20 GUARDS COMBINED ARMS ARMY
02.12.2016
Units of the motorized rifle unit of the 20th Combined Arms Guards Army of the Western Military District (ZVO) have started training at the Mulino Combat Training Center in the Nizhny Novgorod Region.
More than 1,000 military personnel delivered to the training center by the beginning of the new academic year are located in the autonomous field camp of the new generation APL-500.
In the process of combat training, which will last about four months, the latest material and technical base of the training ground will be used. Thus, the sites for conducting tactical and tactical-special exercises at the training ground are equipped with a video recording system.
Also, on the territory of the Center, complex group simulators are used, where military personnel and their commanders will be able to work out with minimal cost resource elements of combat training in 3D format.
Such technology preserves in virtual reality 100% similarity with the existing terrain conditions, helps to realistically simulate changes in weather conditions and terrain, as well as the actions of both the manpower of a simulated enemy and his military equipment.
During the training cycle, servicemen will go through coordination as part of units from squad to regiment and complete their training with tactical exercises with live firing.
15.12.2016
The reconnaissance unit of the 20th combined-arms army of the Western Military District (ZVO), stationed in the Nizhny Novgorod region, received more than 500 sets of Ratnik combat equipment.
Combat equipment "Warrior" is unique complex modern means protection, communications and weapons, designed for operations in various climatic conditions at any time of the day.
The kit includes about 60 elements, which can be divided into protection and life support systems, as well as reconnaissance, control and communications equipment, including a universal shelter, a multifunctional knife, a flashlight, a watch, a double-sided camouflage kit for winter and summer, offline source heat, raid backpack, individual water filter, small infantry shovel, respiratory protection, radiation, chemical control, special treatment and first aid.
In 2017, the troops of the Western Military District will continue to re-equip with new sets of combat equipment.
COMBAT EQUIPMENT OF THE SOLDIER "RATNIK"
04.10.2017
Units of the newly formed formations of the combined arms army of the Western Military District (ZVO), whose headquarters is stationed in the Voronezh region, continue the planned re-equipment and recruitment.
“Subdivisions, military units and headquarters of motorized rifle divisions in 2017 received about 200 units of various types of weapons, military and special equipment as part of the recruitment and re-equipment of the district troops. Among them are infantry fighting vehicles BMP-2, armored personnel carriers BTR-82A, armored recovery vehicles BREM-1, towed howitzers 2A65 Msta-B, KamAZ-5350 Mustang and KamAZ-63501 Medved, multiple launch rocket systems 9K51M "Tornado-G", workshops Maintenance universal MTO-UB2, wheeled light recovery vehicles REM-KL, armored vehicles "Tiger" and "Lynx", - said the commander of the combined arms army of the Western Military District, Major General Alexander Peryazev.
Also to the end current year it is planned to receive about 50 units of military and special equipment. These include automotive and armored vehicles, rocket and artillery weapons.
Press Service of the Western Military District
24.10.2017
Communications units, which are part of the newly formed motorized rifle divisions and the artillery formation of the combined arms army of the Western Military District (ZVO), by the end of 2017, will complete the equipment with the latest models of equipment.
“This year the signal troops are celebrating their 98th anniversary. Military signalmen of the combined arms army approached their professional holiday with great success in combat and professional training. Today, communications technology and equipment makes it possible to perform combat and combat training tasks on land, in the air, on water and under water using the latest models of equipment. This year, the newly formed motorized rifle divisions and formations of the combined arms army of the Western Military District will receive 75% of new and promising communications equipment to equip the units. In total, by the end of the year, it is planned to supply about 3,000 units under the State Defense Order, including about 100 units based on wheeled and tracked off-road vehicles,” said Major General Alexander Peryazev, commander of the combined arms army of the Western Military District.
Military signalmen of the combined arms army of the Western Military District in 2017, in the course of complex training, command and staff exercises and the joint strategic exercise "West-2017", mastered to perfection new digital means of communication, in particular, the autonomous telecommunications complex "Redut-2US", reconnaissance and control complexes and communications, systems of the mobile automated command and control system for the troops and forces of the region "Acacia-M", satellite communication stations "Rain" and "Legend".
“The development and wide step of modernization of the fleet of equipment and equipment of the signal troops creates a single powerful network of command and control of the troops. For nearly a century of history military communications has overcome the path from the simplest means for transmitting signals and control commands directly on the battlefield to digital automated systems that allow for tactical communication from an individual soldier to command and control of armies as a whole,” said Major General Alexander Peryazev, commander of the combined arms army of the Western Military District.
Press Service of the Western Military District
ARMAMENT PROGRAMS OF RUSSIA
06.12.2017
In 2017, the 20th Guards Combined Arms Army of the Western Military District (ZVO) conducted over 400 combat training events with live firing, over 60 tactical exercises at various levels from company to regimental, over 15,000 tactical and tactical-special exercises were trained in combat training as part of full-time platoons, companies, battalions and regiments, about 50% of them were carried out at night. This was announced by the commander of the 20th Guards Combined Arms Army of the Western Military District, Major General Alexander Peryazev.
Before conducting tactical exercises and exercises, each of the military personnel underwent individual training and coordination as part of their regular departments, platoons and companies. As a result, the servicemen conducted over 250 live firing squads and about 150 live firing platoons.
The intensity of combat training of army servicemen has increased several times compared to the results of the same period last year. This is due to the increase in contract servicemen in formations and units of the army, as well as the strengthening of combat training as the basis for training military personnel.
Training and training of troops in 2017 took place within the boundaries and on the territories of 10 training grounds of the Western Military District and the Southern Military District, located in the Voronezh, Kursk, Belgorod, Smolensk, Bryansk, Nizhny Novgorod, Leningrad, Moscow and Astrakhan regions.
During the field trips, motorized riflemen, tankers, artillerymen and radiation, chemical and biological (RCB) protection specialists practiced the issues of combat use as part of units and were able to consolidate their skills on standard models of weapons and military equipment.
The personnel of formations and military units of the army also underwent additional training on the basis of the district center for combat training of the Ground Forces in the Nizhny Novgorod region. There, servicemen of motorized rifle regiments practiced combat training tasks at various training grounds of the center, including multimedia training complexes that simulate virtual reality dynamic combined arms combat. This method allows you to bring training to a high quality new level, since the ability to operate in the territories of other regions implies difficulties in studying the terrain, relief, assessing the situation in combat training tasks.
All servicemen passed training courses with dignity, and their actions were highly appreciated by the commander of the troops of the Western Military District.
Press Service of the Western Military District
06.12.2017
When training crews in motorized rifle, tank, and artillery units of the 20th Guards Combined Arms Army of the Western Military District (ZVO), special attention was paid to training crews to drive combat vehicles. This was announced by the commander of the army, Major General Alexander Peryazev.
In total, more than 1.5 thousand classes were held during the year with the practical implementation of exercises in driving tracked and wheeled vehicles. Also in the new year, the capabilities of the main army training ground, Pogonovo, were expanded. In order to work out the methods of driving combat vehicles afloat, a water test site was developed and built in the shortest possible time in compliance with the requirements for land and river use on the river section.
The standard includes overcoming a section 1.5 kilometers long, half of the route of which falls on a water barrier.
More than 300 driver-mechanics have been trained in their specialty at training centers and completed over 100 lessons in driving infantry fighting vehicles and light diving training. The main criteria for the correct fulfillment of the standard were compliance with the speed limit during entry into the water, the inclusion of the correct gear when leaving the shore and maintaining constant speed afloat - about 8 kilometers per hour.
Water obstacles are one of the most difficult obstacles for combat vehicles. Immersion in water involves overcoming a serious psychological barrier.
Before training at the waterdrome, the servicemen studied safety requirements, passed swimming standards, completed a course in light diving training and worked out emergency escape from vehicles on special simulators.
Similar experience was gained by tankers who were trained at the training grounds of the Moscow region and successfully passed the underwater driving of T-72B3 tanks.
Press Service of the Western Military District
06.12.2017
In 2017, the association completed all the assigned tasks for training units and demonstrating the acquired skills as part of the training, combat readiness checks and exercises. This was announced by the commander of the 20th Guards Combined Arms Army of the Western Military District, Major General Alexander Peryazev.
During the active phase of the West-2017 joint strategic exercise, foreign military attachés and representatives of Russian and foreign assets mass media observed the actions, including those of our troops, which were represented by motorized rifle, tank, artillery, missile units, as well as air defense, reconnaissance, radiation, chemical and biological protection, medicine, material and technical support.
