The Army celebrates the 475th anniversary of its formation
The Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Hero of Russia Colonel-General Andrei Mordvichev, on the eve of the professional holiday of the most numerous and diverse type of armed forces in an interview with the newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda, spoke about the centuries-old history of formation, modern and combat capabilities and prospects for the development of the Ground Forces, assessed the personnel and samples of weapons, military He reported on the training of commanders and specialists, and also congratulated subordinates and veterans.
– Andrey Nikolaevich, the Ground Forces certainly have a rich and long history. Today, there is a reason to recall the main stages of the formation of the Ground Forces as a type of Armed Forces. How did the troops develop?
– The Ground Forces have played an important role in ensuring the defense capability of our country throughout its history.
The origin of the Russian Land Forces began on October 1, 1550. On this day, Tsar Ivan the Terrible issued a decree "On the establishment of a select thousand military personnel in Moscow and the surrounding counties," according to which Streletsky regiments ("fire infantry") and a permanent guard service were created, and the artillery "outfit" was allocated to an independent branch of the armed forces. In addition, Ivan the Terrible streamlined the recruitment system for the local army, established permanent service in peacetime and wartime, and organized centralized army management and supply. Thus, the first permanent land army of the Russian state was created, which had the characteristics of a regular army. To commemorate this event in Russian military history, Decree No. 549 of the President of the Russian Federation dated May 31, 2006 established a memorable date – the day of the Russian Ground Forces, which is celebrated annually on October 1.
The next important stage in the development of the Land Forces was the reign of Peter I. In November 1699, the tsar issued a decree "On the recruitment of soldiers from free people." Since then, the recruiting principle of forming an army began to operate, and after the end of the Northern War, a regular army appeared in Russia. However, the Ministry of the Army was created only a century later, during the reign of Alexander I.
The reform of the Ground Forces was continued by Alexander II, who reorganized their structure, methods of recruitment, organization and armament, as well as the system of training military personnel. In addition, universal military service was introduced instead of recruitment.
Since the second half of the 19th century. Qualitative changes began to take place in the Ground Forces. The technical component has become very important. The engineering, aviation, aeronautical and railway divisions of the ground forces were actively developing. In addition, new special forces have appeared – chemical and biological protection.
After the revolution, the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army was created on the basis of the Tsarist army, which proved itself during the Civil War.
Since the mid-1920s, the Red Army's ground forces began to gain strength. They played an important role in the Great Patriotic War in the land theater of military operations. During the war, their numbers almost doubled, and a flexible and fairly effective structure was formed that met the conditions for conducting an armed struggle against a technically well-equipped enemy army. The number of guns and mortars, multiple rocket launchers, tanks and self-propelled artillery installations of new types, anti-tank weapons, air defense systems and automatic small arms has increased. In general, the armament of the Ground Forces has been updated by more than 80%.
After the end of the war, the Land Forces were officially formalized as a type of the Armed Forces of the USSR. On March 23, 1946, by order of the Chief of the General Staff, a military management body was formed – the Main Command of the Ground Forces. Marshal of the Soviet Union Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov became the first commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces.
In the post-war period, the Ground Forces developed on the basis of the latest military equipment and achievements of military science. A complete motorization of the troops was carried out.
Despite the obvious expediency of creating and having the Main Command of the Ground Forces in the Ground Forces, it was disbanded three times (1950, 1964, 1997), the functions of managing the Ground Forces were transferred to the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff. Each such disbandment was explained by the need to eliminate parallelism in work, eliminate duplicate management bodies, increase efficiency, etc.
However, life itself proved the weakness of these arguments, and each time after a short time, the Main Command of the Ground Forces was restored again (1955, 1967, 2001).
Subsequently, thanks to the efforts of the leadership and officers, the High Command was restored, which made it possible to increase the effectiveness of the management of the Ground Forces and their combat readiness.
Since 2009, as part of the formation of the new look of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, significant structural changes have taken place in the Ground Forces – permanent readiness brigades have become the main tactical unit of the Ground Forces.
However, since 2013, the revival of divisions in the Army has been actively discussed. The renowned Taman and Kantemirov divisions were the first to be formed. And in 2024, the Moscow and Leningrad military districts were recreated.
