Russian Ground Forces: News #2

Heavy Metal Meets the Rails: Russian Armored Trains Begin Exercises in Volgograd



On Monday, the Russian army kicked off military exercises in the Volgograd region, using its 'Baikal' and 'Amur' armored trains for the first time in nearly fifteen years.

Speaking to the Russian media last week, a source from the headquarters of the Southern Military District explained that the trains and the troops onboard would be practicing logistical support, their tasks including the defense of bridges and sections of rail against enemy reconnaissance and sabotage groups, as well as the restoration of damaged infrastructure and sections of track.

The source noted that Russia presently has two armored trains, one based in Nevinnomyssk, Stavropol Krai, and the other in Volgograd, formerly Stalingrad, the famous site of one of the Second World War's deadliest battles. In wartime, Russian army doctrine calls for the trains to be used to defend important railroad assets.

Each train is equipped with two ZU-23-2 23 mm anti-aircraft twin-barreled autocannon, and carries a standard-armed rifle platoon equipped with machine guns and grenade launchers. Other equipment can be added as necessary.

The 'Baikal' and 'Amur' are not to be confused with the Barguzin nuke train, a rail-based strategic missile complex meant to transport and launch strategic nuclear weapons. Those secretive trains, equipped with six RS-24 Yars ICBMs apiece, are under development, and expected to enter into service sometime in the next few years.

The Baikal and Amur are from a different school of military thought. The armored trains were used in the conflicts in Chechnya, where four such trains were operated as troop trains, simultaneously providing cover for sappers engaged in track demining operations, and to protect important infrastructure.


Diagram of the Baikal and Amur armored trains: The Baikal (top) features 1) cover platform 2) anti-aircraft gun 3) locomotive 4) kitchen and dining car 5) sleeper car 6) radio station 7) headquarters jammer; the Amur (bottom) features 1) freight car 2) anti-aircraft gun 3) locomotive 4) kitchen and dining car 5) sleeper car 6) sleeper car 7) radio station jammer 9) headquarters 10) freight car 11) freight car, 12) crane 13) cover platform

Armored trains have a long and proud history in Russia, and have been used since the days of the First World War and the Russian Civil War, as well as the Second World War, when they essentially served as mobile fortresses.

Commenting on the roles this unusual and seldom spoken-of piece of military equipment can be assigned to in modern warfare, PolitRussia contributor Boris Stepnov emphasized that it's necessary to understand, first and foremost, that "no one is going to send an armored train up against modern tanks; their role is that of mobile fire support, logistics, sapper work, etc."

"In this kind of work, armored trains are highly functional, especially when it comes to low intensity conflicts, i.e. counter-terrorism operations…The presence of terrorists in an area makes it impossible to ensure the security of the rail transport network through its entire length; therefore, a mobile fortification equipped with heavy weapons solves this task very well."

Stepnov recalled that in circumstances where areas may be controlled by terrorists or other militants, armored trains are an excellent alternative to aircraft and road transport for moving of resources and personnel. "The mass use of air transport quickly becomes very expensive, and is vulnerable to ground fire from areas controlled by the enemy; using civil transport and passenger aviation is too risky. At the same time, road transport, even when accompanied by armor, means the use of ordinary Kamaz and Ural trucks, which are not armored," making them vulnerable even to small arms fire, "while roads can be blocked by rubble and other obstructions."

In this sense, the journalist suggested, "rail transport, when accompanied by protection in the form of armored trains, allows for regular and effective patrolling of areas which, unlike roads, remain a restricted zone even in peacetime." After all, "not just anyone can use the rail system…Putting armor on the train, meanwhile, is much easier to do than in the case of road transport, while its great weight capacity allows it to carry significant armament."

According to publically available information, the Russian armored trains are equipped to withstand everything from small arms fire to artillery fire using 30mm shells. Their basic weapons include automatic grenade launchers and heavy machine guns, but if necessary, they can also be equipped with installations including modular multiple launch rocket systems.

Stepnov recalled that the question of the train's armament was decided in a simple but effective way a long time ago; "the center of the train can be fitted with a tank resting on a platform; the tank is capable of fire from all angles from its main gun." Naturally, "apart from the tank, the platform can be equipped with any armored vehicle, equipped with a wide range of weapons, which can be changed out depending on the objectives in the given situation."

