot the on-board radio stations, we decided to blow up the vehicles. We didn’t have the opportunity to get them out that day, and we couldn’t leave them to the militants. I was preparing our car for detonation, and tears flowed from my eyes. From that moment my other one began, adulthood. Life in the Airborne Special Forces.
The group that inspected the combat area and evacuated the armor found several more mines and landmines installed on the road. Apparently, the militants were preparing a powerful ambush, and we were not their target at all. It is very likely that that battle prevented a major tragedy, since a column of one of the parachute regiments was expected to pass along this road.
Well, we, a handful of scouts who remained relatively unharmed, shell-shocked and tired, with stern, gloomy faces, appeared before the menacing eye of Major General Popov, who personally met him at the side of the helicopter that took us to the Central Bureau of Investigation. His welcoming speech shocked the guys: “So, soldiers, I, of course, understand everything, there is a war going on, but the dress code must be observed! Where are your caps, fellow scouts?
A few days later we gathered in our tent to remember our fallen friends. We were just informed that Gosha died in the hospital. When the third toast was raised in memory of the fallen brothers, the deputy commander of the 218th special forces battalion, Major Pyotr Yatsenko, picking up a guitar and putting a sheet of text in front of him, sang his new song about our group. While he sang, it seemed that we were reliving that short but brutal fight. Many furtively, turning away, wiped away a stingy male tear.
Pyotr Karlovich was sitting right opposite me, and when the song ended and everyone came to their senses, I asked him for a piece of paper with the lyrics to copy it into my notebook. I never had a chance to return Yatsenko’s sheet. On the next mission, which we went on in two groups, Pyotr Karlovich, commanding a special-purpose reconnaissance group, died a heroic death in battle with superior enemy forces. By decree of the President of Russia of March 24, 2000, Pyotr Yatsenko was awarded the title of Hero of Russia (posthumously).
The sheet with the song is now kept in the museum of military glory of the Special Forces of the 45th Special Forces of the Airborne Forces.
"Special forces sense"
There were a lot interesting tasks. In November we go out on an ambush. Two groups. Our guide. Two nights. We charged, checked the connection, and jumped. Command: “Head watch, forward!” Let's move. With the very first step, fear fades into the background, giving way to attention and caution, cold calculation and lightning-fast reaction. But fear does not disappear completely. Who said that a scout is not afraid of anything? Lies! How scary! But a real intelligence officer knows how to manage his fear, directing it in the right direction so that fear becomes caution. Let's go. As before, all five senses are clenched into a fist and working to the limit. But for some reason, it was precisely on this task that another, sixth sense was added to them - the so-called “special forces sense.” This is when you go out to a task and know in advance that something will happen, and sometimes you even understand at what exact moment. So it is this time.
Stumbling at every step, I walk and try to remain calm. Anyone who has walked through a mown corn field at night will understand what I mean. There are only six hundred meters to the edge of the forest covering the ridge through which we need to cross, but what meters were those?! We walked them for four hours! The feeling that someone was watching us did not leave me for a minute! And then I heard two impacts with a metal object on a gas pipe that ran parallel to our route to the left, below. “Stop! Attention!" I report the strikes to the commander. He didn't hear any knocking. "Forward!" No sooner had we started moving than again: “bamm-bamm”...
Hurry to the saving forest! Having disappeared into the greenery, we got in touch, took a breath, and again: “Head patrol - forward!” The commander stubbornly did not want to walk along the night road, preferring rough terrain, namely, dense thickets of thorny acacia, through which two reconnaissance groups with artillery gunners and radio operators assigned from the Marine Corps and dressed in shaggy “Leshy” suits made their way with a deafening crash! But time was running out, and I still managed to convince the commander to follow the road!
Quickly, without unnecessary noise or adventure, we reached the desired edge and dispersed to our respective areas to organize ambushes. The main object of our attention turned out to be a dirt road about forty meters from the edge. It was on it that Mole installed the MON-50 mine. But for some reason on this day the “spirits” categorically did not want to use the roads and tactically competently walked along the edge of the forest, almost stepping on the trunk of my VSS! Conversing enthusiastically, one pair of militants with machine guns at the ready passed over me, and at an interval of fifty meters, the second. I managed to notice in the bag of one of them something round, reminiscent of an anti-tank mine.