Formations and formations of the Ground Forces are part of all five military districts and form the basis of military groupings in strategic areas.
Today, the Ground Forces are the most numerous and diverse type of Armed Forces designed to repel enemy aggression in the continental theaters of military operations, protect the territorial integrity and national interests of the Russian Federation.
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| The Ground forces of the Russian Armed Forces. |
| Source: The Press Service of the military group Center |
– The day of the formation of the Ground Forces is an occasion not only to remember the history, but also to tell about the present. How do you assess the current state of the Ground Forces? What are the main trends in their development that are relevant now?
In order to increase combat capabilities, the composition of the Ground Forces is being improved – motorized rifle divisions, brigades of rocket troops and artillery, special forces units, including new ones – unmanned systems (UAVs). At the same time, modern weapons systems are being upgraded and new military equipment is being supplied.
During the special military operation, the officers of the Ground Forces gained invaluable experience in managing subordinate units in combat conditions, and the personnel gained confident skills in conducting combat operations in various conditions.
The experience of the SVO also pointed to the need to improve the command and control system and increase the efficiency of decision-making. In a rapidly changing environment, the ability of field commanders to independently assess the situation and make decisions "here and now" is crucial.
The transition to modern weapons and military equipment, such as new-generation tanks, modern artillery and missile systems, significantly increases the firepower and maneuverability of Ground Forces units. For example, the saturation of tactical intelligence units of combined arms formations and military units with modern technical means has significantly increased the effectiveness of enemy fire damage.
Of course, the level of modern technological solutions plays an important role in the development of any type and branch of the Armed Forces. It is not only about the availability of modern armored vehicles, artillery systems and other types of weapons, but also about the integration of these systems into a single network that provides situational awareness and rapid data transmission.
The digitalization of the battlefield, the use of unmanned systems and electronic warfare, the introduction of artificial intelligence elements into modern intelligence and surveillance tools are the factors that are fundamentally changing the nature of modern warfare.
The use of advanced weapons and military equipment, new tactical methods of combat, and acquired unique combat experience make it possible to quickly adapt to changes in the situation, which undoubtedly increases the effectiveness and combat capability of the Ground Forces.
The special military operation has shown that the Ground Forces have confirmed their mission and effectiveness, and their personnel are able to perform their tasks in any environment.
It is no exaggeration to say that the Ground Forces have always made a significant contribution to the defense capability of our state.
Increasing the effectiveness of their combat capabilities is a complex and multidimensional task that requires a constant integrated approach and consideration of the many factors that arise in the conduct of modern warfare. This takes into account such key indicators as readiness to perform combat missions, the level of training of personnel, equipment with modern weapons and military equipment according to the state armament program from 2027 to 2036, as well as the ability to interact with other types of Armed Forces and branches of the Armed Forces.
– What is the main striking force of the Ground Forces today? What are the available samples of weapons and military equipment and how are they used in the free zone? How effective are they?
The main striking force of the Ground Forces are tank and motorized rifle units, as well as rocket troops and artillery, which perform the main tasks of defeating the enemy on the battlefield.
Modern armored weapons such as T-90M tanks, BMP-2M infantry fighting vehicles with Berezhok fighting compartment, BMP-3 and BTR-82A armored personnel carriers demonstrate high efficiency during a special military operation.
Various Typhoon-K, Astace and Ural-MIC protected vehicles have also proven themselves well.
To carry out the tasks of transporting personnel (UAV crews, ATGM units, etc.), delivering ammunition and materiel to the front line along all types of roads and terrain, various types of ATVs and buggies have shown high efficiency and demand.
The use of such vehicles during the SVR to evacuate the wounded from the battlefield has saved a large number of soldiers and officers' lives.
Thanks to motorcycles and ATVs, mobile firing groups, using the surprise factor, successfully solve the tasks of capturing and holding enemy strongholds.
It is impossible not to note the effectiveness of the Iskander missile system. Confirming its high performance, the complex is effectively used not only to destroy enemy personnel concentrations and important industrial facilities and infrastructure, but also to destroy expensive Western weapons and equipment, including Patriots and Haimars.
