Army General Alexey Fedorovich Maslov. Alexei Maslov, Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces, Colonel General: “Ground groups are the only way to control the territory”

Russia. It was thanks to them that major victories in wars and military conflicts were achieved. Their headquarters was disbanded and recreated three times. The last time was in 1997. On October 1, the “landers” will celebrate the first professional holiday in their history. The first, because until recently no one could accurately determine when this type of troops appeared in Russia. Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Alexei Maslov tells Izvestia correspondent Dmitry Litovkin what the Ground Forces are today.

It all depends on the purpose of the war

question: Alexey Fedorovich, what are the Ground Forces?

answer: In the minds of many, the image of the Ground Forces is based on books and films - infantry, artillery and tanks. This is not entirely true. Everything is much more complicated. If we talk about what the Ground Forces are today, then, apparently, we need to start in 1992. It was then that, as part of the reform of the Armed Forces, we underwent large-scale transformations, and the appearance of the troops seriously changed. And at first it’s far from for the better. So, at first, military reform essentially came down to a reduction in the Armed Forces, including the Ground Forces. From 1989 to 1997, associations, formations, military units stationed in the territories of 8 military districts were transferred from the Army to the CIS countries, troops were withdrawn from 4 groups of forces, 17 armies, 8 army corps, 104 divisions were reduced. During this period, the number of personnel decreased by more than 1,100 million military personnel, including 188 thousand officers who were laid off (dismissed from military service). All this was a crushing blow to the troops. Only starting in 1997, reform began to be carried out more purposefully. Thanks to this, the Ground Forces now consist of motorized rifle and tank troops, missile troops and artillery, air defense troops (which are branches of the military), as well as special troops (reconnaissance, communications, electronic warfare, engineering, radiation and chemical protection, technical support, rear security, units and organizations of the rear). The basis of their combat strength is made up of motorized rifle, tank divisions and brigades (including mountain ones), brigades (regiments) of military branches and special troops, organizationally consolidated in the army and front-line (district) groupings of troops (forces).

Q: What is the share of the Ground Forces in the Russian Armed Forces?

A: Now the share of the Ground Forces in the Armed Forces does not exceed 30%. This is the lowest figure compared to other armies in the world. In the USA, for example, it is 34%, in the UK - 54, in France - 52, in Germany - 69, in Turkey - 78, in China - 71%.

Q: Lately it has often been said that the Ground Forces have outlived their usefulness. After all, future wars are “non-contact”, and the main tasks in them are solved by aviation and cruise missiles...

A: Such statements are completely unfounded. Firstly, it all depends on the purpose of the war. If it is to force the government of the enemy country to take some specific political decision, then such a scenario may occur. And even then, provided that this state has nothing to respond to: there is no modern aviation, an air defense system, or the means to launch powerful retaliatory strikes. If the goal is to capture enemy territory, then the Ground Forces will play a decisive role. After all, it was ground forces that were and remain the only means capable of holding and controlling territory. This is especially important for our country, given its size, geographical location and the length of its land borders - more than 22.5 thousand km.

Secondly, we are armed with long-range weapons that allow us to destroy the enemy without engaging in close combat with him. These are missile systems, air defense systems, long-range artillery, anti-tank guided missiles, etc. In addition, the effective firing range of small arms, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, and grenade launchers is constantly increasing. Therefore, we should not talk about reducing the role of the Ground Forces in modern warfare, but about the need to equip them with modern long-range, high-precision weapons to defeat the enemy, which is one of the priorities of their development at the present stage.

Thirdly, it is not entirely correct to talk about the leading role and importance of certain branches of the Armed Forces and branches of the armed forces. Victory in a modern operation, as experience shows, can only be achieved through their joint, well-coordinated efforts. It will be up to the combined arms groupings, the basis of which will be formations and military units of the Ground Forces, to finally crush the enemy. For example, in the same United States, the same amount of funds is allocated for the development of future combat systems in the interests of the Army as for research in the field of nuclear weapons.

Contractors, sergeants and rearmament

Q: If the effectiveness of the Ground Forces directly depends on their equipment with high-precision weapons, do the troops have them?

