The Russian Guard, also known as Rosgvardiya, has announced its intention to incorporate tanks into its military forces. This declaration was made by Viktor Zolotov, the head of the organization, in response to a query from an Izvestia correspondent on Tuesday, June 27.
Zolotov emphasized that the Russian Guard is actively planning to introduce tanks into its operational units, without any intention of merely discussing the matter. The implementation of this plan is contingent upon the availability of adequate funding. Furthermore, Zolotov stated that the decision to introduce tanks was discussed with President Vladimir Putin, indicating the significance and high-level endorsement of the endeavor.
The Russian Guard is a federal security agency entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the welfare and interests of the nation’s citizens. It encompasses several specialized departments, each with distinct roles and functions. These include the Department of Internal Security, the Department of Military Counterintelligence, the Department of Special Operations, and the Department of Information Security.
The Department of Internal Security assumes the crucial role of maintaining law and order while protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens. This encompasses tasks such as crime investigations. Conversely, the Department of Military Counterintelligence focuses on safeguarding military and state institutions from threats posed by foreign intelligence, actively working to counter espionage and sabotage.
The Department of Special Operations within the Russian Guard carries out specialized missions and provides security for critical state infrastructure and high-profile individuals. Meanwhile, the Information Security Department plays a vital role in protecting the nation’s information infrastructure from cyber threats.
The Director of the Russian Guard, appointed by the President, serves as the head of the organization and oversees its various departments, ensuring the agency’s objectives are achieved. Regional branches operate on a local level under the guidance of regional directors.
As for its armament, the Russian Guard predominantly employs the AK-74M assault rifle, which is a modernized version of the renowned AK-47. This reliable and versatile firearm is commonly utilized throughout the Russian military, capable of firing 5.45x39mm rounds effectively up to a range of 500 meters.
In addition to their primary armament, the Russian Guard employs various supplementary weapons to enhance their operational capabilities. Among these is the PP-2000 submachine gun, renowned for its effectiveness in close-quarters combat. Additionally, pistols such as the Yarygin PYa and Makarov PM are utilized, known for their reliability and precision in engagements.
Non-lethal weapons play a crucial role in the Russian Guard’s arsenal, particularly for crowd control purposes. Stun grenades and tear gas are commonly employed to mitigate potential threats while minimizing casualties.
To ensure optimal readiness and proficiency, members of the Russian Guard undergo rigorous training programs that encompass a wide range of essential skills. These include physical fitness, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat, and tactical operations.
Physical fitness assessments encompass a series of demanding exercises such as running, push-ups, sit-ups, swimming, and obstacle courses. These tests aim to cultivate endurance, strength, and overall physical readiness.
Marksmanship training is of paramount importance, enabling personnel to effectively utilize a variety of weapons in diverse combat situations. Hand-to-hand combat training incorporates martial arts techniques and self-defense tactics, equipping members with close-quarters combat skills.
The final phase of training focuses on tactical operations, preparing Russian Guard personnel to navigate complex scenarios such as raids, hostage situations, and crowd control. Through comprehensive instruction and simulated exercises, members acquire the necessary skills to handle challenging and dynamic environments effectively.
