We are building in the Kremlin. What is a presidential regiment: how to get into the Kremlin company What are the requirements for serving in the Kremlin regiment

Arriving in Moscow, tourists from all over the world tend to see the Kremlin first of all - an ancient fortress, which is not only a historical monument, but also the official residence of the head of state. The enormous significance for the country of this complex complex of buildings, surrounded by high battlements, is additionally emphasized by a special ritual - the changing of the guard of honor at Post No. 1. The main participants of the solemn ceremony - soldiers in beautiful full dress, marching with impeccable marching steps, serve in the Presidential Regiment, the most unusual and most prestigious military unit in the country. Many conscripts would like to get there, however, it is very difficult. In the most elite division of Russia, there are very strict criteria for the selection of each candidate - this is one of the traditions developed over many decades.

The history of the creation of the Presidential Regiment

In the Russian Empire, troops that simultaneously performed "security" and ceremonial functions were called the Life Guards. Basically, these were quite combat units that took part in almost all major wars, nevertheless, a significant part of their service was parades.

Pavel I, a well-known admirer of the "Prussian school", paid special attention to these events. It was he who introduced that drill step, which is still used today. In addition, on the special instructions of the emperor, a detailed ceremonial for changing the guard of honor was developed, which has survived to this day.

When the Romanov dynasty was overthrown from the throne, the Life Guards were disbanded. After the Bolsheviks came to power, it might seem that the "ceremonial" troops were forever in the past. But in any case, the Council of People's Commissars needed security, which at first was used by a consolidated company of Latvian riflemen, who moved in 1918 from Petrograd to Moscow along with the Soviet government. This small unit did not last long in the Kremlin, as experienced fighters were needed at the front.

Starting from the last months of 1918, the protection of the Council of People's Commissars was entrusted to soldiers who were trained at the 1st Moscow machine gun courses. They carried guard duty on the territory of the Kremlin until 1935. This period is interesting, first of all, by the appearance of Post No. 1, which was located near the Lenin Mausoleum shortly after the death of the first head of the Soviet state.

In October 1935, it was decided to use a special unit of the NKVD, known as "bosNaz" (special purpose battalion), to protect the Kremlin. The fighters of the Moscow machine-gun courses were relocated from the center of the capital to Lefortovo. Almost immediately it became clear that one battalion was not enough to solve all the problems, and in April 1936, "bosNaz" was reorganized into "pSpN" (special purpose regiment). It is from this moment that the “official” part of the history of the Presidential Regiment begins.

Like the imperial guard, the new unit was used in combat. This happened for the first time in 1939, when some PSPN fighters were sent to the Soviet-Finnish War.

During the Great Patriotic War, the regiment was mainly engaged in the direct protection of the Kremlin. Air surveillance posts and machine-gun crews were set up on the fortress walls, whose duties included not only protecting against bombardment, but also suppressing landing attempts - such a threat was considered quite serious. The command post of the regiment was moved to the belfry of the bell tower of Ivan the Great. For defensive purposes, even the Tsar Bell was used, inside which communication equipment was placed.

Service in the Kremlin regiment became especially tense in October 1941, when Moscow went into a state of siege and there was a danger of enemy troops appearing directly on the streets of the capital.

Starting in the autumn of 1942, part of the regiment's fighters underwent special sniper training in the Novaya Kupavna camp and were sent to the front. "Kremlin" snipers managed to destroy over 1,200 Nazis within two years, but they themselves also came under fire. In total, during the war, the regiment irretrievably lost 97 people, many of whom died not at the front, but while repelling air raids.

In 1943, due to a change in the structure of the NKVD, "pSpN" came under the control of the NKGB (later the MGB). The entire further fate of the unit is connected with the state security agencies, with the exception of a short period of 1953-54, when the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of State Security were a single department.

A special date in the history of the regiment was April 20, 1955: on that day, the government decided on free admission to the Kremlin. From that moment on, the tasks of guarding became much more complex.

The official name "Kremlin Regiment" appeared only in 1973. Soon the badge of the same name was established, which was awarded to the best fighters. The full name in those years sounded like this: "Separate Kremlin Regiment of the State Security Committee under the Council of Ministers of the USSR."

Decay Soviet Union led to the dissolution of the KGB. The structures that replaced this powerful department changed their name several times. The Kremlin Regiment was also repeatedly renamed, which, starting in 1993, became the Presidential Regiment.

Currently, the official name of the unit is the Red Banner Order of the October Revolution Presidential Regiment of the Service of the Commandant of the Moscow Kremlin FSO Russian Federation.

The main structure of the regiment

Most tourists only see the guards of honor standing at Post #1 near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, however, their number is rather small - one company is enough to perform this ritual.

