56th Guards Separate Air Assault Brigade (Kamyshin)

At the end of 1989, the brigade was reorganized into a separate airborne brigade (OVDBR). The brigade passed "hot spots": Afghanistan (12.1979-07.1988), Baku (12-19.01.1990 - 02.1990), Sumgayit, Nakhichevan, Meghri, Julfa, Osh, Fergana, Uzgen (06.06.1990), Chechnya (12.94-10.96, Grozny, Pervomaisky, Argun and since 09.1999).
On January 15, 1990, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, after a detailed study of the situation, adopted a decision “On the announcement state of emergency in the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region and some other regions. In accordance with it, the Airborne Forces began the operation, which was carried out in two stages. At the first stage, from January 12 to 19, units of the 106th and 76th airborne divisions, the 56th and 38th airborne brigades and the 217th airborne regiment landed on airfields near Baku (for more details, see . article Black January), and in Yerevan - the 98th Guards Airborne Division. The 39th separate air assault brigade entered Nagorno-Karabakh.

56 ASR (Air Assault Regiment) in Chechnya, 2001
year. Part 2.

On January 23, airborne units began operations to restore order in other parts of Azerbaijan. In the area of ​​Lankaran, Prship and Jalilabad, they were carried out jointly with the border troops, who restored the state border.
In February 1990, the brigade returned to the place of permanent deployment.
From March to August 1990, units of the brigade maintained order in the cities of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

56 DShP (Air Assault Regiment) in Chechnya, 2001. Part- 3.

On June 6, 1990, the landing at airfields in the cities of Ferghana and Osh of the 104th parachute regiment of the 76th airborne division, the 56th airborne brigade began, and on June 8 - the 137th parachute regiment of the 106th airborne division in the city of Frunze. Having made a march on the same day through the mountain passes of the border of the two republics, the paratroopers occupied Osh and Uzgen. The next day, the 387th separate airborne regiment and units of the 56th airborne brigade took control of the situation in the area of ​​​​the cities of Andijan, Jalal-Abad, occupied Kara-Suu, mountain roads and passes throughout the conflict.
In October 1992, in connection with the sovereignization of the republics of the former SSR, the brigade was redeployed to the village of Zelenchukskaya, Karachay-Cherekessia. From where it marched to the place of permanent deployment in the village of Podgori near the city of Volgodonsk, Rostov Region. The territory of the military camp was a former shift camp of the builders of the Rostov nuclear power plant, located 3 kilometers from the nuclear power plant.
From December 1994 to August - October 1996, the combined battalion of the brigade fought in Chechnya. On November 29, 1994, an order was sent to the brigade to form a combined battalion and transfer it to Mozdok. The artillery division of the brigade took part in late 1995 - early 1996 in the operation near Shatoi. In October-November 1996, the combined battalion of the brigade was withdrawn from Chechnya.
In 1997, the brigade was reorganized into the 56th Guards Air Assault Regiment, which became part of the 20th Guards Motor Rifle Division.
In July 1998, by order of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, in connection with the resumption of the construction of the Rostov NPP, the regiment began redeployment to the city of Kamyshin, Volgograd Region. The regiment was stationed in the buildings of the Kamyshin Higher Military Construction Command and Engineering School, which was disbanded in 1998.
On August 19, 1999, an air assault detachment from the regiment was sent to reinforce the combined regiment of the 20th Guards Motorized Rifle Division and was sent by a letter military echelon to the Republic of Dagestan. On August 20, 1999, the air assault detachment arrived in the village of Botlikh. Later he took part in hostilities in the Republic of Dagestan and the Chechen Republic. The battalion tactical group of the regiment fought in the North Caucasus (the place of deployment is Khankala).
In December 1999, units of the regiment and the DShMG FPS covered the Chechen section of the Russian-Georgian border.
On May 1, 2009, the air assault regiment again became a brigade. And from July 1, 2010, she switched to a new state and became known as the 56th separate airborne assault brigade (light).after reorganization from a brigade into a regiment and subordination of an infantry division, in 1999. February-March, 56th Guards Airborne Regiment relocated to Kamyshin,
It should be noted that over all these years, the Battle Banner of the 56th separate airborne assault brigade, despite all 4 renaming and 4 reorganizations of the regular structure, has remained the same. This is the Battle Banner of the 351st Airborne Regiment.

In July 1998, by order of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation in connection with the resumption of construction

Rostov NPP, the 56th Guards Separate Airborne Assault Brigade began relocation to the city of Kamyshin, Volgograd Region. The brigade was stationed in the buildings of the Kamyshin Higher Military Construction Command and Engineering School, which was disbanded in 1998.

Airborne troops are one of the strongest components of the army Russian Federation. IN last years, due to the tense international situation, the importance of the airborne forces is increasing. The size of the territory of the Russian Federation, its landscape diversity, as well as the borders with almost all conflict states, indicate that it is necessary to have a large supply of special groupings of troops that can provide the necessary protection in all directions, which is the air force.

In contact with

Because structure air force extensive, the question often arises of the Airborne Forces and the DSB are the same troops? The article analyzes the differences between them, the history, goals and military training of both organizations, the composition.