In total, about 1,000 military personnel, about 250 pieces of weapons and military equipment, took part in the exercise from the combined arms army. The best army unit stationed in the Kursk region was rated "excellent" for the launch of the Tochka-U tactical missile system in Leningrad region. In the near future, the army’s missile formation will begin preparations for re-equipment with the latest Iskander-M operational-tactical missile systems.
Based on the results of inspections, including sudden ones, the management of the formation, formations and subordinate units received the marks "excellent" and "good", which proved the high level of training of personnel of army units and officers.
Press Service of the Western Military District
OPERATIONAL AND TACTICAL MISSILE COMPLEX "ISKANDER-M" ("ISKANDER-E")
17.12.2017
Servicemen of the anti-aircraft missile brigade of the 20th Combined Arms Army of the Western Military District, stationed near Kursk, have adopted new Buk-M3 air defense systems. Yevgeny Polovodov, a spokesman for the district, told TASS about this.
“After unloading the railway echelon, the latest Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile systems of the army level made a multi-kilometer march to the place of permanent deployment. The complexes entered the anti-aircraft missile brigade near Kursk, ”said the representative of the press service of the Western Military District.
Some of the servicemen of the formation who previously worked on other systems, according to Polovodov, will be trained to improve their skills.
Complex "Buk-M3" continues the line of air defense systems "Buk-M2". The characteristics of the new complex are unknown, but its predecessor is capable of hitting air targets with solid-propellant missiles at a distance of three to 45 km at an altitude of 15 m to 25 km. It can also destroy ballistic missiles with a launch range of up to 150-200 km.
TASS
9K317M BUK-M3 Anti-Aircraft Missile System
07.07.2018
The formations of the 20th Guards Combined Arms Army in the 2017-2018 academic year successfully completed all the activities of the troop training plan. Every year its intensity increases. Compared to the same period of the last academic year, it has grown by 30 percent.
As Army Commander Major General Andrey Ivanaev said at a meeting with journalists, about 70 tactical exercises and 400 firing units, more than 3,000 fire training exercises with practical firing from military vehicles and small arms took place. More than half of them were carried out at night or in conditions of limited visibility.
Units of the Vistula Guards Motorized Rifle Division deserved high marks. Since the last academic year, its personnel have been engaged in new program preparation. The acquired skills were useful to the people of Vislenia when performing training tasks during the joint strategic exercise "West-2017" of the armed forces of the Union State of Russia and Belarus.
On the basis of the artillery regiment, in the city of Klintsy, Bryansk region, artillerymen will be undergoing retraining, accepting the new Tornado multiple rocket launchers.
In the near future, the missile formation will also receive a new quality, which, according to the results of a comprehensive audit, was recognized the best connection 2017 in the army. At the end of 2018, missilemen will receive a new type of operational-tactical systems - Iskander-M.
Press Service of the Western Military District
20th GUARDS GENERAL ARMY
The 20th Guards Combined Arms Red Banner Army is the legal successor of the 4th Guards Tank Army of the USSR Armed Forces.
4th Tank Army, created from the 6th Guards Mechanized Ural Volunteer Corps, the 11th Tank Volunteer Corps and the 30th Tank Ural Volunteer Corps, the 189th (225th Guards) Aviation and 118th (6th guards) communication regiments, entered the battle on the Western Front, then passed into submission to Bryansk. After not entirely successful battles (although the 30th Corps became the 10th Guards), the army was withdrawn to the reserve without the 11th Corps.
In February of the following year, the army became part of the 1st Ukrainian Front and fought in its composition until the end of the war. In the same year, the 68th (6th Guards) Anti-Aircraft Division, the 93rd (68th Guards) Tank Brigade, the 22nd (70th Guards) Self-Propelled and the 200th (71st) I guards) light artillery brigades, as well as the 51st (7th guards) motorcycle, 19th (119th guards) tank engineering and 312th guards mortar regiments, the 20th (3rd guards) was formed motorized engineering team.
The army took part in the following operations of the Great Patriotic War- Oryol, Kamenetz-Podolsk, Lviv-Sandomierz, Vistula-Oder, Lower and Upper Silesian, Berlin and Prague operations.
The army itself and those newly included in the formation became guards only in March 1945, after successful battles in the interfluve of the Vistula and Oder. In anticipation Berlin operation The 5th Guards Mechanized Corps was included in the army.
She was awarded the Order of the Red Banner.