In total, there are about three thousand fighters in the Presidential Regiment who serve in the following units:

1. Battalion No. 1. It consists of the 3rd, 4th and 5th companies of the regiment;
2. Battalion No. 2 (motorized rifle). Includes the 7th, 8th and 9th companies;
3. Battalion No. 3. Consists of the first and eleventh companies of the special guard, as well as an auxiliary automobile unit;
4. Cavalry honorary escort. Exists since 2002. Includes cavalry squadron, security squad, 10th company and support company;
5. Operational Reserve Battalion. Special Immediate Combat Response Unit. Consists of two companies - operational reserve and protection.

As you might guess, only a part of the servicemen are permanently located directly in the Kremlin. The exact strength of the entire regiment and its units is a state secret. At the same time, it is known that more than 50% of all personnel serve not on conscription, but on a contract basis.

Place of deployment and main tasks

Each of the units of the Presidential Regiment must perform its own functions. This can be ensured by the correct choice of points of permanent deployment.

There are five such places today:

1. Tver region, the territory of the government complex "Zavidovo". Battalion No. 1 is located here, the main task of which is to protect this object;
2. Moscow region, Odintsovo district, Kalchuga village. This is the deployment point of battalion No. 2 (motorized rifle). The unit is the main striking force of the regiment and is intended to strengthen the protection of the Kremlin in case of a threat of its assault;
3. Urban-type settlement Kalininets. It houses the Cavalry Honorary Escort of the Presidential Regiment, whose main task is to perform ceremonial functions. The unit is staffed mainly by "contract". The place of deployment was chosen taking into account the need to care for horses;
4. Moscow region, city of Noginsk. The battalion of the operational reserve is based here, which includes military personnel who have undergone special training. The unit is designed for rapid force response to various emergencies. That is why the battalion is located close to the training ground - for each of the fighters, daily shooting exercises are mandatory;
5. Moscow, Kremlin, Arsenal premises. This is the location of Battalion No. 3, the most prestigious unit. The main tasks are the protection of the territory and government buildings, as well as the performance of ceremonial functions.

The Kremlin also houses the headquarters and command of the regiment. We should separately mention the model of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is located in the Moscow region, near the Kupavna station. This facility is used for training and training of personnel.

Battle flag of the Presidential Regiment

As you know, after the collapse of the USSR, the state symbols were completely renewed. The changes did not bypass the Presidential Regiment of Russia. On May 7, 2006, Vladimir Putin presented this military unit with a new battle flag. Despite the fact that in the speech that followed, the head of state mentioned several times about historical continuity, the appearance of the current symbol of the “Kremlin” does not in any way resemble the “Soviet period”, which is rather strange.

On each of the sides of the new battle banner, a cross with four expanding ends is depicted, located on a white main background. The color of the cross is light blue, with a golden border around the edges. In the center of the panel is the so-called medallion (simply a circle), bordered by a laurel wreath, in the lower part of which you can see a ribbon. The same elements, but somewhat smaller, are located on a white background, between the ends of the cross. The emblem of the FSO is additionally placed in these small medallions.

Both sides of the banner are generally identical, with the exception of the image placed in the central medallion. On the front side - the state emblem of Russia - a double-headed eagle crowned with three crowns, and on the back - the emblem of the Presidential Regiment. The banner is additionally equipped with a cover, sashes and a pantalère (a special baldric).

Uniform of the Presidential Regiment

Special requirements are imposed on the appearance of soldiers and officers serving in the most prestigious military unit in Russia. First of all, this applies to the personnel of the special guard companies.

Everyday uniform

When the soldiers of the Presidential Regiment are not at Post No. 1 and not involved in any ceremonial activities, they use the most ordinary uniforms provided for all military units. The summer set consists of a camouflage uniform and berets, and the winter set additionally includes special underwear, insulated trousers, a pea jacket and a sheepskin hat with earflaps.

Dress uniform

Soldiers of the first, second and reserve battalions of the Presidential Regiment do not participate in ceremonial events. For this reason, their full dress uniform is no different from the "all-army". At the same time, for the personnel of the 1st and 11th companies of the special guard, starting from the "Soviet" times, a special set of clothes was developed.

The so-called special dress uniform of the Presidential Regiment has a number of differences:

1. The shirt is not protective, but white (for a summer set);
2. White gloves;
3. Akselbant;
4. Ceremonial belt (worn instead of a belt).

All these details are easy to notice on the fighters standing at Post No. 1.

Ceremonial uniform

When holding state protocol events in the Kremlin, the soldiers of the Presidential Regiment are dressed in "historical costumes". They are sometimes referred to as "ceremonial uniforms". It was introduced at the initiative of the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin.

The basis for the creation of "historical costumes" was the full dress uniform of the Life Guard units of the sample of 1907-1913.

The most obvious external differences of the ceremonial form are the following details:

1. A shako is a headdress traditionally associated with the historical period of the Napoleonic wars. Modern examples weigh about 700 grams;
2. Epaulettes (only for officers);
3. Gorget is a special neck badge. Worn by officers to indicate their status.

The cut of the ceremonial uniform as a whole is so different from the usual front dress that it is impossible to confuse these two types of clothing.

Selection criteria for the Presidential Regiment

Standing in the guard of honor at Post No. 1 or participating in protocol events, being in close proximity to the head of state, is the dream of many conscripts. But not every one of them can apply for a place in the Presidential Regiment.

In order to have at least a minimal chance of this, several conditions must be met:

1. Height not less than 175 and not more than 190 centimeters;
2. Vision is not worse than 0.7 in each eye;
3. Normal weight and good physique;
4. The absence of scars, tattoos and large moles on open areas of the body.

Unofficial, but often mentioned conditions are "Slavic" appearance and permanent residence outside of Moscow.

The final decision on who is taken to the Presidential Regiment is made by the FSO, which means that each candidate will literally be studied under a microscope. The presence of a criminal record or some dubious details of the biography of the conscript himself and his relatives will be the basis for refusal. But even if everything is in order, the candidacy may be rejected - there are too many applicants.

The daily routine in the presidential troops of Russia

Soldier service, as you know, is strictly regulated. The presidential regiment in this respect is almost no different from other military units. The rise here takes place at 6.00, followed by charging. The fighters of battalion No. 3 are engaged in physical exercises directly on the territory of the Kremlin, running at least two kilometers every morning. After completing the exercises, the soldiers in an organized manner, in formation, go to breakfast. After they finish their meal, they get to work. The main direction for the 1st and 11th companies is drill training, but military theory is also being studied, as well as the charter.

After a lunch break, classes continue until 18:00, after which the soldiers are given free time, which they use mainly to take care of their dress uniforms, especially shoes. End - at 22:00.

Weekends - Saturday and Sunday. On these days, soldiers can go on leave or visit a club where films are shown or concerts are held. For the fighters of the third battalion, another "club" day is provided - Thursday.

The modern Presidential Regiment, in its basic traditions, bears little resemblance to the pre-revolutionary Life Guards. His "worker-peasant" origin cannot be hidden under a ceremonial shako. But there is nothing wrong with this: the soldiers of the guard of honor, as before, adequately represent Russia, demonstrating to people with their whole appearance that the country remains under reliable protection. There can be no doubt that the prestige of the Presidential Regiment will remain at the same height for the foreseeable future.

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The Presidential Regiment (Officially - the Presidential Regiment of the Commandant's Office of the Moscow Kremlin of the Main Security Directorate of the Russian Federation, unofficially - the Kremlin) - a formation (military unit), currently part of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSO of Russia).

From March to September 1918, the protection of the Moscow Kremlin, which became the seat of the Soviet government, was carried out by Latvian riflemen. Then this task was carried out by the 1st Moscow Machine Gun Courses of the Red Army, later reorganized into the 1st Soviet Joint Military School of the Red Army named after the All-Russian Central Executive Committee.

In October 1935, the All-Russian Central Executive Committee school was transferred from the Kremlin to Lefortovo. The tasks of protecting the Kremlin were transferred to the Special Purpose Battalion (bosnaz). The battalion was part of the Kremlin commandant's office, which, in accordance with a government decree, was removed from the subordination of the People's Commissariat of Defense and transferred to the subordination of the NKVD.
On April 8, 1936, in accordance with Order No. 122 for the Kremlin garrison, the Special Purpose Battalion was reorganized into the Special Purpose Regiment (SPPN).

From the first days of the Great Patriotic War, the Kremlin regiment defended the Kremlin from German air raids. On June 25, 1941, by order of the commandant, the regiment switched to enhanced security and defense of facilities. On the Kremlin wall, round-the-clock duty of combat crews was established.
In 1942 - 1943. 4 groups of snipers from the Kremlin regiment were sent to the Western and Volkhov fronts, who destroyed over 1,200 enemy soldiers and officers. During the Great Patriotic War, the loss of the regiment amounted to 97 people.

In 1952, the Special Purpose Regiment was transformed into a Separate Special Purpose Regiment (opSpN). On May 7, 1965, for military merit during the Great Patriotic War and high performance in combat and political training, the Separate Special Purpose Regiment was awarded the Order of the Red Banner. In 1973, by order of the Chairman of the KGB under the Council of Ministers of the USSR, the regiment was renamed the Separate Red Banner Kremlin Regiment of the State Security Committee under the Council of Ministers of the USSR.
In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of March 20, 1993, the Separate Red Banner Kremlin Regiment was transformed into the Presidential Regiment of the Commandant's Office of the Moscow Kremlin of the Main Security Directorate of the Russian Federation.

On September 2, 2002, on the basis of the 11th Separate Cavalry Regiment, the Cavalry Honorary Escort was formed as part of the Presidential Regiment.

Reports directly to the President of the Russian Federation - Supreme Commander of the Russian Armed Forces.
The barracks of the Presidential Regiment is located in the historical building of the Arsenal (Tseuchhaus). In the closed perimeter of the yard of the Arsenal there is a parade ground and a sports hall (gym) of the regiment. Separate units of the regiment are also deployed in other administrative units of the Moscow region.