Where is the command to work on the enemy? When the “spirits” walked above me, I covered the radio station with my hand and felt that they were saying something into it, but what? Having given the bandits a couple more minutes of life, we let them through to an ambush by another group. Of course, after warning the brothers that guests were rushing to them.
What if this is just a gang headache? What to do? Reflections were interrupted by fierce shooting in the area of the second ambush! Let's get to work! To the left is the rumble of the engine! A handsome cherry-colored Grand Cherokee drove into the sector of our mine's destruction! Through the scope I clearly saw a healthy bearded guy. Clutching a machine gun in his hand, he looked forward with concentration. Explosion! The jeep was covered by a cloud of blowing up dust mixed with smoke, from which the car never left. The veil cleared, and my gaze fixed on the target. Well, I think you have arrived, Mr. Basayev, I shoot at the doors, I hear the sound of crumbling glass.
Looking to the right to see how our people were doing, I saw that the group had begun to retreat. How? For what? After all, in the car... One could only guess what and who could be found during the search of the jeep. But a departure is a departure. I give the command to the observers on the left and go to the extreme ones. The preliminary collection point is 200 meters to the rear. In front of me is Lekha the radio operator. Star is his call sign. Zvezda runs, adjusting his backpack with a radio station on one shoulder. Unexpectedly, well, very unexpectedly for us, RMB started working on the left side of the group! I prepared for battle, the Star to the right broke through the thorns and got stuck. The bush has already begun to crumble under a hail of bullets! Throw away that damn backpack, friend! Quit. Gone. God bless!
Somehow we gathered at the collection point. We count. All? There is only one missing - the Sentinel. We call the station - clicks in response. Clearly, it only works for reception, village food. Oriented. I was sent to meet him! I'm meeting you. I look - he’s running, but he’s not alone! Some villain with a machine gun has settled in behind him and is not far behind! Well, I think they decided to capture our Olezhka alive? We won't allow this! I take aim at the scoundrel, let him get closer, and set the speed to idle. Stop! Yes, this is ours, Ryazan! Eh, commander! Now everything is definitely assembled.
“Star, let’s get in touch!” - the commander growls. “What kind of a Star am I now, we don’t have a station anymore,” the radio operator answers dejectedly. Let us remember the radio operator of the Marine artillery gunner. Immediately before the task, I installed 300 grams of PVV-5 explosive with a ZTP-50 fuse on his Historian radio station and instructed: “In the event of a threat of the station falling into enemy hands, move the igniter pin to the firing position and pull out the ring, understand?” He understood, yeah! With the very first shot, the boy thought that all the Basmachi from the surrounding villages rushed to attack in order to take over his radio station, and he bravely blew it up as he retreated! Affairs!
Having reached the evacuation area, somehow the armor was called via radio stations designed for work within the group, and to increase the communication range the radio operator had to climb a tall tree! And laughter and sin. It was a beautiful evacuation. With dashes and inevitable smokes. And the commander of the second group, as it turned out, was a very lazy person! Or very smart. He did not go to the evacuation area on foot, but flew into it in a comfortable Mi-8 helicopter! It’s more convenient this way, he explained, supervising the unloading of trophies and their former owners from the ship. By the way, that round thing in the bag, reminiscent of an anti-tank mine, turned out to be quite tasty pita bread.
But the task did not end there. The group's intelligence chief, who arrived on a helicopter, ordered the group to fly out with him and show the jeep destroyed in the battle. Eat. Flying over the ambush site, we discover that there is no trace of the car! We clearly see the angle of attack of our mine, plowed by the explosion, and that’s it! It turns out that the “spirits” dragged the car into the forest and carefully disguised it with branches. But we found it! When inspecting the jeep, I worked together with Anatoly Lebed, a legendary scout, future Hero of Russia, who absurdly died in 2012 in an accident. The commanders were satisfied with the results of the inspection: documents, radios, weapons and equipment. Listening to the broadcast helped us uncover ninety-two correspondents working in our intelligence area, and the identity of the field commander killed in battle. The magazine “Brother” wrote about this ambush in 1999 in a short news article: “November. As a result of search and ambush operations, the 45th separate special forces regiment of the Airborne Forces killed Salman Raduev’s closest associate with the call sign...”
The joy of victory and the pain of defeat
I remember the death of the signalman of the detachment, senior warrant officer Alexei Ryabkov.
We went to work near Kharachoy, in the Vedeno district, in two groups. One was thrown on helicopters far into the mountains, the second on a BMD rolled towards the paratroopers who had completed their task, providing them with an exit from the area of operation.
Ryabkov was in the group on the armor. The serpentine road stretched along the mountain slopes. There were no more than five minutes left to reach the checkpoint when we came across a militant ambush. An explosion behind the lead vehicle of the column occurred suddenly, followed by automatic and machine gun fire. Alexey was hit in the neck by a bullet. He managed to empty the entire magazine from the machine gun before he fell, whispering that he was wounded.
The fight was short. The BMD guns turned towards the attackers fired a salvo. The soldiers' machine guns began to chatter. The “spirits” hastened to retreat.
In the Vedeno region, our special detachment gave good results in 2002 and 2005. We blew up several residential bases and destroyed militants of various hierarchies. Previous experience, knowledge of the geography of trails and the psychology of enemy behavior helped.
One day my non-standard appearance successfully used by security officers. I, shaved bald, but with a solid beard, looked like a Chechen, and the officers of group “A” of the TsSN FSB of Russia, having dressed me in civilian clothes appropriate for the place and hanging a pendant with the image of a mosque around my neck, released me into the street to conduct surveillance of the house in a private sector. The information provided by me was used by the security officers for their intended purpose - the leader of the local gangster underground was neutralized.
Creation
In 2005, immediately after returning from a business trip, I received injuries incompatible with service in special forces, and in 2007, having completed a course of treatment, I retired to the reserve. And now, without the opportunity to make parachute jumps or go on missions as part of a reconnaissance group, all I can do is write, sing, talk about special forces to the younger generation and collaborate with military-patriotic clubs.
He wrote his first poems in Chechnya back in 2004. Somehow, in the summer of 2005, my good friend, author-performer Vitaly Leonov, a fair wind brought us to Khatuni with a concert. The joy from the meeting knew no bounds! Of course, the tent of our reconnaissance group was chosen for his accommodation. Leafing through my notebook, Vitaly shared his thoughts that my poems could make good songs. In the area of the New Khatuni airport, Vitalya gave several concerts for fighters and even sang for reconnaissance groups leaving on the night of the mission. He had plenty of impressions from the trip, and soon after returning from the Caucasus, Vitaly came up with a wonderful song about reconnaissance with the same name. When I heard my poems that became a song, I thought: “Why not?” – and decided to try his hand at creativity himself.
I sincerely consider 10 years of service in the Airborne Special Forces to be the best years of my life. The video for the song about the 45th Special Forces Regiment of the Airborne Forces was shot by my friend Igor Chernyshev, a former intelligence officer of a special special forces detachment. Many years ago, when it was time for Igor to leave the service, it was from him that I adopted the good old Vintorez. Now Igor is not only a wonderful cameraman and director, but also a talented theater and film actor.
I am very glad that my songs instilled in the hearts of listeners a love for the army and a desire to serve the Fatherland in the special forces of the Airborne Forces and other units of the Armed Forces. Remember, friends, it is not you who are giving years of your life to the army! It is the army that gives you the years that make you real men!
July 25 - Education Day of the 45th separate regiment special forces of the Airborne Forces, now the 45th separate guards order of Kutuzov and Alexander Nevsky special forces brigade of the Airborne Forces.
The 45th Separate Guards Order of Kutuzov and Alexander Nevsky Special Purpose Regiment of the Airborne Troops (45th Guards Special Forces Special Forces Airborne Forces) was formed in February 1994 on the basis of the 218th Special Assault Regiment and the 901st Special Assault Regiment.
901st separate air assault battalion for special purposes.
The 901st ODSB was formed on the basis of an order from the Chief of the General Staff of the USSR Armed Forces on the territory of the Transcaucasian Military District by the end of the 70s.
Then this battalion was moved to Czechoslovakia, where it was included in the structure of the Central Military Command. On November 20, 1979, the Oremov Laz garrison in Slovenia became the new location of the 901st Separate Specialized Assault Brigade (some sources indicate the garrison in Rijeka as the location).