A: Despite some difficulties in the transition period, the current state of the Ground Forces as a whole makes it possible to efficiently and effectively solve the tasks facing them. However, this does not mean that all problems are solved. One of them was the technical equipment of the Army with weapons and military equipment. The share of modern weapons is extremely low - only 20%. True, in formations and units of constant readiness this figure is slightly higher. The basis of the fleet of combat vehicles currently consists of models with service life of 20 years or more. Also, the intensity and quality of combat training of formations and units is not yet at a sufficiently high level, which is associated with difficulties in logistics, the lack of the required number of modern training complexes and the latest training ground equipment.

Q: And what should I do?

A: We have already identified for ourselves the most important and relevant areas of work until 2010. Firstly, it is necessary to increase the combat potential of formations and military units of permanent readiness by transferring them to the contract method of manning. In total, the Ground Forces plan to transfer 60 formations and military units to contract, for which it is necessary to recruit more than 100 thousand people. The task is not easy, given that today’s young people have little desire to connect their lives with the army. To date, two motorized rifle divisions, more than 30 units and subunits have already been transferred to contract recruitment, with a total of more than 55 thousand people selected. In 2006, 18 formations and units with a total number of more than 24 thousand people were transferred to contract in the Ground Forces. Active work on this issue has been launched in all military districts. And this gives us confidence that the federal program for the Ground Forces will be completed in a timely manner. The Ground Forces also attach great importance to the creation of an institute of professional sergeants, which involves changing the system of their selection, training and service.

Secondly, it is necessary to ensure a balanced and comprehensive development of the weapons system, rearmament (re-equipment) with modern (modernized) weapons and military equipment, reconnaissance equipment, communications units and units of constant readiness. For this purpose, the Main Directions for the Development of the Ground Forces Weapons System for the period until 2015 have been developed. A feature of state defense orders in recent years (and this trend will most likely continue in the future) is the supply of equipment that provides complete equipment for specific units of the Ground Forces. As a result, the results of such deliveries become immediately visible. Thus, this year the Ground Forces should receive 31 T-90 tanks (one battalion set), 125 armored personnel carriers (4 battalion sets) and 3,770 multi-purpose vehicles.

When preparing proposals for the state defense order, the need to modernize the existing fleet of weapons and military equipment is also taken into account. In 2006, it is planned to carry out a major overhaul with the modernization of 139 tanks, 125 artillery pieces and other equipment. Despite the fact that these are the highest rates of supply and modernization of arms and military equipment in recent years, they cannot fully satisfy the needs of the troops. After all, the natural loss of weapons and military equipment due to physical and moral aging must be compensated by the timely arrival of new models in an amount of at least 5% annually. It is unlikely that this figure will be achieved in the coming years.

From space exploration to equipment

Q: We have a lot of people saying that there will be no more global wars using large numbers of people and equipment. Countries will face regional or local conflicts. How does the reform of the Ground Forces fit into these views?

o: This is true. In modern armed conflicts and local wars, success, as a rule, is achieved through the conduct of autonomous combat operations by small tactical units (tactical groups), dispersed over a vast territory, in cooperation with military formations of various ministries and departments. Effectively managing them, organizing and maintaining interaction, as experience shows, is extremely difficult without a unified automated battle management system and an intelligence and information support system. The key directions in solving these problems should be the development of reconnaissance, communications and navigation spacecraft, aerial reconnaissance and relay equipment, coupled with automated ground-based data receiving and processing points. We are already working on this issue. For example, when developing promising reconnaissance equipment, priority is given to placing them on unmanned aerial vehicles.

When modernizing existing equipment and developing new models of equipment, the main efforts should be focused on creating a family of multifunctional complexes for interspecific use. Everything is important here - right down to the individual equipment of military personnel. This may sound like science fiction for now, but if the new equipment includes, for example, a unified information and targeting system designed for the highly effective performance of combat missions by both individual servicemen and the unit as a whole, then this will make the troops qualitatively different. And all this together will allow us to successfully complete the tasks facing us.

Alexey Maslov: from tank school cadet to commander in chief

Colonel General Alexey Fedorovich Maslov was born on September 23, 1953 in the village of Panskoye, Sovetsky district, Kursk region. In 1974 he graduated from the Kharkov Higher Tank Command School. He served as a platoon, company, and battalion commander in the Carpathian Military District. In 1984 he graduated from the Military Academy of Armored Forces. In 1986, he was appointed to the position of regiment commander, and then deputy division commander in the Central Group of Forces. Since 1990, deputy division commander in the Volga-Ural Military District. Since 1994 - commander of a tank division in the Urals Military District. In 1998, after graduating from the Military Academy of the General Staff, he was appointed to the post of deputy commander of the Trans-Baikal Military District for combat training. From 1999 to 2003 - in various positions in the Armed Forces. By presidential decree of November 5, 2004, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces. On June 12, 2004, by decree of the President of the Russian Federation, he was awarded the rank of Colonel General. Married. Has two children.

M Aslov Vasily Timofeevich - commander of the 323rd Rifle Bryansk Red Banner Division (33rd Army, 1st Belorussian Front), Major General.

Born on January 1, 1895 in the village of Vadinsk, now Vadinsky district, Penza region, into a peasant family. Russian. Graduated from primary school. He served in the Russian army since 1915. In the Red Guard since December 1917, in the Red Army since 1918. Member of the CPSU(b)/CPSU since 1918. Participant in the Civil War. In 1925 he completed the courses for battalion commanders, and in 1932 he completed the shooting and tactical courses “Vystrel”. He participated among the Soviet military volunteers in the Spanish Civil War (1936 - 1939).

During the Great Patriotic War in the active army - on the Transcaucasian, 1st, 2nd, and again 1st Belarusian fronts. In 1944 he graduated from an accelerated course at the M.V. Frunze Military Academy.

He particularly distinguished himself during the Warsaw-Poznan offensive operation on Polish territory.

The division under the command of V.T. Maslov was the first to break through the long-term, heavily fortified and deeply echeloned defense on the Pulawy bridgehead near the Vistula River along a front of 2.5 kilometers and a depth of 17 kilometers, expanding the breakthrough to 5 kilometers by the end of the day on January 14, 1945 and in 3 days going deep up to 50 kilometers. In subsequent battles while pursuing the enemy, the division rapidly moved forward. By January 18, the division had destroyed more than 2,000 soldiers and officers, more than 50 guns and mortars, and 10 enemy tanks. Great trophies were captured.

U Kazakh Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on April 6, 1945 for skillful command of the formation, courage and heroism shown in the Warsaw-Poznan operation, Maslov Vasily Timofeevich awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union with the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal.

After the war he continued to serve in the Armed Forces. For about 10 years he served at the Higher Rifle and Tactical Advanced Course for Infantry Officers “Vystrel”. Since 1958, Major General V.T. Maslov has been in reserve. Lived in the city of Solnechnogorsk, Moscow region.

A street in the village of Vadinsk is named after the Hero.

Awarded 2 Orders of Lenin (02/21/1945; 04/06/1945), 4 Orders of the Red Banner (05/5/1938; 11/3/1944; 05/30/1945; ...), Order of Suvorov 2nd degree (07/23/1944), Red Star (03/31) .1943) medals, including “For the Defense of the Caucasus.”

Colonel V.T. Maslov met the Great Patriotic War as commander of the 9th Mountain Rifle Division, which he commanded from May 1, 1939 to October 15, 1941. The division was stationed in the city of Batumi (Georgia) and was part of the Transcaucasian Military District (from August 23, 1941 - the Transcaucasian Front, as part of the 46th Army). Guarded the Soviet-Turkish border.

From July 7 to October 14, 1942, Colonel V.T. Maslov commanded the 416th Infantry Division of the 2nd Formation, which was part of the 44th Army of the Transcaucasian Front. Since August, the division was part of the Northern Group of the Front in defense on the territory of the Dagestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, on the right bank of the Sulak River.

From October 28, 1942 to June 4, 1943, he was a colonel on the Transcaucasian Front; from March 31, 1943, Major General V.T. Maslov commanded the 261st Infantry Division. The division was engaged in combat training in the Yerevan region until December 1942, being under front-line subordination, and then guarded the Soviet-Turkish border as part of the 45th Army.

During the period of command of the 261st Rifle Division, Colonel V.T. Maslov put a lot of work and energy into forming, training and putting together units of the division, preparing them for combat operations. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Red Army, he was awarded the Order of the Red Star.

In June 1943, he left to study at the M.V. Frunze Military Academy.

After completing an accelerated course at the Military Academy on May 24, 1944, Major General V.T. Maslov assumed the post of commander of the 323rd Infantry Division of the 1st Belorussian Front. The division was part of the 35th Rifle Corps of the 3rd Army.

In this composition, V.T. Maslov participated in the Belarusian strategic operation “Bagration” - Bobruisk (June 24 - 29, 1944) and Minsk (June 29 - July 4, 1944) offensive operations, then as part of the 2nd Belorussian Front - in Bialystok offensive operation (July 5 - 27, 1944), during which his division entered Polish territory, fought on the outskirts of the city of Bialystok, advanced to the Narew River, crossed it and captured a bridgehead on the western bank of the river.

For distinction in this operation he was awarded the Order of Suvorov, 2nd degree.

From the award list

General Maslov, having accepted the 323rd Rifle Division, skillfully organized the training of units, as a result of which the rifle and special units of the division were well prepared for rapid offensive actions. The immediate preparation for the offensive with the crossing of the Drut River was organized perfectly by Major General Maslov. The interaction of all branches of the military was well thought out and carefully organized.
During the offensive, Major General Maslov skillfully and courageously commanded the division, continuously commanded units, keeping up with the battle formations and without losing contact with the units. 40 minutes after the attack, when the 1086th Infantry Regiment reached the road line at mark 148.0, Major General Maslov moved his OP to a height with a mound 1 km south of us at Ozerane. By this time, a tense situation had created in the division, especially in the 1086th Infantry Regiment, whose commander, Lieutenant Colonel Zolotarev, was killed. The enemy offered stubborn resistance from the edge of the forest 1.5 km southwest of Ozerane.
Using the measures taken, the division commander transported tanks through the swamp, brought the 1088th regiment into order, and quickly organized the interaction of infantry, tanks and artillery. The units broke enemy resistance with a swift attack and by the evening of the first day of the offensive they advanced 6 km and reached the second line of enemy defense.
During the 4 days of the offensive, the division broke through 3 enemy defense lines, advanced 55 km and liberated more than 30 settlements.
Commander of the 35th Rifle Corps, Major General Zholudev
June 30, 1944

In 1945, Major General V.T. Maslov on the 1st Belorussian Front as part of the 38th Corps of the 33rd Army participated in the Warsaw-Poznan offensive operation (January 14 - February 3, 1945) - an integral part of the Vistula-Oder strategic operations.

In this operation, the 33rd Army advanced from the Puławy bridgehead in the direction of Szydłowiec, Opoczno, and Kalisz. By the end of the operation, the army, having broken through the defenses of the enemy's Meseritz fortified area, reached the Oder (Odra) on the old Polish-German border in the Fürstenberg area and to the southeast, crossed the river and captured a bridgehead.

For special distinction in this operation, Major General V.T. Maslov was nominated for the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

From the award list for the title of Hero of the Soviet Union

Major General Maslov's division was the first to successfully break through the long-term, heavily fortified and deeply echeloned defense along the front at 2.5 km and to a depth of 17 km, expanding the breakthrough to 5 km by the end of the day on January 14, 1945 and deepening to 50 km in 3 days . In subsequent battles when pursuing the enemy, the division, being the leading one, with a relatively small amount of artillery, rapidly moved forward. As a result, 2,320 German soldiers and officers were destroyed, guns and mortars - 51, tanks - 10. Large trophies were captured.
Major General Maslov, skillfully leading the combat operation of his formation and being in combat formations all the time, behaved exceptionally boldly and bravely, inspiring the soldiers to feats by personal example.
Major General Maslov's division continues to pursue and destroy scattered enemy groups with great success.

For the exemplary performance of combat missions and the manifestation of personal courage and heroism in combination with the skillful leadership of the division, Major General Maslov is worthy of being awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

As part of the 16th Rifle Corps of the 33rd Army, V.T. Maslov participated in the Berlin strategic offensive operation (April 16 - May 8, 1945), during which, after successfully breaking through enemy defenses, army troops in cooperation with other armies of the 1st The Belorussian and 1st Ukrainian fronts took part in the defeat of a group of German troops surrounded southeast of Berlin. The division completed its combat journey in the area of the city of Luckenwalde (southwest of Berlin).
For his distinction in this operation, V.T. Maslov was awarded the Order of the Red Banner.