PRESIDENTIAL REGIMENT
History, rituals and uniforms of military personnel in 1991-2007.

POST-SOVIET PERIOD

By the time of the collapse of the USSR, a separate Kremlin regiment was in the structure of the Security Directorate under the Office of the President of the USSR. After the formation of the Main Directorate of Security of the Russian Federation (GUO RF), on February 18, 1992, the regiment became part of the commandant's office of the Moscow Kremlin of the GUO RF.

March 20, 1993, in accordance with the decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 375, a separate Kremlin regiment was transformed into the Presidential Regiment of the Commandant's Office of the Moscow Kremlin of the Main Directorate of Defense of the Russian Federation.
At this time, the regiment consisted of three rifle battalions and a regimental school.

After the tragic events that took place in Moscow in September-October 1993, a decision was made to strengthen the Presidential Regiment. In accordance with this decision, by order of the head of the Main Directorate of Defense of the Russian Federation No. 042 dated May 27, 1994, a motorized rifle battalion was additionally introduced into the unit, and an armored service was created in the staff of the regiment to ensure its comprehensive support.

In 1995, a company was introduced into the unit, which was previously part of one of the units of the Ministry of Defense and carried out tasks to protect the main country residence of the Prime Minister.

The following year, a battalion was introduced into the Presidential Regiment, transferred from the 1st Separate Rifle Order of the Red Star of the Security Brigade of the Ministry of Defense, where since 1981 it had been performing tasks of protecting and maintaining the territory of the Zavidovsky State Scientific and Experimental Reserve and government facilities located there . Now these functions have been assigned
to the Presidential Regiment. Also in 1996, after another reorganization, the 3rd battalion of the regiment began to consist of the 11th and 12th companies, an automobile company and a logistics company.

By decree of the President of the Russian Federation of September 2, 2002, the Honorary Cavalry Escort was introduced into the Presidential Regiment, formed on the basis of two squadrons of the disbanded 11th separate Cossack cavalry regiment of the RF Ministry of Defense.

In the same year, in order to improve the training of junior commanders and drivers, the regimental school was transformed into a training battalion.

In 2005, another reorganization took place, as a result of which the logistics company was abolished. At the same time, with the 11th company being given the status of the operational reserve of the director of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, the staff of this company was expanded to five platoons. In addition, significant changes have affected the company's combat training program. Thus, the number of hours for classes in physical and special training, including the suppression of riots, has sharply increased, and special funds have been received to equip the company (rubber sticks PR-73, shields, etc.).

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 428 of April 25, 2006 approved the provision on the new Battle Banner of the unit and its description, and on May 7, 2006, on the day of the 70th anniversary of the regiment, President Putin in a solemn ceremony handed the Battle Banner to the command of the unit.

PRESIDENTIAL REGIMENT CURRENTLY

Now the Presidential Regiment is part of the Service of the Commandant of the Moscow Kremlin of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (SKMK FSO RF). He solves the tasks of ensuring the protection and defense of the objects of the Moscow Kremlin, participating in state protocol events, assigning guards of honor and serving at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin wall. In addition, the military personnel of the regiment as part of parade chains, military reserves and operational groups are involved in ensuring the security of events on Red Square.

The regiment consists of a headquarters, several battalions, a motorized rifle battalion and an honorary cavalry escort.
Part of the rifle battalions is stationed on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin in the building of the Arsenal. They are the main subdivisions of the regiment and are designed to directly carry out the tasks of protecting the objects of the Moscow Kremlin, the exhibition of the Diamond Fund of the Russian Federation and government aircraft of the Rossiya state transport company at the Vnukovo-2 airport. The 1st battalion has a special guard company (1st company), whose main task is to provide protocol events and serve on guards of honor, including at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The personnel of these rifle battalions are armed with AK-74 assault rifles, RPK-74 light machine guns, PK company machine guns, SVD sniper rifles and grenade launchers; SKS carbines are standard weapons of a special guard company.
Another battalion of the Presidential Regiment is deployed on the territory of the Zavidovo state complex in the Tver region and is designed to protect and maintain its facilities. The motorized rifle battalion is deployed in the settlement. Kalchuga of the Moscow Region and is intended to reinforce the regiment's units in solving tasks for the defense of the Moscow Kremlin. This battalion consists of a headquarters, two motorized rifle companies, a fire team and a support company.
The motorized rifle companies are armed with BTR-80A and BTR-80K armored personnel carriers, as well as BTR-80PBKM command and staff vehicles. As part of the fire group in 1994-2002. there were 15 120-mm 2S23 Nona-SVK self-propelled guns, as well as ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns. AT
In 2002, the presence of self-propelled guns in the battalion was deemed inappropriate, and all Nonas were transferred to the 55th Marine Division of the Pacific Fleet.