From 1946 to 1949 it had the status of a cropped tank division.
After the Great Patriotic War, the 4th Guards Tank Red Banner Army (from 1946 to 1957 the 4th Guards Mechanized Red Banner Army) became part of the Group Soviet troops in Germany, was renamed in 1960 into the 20th Guards Combined Arms Red Banner Army.
The army took part in Operation Danube (the entry of Soviet troops into Czechoslovakia) on August 21, 1968.
The 5th and 7th Guards MDs (former MK of the same name) that were part of the army departed for the Union, and instead of them the 25th TD, 35th and 14th Guards MSDs (former 1st and 14th guards MD), and the last of them in 1982 became the 32nd guards TD.
By the time of the withdrawal from Germany, the formations of the war times were preserved in the army - the 44th separate guards pontoon-bridge Berlin orders of Kutuzov, Bogdan Khmelnitsky, Alexander Nevsky and the Red Star regiment, the 90th guards tank Lvov order of Lenin, Red Banner, Order of Suvorov division ( 2nd formation) (former 6th Guards Mk - the last corps commander Pushkarev S.F., then the 6th Guards Motor Rifle Division - the last division commander Dorofeev A.A.). Until the end of the 1970s. the army included its "native" 10th Guards Tank Division (former 10th Guards Tank Corps).
The army was withdrawn to the Voronezh region. and became the 20th Guards Red Banner Tank Army. The army was stationed in Voronezh for 16 years. After she was transferred to the Nizhny Novgorod region, the village of Mulino. 2010-2015
The 20th Combined Arms Army of the Western Military District became the first association where they completely switched to new system nutrition. In all formations and military units of the 20th Guards Combined Arms Army of the Western Military District (ZVO), stationed in the Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, Kursk and Smolensk regions, the latest food distribution lines with buffet service elements have been put into operation.
Thanks to the organized and well-coordinated work of the food service of the association, new tableware equipment was installed in all formations and military units ahead of schedule. This allowed the 20th Combined Arms Army to become the first formation to completely switch to new way meals for military personnel using elements of the so-called "buffet".
Catering with elements of buffet service allows you to take into account not only the caloric content of the diet of military personnel, but also their food preferences.
The design features of the distribution line ensure that optimal temperature dishes throughout the service time of military personnel. Moreover, to preserve the freshness and taste of cold appetizers, the line is equipped with special cooling equipment, and to keep the first and second courses hot - with heating elements.
At least two first courses, three cold appetizers, three meat and fish dishes, three side dishes, as well as five types of compotes, fruit drinks and juices are prepared for each meal. The salad bar offers a choice of fresh, pickled and pickled cucumbers and tomatoes, several types of cabbage, fresh or Korean carrots, olives, black olives, herbs, peppers, radishes, canned beans, corn and green peas, canned food various kinds..
In addition, for the prevention of seasonal morbidity of personnel with viral infections, products containing phytoncides and vitamin preparations are included in the diet.
In 2015, the headquarters returned to Voronezh. located in the city center on Bolshaya Dvoryanskaya street 8.
The reorganized 20th Guards Combined Arms Army of the Western Military District will be deployed on the territory of five regions of Russia - in Voronezh, Oryol, Kursk, Tambov and Lipetsk regions. This was announced on August 13, 2015 by a source in the Russian General Staff.
“The formations and units of the 20th Guards Combined Arms Army are planned to be deployed on the territory of five regions of Russia - Voronezh, Oryol, Kursk, Tambov and Lipetsk. These military formations are scheduled to be deployed at the deployment points (garrisons) of previously disbanded units and formations,” the agency’s interlocutor said.
“Thus, the 20th Guards Combined Arms Army is again advancing from the central part of Russia to the west of the country,” the source added.
In addition, the source said that the composition of the 20th Combined Arms Army of the Western Military District, which is being reorganized, will be replenished with troops from other military districts along with new formations and units.
“In the General Staff and the command of the Western Military District, hard work is underway to determine and clarify the numerical strength and combat strength of the 20th Combined Arms Army,” the source said. “In particular, the issues of sending formations and military units from other military districts to the association and the formation of new motorized rifle, tank, artillery, missile, reconnaissance and other brigades are being addressed.”
According to the source, the reorganization of the 20th Army is still in initial stage. “There is no end to the work ahead,” he said, recalling that the association should actually be created anew by December 1, 2015.