From the award list

During the preparation of the division to break through the modern, heavily fortified long-term enemy defense on the western bank of the river. The Oder, in the area of the Lossow settlement, paid a lot of attention to preparing personnel for combat missions.
Thanks to the skillful preparation, cohesion and combat effectiveness of its personnel, the division broke through the enemy’s defenses with a sudden and decisive attack based on the interaction of fire weapons, equipment and manpower on April 16, 1945, breaking the stubborn resistance of the enemy. Developing success, comrade. Maslov skillfully organized the relentless pursuit of the retreating enemy, waging strong battles in the areas of Markendorf, Bigen, Gertsik and Arensdorf. During the battles, the division captured 1,281 soldiers and officers, including 1 general, captured 30 horses, 150 rifles, 121 various machine guns, 8 guns of various calibers, 67 cars, 68 motorcycles, 230 bicycles , ammunition depots - 1, Faust grenade launchers - 265, self-propelled artillery installation - 1.
Destroyed: soldiers and officers - 2230, rifles - 700, machine guns - 75, mortars - 19, guns of various calibers - 43, tanks and self-propelled guns - 14, vehicles - 90, carts with various cargoes - 275.
Documents on the website “Feat of the People”

Born on September 23, 1953 in the village of Panskoye, Sovetsky district, Kursk region. Graduated from the Kharkov Guards Higher Tank Command School (1974), the Military Academy of Armored Forces (1984), and the Military Academy of the General Staff (1998). He served as a platoon, company, battalion commander (Carpathian Military District), regiment commander, deputy division commander (Central Group of Forces). Since 1990 - deputy division commander (PUrVO), since 1994 - commander of a tank division (UrVO). In 1998, he was appointed deputy commander of the Trans-Baikal Military District for combat training. Since 1999 - head of the combat training department of the Siberian Military District, since March 2000 - chief of staff - first deputy army commander, in 2001-2003. commander of the army corps (Siberian Military District). Since March 2003 - Chief of Staff - First Deputy Commander of the North Caucasus Military District. By decree of the President of the Russian Federation of November 5, 2004, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces. Awarded the Order "For Service to the Motherland in the USSR Armed Forces" III degree. Married. Has two children.

- Alexey Fedorovich, a lot has been said in the media in recent years about the present and future of tank forces. Therefore, let's immediately clarify: what are tank troops? What is their status today, their place in the overall structure of the Ground Forces, their composition?

Whatever they say, modern tank forces were, are and remain the main striking force of the Ground Forces. Together with motorized rifle troops, they form their basis. Possessing high security, maneuverability and firepower, tank formations are used, as a rule, in the direction of the main attack (breakthrough area) or in the direction of concentration of the main efforts. Their combat capabilities allow them to actively conduct combat both day and night, even in conditions of the use of weapons of mass destruction, to march over long distances and independently cross water obstacles. They are also capable of making full use of the results of fire strikes and achieving the final goals of the battle and operation in a short time.

Moreover, in recent decades there has been a tendency to expand the use of tank troops in armed conflicts. Judge for yourself. In the Arab-Israeli conflict of 1967, for example, 2,600 tanks were used, and in the Arab-Israeli war of 1973 - 5,300, and in the armed conflict between Iraq and multinational forces in 1991 - over 9,000.

Thus, I am sure that the high importance of tank forces will remain in the foreseeable future. And the tank will retain its role as the leading unique combat weapon. I say this without at all wanting to belittle the merits of other branches of the military and weapon systems. But the fact remains: tank forces, due to their mobility and combat power, are a reliable guarantor of the accomplishment of the tasks assigned to ground forces in continental theaters of military operations. The effectiveness of tank formations, units and even subunits is very high. The same tank battalion, being one of the main tactical units, is capable of, in cooperation with artillery units and other branches of the military, carrying out the combat mission of directly destroying the enemy in close combat.

What are Russian tank forces armed with today? Is it true that the bulk of the cars, unfortunately, were produced in the 70s and 80s? How do they look compared to the armored formations of Germany, the USA, Great Britain and other countries?

There is a fairly wide range of combat vehicles in service today: T-62, T-64, T-72, T-80, T-90 and their modifications. However, the share of modern samples, you are absolutely right, is no more than 20%. Therefore, the problem of equipping formations and units of constant combat readiness with modern tanks is our highest priority.

At the same time, I would like to emphasize: our industry has created a sufficient scientific and technical basis that allows us to comprehensively solve the problems of increasing the combat and technical characteristics of armored vehicles through modernization. It should be considered most appropriate to modernize the T-72, T-80, T-90 tanks in the direction of comprehensively increasing firepower, security, and mobility.

The main battle tank of the Russian Armed Forces can currently be considered the T-90 tank, which is a further development of the T-72 and T-80. The T-90 is equipped with the Shtora electronic suppression complex, a modern fire control system, and the Arena complex for protection against modern anti-tank guided missiles and anti-tank grenades.

Currently, the Russian Army has more than 3,500 T-80 tanks of various modifications, 4,000 T-64, 8,000 T-62, 9,000 T-72, as well as a number of PT-76 tanks, which are mainly in service Marine Corps, and more than 300 T-90 tanks. However, at the ongoing arms exhibitions, a promising Russian tank was presented, which is in the final stages of development. He has the features of that very “Black Eagle”, which the media have already briefly reported on.

If we compare serial tanks from leading countries, Russian ones not only do not lag behind, but in some characteristics they are superior to foreign ones. Currently, the best foreign tanks include the American Abrams, the French Leclerc, the English Challenger, and the German Leopard. The Russian T-80 and T-90 are on the same level with them. This can be seen from their characteristics in the comparison table.

You will probably agree that from the time the first combat vehicles were created until today, their weapons have been the most dynamically improved. How can this be explained and what are the pros and cons?

To survive in battle, you must be the first to discover the target and hit it. Today tanks have the ability to fire effectively both from a standstill and on the move. And thermal imaging sights (channels) allow you to search for targets in difficult weather conditions not only during the day, but also at night. The armor penetration of shells has also increased significantly, more than 3 times, and complexes have appeared for remote detonation of high-explosive fragmentation (shrapnel) shells and for controlling the flight of tank missiles.

You may be interested to know that the weapons of modern tanks are divided into main, auxiliary and secondary. High-ballistic medium (120-125mm) caliber guns, mainly with a smooth-walled barrel, are used as the main ones. Domestic tank guns, created on the basis of the “least mass” concept, are the lightest. The survivability of their barrels ranges from 400 to 700 shots. And the best performance is found in barrels with an internal protective chrome coating of the bore. In addition, to increase the initial velocity of the projectile, the length of such guns is increased. To purge the barrel and reduce gas contamination in the fighting compartment, ejectors are used on most guns.

Tank protection and crew weapons are used as auxiliary weapons. As for additional weapons, they provide self-defense against air targets, as well as the destruction of manpower and lightly armored targets. On modern tanks, autonomous 12.7-mm anti-aircraft machine guns mounted on the turret are used for this purpose. There are also guided missile systems that hit armored targets with high accuracy at a range of up to 5000 m.

It’s important to say this. Target search, shooting accuracy and weapon speed depend on the fire control system (FCS). Modern control systems for domestic and foreign tanks are built on the principles of automating the processes of searching for targets and preparing for shooting. As part of domestic control systems, for example, they use daytime sighting systems for the gunner with independent stabilization of the line of sight. Domestic fire control systems are also equipped with flight control equipment for tank missiles (this is not available on foreign models). And weapon stabilization and guidance systems have an electro-hydraulic drive in the vertical guidance plane (in foreign countries - electromechanical).

The ammunition consists of armor-piercing (kinetic, high-explosive and cumulative action) and high-explosive fragmentation (shrapnel) shells. In addition, Russian tanks have guided missiles. Foreign ones use multi-purpose rounds (M830 - USA, DM12 - Germany) with cumulative fragmentation projectiles. And yet, the main difference between domestic shots and foreign ones is in separate loading, which makes it possible to store them in automatic machines and loading mechanisms located in the tank hull.

And further. The use of automatic machines and loading mechanisms provides tanks with a high level of technical rate of fire, independent of the physical capabilities of the loader, and makes it possible to reduce the crew size to three people. So modern tanks are no longer monsters, but highly mobile armored systems, rich in electronics and weapons.

But there are also PT-76 amphibious tanks. Are they definitely a thing of history? Is there a replacement for them?