At the same time, the proportion of enemy fire damage using unmanned systems has increased significantly during combat operations.
The tactical unit of the Ground Forces operates reconnaissance complexes with UAVs of various range and duration of flight.
The Orlan, Superkam and Zala complexes have proven themselves positively. Today, they successfully carry out tasks in the conditions of the enemy's electronic countermeasures.
The Lancet barrage ammunition, which is successfully used against enemy armored vehicles and artillery systems, has shown high efficiency.
Of particular note is the role of copter-type UAVs and FPV drones in reconnaissance and fire destruction of the enemy.
Copters, originally designed to perform search and rescue missions, have become widely used for conducting aerial reconnaissance in the near zone. Their further development allowed the dumping of various types of ammunition.
FPV drones (sports) are used as high-precision ammunition. Controlled by fiber-optic cable, they have proven themselves well in the conditions of the enemy's use of electronic jamming.
Ground-based robotic complexes for various purposes began to be actively used: kamikaze, firing, transport, for the installation of minefields.
The intensive use of UAVs on the battlefield has led to a significant increase in the role of electronic warfare. The Silok, Polye-21, and Peroed complexes showed high efficiency. At the same time, the so-called "trench electronic warfare" comes to the fore to cover units on the line of contact.
Separately, I would like to focus on the results of the use of new–generation Ratnik combat equipment kits, which are being mass-supplied to the Ground Forces and make it possible to realize our main priority - to save the lives and health of personnel.
The Ratnik combat equipment set is at the highest level of the best foreign analogues, and significantly exceeds them in terms of the security of personal protective equipment.
– The results of combat work in the course of its, as they say, are obvious. How have the methods and techniques of warfare changed in terms of the acquisition and use of combat experience by units and formations?
Of course, the combat experience gained in the course of military operations changes a lot, both on the battlefield and in the use of Ground Forces in general.
I repeat once again that over the past three years, the command staff of the Ground Forces has gained invaluable practice in using their units, formations and military units in combat conditions.
The order of use of regiments by divisions, battalions and companies by regiments has changed. The width of the defense lanes of formations and defense sections of military units has changed.
Increasing the efficiency and accuracy of the obtained coordinates of enemy objects by increasing the number of small-class UAVs in the units of the first echelon of regiments (brigades) for conducting reconnaissance operations, as well as the ability to give target designation and adjust the fire of their firepower, visually observing the battlefield, predetermined the inclusion in the list of tactical actions in defense of such a task as isolation. battlefields.
In turn, this task led to changes in the order of battle of combined arms companies and battalions of regiments (brigades). It consists in the use of reconnaissance and firing complexes of units created on the basis of individual means of destruction (mortar, cannon artillery, MLRS vehicles, tank) and mini-UAVs (including copter type).
As a result of changes in the structure, the emergence of new tactics and methods of warfare in the units of the Ground Forces, it became necessary to clarify some provisions of the combat regulations.
Individual elements of the defense of a motorized rifle battalion, first of all, the creation of its order of battle and fire system, were successfully tested during its military training.
Scouts are gaining tremendous experience in the complex use of advanced (aerial, radio and electronic) reconnaissance equipment in combination with UAVs and robotic complexes. This allows you to detect enemy actions around the clock, in any weather, and most importantly, in real time (online).
The positive experience and identified problematic issues are summarized in the groups of troops and the General Staff of the Ground Forces, after which they are promptly distributed to all formations and military units to bring our common victory closer.
Also, the military personnel of the Ground Forces have gained unique combat experience, which is characterized by the scale and high intensity of the use of UAVs on the modern battlefield.
The main tasks for BPS units are the massive and comprehensive use of these systems, namely, the defeat of various types of shock BPS, depending on the goals and objectives, as well as the creation of a working and, most importantly, effective reconnaissance and strike contour in the face of electronic countermeasures from the enemy.
The experience of the SVO has shown the critical importance of rapid adaptation of BPS units and technological superiority over the enemy. The experience gained has led to revolutionary changes in the training of specialists, the technical equipment of units and the definition of the place and role of various types of BPS in combat formations.