Twenty-one times the troops of the army were thanked in orders Supreme Commander. Tens of thousands of soldiers, officers and sergeants were awarded orders and medals for skillful actions in battles, courage and selflessness. 128 wars awarded the title of Hero Soviet Union, 48 soldiers and sergeants became holders of the Order of Glory of three degrees.
At present, the 20th Army is the largest unification of the Armed Forces Russian Federation and participating in the most significant events of the military life of the country, adequately represents the face of the state at the international level.
V modern conditions tensions in the international situation, the military personnel of the association continue to multiply military traditions, strengthen organization and military discipline.
Contacts
Address 394000, Voronezh, Revolution Avenue, 8
Phone 8 473 255-96-67
In general, briefings of this level are a rare thing in our area. It is not from the press service of the Ministry of Defense, but directly from the places of location and work. Therefore, the invitation of the commander of the 20th Army to listen to a certain report on the work done during the year, we took with interest.
The commander of the 20th Guards Combined Arms Army, Major General Peryazev, did not speak for long, but in principle, his briefing was not so much about what was, but about what will be. Which is even more interesting.
After all, the 20th Army is our shield on the border with a restless neighbor who also considers himself at war with us.
The headquarters is located in the city of Voronezh, formations, units of the army are deployed in 7 constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the army's area of responsibility is very large, from Smolensk to the Rostov region.
On December 1, units of the army began a new academic year, ending 2017. The year was very busy, as only in 2016 the connections were just formed. Military collectives, officer collectives were formed, recruitment under the contract was adjusted. Some parts were moved a long distance from their previous locations.
There is an active construction and arrangement of military camps. We must pay tribute, this year military camps are in the first stage - about 90 objects will be completed and commissioned.
The main event of the army in 2017 was the exercise "West", where our units took part, about 1000 personnel, up to 200 pieces of equipment.
We were preparing for this exercise, more than 60 different exercises were held. It must be said that for a number of tactical units, the exercises were arranged absolutely suddenly and in new areas of combat missions, where the personnel made marches. Then they went by rail, to Luga, and there they carried out the assigned tasks.
The missile brigade, which is stationed in Kursk, confirmed that it is excellent. First, at the state range in Ashuluk, launches were carried out with an "excellent" rating, the second test - shooting in Luga and also with "excellent".
I am glad to announce that in 2018 the brigade will be completely re-equipped with Iskander complexes.
V next year we are also planning serious measures to equip our anti-aircraft missile brigade. She switches to state of the art systems BUK-M3.
The electronic warfare brigade will also receive new complexes, for which we are forming another battalion in its composition, equipped with precisely the new complexes.
Again, in 2018, a planned replacement of existing equipment is planned. The army will receive new T-72B3 tanks and new BTR-82A.
This year we have carried out rafting on machinery. V short time, thanks to clear interaction with the administration of the Voronezh region, we were given a section of the coast. Within a week, we equipped it and after that the BMP and the armored personnel carrier went into the water.
I must say that there was no swimming here for 10 years. For us, it was also science. We plan to further develop the Pogonovo training ground next year and want our tankers in the area of the Pogonovo training ground or in the area of the deployment of Boguchar or Valuyek to complete an exercise in driving a tank under water. I know that our area of responsibility is crossed by rivers, albeit small ones, but nevertheless, our drivers must drive infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers on the right, and tanks under water.
The formation of the army was not completed. On December 1, we accepted into our composition an artillery brigade, which we really need and need. The brigade is now understaffed in Kolomna.
The artillery brigade is, first of all, artillery systems that are capable of ensuring the operation of our motorized rifle units. The divisions of the brigade are equipped with both anti-tank weapons and cannon (Msta-S) and rocket artillery.
We have very good means connections. We are almost 90% equipped with modern equipment capable of providing control to the army commander on the entire front. It is convenient that I, as the commander of an army stationed on such a vast territory, can talk via videoconference with the commanders of formations from Smolensk to Nizhny Novgorod or Boguchar, practically throughout the entire western direction. There are no problems in this regard. Our development and joint training of unmanned aerial vehicles is going very well.
The army, in principle, finished the year with good performance. Literally in November, officers of the army administration and two formations surrendered central authorities physical training. The army command and two formations were rated "good". This is also such a serious, normal indicator.
I would like to note that the beautification of small towns is going well, as mentioned earlier.
In Boguchar, almost all of the 10 objects will be commissioned this year. These are 8 barracks and two canteens. The town is provided with water, heat and light. Also additionally in Boguchar, there is a serious problem with housing, the city is small, for rent 7 apartment buildings.
Objects were handed over in our country and in Klintsy, Bryansk region - this is new town, very beautiful, compact. These are barracks and canteens. The second stage will be equipped with park facilities.
Now there is a construction of a military camp in Yelnya. Modern town. At the end of this year, the town will also be ready for operation.
We are actively equipping with modern equipment and actively developing infrastructure. And, most importantly, we must not lag behind now, and we will not lag behind in the development of training grounds, where personnel will be engaged.
It cannot be said that everything is going on like a parade, that is, without any problems. But we will try to be as open as possible to everyone who is interested in the processes taking place inside our army. Specifically, our 20th Guards. First of all, of course, this applies to those who may serve in our units for military service, or in the future choose to serve under a contract. And, of course, for family and friends.
Next year we will cooperate with all media interested in showing all the processes that will take place in our country.
Full speech by A. V. Peryazev:
From the editors: we accept with great pleasure the invitation of Major General Alexander Vasilyevich Peryazev. On the pages of the "Military Review" there will always be a place to cover the activities of our army in general and the 20th army in particular.
20th Army of the 1st Formation created in June 1941 in the Oryol military district. The army included the 61st, 69th rifle and 7th mechanized corps, the 18th rifle division, a number of artillery and other units. On June 26, the army was included in the army group of the Headquarters of the High Command.
On July 2, the army was transferred to the Western Front and fought defensive battles in Belarus. On July 6, its mechanized corps participated in a front-line counterattack north of Orsha. Until mid-July, army troops held defensive lines in the areas of the cities of Orsha, Rudnya and pinned down large enemy forces advancing on Smolensk. In July - September, the army participated in the battle of Smolensk. During the attack on Smolensk at the end of July, she was surrounded. After its breakthrough, the troops of the army united with the main forces of the front. Then its formations fought stubborn defensive battles south of Yartsevo, covering the Dorogobuzh direction. In October, the army took part in the Vyazemskaya defensive operation, during which it was surrounded by the enemy in the area west of Vyazma. Part of its troops escaped from the encirclement and entered the Mozhaisk line of defense.
On October 20, 1941, the field administration of the army was disbanded, and the troops were transferred to other front formations.
20th Army II Formation It was created on November 30, 1941 on the basis of the directive of the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command of November 29, 1941 on the basis of the operational group of Colonel A. I. Lizyukov. The army was subordinate to the Western Front. It included the 331st and 352nd rifle divisions, the 28th, 35th and 64th rifle brigades, the 134th and 135th separate tank battalions, artillery and other units. As part of the troops of the right wing of the front, she participated in the Klinsko-Solnechnogorsk offensive operation, during which, in cooperation with the 16th, 30th and 1st shock armies, she defeated the main forces of the 3rd and 4th tank groups of the enemy, discarding them to the border of the rivers Lama, Ruza and freeing a number settlements, including Volokolamsk (December 20). During the Rzhev-Vyazemskaya strategic operation 1942 the army broke through the enemy defenses at the turn of the river. Lama and, pursuing him, by the end of January went to the area northeast of Gzhatsk. In August 1942, as part of the Rzhev-Sychevsk offensive operation, the army carried out the Pogorelo-Gorodischensk operation. Subsequently, until March 1943, in cooperation with other troops, she defended the Rzhev-Vyazma line. In March, its troops participated in the Rzhev-Vyazemsky offensive operation. Then, until mid-July, the army, being in the second echelon of the front, occupied a defensive line west and southwest of Vyazma.
On August 10, it was included in the Kalinin Front, and on September 1 it was again withdrawn to the reserve of the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command.
On October 15, it was included in the Baltic Front (since October 20, the 2nd Baltic Front), on November 5 it was withdrawn to the reserve of the Supreme Command Headquarters, on April 10, 1944 it was included in the troops of the Leningrad Front.
On the basis of the directive of the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command of April 18, 1944, on April 21, 1944, the 20th Army was disbanded, its field control was turned to the formation of the field control of the 3rd Baltic Front.
Increase the number of divisions to fight the enemy. Since July 1941, Soviet troops have been defending themselves, but to no avail, losing more and more positions every day. Each division or battalion has a tragic story.