Differences between troops

The differences lie in the names themselves. The DShB is an air assault brigade organized and specializing in attacks on the enemy's close rear in the event of large-scale military operations. Air assault brigades subordinate to the Airborne Forces - airborne troops, as one of their divisions and specialize only in assault seizures.

Airborne Forces are landing troops, whose tasks are the capture of the enemy, as well as the capture and destruction of enemy weapons and other air operations. The functionality of the Airborne Forces is much wider - reconnaissance, sabotage, assault. For a better understanding of the differences, consider the history of the creation of the Airborne Forces and the Airborne Forces separately.

History of the Airborne Forces

The Airborne Forces began its history in 1930, when an operation was carried out near the city of Voronezh on August 2, where 12 people parachuted from the air as part of a special unit. This operation then opened the eyes of the leadership to new opportunities for paratroopers. The following year, based Leningrad Military District, a detachment is being formed, which received a long name - airborne and consisted of about 150 people.

The effectiveness of the paratroopers was obvious and the Revolutionary Military Council decides to expand it by creating airborne troops. The order saw the light at the end of 1932. In parallel, in Leningrad, instructors were trained, and later they were distributed to the districts by special-purpose aviation battalions.

In 1935, the military district of Kyiv demonstrated to foreign delegations the full power of the Airborne Forces, arranging an impressive landing of 1200 paratroopers, who quickly captured the airfield. Later, similar exercises were held in Belarus, as a result of which the German delegation, impressed by the landing of 1,800 people, decided to organize their own airborne detachment, and then a regiment. Thus, Soviet Union is rightfully the birthplace of the Airborne Forces.

In 1939, our landing troops there is an opportunity to show themselves in practice. In Japan, the 212th brigade was landed on the Khalkin Gol River, and a year later the 201st, 204th and 214th brigades will be involved in the war with Finland. Knowing that the Second World War would no longer pass us by, 5 air corps of 10 thousand people each were formed and the Airborne Forces acquired a new status - guards troops.

The year 1942 was marked by the largest airborne operation during the war years, which took place near Moscow, where about 10 thousand paratroopers were dropped into the German rear. After the war, it was decided to attach the Airborne Forces to the Supreme High Command and appoint the commander of the Airborne Forces of the USSR SV, this honor falls to Colonel General V.V. Glagolev.

Big innovations in airborne troops came with "Uncle Vasya". In 1954 V.V. Glagolev is replaced by V.F. Margelov and holds the post of commander of the Airborne Forces until 1979. Under Margelov, the Airborne Forces are supplied with new military equipment, including artillery mounts, combat vehicles, and special attention is paid to work under the conditions of a surprise attack by nuclear weapons.

Airborne units took part in all the most significant conflicts - the events of Czechoslovakia, Afghanistan, Chechnya, Nagorno-Karabakh, North and South Ossetia. Several of our battalions carried out UN peacekeeping missions in Yugoslavia.

In our time, the ranks of the Airborne Forces include about 40 thousand fighters, when conducting special operations - paratroopers form its basis, since the Airborne Forces are a highly qualified component of our army.

The history of the formation of the DShB

Air assault brigades began their history after it was decided to rework the tactics of the Airborne Forces in the context of the unleashing of large-scale hostilities. The purpose of such air defenses was to disorganize opponents by mass landings close to the enemy, such operations were most often carried out from helicopters in small groups.

Toward the end of the 60s in the Far East, it was decided to form the 11th and 13th brigades with helicopter regiments. These regiments were involved mainly in hard-to-reach areas, the first attempts at landings took place in the northern cities of Magdachi and Zavitinsk. Therefore, in order to become a paratrooper of this brigade, strength and special endurance were needed, since the weather conditions were almost unpredictable, for example, in winter the temperature reached -40 degrees, and in summer there was abnormal heat.

The location of the first DShB not just because the Far East was chosen. It was a time of difficult relations with China, which became even more aggravated after the clash of interests on the island of Damascus. The brigades were ordered to prepare to repel an attack from China, which could attack at any time.

The high level and significance of the DSB was demonstrated during exercises in the late 80s on the island of Iturup, where 2 battalions and artillery landed on MI-6 and MI-8 helicopters. The garrison, due to weather conditions, was not warned about the exercises, as a result of which they opened fire on the landed, but thanks to the highly qualified training of the paratroopers, none of the participants in the operation was injured.

In the same years, the DSB consisted of 2 regiments, 14 brigades, about 20 battalions. One brigade attached to one military district, but only to those who had access to the border by land. Kyiv also had its own brigade, 2 more brigades were given to our units located abroad. Each brigade had an artillery battalion, rear and combat units.

After the USSR ceased to exist, the country's budget did not allow the mass maintenance of the army, so there was nothing left to do but to disband some parts of the DSHB and the Airborne Forces. The beginning of the 90s was marked by the removal of the DSB from subordination Far East and transfer to full subordination to Moscow. Air assault brigades are being transformed into separate airborne brigades - 13 OVDbr. In the mid-90s, the plan to reduce the Airborne Forces disbanded the composition of the 13th Airborne Brigade.

Thus, from the foregoing, it can be seen that the DSB was created as one of the structural divisions of the Airborne Forces.

