Vitebsk celebrated Airborne Forces and Special Operations Forces Day
87 years have passed since the appearance of this branch of the armed forces: on August 2, 1930, during the experimental exercises of the aviators of the Moscow Military District, a paratrooper landing was carried out for the first time; 12 people under the command of pilot Leonid Minov participated in the experiment. And the guards received their first baptism of fire in the battles of Khalkhin Gol.
The legendary commander Vasily Margelov made a great contribution to the development of the Airborne Forces. Under him, the world-famous uniform acquired its final form – the blue beret and the striped shirt. One of the significant pages in the history of the airborne troops is Afghanistan. From December 1979 to February 1989, Belarusians performed their international duty as part of a limited contingent in this country. Our guys were the first to go there and the last to leave. For the heroism shown in the hot spot, more than 11,000 servicemen of the then 103rd Airborne Division were awarded orders and medals, and eight were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
In the Vitebsk formation, formed in January 1945, the number of personnel, names, and subordination changed more than once during its existence – today it is part of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Belarus. Only one thing remained unchanged – the high professionalism and resilience of the guards. To emphasize the continuity of generations and adherence to the traditions of the Airborne Forces, by the decision of the Minister of Defense a year ago, our unit was returned its former name – the 103rd Separate Guards Order of Lenin, Red Banner, Order of Kutuzov, 2nd Class Airborne Brigade named after the 60th anniversary of the USSR.
— Special Operations Forces are a highly mobile branch of the military designed for counter-sabotage activities, reconnaissance, and performing various tasks to end armed conflict against Belarus, and they serve as one of the main elements of strategic deterrence, — said the commander of the 103rd Brigade, Vadim Shadura. — I am confident that every serviceman of the SOF has the appropriate skills and will do everything possible to protect the Motherland.
The Memory Lives On
This year, Vitebsk once again confirmed its status as the airborne capital of Belarus, celebrating August 2, Airborne Forces Day, with great fanfare. The day before, a solemn ceremony was held for the opening of the BMD-1KSh monument in honor of all generations of military signalmen.
— The command and staff vehicle, launched into serial production in 1975, is built on the BTR-D chassis, its combat weight is over eight tons, the crew consists of six people, and its speed is up to 60 km/h. This equipment is equipped with four radio stations and is designed to control units during combat, — reported the Chief of Signals of the 103rd Airborne Brigade, Sergey Bogdanov. — It was in service with our unit during the battles in Afghanistan and allowed signalmen to honorably complete the tasks assigned.
A requiem rally was also held at the "Pain" memorial, dedicated to the internationalist soldiers. This is one of the first monuments erected in Belarus after the end of the Afghan war.
— Today marks 20 years since its erection in Vitebsk. The idea of perpetuating the memory of the fallen belonged to the mothers and wives of the servicemen. The idea was supported by the regional and city authorities, and it was brought to life by sculptor Ivan Kazak, — noted the chairman of the regional organization of the Belarusian Union of Afghan War Veterans, Valerian Matskevich.
— About 32,000 Belarusians went through that war, 160 representatives from Vitebsk region did not return home, and over 900 more soldiers died later from wounds and diseases, — said the head of the regional Council of Deputies, Vladimir Terentyev. — Over the years, the greatness of this feat has grown, only now are we beginning to understand that at the end of the 20th century, Soviet soldiers and officers were the first to put a barrier to international terrorism. Dear paratroopers, I congratulate you on your holiday, you are an example for the younger generation.
Flowers and a show on the parade ground
The glorious traditions of their predecessors are carefully preserved and multiplied by today's young people. Honor, courage, and bravery are still the distinguishing features of the guys who have become one with the sky. They conscientiously perform their military duty under the glorious battle banners. August 2 began for many of them with the fulfillment of a responsible mission — presenting flowers to women on the streets of Vitebsk. Soldiers gave bouquets to passers-by, good mood, and invited them to attend festive events dedicated to their professional holiday.
A ceremonial rally was held on the parade ground of the 103rd brigade, and servicemen were awarded. After the official part, the special operations forces soldiers demonstrated their drill and combat training skills. Spectators could also watch the performances of the honor guard company and reconnaissance troops, a parade ground concert by the military orchestra, parachute jumps, and an armored personnel carrier waltz. The most spectacular moment of the show was the staging of a combat episode with the assault of a building, which involved snipers, armored vehicles, and quadcopters. By the way, the aircraft were manufactured by the Vitebsk design bureau "Display". The equipment allows the military to conduct reconnaissance of the area at a distance of 5 km and obtain enemy coordinates, and deliver targeted strikes against the enemy without risking human lives.
Eduard Karolevich. Photos by Anton STEPANISHCHEV. "Vitebskiye Vesti".