The battalion was equipped with approximately 30 BMD-1 airborne combat vehicles. In March 1989, the number of TsGV troops began to decline, and this process affected 901 ADSB. At the turn of March and April, the entire battalion was moved to Latvian Aluksne, where it was enrolled in the PribVO.
1979 - formed on the territory of the Transcaucasian Military District as the 901st separate airborne assault battalion
1979 - transferred to the Central Group of Forces in Czechoslovakia
1989 - transferred to the Baltic Military District (Aluksne)
May 1991 - transferred to the Transcaucasian Military District (Sukhumi)
August 1992 - transferred to the command of the Airborne Forces headquarters and renamed the 901st separate parachute battalion
1992 - transferred as a separate battalion to the 7th Guards Airborne Division
1993 - during the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict, he performed tasks for the protection and defense of military and government facilities on the territory of Abkhazia
October 1993 - transferred to the Moscow region
February 1994 - reorganized into the 901st separate special forces battalion
February 1994 - transferred to the newly formed 45th separate special forces regiment (Airborne)
218th separate air assault battalion for special purposes
In 1972, the 778th separate special-purpose radio company of 85 people was formed as part of the Airborne Forces. The main task of this unit was to drive the landing aircraft to the drop point, for which groups of this company had to land behind enemy lines ahead of time and deploy the drive equipment there. In 1975, the company was reorganized into the 778th OR REP, and in February 1980 - into the 899th separate special-purpose company with a strength of 117 people. In 1988, the 899th Special Forces Regiment was reorganized into the 899th Special Forces Company (with a staff of 105 people) as part of the 196th Airborne Forces. The company was later deployed to the 218th separate air assault battalion.
July 25, 1992 - formed in the Moscow Military District. The permanent deployment points were located in the Moscow region.
June-July 1992 - took part as a peacekeeping force in Transnistria
September-October 1992 - took part as a peacekeeping force in North Ossetia
December 1992 - took part as a peacekeeping force in Abkhazia
February 1994 - transferred to the newly formed 45th separate special-purpose airborne regiment
History of the 45th Guards. separate reconnaissance regiment of the Airborne Forces.
By July 1994, the regiment was fully formed and equipped. By order of the Commander of the Airborne Forces, in order of historical continuity, the day of formation of the 45th regiment is specified to be considered the day of formation of the 218th battalion - July 25, 1992.
On December 2, 1994, the regiment was transferred to Chechnya to participate in the liquidation of illegal armed groups. Units of the regiment took part in hostilities until February 12, 1995, when the regiment was transferred back to its permanent location in the Moscow region. From March 15 to June 13, 1995, a combined detachment of the regiment operated in Chechnya.
On July 30, 1995, an obelisk was unveiled on the territory of the regiment's deployment in Sokolniki in honor of the soldiers of the regiment who died during the fighting.
On May 9, 1995, for services to the Russian Federation, the regiment was awarded a diploma from the President of the Russian Federation, and servicemen of the regiment as part of the combined airborne battalion took part in the parade on Poklonnaya Hill dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Victory over Nazi Germany.
From February to May 1997, the combined detachment of the regiment was in Gudauta as part of a peacekeeping mission in the zone of separation of Georgian and Abkhaz troops. armed forces.
On July 26, 1997, the regiment was awarded the Battle Banner and Certificate of the 5th Guards Airborne Rifle Mukachevo Order of Kutuzov III Class Regiment, disbanded on June 27, 1945.
On May 1, 1998, the regiment was renamed the 45th separate reconnaissance regiment of the Airborne Forces. The 901st separate special forces battalion was disbanded in the spring of 1998; in 2001, a line battalion was created on its basis
special purpose as part of the regiment (called “901st” according to old habit).
From September 1999 to March 2006, the regiment's combined reconnaissance detachment took part in the counter-terrorist operation in the North Caucasus.
On February 2, 2001, the regiment was awarded the pennant of the Minister of Defense “for courage, military valor and high combat skills.”
On August 8, 2001, a new memorial Complex in memory of the soldiers of the regiment who died while performing combat missions. Every year, on January 8, the regiment celebrates the Day of Remembrance of Fallen Soldiers.
In April-July 2005, it was decided to transfer to the 45th Regiment the Battle Banner, the title “Guards” and the Order of Alexander Nevsky, which belonged to the 119th Guards Parachute Regiment, which was disbanded in the same year. The ceremony of transferring the honors took place on August 2, 2005.