Composition of the Airborne Forces

The composition of the Airborne Forces includes the following units:

• airborne;
• air assault;
• mountain (which operate exclusively on mountain hills).

These are the three main components of the Airborne Forces. In addition, they consist of a division (76.98, 7, 106 Guards Air Assault), brigades and regiments (45, 56, 31, 11, 83, 38 Guards Airborne). In Voronezh, a brigade was created in 2013, which received the number 345.

Personnel of the Airborne Forces prepared in educational institutions military reserve of Ryazan, Novosibirsk, Kamenetz-Podolsk, in Kolomenskoye. The training was conducted in the areas of paratrooper (airborne assault) platoon, commanders of reconnaissance platoons.

The school produced about three hundred graduates annually - this was not enough to satisfy the personnel requirements of the airborne troops. Consequently, it was possible to get into the military personnel of the Airborne Forces by graduating from the landing faculties in special areas of such schools as combined arms and military departments.

Preparation

The commanders of the DShB were most often selected from the Airborne Forces, and the battalion commanders, deputy battalion commanders, company commanders from the nearest military districts. In the 70s, due to the fact that the leadership decided to repeat their experience - to create and staff the DShB, the planned enrollment in educational institutions is expanding who trained future officers of the Airborne Forces. The mid-80s were marked by the fact that officers were issued for service in the Airborne Troops, having been trained according to the educational program for the Airborne Forces. Also in these years, a complete rearrangement of officers was underway, it was decided to replace almost all of them in the DShV. At the same time, excellent students went to serve mainly in the Airborne Forces.

To get into the service in the Airborne Forces, as in the DSB, you must meet specific criteria:

• height 173 and above;
• average physical development;
• secondary education;
• without medical restrictions.

If everything matches, then the future fighter begins training.

Particular attention is paid, of course, to the physical training of airborne paratroopers, which is carried out constantly, begins with a daily rise at 6 in the morning, hand-to-hand combat ( special program training) and ends with long forced marches of 30–50 km. Therefore, each fighter has a huge endurance and endurance, besides, guys who were engaged in any kind of sport that develops that very endurance are selected into their ranks. To check it, they pass an endurance test - in 12 minutes a fighter must run 2.4-2.8 km, otherwise there is no point in the Airborne Forces service.

It is worth noting that it is not for nothing that they are called universal fighters. These people can operate on various terrains in any weather conditions absolutely silently, can disguise themselves, own all types of weapons of both their own and the enemy, manage any type of transport, means of communication. In addition to excellent physical fitness, psychological training is also required, since the fighters have to overcome not only long distances, but also “work with their heads” to get ahead of the enemy throughout the entire operation.

Intellectual fitness is determined using tests compiled by experts. It is mandatory to take into account psychological compatibility in the team, the guys are included in a certain detachment for 2-3 days, after which the old-timers evaluate their behavior.

Psychophysical training is being carried out, which implies tasks with increased risk, where there is both physical and mental stress. Such tasks are aimed at overcoming fear. At the same time, if it turns out that the future paratrooper does not experience, in general, a feeling of fear, then he is not accepted for further training, since this feeling is quite naturally taught to control him, and not completely eradicated. The training of the Airborne Forces gives our country a huge advantage in the face of fighters over any enemy. Most of the VDVeshnikov lead an already familiar lifestyle even after retirement.

Armament of the Airborne Forces

As for the technical equipment, combined arms equipment and specially designed for the nature of this type of troops are involved in the Airborne Forces. Some of the samples were created during the USSR, but the bulk was developed after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The machines of the Soviet period include:

• landing combat vehicle - 1 (the number reaches - 100 units);
• BMD-2M (about 1 thousand units), they are used both in ground and in parachute landing methods.

These techniques were tested over the years and took part in multiple armed conflicts that took place on the territory of our country and abroad. In our time, in conditions of rapid progress, these models are outdated both morally and physically. A little later, the BMD-3 model came out, and today the number of such equipment is only 10 units, since production has been discontinued, they plan to gradually replace it with the BMD-4.

The Airborne Forces are also armed with armored personnel carriers BTR-82A, BTR-82AM and BTR-80 and the most numerous tracked armored personnel carrier - 700 units, and it is also the most outdated (mid-70s), it is gradually being replaced by an armored personnel carrier - MDM "Rakushka". There are also anti-tank guns 2S25 "Sprut-SD", an armored personnel carrier - RD "Robot", and anti-tank systems: "Competition", "Metis", "Fagot", and "Cornet". air defense represented by missile systems, but a special place is given to the novelty, which not so long ago appeared in service with the Airborne Forces - the Verba MANPADS.

Not so long ago, new models of technology appeared:

• armored car "Tiger";
• Snowmobile A-1;
• truck KAMAZ - 43501.

As for communication systems, they are represented by locally developed electronic warfare systems Leer-2 and 3, Infauna, system control is represented by air defense Barnaul, Andromeda and Polet-K - automation of command and control.

Weapon represented by samples, for example, the Yarygin pistol, the PMM and the PSS silent pistol. The Soviet Ak-74 assault rifle is still the personal weapon of the paratroopers, but is gradually being replaced by the latest AK-74M, and the silent Val assault rifle is also used in special operations. There are both Soviet and post-Soviet parachute systems that can parachute large batches of soldiers and all the military equipment described above. Heavier equipment includes automatic grenade launchers AGS-17 "Flame" and AGS-30, SPG-9.