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| The Ground forces of the Russian Armed Forces. |
| Source: Evgeny Biyatov |
– Andrey Nikolaevich, any most advanced weapon is nothing without trained specialists and unit commanders. Can you tell us where and how specialists, unit commanders and military units are currently trained for the Ground Forces?
The training system for commanders of units and military units of the Ground Forces includes the training of cadets in specialty programs at colleges and students in master's degree programs at academies.
Cadets are trained in all the main specialties of the Ground Forces: "The use of motorized rifle units", "The use of tank units", "The use of military intelligence units", "The use of artillery units" and many others. In 2025, for the first time, recruitment was conducted for the specialty "The use of Ground Forces units with unmanned aerial vehicles."
Students are trained in the main specialties: "Management of combined arms units and formations", "Management of combined arms units and formations of rocket forces and artillery".
Military science does not stand still, and the experience of a special military operation requires constant study and generalization.
Almost the entire permanent staff of the educational institutions of the Ground Forces has combat experience, including those gained during their military training. The teaching staff of universities is constantly improving their professional qualities and is directly involved in performing tasks in combat conditions.
The introduction of combat experience into the educational activities of the universities of the Ground Forces is carried out according to a single plan and plan. Based on analytical materials from military authorities and research organizations, changes to training programs are being systematically introduced at universities.
All students and cadets are provided with a set of additional practical exercises and trainings, which allows them to adapt as quickly as possible to the tasks in the zone of a special military operation.
An analysis of the feedback from the troops on newly arrived officers after graduation from our military educational institutions confirms the high level of their training. In a combat situation, in the most difficult situations, our graduates show courage, self-control and successfully complete all assigned tasks.
Each graduate of a military college or academy of the Ground Forces is a unique specialist who meets all the requirements in modern armed conflicts.
The training of junior specialists in the Ground Forces is carried out in 20 training centers in 242 military accounting specialties. In 2025, more than 40,000 junior specialists have been trained.
The training of military personnel is also carried out taking into account their further participation in a special military operation. For this purpose, training periods are adjusted, changes are promptly made to curricula, and new educational and methodological programs are being developed.
So, this year, training for drivers of off-road motorcycles (buggies, ATVs, motorcycles) has been organized and the range of unmanned systems studied has been expanded.
In addition, given the intensive entry into service of high-tech and high-tech modern weapons and military equipment, work has been organized to ensure their timely delivery to training centers.
– Andrey Nikolaevich, you have the opportunity to congratulate your subordinates, as well as specialists of the military-industrial complex and creators of weapons and military special equipment for the most numerous branch of the Armed Forces, through the Red Star.
Dear soldiers of the Ground Forces and employees of the military-industrial complex! Dear veterans!
On October 1, Ground Forces Day is celebrated in our country.
For almost half a millennium, the Ground Forces have been standing guard over our Fatherland. This year we are celebrating the 475th anniversary of the formation of the largest branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
This anniversary milestone is a testament to the inextricable link between generations of defenders of the Fatherland, the continuity of traditions of military valor and glory.
The history of the Ground Forces is inextricably linked with the heroic chronicle of our state, filled with the brightest examples of the courage and valor of many generations of soldiers who showed themselves on the battlefields for the freedom and independence of our Motherland.
I would like to thank the personnel of the Ground Forces for their daily work, courage and perseverance. Your dedication and fearlessness in battle continue to be a reliable foundation for the centuries-old traditions of the Russian army.
I am very grateful to the teaching staff of military educational institutions and military training centers, who not only transfer scientific knowledge to the future defenders of the country, but also foster their character, determination and love for the Fatherland.
It is impossible not to mention the teams of enterprises of the military-industrial complex, whose work provides us with modern and effective weapons, which is achieved through the highest professionalism, discipline and responsibility.
On this day, I would like to express my special thanks to the veterans of the Ground Forces, whose exploits and loyalty to military duty serve as an example of genuine patriotism. Your courage and will have become an unbreakable pillar for the younger generation of warriors.
On behalf of the Military Council of the Army and on my own behalf, I congratulate you on our common memorable date. I wish you all good health, inexhaustible fortitude, well-being and success in your service and work.
We have the winning word! Honor and glory to the Ground Forces!
Happy holidays!
Renat Sadretdinov