The training battalion is stationed in the settlement. New Kupavna, Moscow Region.
The battalion is entrusted with the task of training sergeants and drivers for the units of the regiment.

Honorary cavalry escort, located in N. p. Kalininets of the Moscow region, used in various protocol events at the state level.

In addition, a group of servicemen of the Presidential Regiment, in accordance with the plans of the ornithological unit of the SKMK FSO of the Russian Federation, is keeping specially trained birds of prey (falcons) used to combat urban birds that damage the appearance of buildings and monuments of the Moscow Kremlin.

The staffing of the regiment with privates and sergeants is carried out at the expense of conscripts.

Strict selection criteria are applied to conscripts: they must be healthy for military service without restrictions, have regular facial features and be at least 175 cm tall; in addition, they must be free of defects and damage to visible parts of the body. Candidates for the Presidential Regiment must have a completed secondary education; they should not be registered with the internal affairs bodies, have relatives living abroad or convicted of serious crimes.

The selection of a special guard company is even stricter, in particular, the height of conscripts must be at least 185 cm. Very often, twins are called into the company, whose complete external resemblance plays a role in ceremonial events. In contrast to the Soviet period, when conscripts of only Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian and Latvian nationalities fell into this unit, now there are no official requirements for the national composition. But the specifics of the combat training of the company remained: the main attention and most of the time is given to drill training and methods of handling weapons.

STATE RITUALS IN 1991-2007

As a result of the August events of 1991 and the collapse of the USSR that followed them, the communist ideology that had prevailed for 70 years collapsed in Russia, and with it all the corresponding paraphernalia.
It is quite natural that in this situation the question arose about the future fate of the Mausoleum V.I. Lenin. The new political leadership of Russia and personally President Yeltsin were supporters of the burial of Lenin's body, however, in conditions of political instability, to decide
it was difficult for them to put this "explosive" idea into practice.

In September-October 1993, the confrontation between the President and the Congress of People's Deputies resulted in riots in Moscow. Since in many respects the actions of the president's opponents took place under communist slogans, President Yeltsin considered it inappropriate to carry a guard of honor at the Mausoleum, and on October 6, 1993, Post No. 1 was abolished. Further than this, however, things did not go. Lenin's body is preserved in the Mausoleum to this day, although it is no longer an object of worship for any significant number of Russians.

In general, until the mid-1990s. the state protocol was in some decline, since protocol events were held only in connection with international contacts of the country's leadership. The presidential regiment was involved at that time only in protocol events within the framework of state visits of heads of foreign states, ceremonies for the presentation of credentials by foreign ambassadors, etc.

Nevertheless, despite the ideological differences existing in society, there was one theme that united everyone: victory in the Great Patriotic War. It was around this event that they began in the mid-1990s. gradually develop new rituals.

On May 9, 1995, after a five-year break during which no parades were held at all, a parade of the Moscow garrison troops and veterans was held on Red Square to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. To ensure his safety, as before, the personnel of the Presidential Regiment was involved. Since then, the parade on Victory Day has become traditional, as well as the participation in it, although not in the parade crew, of the regiment's military personnel.

A significant event for the regiment was the signing by the President of the Russian Federation of Decree No. 1277 "On the establishment of a permanent guard of honor post in Moscow at the Eternal Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier." It should be noted that in previous years, on public holidays, a temporary guard of honor at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier was carried by servicemen of a separate company (battalion) of the guard of honor of the 154th separate commandant's regiment.

December 12, 1997 (Constitution Day of the Russian Federation) at 8.00 am, the first shift of the special guard company of the Presidential Regiment entered the post at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Fasting Ritual #1 has finally been revived.

By the end of the 1990s. The presidential regiment participated in almost all rituals that existed in one form or another, only the tradition of laying wreaths at the Mausoleum of V.I. Lenin. But the search for new forms of protocol events did not stop. Since 2000, the solemn ceremony of the inauguration of the President of the Russian Federation began to be held in the Kremlin, and the Presidential Regiment plays the most prominent role in it. As part of the ceremony, a special guard company provides a ritual of bringing state attributes and symbols of presidential power into the Andreevsky Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace: the state flag of the Russian Federation, the standard of the President of the Russian Federation, a special copy of the constitution of the Russian Federation and the sign of the President of the Russian Federation
Federation. In addition, along the main staircase leading from the lobby to the entrance hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, exhibited
guard of honor of the 1st company of the Presidential Regiment. The inauguration ceremony ends with the presentation of the Presidential Regiment to the incoming President.

On September 17, 2004, units of the regiment, consisting of cavalrymen of the Honorary Cavalry Escort and servicemen of the Special Guard Company, with the participation of the brass band of the Presidential Orchestra, for the first time held the ceremony of dismounting the horse and foot guards of the Presidential Regiment on Cathedral Square of the Kremlin. Since then, this ceremony has been held every Saturday during the summer period and attracts a significant number of visitors to the Moscow Kremlin.