Armament DShB

DShB had transport and helicopter regiments which included:

• about twenty mi-24s, forty mi-8s and forty mi-6s;
• the anti-tank battery was armed with a mounted anti-tank grenade launcher 9 MD;
• the mortar battery included eight 82mm BM-37s;
• in the anti-aircraft missile platoon, there were nine Strela-2M MANPADS;
• also included several BMD-1s, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers for each airborne assault battalion.

The armament of the brigade-artillery group consisted of GD-30 howitzers, PM-38 mortars, GP 2A2 cannons, the Malyutka anti-tank missile system, SPG-9MD, and the ZU-23 anti-aircraft gun.

Heavier equipment includes automatic grenade launchers AGS-17 "Flame" and AGS-30, SPG-9 "Spear". Aerial reconnaissance is carried out using the domestic Orlan-10 drone.

One interesting fact took place in the history of the Airborne Forces, for quite a long time, thanks to erroneous information from the media, special forces soldiers (SpN) were not rightfully called paratroopers. The thing is, what is in the Air Force of our country in the Soviet Union, as well as in the post-Soviet Union, there were no special forces troops and there are no special forces, but there are units and units of the Special Forces of the GRU of the General Staff, which arose in the 50s. Until the 1980s, the command was forced to completely deny their existence in our country. Therefore, those who were appointed to these troops learned about them only after they were accepted into service. For the media, they were disguised as motorized rifle battalions.

Airborne Forces Day

Paratroopers celebrate the birthday of the Airborne Forces, like the DSB since August 2, 2006. This kind of gratitude for the effectiveness of the air units, the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation was signed in May of the same year. Despite the fact that the holiday was declared by our government, the birthday is celebrated not only in our country, but also in Belarus, Ukraine and most of the CIS countries.

Every year, veterans of the Airborne Forces and active soldiers meet in the so-called "meeting place", in each city it has its own, for example, in Astrakhan "Brotherly Garden", in Kazan "Victory Square", in Kiev "Hydropark", in Moscow "Poklonnaya Gora", Novosibirsk Central Park. Demonstrations, concerts and fairs are organized in large cities.

The legendary 56th Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade is located in the city of Kamyshin, Volgograd Region. The military unit has two official addresses, among which colloquial names are on the lips: "red and gray roofs." The names came from the color of the main barracks, where the soldiers of the 56th Airborne Division live.

Historical information

The formation arose back in 1943 and has a glorious history of times Patriotic War. The fighters especially distinguished themselves during the liberation of Hungarian cities from the German invaders. Parts of the paratroopers took part in the famous crossing over the borders of Czechoslovakia.

The fighters were indispensable in Afghanistan, fulfilling their international duty. They also provided assistance to infantrymen during the battles in Chechnya. Permanent deployment in Kamyshin was carried out in 1998.

Interestingly, the base for the formation of the part is very impressive. This place was the location of the famous KKVSKU - the military higher educational institution where officers were trained. The university, unfortunately, was disbanded, and the personnel were transferred to the Togliatti and St. Petersburg institutes.

Part composition

After the Great Patriotic War, units were withdrawn from Hungary and located near Budapest. Starting in 1946, the city of Tula became the main place of deployment, and the unit became part of the 38th Guards Airborne Corps of Vienna. But already in 1953, the landing army was completely disbanded.

The personnel was accepted into the 137th Guards Airborne Regiment, located in Ryazan. The soldiers took part in helping the residents of Tashkent after the earthquake, and were also the guarantor of security during popular unrest.

Only in 1997, the 56th Airborne Assault Brigade was organized and redeployed to the city of Kamyshin. Since 2010, the unit has been named after the Order of Kutuzov and the Order of the Patriotic War.

Purpose of the part

The main purpose of the 56 DShB in Kamyshin is to form a military reserve of trained paratroopers ready to land in the combat zone. By decree of the Minister of Defense, in order to increase mobility, a part is being transferred to automotive vehicles.

Helicopters are supposed to transfer personnel, soldiers are deployed fully armed and equipped with parachutes. Military equipment moves under its own power. However, with the help of heavy helicopters, it can be transferred from the air. To do this, exercises are regularly conducted with monthly field trips.

The last large-scale tests were carried out in 2008, when howitzers and GAZ vehicles were airlifted.

Glorious feats of personnel

In 1999, soldiers on the Russian-Georgian border protected the Chechen lands. The paratroopers, having landed from the air, completely blocked the mountain passes and paths. Bandit formations in their attempts to bypass the fighters and strike from the side of Georgia suffered a complete fiasco. Many soldiers were presented for awards, and in the main, mass bloodshed on the border was not allowed by the forces of the paratroopers.

Three fighters of the 56th brigade of the DShB were awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation for the heroism and courage shown during the military action.

Honored Awards

For its glorious history, the unit has many awards, both personnel and combined arms. Among the most important are:

1. Guards Battle Banner.
2. Order of the Patriotic War 1st class.
3. Order of Kutuzov 2nd class.
4. Order of the Red Banner.
5. Gratitude of the Supreme Commander.