PT-76 were in service, as a rule, in reconnaissance units of the Ground Forces. They also mainly staffed units and units of the Marine Corps. Currently, the PT-76 is out of production, although it played a certain role in shaping views on the conduct of landing operations and the development of armored vehicles. It is being replaced by the Sprut anti-tank self-propelled system, which has recently been put into service. It is equipped with a 125 mm tank gun and is capable of effective fire both on the move and afloat.

What are the current views on the tactics and strategy of using tank forces in modern wars? How much have they changed after the war in Iraq and the counter-terrorism operation in Chechnya?

Views on the use of tank units and subunits are periodically refined as the means of armed struggle, forms and methods of conducting it are improved. And this is natural. Moreover, we take into account not only foreign, but, above all, our own experience.

Thus, during counter-terrorism operations in the North Caucasus region, military operations, as a rule, were carried out in the absence of a clearly defined front. The gangs widely used ambushes, night and surprise attacks in small groups, and cities and towns turned into strongholds, saturated with anti-tank weapons.

Unfortunately, during the first Chechen campaign, individual commanders often did not fully take into account the specific conditions of the situation. Due to the lack of necessary experience in using tank units in mountainous, wooded areas and populated areas, and poor interaction with supporting units, tankers sometimes suffered serious losses. Taking into account all these factors and the experience gained ensured the successful solution of problems during the further conduct of the counter-terrorism operation.

However, the use of tank troops in a counter-terrorist operation is still a private task, and not a characteristic task for them. The main purpose of tank units and subunits is to conduct combat operations in local and regional (large-scale) wars. Taking this into account, the main emphasis is not only on improving the tactical and technical characteristics of the tanks themselves, but also on finding alternative solutions to increase the effectiveness of the use of tank units in battle. Particularly noteworthy is one of these urgent decisions - the inclusion of a tank support combat vehicle (BMPT), currently undergoing testing, into the staff of tank units. In terms of firepower, the BMPT is 25-30% superior to the BMP, and in terms of protection it is not inferior to tanks. The appearance of this vehicle will significantly change views on the forms and methods of using tank units and will allow them to increase their combat effectiveness by about a third.

India, Germany, Israel, France, and the USA, in particular, are showing great interest in the BMPT. There are no analogues of such a machine in the world yet.

How is the organization of combat training different in tank formations and units?

In the combat training of tank formations, units and subunits, problems can be traced that are also characteristic of other branches of the Ground Forces. But the peculiarities of the use of tank forces, namely the factor of cohesion of tank crews, the understanding that the survivability, power of a tank and its weapons directly depend on the training and ability of the crew to act coherently in any combat situation, have always distinguished the special and technical training of tank crews. The issue of complete interchangeability is also very relevant for tankers. After all, the tank remains a combat unit even if only one of the crew members is physically capable of performing functional duties.

To what extent are tank formations and units currently equipped with weapons and equipment?

Fully. At the same time, formations and units of constant readiness are, of course, armed with more modern equipment. In the future, that is, as modernization progresses, other formations and units will be equipped with modern armored weapons and equipment. However, I repeat: one cannot call all so-called “non-modern technology” obsolete. A significant number of tanks, which today equip most formations and reduced-strength units, have a number of advantages in comparison with similar equipment of foreign armies. These are a low silhouette, less weight, the presence of guided weapons, an automatic loader, ease of learning and reliability in operation.

We spent quite a lot of time talking, figuratively speaking, about hardware. But without people it is cold and dead. How are the tasks of staffing tank units and subunits with military personnel under contract for the positions of sergeants and soldiers carried out? In a word, is there order in the tank forces?

In accordance with the decree of the government of the Russian Federation, from January 1, 2004, the Ground Forces began solving a very important and responsible state task of transferring a number of formations and military units to a contract method of recruitment within the framework of the federal target program (FTP).

Currently, the priority task for the Ground Forces is to carry out measures to transfer to the contract method the recruitment of two tank regiments and 16 tank battalions of motorized rifle formations. Just to staff the tank forces with specialists, these units needed to recruit about 6 thousand contract military personnel for the positions of sergeants and soldiers.

In general, work to implement the main activities identified by the Federal Target Program is going according to plan. To date, tank units and units of constant readiness are staffed with such contract soldiers by more than 64%. First of all, these units fill positions that determine combat readiness (tank commanders, driver mechanics, gunner operators).