The regiment's servicemen also participate in episodic protocol events.
So, in September 2006, a group of officers from a special guard company provided the ritual of reburial in Russia of the ashes of the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna (Danish Princess Dagmara). And on April 24-25, 2007, servicemen of the special guard company participated in mourning events held in connection with the death of the first president of Russia B.N. Yeltsin.

SENTRY CHANGE RITUAL AT THE GRAVE OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

In accordance with Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1277, the guard of honor is changed daily every hour from 8.00 to 20.00, and in exceptional cases at other times.

15 minutes before the onset of the new hour, the guard lines up the guards, inspects their appearance and reports to the head of the guard of honor. After that, the chief gives out weapons, checks the appearance of the guards and the guard. Then the shift leaves the guardroom of the 24th building of the Kremlin and spends several minutes practicing the ritual, then the leader stops the training and brings the shift to its original position. Here follow the commands: "Join the bayonet!", "On the shoulder!" and “Step - march!”, Upon completion of which the movement begins with a marching step. At the same time, the leader should be to the left of the guards, and the head of the guard of honor - even more to the left and 10 meters ahead of them. Then, during the change of sentries, the head of the guard of honor is at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Not reaching two steps to the middle of the main ensemble of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the leader gives the command “Change!”, And then, under the left leg, “Stop!”. The stopped shift takes the carbines to the “to the foot” position and, at the same time, makes a turn to the right. After
pauses lasting a few seconds are followed by the commands of the breeder “Change!” and "Step - march!". The guards with raised carbines turn: the first - to the left, the second - to the right, take 8 steps, after which, in motion, they turn right and left, respectively, take 6 more steps and stop on the right (left) side of the sentries standing at the post. Then, according to the new command of the breeder, “Step march!” the guards make a turn around (the first - over the right shoulder), then step to the side and take their place at the post. Sentinels, simultaneously with them, begin to move forward.

After the sentries approach the guard, they stop and, at the command of the guard, “Circle!”, Turn right (left) in the direction opposite to the Eternal Flame. At the same time, the breeder himself performs a circle turn. Then, following the commands of the breeder: “To the left!”, “On the shoulder!” and “Step - march!”, the change of drill moves in the opposite direction, and the head of the guard of honor follows it at a distance of 10 m.

It should be noted that all ceremonial movements have their own characteristics. So, when moving with a drill step and performing techniques with weapons, a pace of movement of 70-80 steps per minute is observed with a leg lift of 25-30 cm, and the feet are placed in one line. In inclement weather, the shift moves at a marching pace with a leg lift of 15-20 cm, and the feet are placed without impact to prevent the formation of splashes.

To be continued...

The Presidential (Kremlin) Regiment has existed since the 1930s. This military unit is characterized by a strict internal routine. There are very high requirements for applicants wishing to serve in the presidential troops. According to experts, it is much easier to get into the Marine Corps and the Airborne Forces than into the Kremlin Guard. Information about what the Russian presidential troops are, what tasks they perform and how to get into them is presented in the article.

About the history of formation

After the October Revolution, the Bolshevik government was in a very difficult position and was systematically exposed to great danger. The new government needed serious and disciplined protection. The seat of the Bolshevik government was the Moscow Kremlin, which was guarded from March to September 1918 by Latvian Riflemen. Soon they were replaced by servicemen of the Moscow Higher Military Command School of the Red Army, which after some time was reorganized into the All-Russian Central Executive Committee, which later became the 1st Soviet United Military School of the Red Army. The Kremlin was guarded by the All-Russian Central Executive Committee until 1935. In October, Lefortovo became the location of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee, and the protection of the Kremlin was entrusted to the Special Purpose Battalion, which from that moment came out of the subordination of the People's Commissariat of Defense. The battalion was taken over by the NKVD. A year later, it was officially named the NKVD Special Forces Regiment. Unofficially it was called the Kremlin. During the Soviet-Finnish war, the military personnel of the regiment took part in the hostilities. In the Great Patriotic War, Wehrmacht air raids were repelled. In 1973, the status of the "Kremlin" was officially assigned to the regiment. Since 1975, its military personnel have been awarded a distinctive badge for impeccable service, combat and political training.

Our days

During the years of the Soviet Union, this unique military unit was called the Red Banner Presidential Regiment of the Order of the October Revolution. Since 1991, the presidential troops have been officially called the Presidential Regiment of the Service of the Commandant of the Moscow Kremlin of the FSO of the Russian Federation. 2002 was the year of the formation of the Cavalry Escort of Honor. In 2016, the regiment was awarded a diploma of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces for services to ensure security. On May 7, the unit celebrates the day of its creation. The regimental commander is directly subordinate to the Supreme Commander. The location of the barracks of the Presidential troops was the historic building of the Arsenal (Tseikhgauz). The location of the regimental parade ground and the sports hall of the FSO is a closed perimeter of the yard.

