TSAMTO, September 12. On September 11, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation celebrated a professional holiday – the Day of the Tankman, which is one of the most significant dates in the Ground Forces.
According to the Department of Information and Mass Communications of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, this year, traditionally on the second Sunday of September, the professional holiday "Tanker's Day" was celebrated for the 76th time.
This holiday was established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated July 1, 1946 to commemorate the great merits of armored and mechanized troops in defeating the Nazi invaders during the Great Patriotic War, as well as the merits of tank builders in equipping the Armed Forces of the country with armored vehicles. The history of tank troops dates back to the twenties of the last century, when, by order of the Main Armored Directorate of the Red Army, the first domestic tank was created at the Sormovsky Plant and on August 31, 1920, the first domestic tank was put into sea trials. And since 1927, serial production of armored vehicles has been established.
In the Ground Forces, tank formations, as before, remain their most important component. Currently, tank units and formations of the Russian Armed Forces are armed with T-72, T-80, T-90 tanks and their upgraded models.
Every year the program of combat training of tank units becomes more intense and more complex. An important indicator of the professionalism of Russian tankmen was their victory at the tenth Tank Biathlon competition within the framework of the "Army International Games-2022". They demonstrated their best qualities: speed, cohesion, perseverance in striving to achieve high results. The elements of the competition made it possible to increase the level of field training, instill in tank commanders solid professional knowledge and skills, develop their commanding qualities, crew management skills.
The main forge for the training of our tankmen is the Kazan Higher Tank Command School. More than 25 thousand officers came out of the walls of the school, 74 people received the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, four became Heroes of Socialist Labor, two became full cavaliers of the Order of Glory. Another 25 graduates were awarded the title of Hero of Russia, including the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Army General Valery Gerasimov and the commander of the Central Military District, Colonel-General Alexander Lapin. During the special operation in Ukraine, 10 graduates of the school were awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation. Over 250 officers who graduated from the college became marshals and generals.
Despite the development of military tactics and strategy, the emergence of new forms and methods of warfare, tank formations are still called upon to perform an important role on the battlefield, and nothing can replace them.
Solemn events dedicated to the Day of the Tankman were held in all tank formations and military units.
The Russian Defense Minister congratulated servicemen, veterans and defense industry workers on the Day of the tanker
As the congratulation says, "the long history of armored troops is a chronicle of courage, devotion to military duty and the Motherland. Tank soldiers have always been distinguished by high skill, dedication and mutual assistance.
Today, taking part in a special military operation in the territories of Ukraine, the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic, the personnel of the troops act clearly and competently, constantly proving their readiness and ability to solve the most complex and responsible tasks.
The achievements of design teams and industrial workers who create modern weapons and military equipment and make a significant contribution to strengthening Russia's defense capability deserve high praise."