The history of the creation of the 20th army
In the first months of the Second World War, they actively advanced on the territory and received regular reinforcements. The Soviet troops were not ready for war. Absence combat experience, the illiteracy of the commanders did not allow to repulse the Nazis.
The 20th Army was created at the very beginning of the war on the basis of the Voronezh Military District. At that time, it included a mechanized corps, rifle corps, and a tank division.
In July 1941, the army was given over to Western Front who defended the territory of Belarus.
During the first year of the war, the composition of the army was planned to expand and collect all its units and formations in the vicinity of the city of Khimki. But in connection with the German offensive on the capital in 1941, the soldiers of the 20th Army took part in the battles without waiting for reinforcements.
The army of the second formation was created in December 1941, it was disbanded in April 1944.
Battles during WWII
In January 1942, the 20th Army became part of the Ukrainian Front. The story goes that she participated in the battle of Smolensk. From July 6 to 10, 1941, the army was defeated near Lepel. For her command, the offensive of the German invaders came as a surprise, tank divisions were sent against the Soviet troops. The victory in this battle allowed the Nazis to reach Smolensk in a week. During the battle, Lukin M.F. led the 20th Army with the rank of lieutenant general.
The soldiers of this army also took part in the battle for Moscow. This time, Lieutenant General Ershakov F.A. led the combat formations. During the Vyazemsky operation, the 20th Army was surrounded. In total, during this operation, 688 thousand soldiers were captured by the Nazis, only 85 thousand managed to get out of the encirclement.
During the Battle of Moscow, the 20th Army played an important role. The year 1941 was remembered by its fighters for the lost battles. However, already on December 2, the enemy attack was repelled, and on December 3 and 5, 1941, the army dealt a crushing blow to the invaders and began to push him away from the capital.
During the battle for Moscow, it was possible to stop the enemy's offensive and save the main forces. This allowed the Soviet troops to launch a counteroffensive.
army commanders
The command of the 20th Army changed regularly during the battle for Moscow. Ten generals succeeded each other.
Lieutenant General M.F. Lukin was captured and seriously wounded. After his release from captivity, he was returned to the post of commander, which was not typical for that time.
Another general, A. A. Vlasov, commanding the 20th Army, was also captured, where he began to cooperate with the Nazis. Both officers met in captivity, and Vlasov invited Lukin to go over to the side of the Nazis, but he refused.
What prompted Vlasov to become a traitor, historians still do not know. Perhaps it was an offer to become famous and rich, to receive benefits after the end of the war, or perhaps it was his unfulfilled ambitions in the USSR.
Another general, N. E. Berzarin, was resolute and reckless, sometimes exposing soldiers to unnecessary risks. The general also did not escape injury, he was found on the battlefield bloody and without signs of life. An urgent blood transfusion was required, one of the soldiers volunteered to save the life of the commander. N. E. Berzarin was replaced by A. N. Ermakov.
After the war
Having participated in many battles during the Great Patriotic War, the 20th Army received the Order of the Red Banner. After the end of the war, it was transferred to Germany, and after the withdrawal of Soviet troops, it was renamed the 20th Guards Combined Arms.
From 1991 to 2007, the location of the 20th Army was in Voronezh. Later, she was transferred to the Novgorod region, but in 2015 the troops returned to the Voronezh region again.
On November 17, command and staff training (CST) began in the Western Military District (ZVO) with the command and control bodies of the formations and military units of the 20th combined arms army, which is deployed in the Voronezh, Bryansk and Belgorod regions.
On the westbound NATO pressure remains, anti-Russian rhetoric does not subside in the countries of the alliance and in Ukraine, and the maneuvers of the 20th Army remain highly relevant (from Belgorod to Kiev in a straight line - only 430 km).
According to the plan of the KSHT, a military operation is being carried out using a wide range of weapons. Headquarters at different levels in a difficult situation must make prompt decisions and ensure continuous and stable command and control of troops. During the training round the clock work out the exchange of information on automated system control, algorithms for the preparation of operations (combat operations) and command and control of troops are being specified.
The training centers of the Western Military District at the end of the academic year (in the army it ends on November 30) graduated more than 3,000 junior specialists, who today have the opportunity to confirm their class qualifications in the field.
And yet, for what purpose did the 20th Combined Arms Army return from the Nizhny Novgorod Region to the western borders of the country?