About tasks

Presidential troops provide protection and protection of historical and strategic Kremlin sites. These include the Eternal Flame, the tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin wall and all the important institutions located on the territory. In addition, the part takes part in various protocol events.

The presidential troops as part of the Federal Security Service provide protection for the first persons of the country. The regiment includes ten companies that report directly to the President. Many experts argue that the Kremlin Regiment was formed solely for beauty. The constitutional system is also protected by the National Guard, created on the basis of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. These troops serve on a contract basis.

How to get into the presidential troops?

Judging by the numerous reviews, service in the Kremlin regiment is very difficult, but extremely honorable. Only the most worthy can take the oath to the presidential troops. The selection of applicants is very thorough. Anyone who plans to serve in the presidential troops must first enter the official website of the Kremlin Regiment. There is a list of all available vacancies. Those planning to serve on a contract basis must notify the draft board. This must be done a few months before the start of the draft campaign. Otherwise, the young man will not have time to go through all the stages. Selection for the presidential troops takes place in the military registration and enlistment offices. Upon completion, the applicant must agree in writing to the verification of his identity for reliability by the employees of the Federal Security Service of Russia. Then the applicant is tested and invited for an interview at the FSB. Representatives from the National Guard meet the young man there. Presidential troops are open only to those who fully meet all the requirements.

About appearance requirements

Young people whose height is not lower than 175 and not higher than 190 cm can get into the Kremlin Regiment. There are no clear requirements regarding body weight. However, it is important to have a normal weight-to-height ratio. Judging by the reviews, preference in the selection is given to applicants with a Slavic appearance. According to experts, for conscripts with dark skin or Mongoloid eyes, the probability of getting into the Presidential Regiment is very small. Slurred or defective speech, piercings, tattoos and scars also reduce a young man's chances of serving in the Kremlin.

About moral character

A candidate for the Presidential Regiment in a "civilian" before service must be characterized as a person with exemplary behavior. This will be confirmed by a characteristic from a school or university. In addition, only holders of a good certificate can enter the Kremlin. Since a culture of behavior is instilled from childhood, when examining a candidate, FSB officers pay great attention to the family in which a person was brought up. Often people come to the Kremlin from a complete and prosperous family. However, the presence of domestic problems and excessive anxiety of the candidate about his loved ones is undesirable. Difficulties in joining can also arise for those who have a girlfriend. This attitude of the commission is explained by the fact that love relationships greatly distract young people from service.

About health requirements

Those who wish to serve in the Kremlin regiment must be in good health. The indicator of visual acuity without adjustment should be at least 0.7. A person should not have any problems with color perception. In addition, the applicant must have good hearing, allowing him to hear whispers clearly from a distance of six meters. Since a lot of time is devoted to the physical training of military personnel, preference is given to hardy and physically developed people.

It is desirable that such a person previously, "in civilian life", was engaged in some kind of sport. Persons whose addiction to drugs, alcohol, and even nicotine will be revealed during the examination may not count on serving in the Kremlin troops.

Who can't get in?

Young people who are ready to give a positive answer to at least one of the questions proposed in the following paragraphs of the questionnaire should not apply to the Presidential troops:

• The presence of close relatives abroad or convicted of crimes against a person or the state.
• Criminal record. It will not be possible to join the Kremlin Regiment to persons who have served sentences in places of deprivation of liberty, even for minor crimes.
• If the applicant is under investigation.
• If it is registered in a narcological, neuropsychiatric and dermatovenerologic dispensary.

About the oath

Relatives and friends of recruits are allowed to attend the ceremony. Bringing alcoholic beverages into the Kremlin is prohibited. It is also undesirable for guests to use them before the celebration itself. Otherwise, drunken citizens will not be allowed through, and the young fighter will have problems. Before taking the oath, the recruit has the right to tell his relatives in which unit he will serve.

The ceremony itself lasts no more than 40 minutes. Previously, it was forbidden to use cameras and video cameras during the oath. However, in recent years, according to eyewitnesses, one of the guests has the right to pass through the cordon and take a few photographs. A recruit can communicate with relatives immediately after the oath, without leaving the territory of his military unit.

MOSCOW, July 25 - RIA Novosti. The Presidential Regiment, which celebrated its 80th anniversary this year, is called by officers and soldiers "the face of the army and the country", because they serve at the walls of the Moscow Kremlin and ensure the safety of the first persons of the state. RIA Novosti visited the barracks and learned how to become a soldier of an elite guard of honor company.

elite elite

The Presidential Regiment of the Service of the Commandant of the Moscow Kremlin FSO (the official full name of the Presidential Regiment) includes three battalions, an honorary cavalry escort and an operational reserve battalion. The most famous is the 1st company of the guard of honor. The soldiers who serve in it stand guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Many are rushing here, but less than half of the candidates pass the selection.