The servicemen of the unit received many awards for participation in the Chechen campaign and service in Afghanistan.

Service today

To date, 56 DSHB is engaged in the training of soldiers undergoing military service, and it is also carried out here under the contract. In addition to the excellent physical fitness that a paratrooper must have, the personnel are also trained in other skills. To this end, trips to the training ground are regularly organized, where combat exercises are held in field conditions close to the military.

At this time, the soldiers live in tents, food is provided on their own, with the help of daily rations are issued during the trips. According to the military, the food is quite high-calorie, varied and tasty. Fighters are pleased on holidays with chocolate, pastries and even shish kebab.

Most of the soldiers who served in Kamyshin are proud that they belong to the Airborne Forces. 56 DShB trains paratroopers, so skydiving is included in the mandatory program. This involves jumping from a helicopter and an airplane. Contractors who complete the jumping program receive an additional payment to their monetary allowance.

Living conditions

Comfortable barracks are provided for living. Recruits, passing the "young fighter course", are separated from the "old-timers" in order to avoid possible conflicts. Then they are combined.

Soldiers are placed in cockpits, which are designed for four. The shower is located directly in the block or on the floor. A bathroom is located in each cubicle. The room is standard and has bunk beds, bedside tables, wardrobe and desk.

Meals are provided in the dining room, where the cooks are civilian staff. For the convenience of soldiers, a small store is located on the territory, however, according to reviews, the cost of products is somewhat higher than in urban outlets.

Information for Parents of Recruits

When forming parcels, it should be remembered that it is forbidden to put any medicines inside. They will still be taken away during inspection. However, with the help of a doctor, an inhaler is allowed. If vitamins are needed, they are handed over to the medical office, and the soldier receives them from the doctor.

The phone can be left with the soldier if he does not abuse it. No one will take away a means of communication if you use it only in your free time. It is recommended to write messages to the soldier, and, as far as possible, the military personnel themselves call up relatives.

If, nevertheless, the phone is taken away, then its issuance takes place on a day off once a week. If unauthorized use of a mobile phone is suspected, the serviceman is summoned by the commander, and the means of communication is confiscated until the end of the proceedings.

Conscript soldiers can go on leave in agreement with the commander only with their parents. Legal wives can get permission. You can't go out with a girl.

Oath

As with any unit, the 56th DSB conducts a solemn oath of recruits. For the convenience of relatives, the event is timed to the weekend, in the morning.

After the oath, you can get a leave of absence. If parents come to the recruit from afar, you can agree with the commander about the weekend, until Tuesday.

Part address

56 DSHB in Kamyshin has a double address. The main unit of the Airborne Forces is located in the "gray roofs" on the street. Gorokhovskaya. For postal items, the address is used: Kamyshin-10, military unit 74507.

Parts of the RHBZ are located on the street. Petrovskaya. For postal items, the following address is used: 403871 Volgograd region, Kamyshin-1, poste restante.

Kamyshin is located between Volgograd and Saratov. There is no airport, trains run only from Moscow. It is easier to get to the city by bus. From Volgograd and Saratov they go regularly.

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION

The 56th Guards Separate Order of the Patriotic War of the First Degree, the Don Cossack Airborne Assault Brigade, originates from the 351st Guards Landing Airborne Regiment, formed from June 3 to July 28, 1946 on the basis of units of the 351st and 355th 1st Guards Rifle Regiments and included in the 106th Guards Airborne Division of the 38th Guards Airborne Vienna Corps.
The annual holiday of the brigade set the date of the formation of the 351st Guards Rifle Regiment - January 5, 1945.
In 1949, the 351st Guards Airborne Regiment was renamed the 351st Guards Airborne Regiment.
In 1960, the 351st Guards Airborne Regiment was transferred from the 106th Guards Airborne Division to the 105th Guards Airborne Division.
In 1979, the 351st Guards Airborne Regiment was reorganized into the 56th Guards Separate Airborne Assault Brigade.
In 1989, the 56th Guards Separate Order of the Patriotic War First Class Airborne Assault Brigade was reorganized into the 56th Guards Separate Order of the Patriotic War First Class Airborne Brigade.
In 1997, the 56th Guards Separate Order of the Patriotic War, First Class, the Don Cossack Airborne Brigade was reorganized into the 56th Guards, Order of the Patriotic War, First Class, the Don Cossack Airborne Assault Regiment, which became part of the 20th Guards Motorized Rifle Division.
In 2009, the 56th Guards Order of the Patriotic War, First Class, the Don Cossack Airborne Assault Regiment, was reorganized into the 56th Guards Separate Order of the Patriotic War, First Class, the Don Cossack Airborne Assault Brigade.
On July 1, 2010, it was reorganized into the 56th Guards Separate Order of the Patriotic War of the first degree, the Don Cossack Airborne Assault Brigade (light).

