Russian Ground Forces

The Russian Ground Forces: A Complex Legacy

Imagine a vast army, its roots stretching back centuries, now standing at the heart of modern Russia’s defense strategy. The Russian Ground Forces (Сухопутные войска), also known as the Russian Army in English, are the land forces of the Russian Armed Forces. Their primary responsibilities include protecting state borders, engaging in combat on land, and defeating enemy troops. But what lies behind this formidable force?

The Structure and Command

Under the command of the President of Russia as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the Ground Forces are led by a Commander-in-Chief appointed by the President. The Main Command is based in Moscow, overseeing operations across four military districts: Western, Southern, Central, and Eastern.

The Tank Troops

At the heart of the Russian Ground Forces lies the Tank Troops, with three tank divisions as of 2007: the 4th Guards ‘Kantemirovskaya,’ 10th Guards ‘Uralsko-Lvovskaya,’ and 5th Guards ‘Don.’ These units are the main impact force, equipped to deliver a powerful blow on the battlefield.

The Artillery and Rocket Forces

Providing the Ground Forces with their primary firepower, the Artillery and Rocket Forces include one machine gun artillery division and 17 artillery brigades as of 2022. These units are crucial for delivering devastating fire support to ground troops.

The Air Defence Troops

While under the control of the Air Forces, the Air Defence Troops (PVO) consist of surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft artillery, and radio-technical units. Their role is vital in protecting the Ground Forces from aerial threats.

A Turbulent History

The Russian Ground Forces have a complex history, marked by both triumphs and challenges. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, efforts were made to keep the Soviet Armed Forces as a single military structure. However, these efforts led to the formation of the Russian Ground Forces in 1992, with Marshal Yevgeny Shaposhnikov appointed supreme commander.

The early years were fraught with issues, including high crime rates and corruption. General Pavel Grachev tried to preserve Soviet-era doctrines despite his desire for reform. Crime rates soared, with soldiers selling rations while going hungry, and equipment being diverted for local businesses. By 2005, abuse of personnel was banned by Order 428, enforced through prosecutions.

The Chechen Wars

Two major conflicts in the Caucasus region tested the Ground Forces’ capabilities: the First Chechen War (1994-1996) and the Second Chechen War (1999-2009). The performance of Russian forces during these wars was deemed ‘grossly deficient’ by analysts, highlighting the need for significant reforms.

Reforms Under Putin

When Vladimir Putin took office, he increased funding and made progress in professionalizing the military. Plans were implemented to reduce mandatory service from 18 months to one year by 2008, but a mix of contract soldiers and conscripts would remain. Defence spending rose significantly, with increases in personnel pay and other expenses.

Reforms under Sergeyev aimed at converting divisions into brigades, reducing surplus officers, and increasing army divisions’ readiness. However, these efforts were hindered by issues with personnel quality, fuel shortages, and a lack of trained junior officers. The disbanding of the Ground Forces headquarters in 1997 was seen as a ‘military nonsense’ that declined the forces’ prestige.

Modern Challenges

The Russian Ground Forces have faced numerous challenges in recent years, including a military buildup on the Ukrainian border and the invasion of Ukraine. The war has led to significant losses, with reports of mutinies among troops due to large losses in offensives around Avdiivka, lack of artillery, food, water, and poor command.

Despite these challenges, the Ground Forces have received new equipment since 2015, replacing old tanks and armored vehicles. In 2022, there was a shortage of munitions, but Russia reportedly managed to overcome international sanctions and exceeded pre-war missile production levels. The IISS estimates that Russia has around 6,000 main battle tanks in store, with approximately 2,048 combat-ready vehicles.

Conclusion

The Russian Ground Forces stand as a testament to the resilience of military tradition and the challenges faced by modern armies. From the complexities of post-Soviet reforms to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, these forces continue to evolve, adapting to new threats while honoring their rich history.