And on the eve of the anniversary at the Museum of the Russian Association of Heroes, the presentation of a unique publication. “Airborne commanders of the great Patriotic war” – the so-called book of the former commander of the airborne troops (2009-2016), the head of the Duma Committee on defense, the Hero of Russia, doctor of technical Sciences, Colonel-General Vladimir Shamanov. The book reveals the life path of the four commanders of the airborne forces during the great Patriotic war. Twice hero of the Soviet Union, Lieutenant-General Vasily Glazunov, Lieutenant-General Alexander Capitain, Lieutenant-General Ivan Zatevakhin and hero of the Soviet Union, Colonel-General Vasily Glagolev.
I take this opportunity to interview Vladimir Shamanov – not less legendary than the characters in his book, commander. So it turns out that in the airborne troops, all the commanders are legendary. How else to lead the combat elite?
Vladimir, congratulations on the anniversary. 90 years – is history. How were the troops?
Vladimir Shamanov: Start with the fact that, according to one version, the Sverdlovsk air force commander Pavel Rychagov held a meeting, which was flying from Voronezh to Sverdlovsk group management team, but she was not destined to fly to the destination, the plane crashed.
the newly Created Commission of inquiry for investigation of causes of death people are unable to answer an important question: why military expertise has not applied for their salvation aboard aircraft parachutes? And only after this terrible disaster began the search for appropriate solutions.
it was Necessary to study international experience, to form a flying group and begin their training. The task was to teach them how to use parachutes in those or other force majeure. And then the serious work started, headed by a military expert of Minov.
But it’s background. August 2, 1930 on the teachings of the air force of the Moscow military district near Voronezh for the first time on parachutes to perform tactical tasks have landed a small unit of 12 people. Thus began the glorious history of the airborne forces.
last Name Shamanov airborne troops is legendary. In difficult times you can say, saved airborne from dissolution. At least, both seen look civilian. But now some say that the outcome of the third world war will decide the rocket. So, these troops are no longer needed. What do you think about this?
Vladimir Shamanov: This is misleading. Error based on the excellence of missile technology was made in the days of Khrushchev. Then had to restore and the Navy, and military associations, and many more. Now the role of the airborne troops will only increase. This protection n��national interests in the Arctic, and also over vast areas with underdeveloped infrastructure in the far East. In some parts of the coastline only the Marines landed, unable to organize a defense. Airborne addressing a lot of other tasks, including peacekeeping missions and so on. The range of tasks of the airborne forces are unique and universal. To have such a tool – it is a huge prestige and great potential for the country.
We must preserve and develop this potential. Today our Marines are the best in the world. There are new models of equipment and weapons, new planes military-transport aircraft, as well as the newest parachutes in large quantity. We can whole battalions of Marines to throw in a few dozen kilometers from the scene of the battle and they are moving through the air silently and imperceptibly, come to the point and literally fall on the head of the enemy.
Let’s imagine that this was going to paratroopers from Russia, Germany, England, not to mention about America. Who will win?
Vladimir Shamanov: of Course, our. And in terms of equipment and training. