Congratulations from the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee A.N. Kosinets
Comrades soldiers and sergeants, ensigns and officers!
Esteemed veterans of the Airborne Forces!
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THE "AIRBORNE INFANTRY"", emerging as a mobile branch of the armed forces in 1930, received its baptism of fire in the battles on the Khalkhin Gol River in 1939. During the Great Patriotic War, the Airborne Forces honorably withstood severe trials, demonstrating courage and bravery in the fiercest battles with the enemy, for which all airborne formations were awarded the Guards title. It is through their heroism that the glorious traditions have been multiplied, becoming a norm of life for many generations of uniformed personnel.Under the leadership of the renowned commander
– Army General Vasily Filippovich Margelov, the Airborne Forces were qualitatively transformed into a separate branch of the armed forces and were intended for flanking the enemy by air, carrying out tasks in his rear to disrupt troop command, capture and destroy ground elements of nuclear and precision weapons, disrupt the movement and deployment of reserves, disrupt the operation of rear services and communications, as well as for covering or defending individual directions, areas, open flanks, blocking and destroying airborne assaults, and enemy groups that have broken through. "Uncle Vasya's Troops" – this is how veterans of the Airborne Forces and those who wear the berets today often translate the abbreviation VDV.The strategic purpose of the Airborne Forces, the formation of a military elite, the norms of airborne ethics and traditions, which collectively determined their reliability, strength, courage, and bravery, became the ultimate result of Vasily Filippovich Margelov's many years of work, in addition to the evolution of military affairs.
The 103rd Guards Krasnoznamennaya, Order of Kutuzov II Class Airborne Division was formed in July 1946 in the village of Seltsy, Ryazan region, and was redeployed to Vitebsk.
From August 21 to October 20, 1968, units and sub-units of the division carried out the task of providing international assistance in Czechoslovakia, in the city of Brno.
From December 26, 1979, to February 15, 1989, the 103rd Guards Airborne Division in its entirety was airlifted to the airfields of Kabul and Bagram and carried out a combat mission to provide international assistance to the Afghan people.
The division's actions in the fight against counter-revolution were highly praised by the country's leadership and the Minister of Defense of the USSR, the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan, and the friendly Afghan people.
In 1980, the division was awarded the Order of Lenin.
From 1979 to 1989, units and sub-units of the division conducted about 300 operations, resulting in the destruction of over 30,000 rebels, while the combat losses of the 103rd Guards Airborne Division amounted to 907 people.
During the years of providing international assistance to the Afghan people, more than 20,000 soldiers, sergeants, ensigns, and officers of the division were awarded orders and medals, 8 servicemen of the division were awarded the highest award – the title of Hero of the Soviet Union – for personal courage and bravery, and 4 of them were permanently enrolled in the personnel lists of the formation.
The Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus are young, but they have everything necessary to defend the Fatherland, and most importantly, they do not betray here – neither their Motherland nor their oath.
A worthy place among the special operations forces units is occupied by the 103rd separate Guards Mobile Brigade, awarded the Order of the Red Banner, the Order of Lenin, and the Order of Kutuzov, 2nd Class, named after the 60th anniversary of the USSR. The paratroopers of the formation continue the glorious combat traditions of the Airborne Forces, demonstrate a high level of combat readiness, and reliably stand guard over the peace, stability, and security of the Republic of Belarus. Your activities were highly praised by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Belarus during his visit to the brigade in July 2014.
I sincerely congratulate the personnel and veterans of the Airborne Forces on the 84th anniversary of their creation!
Peace, happiness, health, good luck in all endeavors, and new achievements to you!
Happy holiday to everyone who has served and is serving in the Airborne Forces, happy holiday to everyone who rightfully and proudly wears the beret!
May the slogan
"Nobody but us!" become a symbol of courage, honor, and faithful service to the Motherland for everyone!