"Moreover, the modern armored train has a car equipped with electronic warfare equipment," allowing it to jam enemy radar and communications. Finally, in high risk situations, "it's also logical to assume helicopter support, which will greatly enhance the group's combat capabilities."

All in all, while armored trains may have seen their first use nearly 150 years ago, the Russian military command apparently believes that they are far from having outlived their usefulness, especially when fitted with modern equipment.

Russian Armed Forces to receive new pistol in 2017

http://tass.ru/en/defense/894590

When i searched though, I found out the sr-1 was already around since the mid 90s.

Nice vid from the last Kavkaz-2016 military trainings

The Russian military is testing a new armored recovery vehicle based on the successful Kurganets-25, a tracked 25-ton modular platform for infantry fighting vehicles, Russian newspaper Izvestiya reported.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/military/20160905/1044981634/russia-army-tests-new-arv.html

By the 2019 Russian army will be supplied with 42 brand new MSTA-S Self Propelled Howitzers. Russian army will get newest version 2S19M2.

https://defence.ru/obichnie-vooruzheniia/uralvagonzavod-postavit-voennim-42-novie-samokhodki-msta-s/

Interfax Military News - 15:49 Uralvagonzavod to supply 1,500 units of equipment to military this year



but man would I love to see that list! Must be lots of rebuilds and servicing.

Day of the Tankers;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cYKLRZ9n2Y&feature=youtu.be

The Hunters at Rest

T-72B3 fires

Military town/base U/C for 10th guards tank division, Boguchar/Voronezh oblast

On October 1 - the Day of the Land Forces



Commander Land Forces
04-30-09-16 Colonel-General Oleg Saluki:

"Continues to systematically complete retooling of the Land Forces with modern weapons in the framework of the State Arms Program, taking into account the decision of the Supreme Commander of the increase the share of modern samples of up to 70 percent by 2020, the end of the year."

- Oleg Leonidovich, how do you assess the actions of the military, team managers during unannounced inspections this year and the strategic command-staff exercises "Caucasus-2016"?
- In the course of unannounced inspections of ground forces carried out a variety of tasks, we regrouped over long distances and operate in unknown sites.
Evaluating the results of unannounced inspections, we can say with confidence that the level of training of the personnel of the Land Forces of the compounds provides a solution to all the tasks assigned to them.
The main event of combat training and the main test for the formations and units of the Land Forces was SKSHU "Caucasus-2016", which showed an increased level of coherence of military control bodies, the combat training of personnel, it is ready to act in any situation.
To maintain territorial defense during SKSHU "Caucasus-2016" territorial units of troops were formed. Some of them were first staffed by reservists. After the combat coordination with the staff they have weapons of military transport aircraft were moved from Siberia and the Arctic to the Crimea to carry out combat training tasks for the protection and defense of military sites and the destruction of illegal armed groups and sabotage and reconnaissance groups "enemy." The objectives have been met in full.

The climax of combat training missile and artillery was a demonstration of their capabilities and professional training of SKSHU during the "Caucasus-2016", which in practice was implemented creating reconnaissance and strike and reconnaissance firing circuits for the application of the missile and fire strikes. These actions are evaluated as "excellent". Particularly distinguished connections of missile troops and artillery of the Southern Military District.
In the course of the SKSHU "Caucasus-2016" commanders of air defense forces showed themselves professionally competent officers. The high level of training of personnel they head formations, units and subdivisions allowed to successfully complete the tasks, including at the stage of practical firings. For example, at the Kapustin Yar was established The target environment, the characteristics and the number of targets comparable with massive air strikes of the air enemy.
In general, the staff of formations, units and units of the Ground Forces in the course of inspections carried out and exercises, including SKSHU "Caucasus-2016" showed solid skills and strong skills in a combat operation in the designated for him the technique.
- I was there recently priorities combat training of combined arms, tank, anti-aircraft missile, artillery and other combat units and units of the Land Forces? What now - taking into account the current level of development of means of armed struggle leading armies of the world - must first be trained ground forces?
- The main tasks of combat training - is to increase or maintain the field training of the personnel of the formations, units and departments at the level necessary to perform the tasks as intended, the implementation of measures to maintain combat ready standard weapons, military and special equipment, and the development of new samples received. This is the key priorities of combat training.
I note that in 2017 a phased plan to shakeup connections in the Army. The main content of the winter training period will shakeup mouth, which will end company tactical exercises. In the summer period of training will be held teamwork training battalions and divisions, which are scheduled for completion battalion tactical and special tactical exercises.
The climax will be the training brigade and regimental tactical exercises, and the result - SKSHU "West-2017". Of course, continue to popularize international competitions, such as "Tank biathlon", "Suvorov onslaught", "Master of artillery fire", "Clean Sky" and others.
- Is there a problem with the staffing of the Land Forces soldiers and sergeants on contract? What is their number now?
- The number of servicemen on contract as warrant officers, sergeants and soldiers of the Army by the end of 2016 will amount to about 130 thousand people. Since the beginning of the year scored more than 15.5 thousand troops, and now their number has reached more than 109 thousand people (85.3 percent of the planned figure).
- What are the rates of re-goes Land Forces within the framework of the state program of armaments to 2020?
- At the present time ground forces are fully equipped with all necessary weapons and military equipment. At the same time they brought to the serviceability targets.
Continues to systematically complete retooling of the Land Forces with modern weapons in the framework of the State Arms Program, taking into account the decision of the Supreme Commander of bringing the share of modern samples by the end of 2020 to 70 per cent.
At the same time implementing a set of research and development work on the development of advanced military hardware and weapons and upgrade existing ones.
- How intense technically and professionally develop missile troops and artillery and air defense troops of the Ground?
- I'll start with the missile troops and artillery. Given the current level of development of means of armed struggle leading armies of the world the ultimate goal of building defined transition to a qualitatively new state - reconnaissance and firing system, the main components of which are intelligence subsystem, destruction and combat support, united by a single automated control system providing real-time autopsy enemy objects and their defeat.
To this end, in 2020 it is planned to complete the re-formations and units of missile troops and artillery to modern missile and artillery systems, as well as highly complex automatic control and intelligence.
Currently, the final stage is the development of a new inter-service artillery complex "Coalition-SV" with an innovative mode shooting "A flurry of fire" in which several shells fired from the same gun from different angles at the same time reach the goal. Combat capabilities of the complex twice the all of the existing domestic and foreign models.
Created multiple launch rocket system of the new generation of "Tornado-S" with increased performance in range, precision shooting, and the new high power rockets. The jet units received multiple rocket systems "Tornado-G", which have the ability to automatically combat vehicle guidance to the target.
Anti-tank units equipped with the new anti-missile complex "Chrysanthemum-S" with the unique ability to penetrate armor protection of modern tanks, work at night and adverse weather conditions.
Created and enter the new troops means radar (radar "Aistёnok", "Zoo-1M"), sound (ACP-7M), electro-optical (PRP-4A) intelligence. Also, in the formation of artillery coming complexes unmanned aircraft designed for reconnaissance and artillery fire service. They have modern equipment and intelligence information processing, which increased the range of exploration and maintenance of fire, carry out auto tracking purposes, as well as provide automated transfer of intelligence information on the means of destruction.
Adopted by the supply of automated control systems "Ural", "cannonade", "Knockout" to ensure promptness, secrecy and stability control units of missile troops and artillery.