In 2007, the 218th separate special forces battalion was reorganized into a linear battalion, losing its numbering and status as a separate military unit. Since that time, the regiment has consisted of two line battalions.
The name of the regiment was returned to the 45th separate special purpose regiment of the Airborne Forces.
In August 2008, units of the regiment took part in the operation to force Georgia to peace. Regimental officer, Hero of Russia Anatoly Lebed was awarded the Order of St. George, IV degree.
On July 25, 2009, on the day of the regimental holiday, a small consecration of the throne of the garrison church of the 45th separate guards regiment, consecrated in honor of the icon, took place in Kubinka Mother of God"Blessed Sky"
By Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 170 of February 9, 2011, the regiment was the first in modern history to be awarded the Order of Kutuzov.
The presentation of the award took place on April 4, 2011 at the regiment's headquarters in Kubinka. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev personally attached the badge and ribbon of the order to the regiment's St. George banner.
In May-June 2012, the regiment's reconnaissance platoon participated in joint exercises with the Green Berets at the American military base of the 10th Group special forces(eng. 10th Special Forces Group), located at Fort Carson.
In the spring of 2014, a separate reconnaissance detachment of the regiment took part in the operation to annex Crimea to the Russian Federation.
During general increase the strength of the Russian Airborne Forces at the end of 2014, the 45th separate regiment was deployed into a brigade.
Battle path
1994-1995 - First Chechen war
1997 - Georgian-Abkhaz conflict
1999—2006 — Second Chechen War
2008 — Georgian-Ossetian conflict
2010 — ensuring the safety of Russian citizens on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic
Commanders
Kolygin, Viktor Dmitrievich - 1994-2003
Kontsevoy, Anatoly Georgievich - 2003-2006
Shulishov, Alexander Anatolyevich - 2006-2012
Pankov, Vadim Ivanovich - 08.2012 - present.
Regimental awards
August 2, 2005 - The title “Guards” and the Order of Alexander Nevsky were transferred from the disbanded 119th Guards Parachute Regiment.
February 9, 2011 - Order of Kutuzov “For the successful completion of combat missions of the command and the courage and heroism shown by the regiment personnel.”
Heroes
218th separate battalion (before inclusion in the regiment)
For courage and heroism in carrying out peacekeeping missions in 1992, many servicemen of the battalion were awarded government awards.
901st separate battalion (before inclusion in the regiment)
Order "For Personal Courage" - 43 people
Medal "For Courage" - 21 people
Medal "For Military Merit" - 27 people
45th separate regiment
Heroes of the Russian Federation:
Hero of the Russian Federation Vadim Alekseevich Gridnev
Hero of the Russian Federation Ermakov Vitaly Yurievich (posthumously)
Hero of the Russian Federation Zhidkov Dmitry Vasilievich (posthumously)
Hero of the Russian Federation Lais Alexander Viktorovich (posthumously)
Hero of the Russian Federation Lebed Anatoly Vyacheslavovich
Hero of the Russian Federation Andrey Anatolyevich Nepryakhin
Hero of the Russian Federation Vadim Ivanovich Pankov
Hero of the Russian Federation Alexey Viktorovich Romanov
Hero of the Russian Federation Rumyantsev Alexey Viktorovich (posthumously)
Hero of the Russian Federation Pyotr Karlovich Yatsenko (posthumously)
Awarded for completing combat missions:
Order of St. George - 1 person
Order of Courage - more than 100 people
Order of Military Merit - more than 40 people
Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" - 3 people
St. George's Cross - about 40 people
Medal of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, II degree with swords - 60 people
Medal "For Courage" - 174 people
More than 180 people received the Suvorov Medal
More than 60 people received the Zhukov Medal
Regimental combat losses
During participation in hostilities, the regiment lost 43 people killed, more than 80 servicemen were wounded.