II. PARTICIPATION IN CAMPAIGNS, BATTLE, OPERATIONS

From February 20 to 25, 1945, the 351st Guards Rifle Regiment as part of the 106th Guards Rifle Division of the 38th Guards Rifle Corps was transferred to Hungary, where it fought as part of the 9th Guards Army of the 3rd Ukrainian Front.
March 30, 1945, pursuing the retreating units of the enemy, the regiment crossed the Austro-Hungarian border. Acting on the left flank of the corps, in cooperation with other parts of the corps, he captured several cities and took part in the battles to capture the capital of Austria, the city of Vienna.
On April 23, 1945, the regiment was relieved by units of the 4th Guards Army and taken to rest on the outskirts of the city of Vienna.
On May 5, 1945, the regiment entered the territory of Czechoslovakia with a forced march and participated in the encirclement and defeat of a significant group of Germans.
On May 11, 1945, the regiment went to the banks of the Vltava River (Czechoslovakia), where it met with American troops. Here the combat path of the unit in the Great Patriotic War ended.
During the fighting, the regiment killed 1956, captured 633 enemy soldiers and officers, destroyed 26, 255 self-propelled guns and guns of various calibers, 11 armored personnel carriers, 1 aircraft and 18 enemy vehicles. 10 tanks, 16 self-propelled guns and guns of various calibers, 3 aircraft, 4 armored personnel carriers, 115 vehicles, 37 warehouses with military equipment were captured.
From June 1945 to November 1979, the regiment (brigade) did not take part in campaigns, battles, or operations.
The year 1979 opened a new page in the military path of the unit: Soviet troops entered Afghanistan to provide military assistance to the Afghan government in the fight against rebel gangs.
On December 28, 1979, the 4th Airborne Infantry Brigade as part of the 40th Army was introduced into Afghanistan with the task of guarding and defending the Salang Pass and the Salange-Somalia tunnel to ensure the advance of Soviet troops into southern regions Afghanistan.
In January 1980, the entire brigade was introduced into the territory of Afghanistan. It is deployed in the area of ​​the city of Kunduz, leading fighting throughout Afghanistan.
During the period from January 1980 to December 1981, about 3000 rebels, 3 guns, 6 mortars, 12 cars, 44 pillboxes were destroyed during the fighting. More than 400 rebels were captured, more than 600 infantry units were captured.
From December 1 to December 5, 1981, the brigade was relocated to the area of ​​the city of Gardez, from where it continued to conduct military operations throughout Afghanistan.
During the period from January 1982 to June 1988, about 10,000 rebels, over 40 fortified areas and strongholds, more than 200 guns, rocket launchers and mortars, 47 vehicles, 83 pillboxes, 208 warehouses with military equipment, were destroyed during the fighting. 45 caravans. More than 1,000 rebels were captured, more than 1,200 small arms and grenade launchers, about 40 guns and mortars, 7 cars, 2 tanks, 85 warehouses with military equipment were captured.
From June 12 to June 14, 1988, the brigade, after fulfilling its international duty, returned to its homeland.
For the successful completion of combat missions, many paratroopers were awarded government awards from the Soviet government and the leadership of the Republic of Afghanistan, and the commander of the paratrooper company of the guard, Senior Lieutenant Sergey Pavlovich Kozlov, was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union.
From July 1988 to December 1989, the brigade did not take part in campaigns, battles, or operations.
During 1990, the brigade performed special tasks in a state of emergency: from January 12 to March 26 - to maintain order in the cities of Baku, Meghri, Lankaran, Kurdamir of the Azerbaijan SSR; from June 5 to August 21 - to maintain order in the city of Uzgen, Kirghiz SSR.
From September 1990 to November 1994, the brigade did not take part in campaigns, battles, or operations.
From December 11, 1994 to October 25, 1996, the battalion tactical group of the brigade carried out combat missions to restore constitutional order in the Chechen Republic.
From November 1996 to July 1999, the brigade (regiment) did not take part in campaigns, battles, or operations.
From August 1999 to June 2000, the regiment, and from June 2000 to November 2004, the battalion tactical group of the regiment carried out combat missions during the counter-terrorist operation in the Chechen Republic.
For courage and heroism shown in the performance of combat missions, three servicemen of the unit were awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation:
the commander of the reconnaissance company of the guard, Sergeant Vornovskoy Yuri Vasilyevich (posthumously);
Deputy Commander of the Airborne Battalion of the Guards, Major Cherepanov Alexander Leonidovich;
the commander of the reconnaissance company of the guard, Captain Petrov Sergey Vasilievich.
From November 2004 to the present, the regiment (brigade) has not taken part in campaigns, battles, or operations.

III. AWARDS AND DIFFERENCES

The name "Guards", previously assigned to the 351st Rifle Regiment, when it was reorganized into the 351st Landing Airborne Regiment, was also retained by this regiment.
By order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces No. 034 dated November 21, 1984, the brigade was awarded the challenge Red Banner of the Military Council of the Ground Forces for high results in combat and political training and strengthening military discipline.
By the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of May 4, 1985, the brigade was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War of the 1st degree for great merits in the armed defense of the Socialist Motherland, successes in combat and political training and in connection with the 40th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.
By order of the Minister of Defense of the USSR No. 0139 dated July 11, 1990, the brigade was awarded the Pennant of the Minister of Defense of the USSR for courage and military prowess shown in carrying out the tasks of the Soviet government and the Minister of Defense of the USSR.
By Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 353-17 of April 22, 1994, the brigade was given the name Don Cossack.