"Are you sure you want to serve in the Presidential Regiment?" - this is the first question that the company commander Major Artem Kunakin asks the soldiers. It is not easy to serve here, so the requirements for military personnel are strict: height of at least 175 centimeters, excellent health and good physical fitness. A soldier should not have tattoos, piercings, or scars on his face.

Soldiers who were not included in the 1st company are transferred to other units of the regiment. In most cases - to protect the territory of the Kremlin.

"I immediately understand when talking with a person whether he will suit us or not. If the candidate waves his arms or inadequately answers questions, then it is unlikely. We specifically ask provocative questions to look at the reaction. For example, we ask about actions if he is hit in the while serving in office, or if the president comes up to him and shakes hands," said Artem Kunakin.

Dynasties are welcome in the regiment. Many soldiers come here after their fathers and brothers.

"We have a serviceman - he started with a draft, then switched to a contract. Now his younger brother has come to serve us. If they are twins, then we have an unspoken rule - do not separate brothers, but sometimes you have to. Recently, one soldier went through a state of health, and the other is not,” said the major.

One day in the regiment

The barracks of the soldiers are located in the historical building of the Arsenal. Individual units are scattered throughout the Moscow region. The daily routine of a soldier differs little from the schedule of soldiers of other regiments. Rise - at 6 am, then there is a construction and exercise.

"We do exercises, we run about two kilometers. We train on the territory of the Kremlin, there is a specially designated place for this. After physical preparation and putting things in order, we put ourselves in order: we wash ourselves, go to the shower. After inspecting the appearance, we go to the dining room , she is in the Arsenal. Next - training hours or drill, "said Private Nikolai Tarov.

On weekdays, soldiers learn the charter and are engaged in drill training. Free time - after 18.00.

"We go in for sports, read books or go to a soldier's canteen. True, it takes a lot of time to prepare uniforms. In the first company there is even such an expression:" the cult of uniforms ". Then we go to dinner, after - informing, watching TV shows, news ", said the private.

The soldiers' day ends with an evening walk, but even during that they must walk in formation. End - at 22.00.

“We treat walks especially. We are the first company, so we pay a lot of attention to the marching step. We must do everything beautifully,” Nikolai Tarov added.

The daily life of a soldier is not limited to drill training and cramming regulations. Soldiers go to the library, to the theater and to concerts. Saturday and Sunday at the 1st company are days off. You can ask to be fired.

“If parents come from far away, then they can get fired on weekdays, this is a special case. For moms and dads, we also have open days twice a year. They visit the barracks, heads of all departments speak to them, thank their sons for their service and award letters of commendation," said Major Artem Kunakin.

The traditions of the Presidential Regiment change over time. For example, soldiers used to fluff pillows in a special way.

“Pillows were fluffed so that they turned out to be square and stood at the head of the bed. This trained discipline, but now the pillows have been replaced with flat ones, they can no longer be fluffed,” Kunakin said.

The Presidential Regiment was the first to allow members of the military to use mobile phones.

"The phone should be simple - without Internet access, a camera and video. It can only be used as a means of communication, no more," Kunakin said.

Soldiers are also allowed to smoke - there are specially designated places for this. But alcohol is strictly prohibited.

“They are severely punished for alcohol, up to the transfer from the unit. We have a medical service, if there is a suspicion, then we send it for examination. This is a disciplinary offense,” the major said.

The cult of the dress code

Recently, a new full dress uniform has been developed for soldiers - the hussar lightweight one. In it, they stand up for the divorce of foot and horse guards, put on protocol and state events. There were rumors that it was created by Valentin Yudashkin, but the command of the regiment refutes the speculation.

“A shako is attached to the uniform. Soldiers polish all the metal objects on it to a shine in order to see their reflection. There is also a winter version of the uniform, we put it on after October 15 or when frost sets in, but only for foot and horse guards,” he said. Corporal Yuri Volkov.

"The Spasskaya Tower"

Now the Presidential Regiment is getting ready for the Spasskaya Tower military music festival. They take part in it every year. This performance is expected by the majority of spectators: military personnel perform complex acrobatic stunts while working on horseback and in possession of weapons.

“At the festival, we represent the unit and the whole country. This is a big responsibility. We have no right to make a mistake. The guys take the issue very seriously, they perfectly understand the task ahead of them,” said company commander Artem Kunakin.

The daily routine of the soldiers during the preparation for the festival has changed - they have added time for drill training. Now they train in the morning, rest in the afternoon and continue training after the Kremlin closes.

“This year, a small program of conscripts will be added to our performance - work with a saber, weapons and flags. Plus, the music will change a little,” the major added.

“The presidential regiment is the most elite unit in our country, it is the face of the Russian army. The best serve here, and the best of the best serve in the special guard company,” added Junior Sergeant Daniil Kalinin.

It will be possible to watch the performance of the Presidential Regiment at the Spasskaya Tower festival, which will begin on August 27.

The official information agency of the festival is the International Information Agency "Russia Today".