- Rearmament missile forces with rocket complex "Point" and "Tochka-U" to the modern "Iskander-M" goes?
- At present, most of the missile brigades already is armed with this complex. rearmament process continues as planned. Delivery of the complex is fully synchronized with the construction of infrastructure to host it.
Weapons and military equipment missile and artillery respectively, high-tech and require personnel of the professional knowledge and skills. "Iskander-M" To this end, for the supply of a simulator for training adopted launchers missile complex calculations. Students of St. Michael Military Artillery Academy successfully work out the learning objectives in this simulator. The development of a single set of training facilities for the complex "Iskander-M", which includes in addition to the simulator launchers simulators command and staff car, point the preparation of information, the base chassis driving.
In the same direction is conducted to develop simulators for all modern artillery systems. This will increase the intensity of the combat training, as well as to reduce the financial costs of training.
As for the army air defense, it continues equipping units with modern anti-aircraft missile systems. This is primarily a high noise immunity SAM "Buk-MZ", a self-propelled unit which is capable of simultaneously firing six air targets. This year, said arms to be delivered to one of the Southern Military District brigades.
The combined arms connect to the beginning of the year I began to act anti-aircraft missile system "Tor-M2". Fighting vehicle complex "Tor-M2" is an all-weather, autonomous mobile weapons, having improved permeability, adequate firepower and noise immunity, low response time from the moment of target detection to missile launch, a high probability of hitting targets within the affected area. Today it is the world's only a set-in-class weapons, capable to conduct reconnaissance of air targets and fire on the move.
In order to ensure the air defense zone in the Arctic and the Far North now developed a fully autonomous air defense missile system short-range "Thor M2DT" (adapted to very severe climate conditions), is capable of performing combat missions in extremely low temperatures and difficult terrain.
Continued equipping units with modern air defense MANPADS "Verba" complex, one of the world's best in its class.
At the stage of completion of long-term development of mobile anti-aircraft artillery system with passive reconnaissance and tracking of air targets. As part of the work is created, not only military installation, and maintenance facilities, training, and, most importantly, a set of ammunition, including multi-shot with remote and managed to undermine an artillery shell.
- Please tell us about the dynamics of supplies to troops fighting equipment "Warrior" ground troops? What are the prospects of its development?
- "Warrior" - is not only the military-industrial complex of the Land Forces, and the Airborne Force, Marine Corps and Special Forces. But the main coordinating role in the development of its experts carried out of the Army. The army has already received about 100 thousand sets, which are very widely used in the course of combat training.
Experimental Branch operation showed that the equipment is comfortable and ergonomic, specific complaints from military personnel is not, therefore, the issue of increasing the supply of up to 70 thousand sets per year. But perfection does not stop, and now experts from leading scientific organizations and industrial enterprises are looking for ways to improve the set of elements of combat equipment in the research work of "Warrior-3." I think that the most successful solutions from the "Warriors" it will, but it will be equipping a fundamentally new level on all components of the system: protection, destruction, life support, control and power supply, with exoskeletal structures, the system displays information and targeting on the visor or goggles, climate control systems, and monitoring the state of soldier.
- What are promising examples of weapons and equipment developed for the Army? What is new, best, unique troops offered the defense industry at the forum "Army 2016"?
- Staff of the Land Forces are closely interact with the enterprises of the military-industrial complex, so we know and carefully monitor all operating time.
During the International Military-Technical Forum "Army 2016" defense companies demonstrated their advanced development in both the statics and dynamics. The majority of the samples are well known to us, as developed for the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation in the framework of the state defense order. So, at the forum held a closed dynamic display of running features and demonstration firings of perspective samples of armored vehicles, in particular the "Armata" tanks, infantry fighting vehicles "kurganets-25" and "Boomerang". In addition, industrial enterprises have shown a lot of innovations in the field of robotic systems and unmanned military aircraft, which are widely used elements of artificial intelligence.
- October in the Armed Forces - the month of the final test. At that inspectors from the General Command of the Land Forces - in accordance with your instructions - will pay the most attention?
- This year, the Commission of the High Command of the Land Forces, and scan subordinate training centers, as well as the units and the army of the Eastern Military District housing. Particular attention will be paid to a comprehensive and objective assessment of the level of organization of territorial defense, disaster relief, combat training and counter-terrorism units and formations. To obtain estimates of the personal involvement of officials at all levels on preparing troops for combat missions, systematic training of officers, especially the "platoon - company" link. Pay special attention to the exclusion of cases of overstatement received governments and armies results.