- 1. History
- 2 Awards
- 3 Eyewitness impressions
- 4 Instructions for mothers
- 4.1 Parcels and letters
- 4.2 Contacts
- 4.3 Your visit
- 5 Where to stay
Among the units of the Russian Airborne Special Forces, the 45th Separate Guards Order of Kutuzov Order of Alexander Nevsky Special Purpose Regiment, or military unit No. 28337, occupies a special place. Firstly, some of them belong to the elite special forces troops, which are almost completely transferred to a contract basis. Secondly, there is simply enormous competition among conscripts who want to join the ranks of military unit 28337. And thirdly, the 45th Special Forces Regiment is the youngest of the composition Russian Airborne Forces Federation.
Official sleeve badge shelf
Story
The military unit, formed on the basis of two separate battalions in February 1994, is currently stationed in the city of Kubinka, Moscow Region (formerly an academic campus). In 2007, the unit was reorganized into the linear 218th special forces battalion, but in 2008 the name of the 45th separate guards regiment was returned to it.
Despite the fact that military unit 28337 was formed 10 years ago, its soldiers and officers took part in the fighting in Chechnya and South Ossetia (August 2008).
Stand “Combat path of the 45th separate reconnaissance regiment of the Airborne Forces”
Youth competitions are regularly held at the base of the military unit. The special forces group, formed on the basis of the regiment, has also been participating in international competitions between special forces units since 1995. The military unit regularly conducts demonstrations in parachute jumping and hand-to-hand combat at events in Moscow and the region.
Memorial complex in memory of the regiment soldiers who died while performing combat missions
Awards
1996 – 3rd place in the overall competition of the Partnership for Peace program (Bulgaria);
1997 – champion of the “Partnership for Peace” program competition (Bulgaria);
2005 – Challenge Battle Banner, rank “Guards”, Order of Alexander Nevsky (from the disbanded 119th Guards Parachute Regiment);
February 2011 – Order of Kutuzov “For the successful completion of combat missions of the command and the courage and heroism shown by the regiment personnel.”
Presentation of the Order of Kutuzov to the 45th OGPSN
Eyewitness impressions
Currently, there are practically no soldiers on active duty in military unit 28337; it is being transferred to a contract basis. The contract is for a period of three years, the criteria for selecting fighters are moral, physical and psychological preparation, as well as the ability to react in a difficult environment and the desire to serve in special conditions.
Regiment soldiers training on an obstacle course
In order to conclude a contract for military service in the 45th Guards Regiment, the candidate is required to:
- Be between 18 and 40 years old and have Russian citizenship;
- Have a certificate of form A-1 for health reasons;
- Submit a report or statement of desire to serve in the Airborne Special Forces, indicating the unit;
- Arrive at the unit itself and undergo an interview with the regiment commander and the head of the personnel department;
- Pass physical fitness tests (pull-up, cross-country standards, etc.);
- Pass psychological tests for service compatibility in special airborne units.
Passing the obstacle course
Such demands do not stop almost anyone - military unit 28337, judging by reviews, even attracts girls. True, few people want to go to “hot spots” and pass physical training standards, but there are plenty of people who want to work in a first-aid post, as a psychologist or as a radio operator in the unit.
Those rare representatives of the fair sex who serve in the ranks of the 45th Separate Guards Regiment undergo the same training as men and live in similar conditions. However, many contract soldiers with families are provided with housing in the garrison.
Parachute jumping and helicopter landing simulators
The paratroopers do not have part of the barracks; its function is performed by the soldiers' dormitory. It consists of several blocks (two adjacent rooms, designed for 4-6 people in each). The soldiers' dormitory has showers, bathrooms, a gym, a recreation room and classrooms for military training.
Eyewitnesses say that military unit 28337 currently includes two battalions. One of them is engaged in providing support for the regiment, and the second is in training soldiers.
Those who served in the military unit also note that talking on the phone with relatives in the evening is allowed here.
Training room in part
During the training period, mobile phones are kept by the company commander.
Shoes are issued along with the uniform, but you can purchase them yourself. Jumping boots made by foreign armies are permitted.
As for classes, special forces paratroopers of military unit 28337 master not only practical skills, but also a theoretical course in military affairs. However, more attention is paid to the physical training of soldiers, for example, forced marches over long distances, when soldiers carry equipment and equipment on themselves.
The specific operating conditions of the unit require knowledge of certain military equipment and weapons. Therefore, both domestic models of machine guns and the collection of captured weapons from the Armored Museum in Kubinka are carefully studied by soldiers. The military unit also trains intelligence officers, so field exercises are regularly held.