I would like to note that the staffing levels of the tank forces of individual military districts significantly exceed this figure. Thus, in most tank battalions of the Far Eastern Military District it is 77%, and a separate tank battalion of the Northern Military District is almost fully equipped. At the same time, the Main Command of the Ground Forces sees bottlenecks in this sector: As for order in the tank forces, it was, is and will be. Therefore, I am especially pleased to congratulate all the personnel and veterans of the tank forces, scientists, designers and workers creating armored vehicles on their professional holiday!

For more than 70 years, tank troops have been the state's reliable armor shield. The grandiose tank battles of the Great Patriotic War, which predetermined our Victory, will forever remain in the people's memory. The Motherland highly appreciated the military exploits of Soviet tank crews, and 1,142 of them were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, about 200 were awarded the Order of Glory of three degrees. This is a good example for future generations.

Alexey Fedorovich Maslov(born September 23, 1953, Panskoye village, Kursk region) - Russian military leader, reserve army general.

Biography

Since 1970 in service in the Soviet Army.
In 1974 he graduated from the Kharkov Guards Higher Tank Command School named after the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR. After graduating from college, he commanded a tank platoon, company and battalion in the Carpathian Military District.
In 1984 he graduated from the Military Academy of Armored Forces named after Marshal of the Soviet Union R. Ya. Malinovsky.
Since 1984 - deputy commander of a tank regiment, since 1986 - commander of a tank regiment, since 1988 - deputy commander of a tank division in the Central Group of Forces on the territory of Czechoslovakia.
Since 1990 - deputy commander of a tank division in the Volga-Ural Military District.
Since 1994 - commander of the 15th Guards Mozyr Tank Division in the Ural Military District. Major General (5 May 1995)
In 1998, he graduated from the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and was appointed to the post of deputy commander of the Trans-Baikal Military District for combat training.
Since 1999 - Head of the Combat Training Directorate of the Headquarters of the Siberian Military District.
Since March 2000 - Chief of Staff of the 36th Army in the Siberian Military District.
Since 2001 - commander of the 57th Army Corps in the Siberian Military District. Lieutenant General (2001)
Since April 2003 - Chief of Staff - First Deputy Commander of the North Caucasus Military District. Colonel General (June 12, 2004)
On November 5, 2004, by Decree of the President of Russia, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces of the Russian Federation
By decree of Russian President V.V. Putin dated December 15, 2006, A.F. Maslov was awarded the military rank of army general.
On August 1, 2008, he was appointed Chief Military Representative of the Russian Federation to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Brussels.
In October 2011, he was discharged from military service.

Awards

Order of Merit for the Fatherland, IV degree
Order "For Service to the Motherland in the USSR Armed Forces" III degree
Medals.

Since 1970 in service in the Soviet Army.
In 1974 he graduated from the Kharkov Guards Higher Tank Command School named after the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR. After graduating from college, he commanded a tank platoon, company and battalion in the Carpathian Military District.
In 1984 he graduated from the Military Academy of Armored Forces named after Marshal of the Soviet Union R. Ya. Malinovsky.
Since 1984 - chief of staff, since 1986 - commander of a tank regiment, since 1988 - deputy commander of a tank division in the Central Group of Forces on the territory of Czechoslovakia.
Since 1990 - deputy commander of a tank division in the Volga-Ural Military District.
Since 1994 - commander of the 15th Guards Mozyr Tank Division in the Ural Military District.
In 1998, he graduated from the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and was appointed to the post of deputy commander of the Trans-Baikal Military District for combat training.
Since 1999 - Head of the Combat Training Directorate of the Headquarters of the Siberian Military District.
Since March 2000 - Chief of Staff of the 36th Army in the Siberian Military District.
Since 2001 - commander of the 57th Army Corps in the Siberian Military District.
Since April 2003 - Chief of Staff - First Deputy Commander of the North Caucasus Military District.
On November 5, 2004, by Decree of the President of Russia, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces of the Russian Federation
By decree of Russian President V.V. Putin dated December 15, 2006, A.F. Maslov was awarded the military rank of army general.
On August 1, 2008, he was appointed Chief Military Representative of the Russian Federation to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Brussels.
In October 2011, he was discharged from military service.

Awards

Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" IV degree
Order "For Service to the Motherland in the USSR Armed Forces" III degree
Medals.