IV. DISPOCATION CHANGES

From January to March 1945 - metro Starye Dorogi of the Byelorussian SSR (Belarusian Military District).
From March to June 1945 - Pisek, Czechoslovakia.
From June 1945 to January 1946 - Budapest, Hungary.
From March to May 1946 - the city of Teikovo (Obolsunovo camp) of the Ivanovo Region (Moscow Military District).
From May to October 1946 - Tesnitskoye camp in the Tula region (Moscow military district).
From October 1946 to August 1960 - the city of Efremov, Tula Region (Moscow Military District).
From August 1960 to December 1979 - the city of Chirchik, Tashkent region of the Uzbek SSR (Turkestan military district).
From December 1979 to January 1980 - the Kokaity airfield of the Jarkurgan district of the Surkhan-Darya region of the Uzbek SSR (40th army).
From January 1980 to December 1981 - Kunduz airfield, DRA (40th Army).
From December 1981 to June 1988 - the city of Gardez, DRA (40th Army).
From June 1988 to October 1992 - the city of Iolotan, Mary region of the Turkmen SSR (Turkestan military district, Airborne Forces).
From October 1992 to June 1993 - art. Zelenchukskaya, Karachay-Cherkessia (VDV).
From June 1993 to August 1998 - the city of Volgodonsk, Rostov Region (VDV, North Caucasian Military District).
From August 1998 to the present - the city of Kamyshin, Volgograd Region (North Caucasian Military District).

The main purpose of the light assault brigade is the combined arms reserve. To increase mobility and speed of movement, the brigade has been completely re-equipped with vehicles. The main method of movement is the transfer of personnel and light weapons by air (helicopters), while equipment arrives under its own power. In the presence of a sufficient number of heavy helicopters, the transfer of equipment by air is also possible. In particular, this method of transportation was practiced in 2008 during exercises at the Ashuluk training ground, when GAZ-66 vehicles and D-30 howitzers were transferred to Mi-26s.
The issue of giving helicopters to the brigade is being worked out.
The main type of equipment - UAZ cars

In this case - model 315108 based on Hunter. Machines delivered in August 2010

In "winter clothes"

UAZ-3152 "Hussar" is also in service.

This car was produced in 2006, in the 56th brigade since the winter of 2010 (before that it was operated in the 22nd special forces brigade)

On asphalt, the car eats 18 liters of 92nd gasoline per 100 km, off-road - 23-25 ​​liters

There were no complaints about the permeability

At the autodrome

205-horse Toyota engine under the hood

The engine is covered with such armor plates. Front - armored blinds. The tank is also armored.

Inside view

The roof is very ascetic and shines with bare foam

Landing squad. According to the state, there should be 5 troops and 1 driver in the car

I traveled several kilometers in the troop compartment of the Hussar and have great sympathy for the soldiers whose vehicle it is. Firstly, because of the machine gunner’s platform, one or two paratroopers have to sit like this

You can sit sideways in the direction of travel, but then you need to lean with your back on a friend. Secondly, with my height of 180 cm, I had to either hunch over and bend down, or my head would be in pursuit of the "tower", and in the presence of a spinning machine gun, this is fraught with injuries. I think from the legs of the machine gunner, who will spin around, the legs and eggs of the landing will also not be good

Thirdly, of course, there is a stove in the car, but in reality it warms only the people sitting in front (driver, commander), the rest are quite cool. Not least because of the doors in motion noticeably blowing. The gaps between the awning and the roof are also a good source of drafts, and in the dry season - dust.
Fourthly, we recall that in addition to people in the car, it is also necessary to transport their property, i.e. 6 duffel bags, entrenching tool, tent, etc.

It is possible to install three types of weapons - an automatic grenade launcher of the AGS-17 type, a 6P50 "Kord" machine gun or a PKP "Pecheneg" machine gun
In the foreground is the turret under the Kord. Sections for machine gun boxes are provided under the seats

On tailgate fastenings for various equipment and weapons are provided, but the first row of belts falls just at the level of the seats and rests against them, so it’s completely incomprehensible to me what can be placed there.

The side doors are equipped with folding windows, so that in the summer you can ride with a breeze, and if you wish, you can fire

To replace unarmored UAZ vehicles, protected vehicles should be supplied to the brigade. If earlier IVECO 65E19WM was planned for this, now it seems that the scales have tipped in favor of domestic "Tigers".

In 2011, the brigade underwent experimental military operation of 10 Scorpio-LSHA vehicles of the Zashchita corporation

The car is 40 cm wider than a regular UAZ, it has an independent suspension. It eats 13 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km on asphalt and about 17 liters off-road. The driver on a 5-point scale rated the cross-country ability as a solid four. He especially noted that it goes very smoothly on the road, especially when the troops are sitting behind, it does not fly on potholes like an UAZ.

Engine armor, like the "Hussar", the car does not have

Inside view.