Russian ground forces. Glorious path, reform and future

1 October Russia celebrates the Day of the Land Forces. This is - a professional holiday of servicemen and civilian personnel of the oldest of the armed forces of our country. Despite the fact that the history of the Russian army has more than one century, the Land Forces Day - a holiday of the young. This year, it just celebrated its tenth anniversary. May 31, 2006 President of the Russian Federation and the Supreme Commander Vladimir Putin signed a decree № 549 "On the establishment of professional holidays and memorable days in the Russian Federation Armed Forces." In accordance with this document, the Day of the Land Forces was appointed on 1 October. That date, by the way, is not chosen by chance. 466 years ago, October 1, 1550, the Grand Duke of Moscow and All Russia Tsar Ivan the Terrible issued a verdict "on the premises in Moscow and the surrounding counties chosen by thousands of service people." This decree of the king laid the foundation for the formation of regular ground forces in Russia.

The history of modern Russian land forces rooted in the Soviet period. It was after the Second World War was the final formation of the Land Forces as a separate branch of the armed forces of the USSR. In 1946, the first commander of the Land Forces of the USSR was appointed Marshal of the Soviet Union Georgy Zhukov. The ground forces of the Soviet Union were the most numerous and popular part of the USSR Armed Forces. The basis of their power were infantry and tank forces.

Russian Ground Forces of the Armed Forces - is the successor of glorious traditions and ways of fighting the Soviet Army troops. The official date of the creation of the Land Forces of the Russian Federation is a May 7, 1992. Automatically in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and includes part of the Armed Forces of the USSR connection, management, institutions, military education institutions, which were placed before the declaration of Russia's independence in the territory of the RSFSR. In addition, in their composition includes units and formations, institutions, were under Russian jurisdiction, but stationed in the Transcaucasian Military District, were part of the Western, Northern, North-Western Group of Forces, the Black Sea Fleet, the Baltic Fleet, the Caspian Flotilla, 14th Guards army, military units, living abroad in Germany, Mongolia, Cuba and some other foreign countries. The total number of personnel was more than 2.8 million. Man. Almost immediately after the formation of the Russian Armed Forces started large-scale reduction of personnel.

Already in 1992 the Ground Forces had served more than 1 million. People, and a year later, in 1993, the troops of the Land Forces, there were 900 thousand people. Reduction of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation during the 1990s were systemic. The ranks of the army had left tens of thousands of highly qualified professionals - officers and warrant officers. Many of them were very young people. The stock of fire officers, recently graduated from military academies. Some of them passed to the police, in the new power structure - the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the security services, many - in creating security companies, but most simply gone "to the citizen", where and realize themselves in various professions.

Almost from its inception, Russian ground forces had to participate in a number of armed conflicts in the former Soviet Union. The most long and tragic of these was the restoration of constitutional order in the Chechen Republic. After two Chechen campaigns have been tens of thousands of officers, warrant officers, sergeants and soldiers of Russian land forces. Motorized infantry, tank crews, artillerymen, signalers, engineers and representatives of all other types of troops that were part of the Land Forces, took part in the fighting in the North Caucasus. Thousands of soldiers have given their lives there. At the same time, counter-terrorism operation in the North Caucasus have become invaluable school of combat experience for a new generation of Russian soldiers, although, of course, would be the best reason for the acquisition of such experience in modern Russian history was not. Hundreds of soldiers were awarded high state awards for showing their courage and heroism. Unfortunately, many awarded posthumously ...

When there is peace in Chechnya, and the counter-terrorist operation in the North Caucasus has gained much smaller scale than in the past, it seemed that a period of peace begins in the Russian army life. But in 2008, ground forces came to help the people of South Ossetia. In this armed conflict, which has gone down in history as "the August 2008 war," the military again showed high professionalism, skill in combat missions.

Changes in the global and domestic political situation dictated the need to modernize and Russian Ground Forces. It was obvious that the ground forces, as well as all the Russian Armed Forces in general, require a large-scale reform. Of course, the reform of the Russian army was not without linings and met as an endorsement, and sharp criticism from professional and military, and the general public. Especially criticized the actions of Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, who until his appointment was purely a civil man, who had extensive experience in management only in the business and the tax authorities. That Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and General of the Army Nikolai Makarov, who held at the time Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, called among the main organizers and leaders of the grand reform of the Russian armed forces, took place in 2008-2012.

