56 DShB - a separate guards airborne assault brigade: description, composition and interesting facts

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:45

The legendary 56th Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade is located in the city of Kamyshin, Volgograd Region. The military unit has two official addresses, among which colloquial names are on the lips: "red and gray roofs." The names come from the color of the main barracks, where the soldiers of the 56th Airborne Battalion live.

Historical information

The formation arose back in 1943 and has a glorious history during the Patriotic War. The fighters especially distinguished themselves during the liberation of Hungarian cities from the German invaders. Parts of the paratroopers took part in the famous Prague operation, while crossing the borders of Czechoslovakia.

The soldiers were indispensable in Afghanistan, fulfilling their international duty. They also provided assistance to infantrymen during the battles in Chechnya. Permanent deployment in Kamyshin was carried out in 1998.

Interestingly, the base for the formation of the part is very impressive. This place was the location of the famous KKVSKU - military higher educationalan institution where officers were trained. The university, unfortunately, was disbanded, and the personnel were transferred to the Togliatti and St. Petersburg institutes.

Composition of part

After the Great Patriotic War, units were withdrawn from Hungary and located near Budapest. Starting from 1946, the city of Tula became the main place of deployment, and the unit became part of the 38th Guards Airborne Corps of Vienna. But already in 1953, the landing army was completely disbanded.

Personnel was accepted into the 137th Guards Airborne Regiment, located in Ryazan. The soldiers took part in helping the residents of Tashkent after the earthquake, and were also the guarantor of security during popular unrest.

Only in 1997, the 56th Airborne Assault Brigade was organized and relocated to the city of Kamyshin. Since 2010, the unit has been named after the Order of Kutuzov and the Order of the Patriotic War.

Purpose of the part

The main purpose of the 56th Airborne Battalion in Kamyshin is to form a military reserve of trained paratroopers ready to land in the combat zone. By decree of the Minister of Defense, in order to increase mobility, part is being transferred to automotive vehicles.

Helicopters are expected to transfer personnel, soldiers are deployed fully armed and equipped with parachutes. Military equipment moves under its own power. However, with the help of heavy helicopters, it can be transferred from the air. For this, exercises are regularly held with monthly field trips.conditions.

The last large-scale tests were carried out in 2008, when howitzers and GAZ vehicles were airlifted.

Glorious deeds of personnel

In 1999, soldiers on the Russian-Georgian border protected Chechen lands. The paratroopers, having landed from the air, completely blocked the mountain passes and paths. Bandit formations in their attempts to bypass the fighters and strike from the side of Georgia suffered a complete fiasco. Many soldiers were presented for awards, and in the main, mass bloodshed on the border was not allowed by the forces of the paratroopers.

Three fighters of the 56th brigade of the DSB for heroism and courage shown during the military action were awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation.

Deserved awards

During its glorious history, the unit has many awards, both personnel and combined arms. Among the most important are:

1. Guards Battle Banner.
2. Order of the Patriotic War 1st class.
3. Order of Kutuzov 2nd class.
4. Order of the Red Banner.
5. Gratitude of the Supreme Commander.

Military personnel of the unit received many awards for participation in the Chechen campaign and service in Afghanistan.

Service Today

Today, 56 DShB trains soldiers undergoing military service, and they also do it here under a contract. In addition to the excellent physical fitness that a paratrooper must have, personnellearning other skills. To do this, trips to the training ground are regularly organized, where military exercises are held in field conditions close to the military.

At this time, the soldiers live in tents, food is provided on their own, with the help of a field kitchen. During the trips, a daily ration is issued. According to the military, the food is quite high-calorie, varied and tasty. Fighters are pleased on holidays with chocolate, pastries and even barbecue.

Most of the soldiers who served in Kamyshin are proud that they belong to the Airborne Forces. 56 DShB trains paratroopers, so skydiving is included in the mandatory program. This involves jumping from a helicopter and an airplane. Contractors who complete the jumping program receive an additional payment to their monetary allowance.

Living conditions

Comfortable barracks are provided for conscripts. Recruits, passing the "young fighter course", are separated from the "old-timers" in order to avoid possible conflicts. Then they are combined.

Soldiers are placed in cockpits, which are designed for four. The shower is located directly in the block or on the floor. A bathroom is located in each cubicle. The room is standard and has bunk beds, bedside tables, wardrobe and desk.

Food is provided in the dining room, where the chefs are civilian staff. For the convenience of soldiers, a small store is located on the territory, however, according to reviews, the cost of products is somewhat higher than in urban outlets.

Information for parents of recruits

When forming parcels, remember that it is forbidden to put any medicines inside. They will still be taken away during inspection. However, with the help of a doctor, an inhaler is allowed. If vitamins are needed, they are handed over to the medical office, and the soldier receives them from the doctor.

The phone can be left with the soldier if he does not abuse it. No one will take away a means of communication if you use it only in your free time. It is recommended to write messages to the soldier, and to the extent possible, the military personnel themselves call up relatives.

If, however, the phone is taken away, then its issuance takes place on a day off once a week. If unauthorized use of a mobile phone is suspected, the serviceman is called by the commander, and the communication device is confiscated until the end of the proceedings.

Conscripts can go on leave in agreement with the commander only with their parents. Legal wives can get permission. Walking with a girl will not work.

Oath

As with any unit, the 56th DSB holds a solemn oath of recruits. For the convenience of relatives, the event is timed to the weekend, in the morning.

After the oath, you can get a leave. If parents come to the recruit from afar, you can agree with the commander on the weekend, until Tuesday.

Address of part

56 DSHB in Kamyshin has a double address. The main unit of the Airborne Forces is located in the "gray roofs" on the street. Gorokhovskaya. For postal items, the address is used: Kamyshin-10, military unit74507.

Parts of the RHBZ are located on the street. Petrovskaya. For postal items, the address is used: 403871 Volgograd region, Kamyshin-1, poste restante.

Kamyshin is located between Volgograd and Saratov. There is no airport, trains run only from Moscow. It is easier to get to the city by bus. From Volgograd and Saratov they go regularly.

Reviews from soldiers

Most of those who served in Kamyshin in the 56th airborne infantry warmly remember the unit itself and the living conditions. The barracks are up to standard and commanders are listening to the needs of young soldiers.

Many, after completing their service, sign a contract and make the defense of the Motherland their profession, continuing to serve in the troops of the 56th Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade.