In Russia, every year on August 1, the Day of the Rear of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is celebrated — one of the oldest services, which is an integral part of the defense of the state. How the holiday appeared and who is congratulated on this date — in the material of Izvestia.
The Day of the rear of the Armed Forces of Russia – 2023: when the holiday was established
As you know, there is no army without the rear. But often the work of the "rear guards" remains in the shadows, although they risk no less than those who are on the battlefield. The holiday is designed to celebrate the importance of this profession. It was officially established by a decree of the President of Russia in 2006.
The date was not chosen by chance. It was on this day in 1941 that an order was signed on the organization of the Main Directorate of the Rear of the Red Army. And the then popular phrase "There is no victory without the rear" became the motto of the rear troops for many years.
Congratulating the "rear guards" on the holiday a year ago, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu noted that the service made a significant contribution to achieving victories of the Russian army on the fronts and to strengthening the country's defense in peacetime.
The Day of the rear of the Armed Forces of Russia – 2023: what is the responsibility of the "rear"
Every day the army needs to be fed, clothed, shod, provided with communications, fuel and lubricants, as well as take care of the reliable storage of ammunition and equipment. The rear workers are responsible for all this. Through their efforts, the maintenance of aviation and Navy bases is carried out, including the supply of hot and cold water, heat and electricity.
The work of the "rear guards", in particular, in the zone of a special military operation (SVO), was previously shown by the correspondent of Izvestia, Alexander Morozov. He said that in total, the activities of the Russian troops are supported by more than 20 diverse units. Among them, for example, is a unique bath and laundry train from the Central Military District group of troops. Here the fighters can steam in the sauna, get a haircut, repair things and equipment, as well as eat hot food.
The train can take more than a thousand military personnel per day, and its power plant is capable of providing energy to a small settlement. For the first time such trains appeared during the Russian-Japanese war at the beginning of the last century.
Mobile camps are also organized for military personnel, where they can quickly refuel and repair military equipment, including in the field. The bakery is no less important. In one day, he can bake more than 10 tons of bread.
The transportation of fighters and equipment, the restoration of transport communications, for example roads and bridges necessary for the transfer of troops, are also included in the responsibilities of the "rear".
The day of the rear of the Armed Forces of Russia -2023: the history of the service
Today, the rear of the Russian Armed Forces is a huge organization capable of performing many different tasks. The history of its existence has more than 300 years.
February 18, 1700 is considered to be the starting point. Then Emperor Peter I signed a decree on the creation of a Provision Order — the first independent supply body in charge of the supply of bread, cereals and grain for the army.
In subsequent years, the system was improved taking into account military experience. Thus, a system of inventory separation and a unified quartermaster service were created, which is responsible for supplying troops with food, fodder, clothing, as well as household services for personnel.
In the First World War, front-line and army supply bases were formed. At the same time, front-line distribution stations were operating, which provided reception of railway transport from the rear of the country.
The complex process of logistical support of the army was completed during the Second World War by bringing all supply, medical and transport structures under one head. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the base for the formation of the rear of the Russian Armed Forces was previously the existing bodies and infrastructure elements.
The Day of the rear of the Armed Forces of Russia – 2023: modernity
In 2010, the structures of the rear of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation were reorganized into a new structure — the Logistics system of the Armed Forces of Russia. It combines two previously independent types of support — technical and logistical — that existed in the structure of the rear of the Russian army.
The sphere of activity of the MTO services of the Armed Forces also includes maintaining the serviceable condition of barracks and structures located on the territory of military camps, including cleaning and providing utilities.
The overall management of the system is entrusted to the central bodies of military administration.
Earlier, Izvestia wrote how Russia celebrates the Day of the Naval Doctor, which also falls at the end of summer.