By the beginning of military reform in the Russian Land Forces had served 322,000 soldiers. In the 15 years that have elapsed since their creation, the number of this kind of Armed Forces of Russia declined by about 600 000 people. Almost four times reduced the number of divisions of ground troops - from 100 in 1992 to 24 in 2008. However, the reduction of the Armed Forces was not accompanied by any large-scale organizational and structural changes that would fundamentally distinguish them from the Soviet Army. This became a major problem, complicates the management of the Armed Forces today.

So, by 2008, of the Russian Ground Troops were three armored, mechanized infantry, sixteen, five machine-gun and artillery divisions, twelve separate motorized and infantry brigades, two military bases divisional structure. However, according to experts, of these 24 divisions only five divisions and the 201st military base deployed in Tajikistan, have been fully deployed. Of these five, three divisions were stationed in the North Caucasus Military District. Most divisions of ground troops had only one or two regiments deployed. That is, in fact, only a small part of the Land Forces of the country could be attributed to the combat readiness of the forces. The other compounds intended, if necessary, by mobilizing dokomplektovat. At the same time, many military experts, it was clear that such a structure does not meet the challenges of our time, which dictate the need to constantly combat-ready forces capable of quickly solve tasks.

In short the essence of military reform that took place in 2008-2012., Was the modernization of the Russian armed forces and their transformation into force constant combat readiness, capable at any time carry out an order anywhere in the world. As subsequent events showed in the Crimea or in Syria, in many respects the country's leadership actually managed to achieve their goals. As a result, reforms were carried out large-scale reduction of the central military command and control, reduced the number of officers, warrant officers was abolished institute and perfect a partial transition to the contract basis. However, not all of these decisions were subsequently recognized as adequate to the needs of the Russian armed forces. In particular, a large-scale criticism underwent liquidation warrant Institute. In fact, the Russian ensign served not only in warehouses, canteens and checkpoints. Most of them were still high-class specialists, with a large office, and often combat experience. Elders mouth and battery, platoon commanders, technicians - is it possible to say that all they needed to reduce or translated into the category of non-commissioned officers? In addition, the establishment of the institution of professional NCOs faced with many organizational difficulties.

Correct begun Anatoly Serdyukov military reform was to his successor in the post of Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu. In particular, even in 2013, the institute announced the return of warrant officers in the Russian armed forces. July 1, 2013 was enacted the new staffing positions which appeared to warrant officers. This is only commanding and technical positions, for example - the commander of a platoon commander of the service or the combat vehicle, a company technician or head of the radio station, etc.

As you know, during the leadership of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation Anatoly Serdyukov has been carried out, and translation of the Russian army in the brigade base. The Army has eliminated the army, corps and divisional units. The authors attributed this decision to reform the need to increase the mobility and efficiency of troops. In 2009, 23 divisions of ground forces were disbanded. There was only one machine-gun and artillery division in the Kuril Islands, as well as the 201st military base. Instead divisions were created 40 deployed brigades and brigade-size military bases. By the end of 2009, 85 teams have been created. It was possible to achieve the 95% - 100% of their staffing, which made all the teams in terms of combat readiness. Reserve component of the Land Forces were the military bases where military equipment was stored. On this basis, it was possible to deploy additional connection if the need arises.

However, in 2013, was actively discussed as part of the revival of the land forces divisions. Soon after that it's not just a rumor, it makes sure the whole country. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has revived the illustrious and Kantemirovskaya Taman Division. In July 2016 Shoigu announced the formation of a part of the ground forces of four new divisions. Thus, the Russian army returns usual divisional structure, at the same time, without giving up the brigade. The need for the creation of new divisions dictated by the political situation itself. After the coup in Kiev and the beginning of the armed conflict in the Donbass region, on the border with Russia, a new restless neighbor, from which we can expect any. As shown by attacks in the Crimea Ukrainian saboteurs, from a neighbor we can expect and armed provocations. In order to cover the strategic directions and new divisions are formed. One of them will be located in the territory of the Rostov region, where already building military camps and range facilities for it.

Russian ground forces. Glorious path, reform and future A major achievement in strengthening the combat capability of the Land Forces began deliveries of new military equipment. In recent years the Russian Army a serious upgrade. For service received air defense systems S-300-B4, MANPADS "Verba", "Tor-M2", "Buk-M2" and "Buk-M3"; interspecific artillery complex "Coalition-SV" reactive MLRS new generation of "Tornado-S", the system of volley fire "Tornado-G", a self-propelled anti-tank systems "Chrysanthemum-S", the PTRC, "Iskander", which is in service already several Russian ground crews troops.