At the commander's seat there is an opportunity to install a radio station in front, etc. equipment, there is an analogue table lamp. If necessary, the frame, together with the windshield, leans back onto the hood and you can fire directly in the direction of travel

For landing, the tailgate leans back

Step

The vehicle can accommodate 7 troops and 1 driver. One of the paratroopers, due to the placement of a spare wheel in the cabin, sits in the direction of travel. Seat belts for paratroopers are not provided.
I suggest changing the upholstery of the seats right away, because. in the driver's seat, after two or three months of operation, it simply rubbed off (see the view below)

This instance of the machine-gun turret is not installed, there is only a shoulder strap for it. I don’t quite understand what the machine gunner will stand on, either on the reclining back of his seat (will there be supports from below?), Or will there be a separate platform, but this is again a wild inconvenience for the rest of the paratroopers

Inside view on video

No automatic tire inflation

Side door

Let me remind you once again that the car was undergoing trial operation, the task of which was to identify shortcomings, which would then be corrected. One of the main problems is the awning: cool in winter and dusty in summer. At the beginning of this year, the next batch of Scorpion hard-top vehicles is expected to be delivered to the brigade for trial operation. What specific model it will be, they could not tell me.

Almost all of the brigade's vehicles are new, received in 2009-2010.
KAMAZ-5350 with a set of additional protection

Staff vehicle based on KAMAZ-5350

With staff trailer for officers' rest

The interior of the headquarters module

Camp trailer for recreation

On the left side of the entrance is a washbasin.

Technical assistance vehicle MTP-A2

Repair and mechanical workshop MRM-MZR

Car in the foreground Maintenance MTO-AM

The flag of the Airborne Forces of the 56th Airborne Division is an unexpected gift for those who served in this unit. We will tell you in detail about the combat path of 56 DShB.

Characteristics

• 56 DShB
• Iolotan
• military unit 33079

Airborne Forces 56th Airborne Division

Today we continue the story of the glorious formation of the Airborne Forces 56 DShB. In this review, we will analyze in more detail the period of the war in Afghanistan and the events of the 80s - 90s of the twentieth century.

Airborne Forces 56 DShB - legacy of the 351st Guards. pdp

The 56th Brigade was formed by the beginning of October 1979 according to staff No. 35/90 on the basis of the 351st Guards Parachute Regiment from the 105th Guards. airborne division, unexpectedly disbanded before the entry of the Soviet contingent into Afghanistan.

The unit commander was Mrs. Lieutenant Colonel Plokhikh A.P., commander of the 351st Guards. pdp since autumn 1976. Initially, the brigade came under the command of the commander of the TurkVO

The 4th Airborne Assault Battalion was manned by three battalions of the 351st Guards. airborne regiment. The basis was made up of conscripts in the fall of 1979.

Composition At the time of formation - 4 battalions (three airborne battalions and an airborne assault battalion) and an artillery battalion. The brigade also includes 7 separate companies (reconnaissance company 56 dshb, engineer company, auto company, repair company, communications company, airborne support company, medical company). The staffing of 56 DShBs was supplemented by 2 separate batteries (an anti-aircraft missile and artillery battery and an ATGM battery) and 3 separate platoons - a commandant's and economic, RHR, a platoon of an orchestra.

56 DShB: Salang, Kandahar, Gardez…

On December 11, 1979, by oral order of the commander of the TurkVO, the brigade goes into a state of full combat readiness. On December 12, the relocation to the Dzharkugan station begins. On the same day, 3 infantry brigade are transferred by helicopter to the Sandykachi settlement, and 1 airborne infantry brigade to the airfield of 56 infantry air brigade of Kokaydy.

On December 27, the 4th Air Assault Battalion crosses the border and occupies the Salang Pass, the most important transit point on the Kabul-Termez highway.

On December 28, the 3rd Airborne Battalion is transferred by helicopter to the Rabati-Mirza pass and establishes control over the Herat-Kushka highway.

By mid-January 1980, units of the brigade were concentrated in the area of ​​​​the Kunduz airfield. Also, in 56 DShB, the 2nd and 3rd pdb were renumbered. The 3rd battalion is redeployed to Kandahar.

In February, the 4th Airborne Battalion is transferred to the province of Parvan, Charikar. In March 1980, the 56th airborne brigade underwent changes: the 2nd airborne brigade was transferred to the 70th guards. a separate motorized rifle brigade, the 3rd infantry brigade is being reorganized into an airborne assault battalion. Armored vehicles for the battalion were received in 103 Guards. VDD.

In December 1982, the Airborne Forces 56 DShB relocated to Gardez, with the exception of 3 DShB, sent to Logar province to control the Kabul-Gardez highway.

In 1984, the brigade was awarded a challenge red banner. The units also include full-time reconnaissance platoons in addition to the reconnaissance company 56 DShB.

In 1985, the brigade received new equipment: BMP-2 and Nona self-propelled guns. Mortar batteries are being reorganized into self-propelled artillery batteries. In the same year, the 56th Airborne Brigade was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st class.

In 1986, the brigade received another air assault battalion.

On June 10, 1988, the withdrawal of the formation from the territory of Afghanistan begins. By mid-June, a new place of permanent deployment of 56 airborne troops - Iolotan in Turkmenistan.

During the years spent in Afghanistan, the brigade covered itself with glory and earned a reputation as one of the best formations in the Airborne Forces. In 1980 alone, the brigade carried out 44 combat operations.