Answering the challenges of NATO
After the withdrawal of Russian troops from the Warsaw Pact countries in the 1990s Russian armies and divisions were systematically reduced for decades. And in early XXI century, the western direction and the capital of Russia was defended by only the 20th Guards Combined Arms Army (withdrawn from the GDR), which was stationed in a truncated form in twelve regions of the Central federal district. In 2010, the army headquarters and its individual units were transferred from the Voronezh region to the east, to Nizhny Novgorod. And from Smolensk to Moscow there were only military registration and enlistment offices. The reverse movement began only in 2014, against the backdrop of aggravated relations with Ukraine.
In February 2016, for the first time in a quarter of a century, Russia was. And today the western borders of the country are covered by two full-blooded military associations. This is not a repeat experience. cold war XX century, but the answer to the modern Western.
New military units and new combined-arms training grounds appear near the state border. So, recently in the Voronezh region, the cleaning of unexploded shells and preparations for the reconstruction of the Pogonovo training ground began, and the possibility of expanding the combined arms training ground near Boguchar is being discussed. In the same place, on a plot of 206 hectares, two military camps are being built, in which they plan to place more than 5 thousand military personnel (the cost of the project will be about 2.1 billion rubles).
The commander of the 20th Guards Army, Major General Yevgeny Nikiforov, recently announced that two divisions are being formed in the Voronezh region - on the basis of the 9th separate motorized rifle Vislenskaya and 23rd separate guards motorized rifle Petrokovskaya brigades. The process must be completed by December 1, 2016. The 28th separate Simferopol motorized rifle brigade, transferred from Yekaterinburg, will remain in the army and the unit in the Bryansk region.
© AP Photo / Evan Vucci
© AP Photo / Evan Vucci
Meanwhile, on November 18, Republican American senators told The Weekly Standard that they did not know what position the elected US President Donald Trump would take regarding Ukraine, and in any case they planned to convince his team to "help Kiev in the fight against Russian aggression."
So that 1941 does not repeat itself
Not all important troop exercises and trainings are made public, but Russia is vigorously strengthening its defenses in the western direction. The intensity of training in the field is increasing, and even command and staff exercises and training have a pronounced practical orientation.
Earlier in November, the exercises of the 20th Army took place, during which the methods of command and control in general, the training of commanders and staffs, and command and control bodies were improved. The organization and conduct of various types of military operations were practiced, modern organization work at control points. The goal is to get as close as possible to the high-tech parameters of information exchange. In modern conflicts, the one who makes the right decisions faster wins.
In September, servicemen of the motorized rifle formation of the Western Military District (ZVO) with the support of helicopters at the Pogonovo training ground in the Voronezh region of the state border. And later, as if completing the liquidation of the breakthrough, the gunners successfully.
At a recent expanded meeting of the military council of the Western Military District in St. Petersburg, the results of the district's activities for the year were summed up. Colonel-General Andrey Kartapolov, commander of the Western Military District, said: "In 2016, more than 1,100 exercises and trainings at various levels were conducted in the district, more than one thousand units of modern military equipment were received by the troops, large-scale work was done to improve the infrastructure and commission new combat training facilities ".
The tasks of the ZVO for the new academic year have been determined. Priority attention will be paid to the recruitment of units and military units of the district with military personnel under the contract.
For the security of the state
On November 16, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the successes of Russian servicemen in combat training. And besides, the rearmament of the troops continues strictly according to plan - on November 17, at a meeting with the leadership of the armed forces of the Russian Federation and defense enterprises, Vladimir Putin said: volumes is one of the main conditions for ensuring the security of the state.
Inferiority missile complex: why Iskander worries NATOBy deploying Iskander-M missile systems on its territory, in Siberia or the Kaliningrad region, Russia strengthens national and international security, Alexander Khrolenko notes.Despite the trials of the past two decades, Russia has managed to maintain its defense potential and state sovereignty. This is the merit of the 20th Guards Army, which began its combat path in July 1942 (as the 4th Panzer Army), fought for Stalingrad, smashed the Lvov and Breslav groupings of German troops.
Later, the servicemen of the 20th Army passed with honor through Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Moldova, North Caucasus, Africa, Yugoslavia. And today, in the classrooms and at the training grounds, the guards are preparing to adequately meet any enemy - in the western strategic direction.