Thus, almost a quarter of a century of its existence, the Russian Army have been difficult, and full of victories and bitter way. Currently, they are the backbone of the Russian armed forces. According to open sources, in 2016 were about 395 000 people in the Ground Forces of the Russian Federation. Thus, the number of troops in comparison with 2008 has increased significantly. The structure of the Land Forces includes 11 armies deployed on the territories of the four military districts - Western, Southern, Eastern and Central. The structure of the Land Forces include mechanized infantry, tank troops, missile troops and artillery, air defense troops, special forces. They consist of a combined arms armies, mechanized infantry and tank divisions, machine-gun and artillery division, armored, mechanized infantry, air assault brigades, covering teams, military bases, units and formations of missile troops and artillery, air defense, special forces.

Chief of the Russian Ground Forces is currently Colonel-General Oleg Salyukov (pictured). An experienced commander, Oleg Leonidovich Salyukov occupied this high office May 2, 2014. Prior to his appointment to the post of commander in chief Salyukov from 2010 to 2014. He served as Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, and in 2008-2010. He commanded the troops of the Far Eastern Military District. In 2006, even when he was chief of staff of the Far Eastern Military District, Oleg Salyukova was awarded the rank of "Colonel-General." In 2014, 2015 and 2016. Colonel-General Salyukov commanded a military parade dedicated to the Victory Day and was held on the Red Square in Moscow.

The holiday Ground Russian military troops, veterans troops, freely hired civilian personnel only wish valiant service and good spirits, health and success in all your endeavors, and most importantly - do without casualties.

Author: Ilya Polonsky

Ground Forces Day - October 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRHnruyCmms&feature=youtu.be

A new explosive "Sphere-DP"



http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2174089.html

Mechanized infantry division being formed near Rostov will start training Dec 1

MOSCOW, October 18. /TASS/. The 150th mechanized infantry division being created in Russia’s southern Rostov Region will start routine combat training on December 1, the press-service of the Southern Military District said.

Earlier, a Defense Ministry official told TASS the division would be manned by December. It was to start receiving weapons and vehicles in October.

"On December 1, 2016 the newly-created 150th division will start routine training. The division will consist of mechanized infantry, armor, artillery and air defense missile regiments and also communication, reconnaissance and logistic units. The T-90A main battle tanks and BMP-3 and BTR-80 armored vehicles will be the main component of the division’s fighting power.


More:
http://tass.com/defense/907147

Russian Ground Forces to Get 244 Latest Communication Systems Before 2017

Read more: https://sputniknews.com/military/201610221046624127-russia-forces-communication-system/

New motor rifle division to guard Russia’s southern frontiers

Over 1,500 conscripts will serve in the new division

MOSCOW, December 2. /TASS/. Russia’s new 150th motor rifle division has started defending the country’s southern frontiers, Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu said on Friday.

"I want to note that the 150th motor rifle division has started performing tasks for the defense of frontiers in the country’s south since yesterday," Shoigu said.

The division’s first cantonment was erected within short time limits thanks to new construction technologies, the defense minister said.

As Russia’s Southern Military District reported earlier, over 1,500 conscripts will serve in the new division.

As the Defense Ministry reported earlier, the 150th Idritsa-Berlin Kutuzov Order of the 2nd Degree Motor Rifle Division being established in Russia will start planned combat training from December 1, 2016.

The division will comprise motor rifle and tank regiments, an artillery regiment, an antiaircraft missile regiment, signals units, reconnaissance and logistics formations. The division will be armed with modern types of combat hardware: T-90A tanks, BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles and BTR-80 armored personnel carriers.


More:
http://tass.com/defense/916438

"RUSSIA OFFICIALLY CREATES ‘SUPER-LIGHT BATTALION’, ARMS IT WITH UAZ PATRIOT COMBAT VEHICLES (INFOGRAPHICS)."

"The press service of Russia’s Central military district announced Wednesday that a super-light battalion with UAZ “Patriot” combat vehicles was deployed as a part of the newly formed motorized infantry brigade in the Samara region".

"The battalion was created as result of analysis of the combat expirience gained by the Russian military in Syria".

"90 units of UAZ “Patriot” combat vehicles equipped with machine guns are set to be delivered to the batalion until the end of 2017".




https://southfront.org/russia-officially-creates-super-light-motorized-battalion-arms-it-with-uaz-patriot-combat-vehicles-infographics/

Please tell me that's some kind of sick joke.

VladimirSahin wrote:Please tell me that's some kind of sick joke.

I agree but the first battalion of a new brigade and there are plans for a second brigade of them.

franco wrote:

VladimirSahin wrote:Please tell me that's some kind of sick joke.

I agree but the first battalion of a new brigade and there are plans for a second brigade of them.

It is also very rare for me. It would be a mistake in my view.

Outside of Syria, where the adversary is very low armed, the survival rate of this kind of unit would be very low in my view.

This combat style seems more for the type of adversary of the Security Forces than for the Armed Forces.

franco wrote:

VladimirSahin wrote:Please tell me that's some kind of sick joke.

I agree but the first battalion of a new brigade and there are plans for a second brigade of them.

I'm thinking someone in the MoD maybe drank too much or something. 2 Brigades of these??!!! That's embarrassing. Looking forward to NATO soldiers laughing at the toyota brigades in a possible future war, they'll probably wonder if they're in Afghanistan or Iraq seeing such units.

VladimirSahin wrote:

franco wrote:

VladimirSahin wrote:Please tell me that's some kind of sick joke.

I agree but the first battalion of a new brigade and there are plans for a second brigade of them.

I'm thinking someone in the MoD maybe drank too much or something. 2 Brigades of these??!!! That's embarrassing. Looking forward to NATO soldiers laughing at the toyota brigades in a possible future war, they'll probably wonder if they're in Afghanistan or Iraq seeing such units.  

You are aware the purpose of these right?  Recon and quick run and gun.  Such tactics have been used often and without proper equipment.  Add in the equipment and they will have no problem.

Most of the US forces casualties are due to such tactics.  I don't think the US forces laughed so hard when they were getting blown up or overran but I know I sure did especially when it happened in Iraq where they had a lot of heavy equipment in.  But I see you are from the US.

It is highly maneuverable unit, it is intended to conduct lightning fast raids on the enemy from the flanks and unprotected areas. Also highlights a significant increase in mobility during operations in settlements.

So in other words, used in soft areas that doesn't need a heavy hand.  Because we all know Russia's experience in placing heavy equipment in city centers in lets say Grozny.

VladimirSahin wrote:

franco wrote:

VladimirSahin wrote:Please tell me that's some kind of sick joke.

I agree but the first battalion of a new brigade and there are plans for a second brigade of them.

I'm thinking someone in the MoD maybe drank too much or something. 2 Brigades of these??!!! That's embarrassing. Looking forward to NATO soldiers laughing at the toyota brigades in a possible future war, they'll probably wonder if they're in Afghanistan or Iraq seeing such units.  

Um no I serve in the United States Military, Ground Forces. Lightning fast units with high mobility are very very deadly if used correctly. These units aren't meant to attack defended positions but raid unprotected or lightly defended areas.

Go in destroy shit and get out before a force can get in range and react. These tactics utterly trashed the Army and the marines themselves had a hard time dealing with it, mind you I was a marine for over eight years. So unless you have more than ten years combat experience than I do (doubt that) I can without a doubt say you have no idea what a REAL battlefield is like or what the situation is like on them.

Fun fact I have been to Syria with the kurds, I have been to Iraq. I've even had the Ruskies drop a couple of air strikes near my position (didn't know we was there).

Still let me tell you a story of WW2 how in Africa. The Brit would load up jeeps with machine guns drive into the German airfields and destroy the aircraft on the ground while dealing with meager resistance in a real war not even base will have hundreds of armed guards. Then drove away before anyone could stop them.

The creation of such units does serve a tactical point granted, if the Russians can utilize them properly well that's another story.

Units like these require targets of opportunity is the thing they aren't made for direct fighting.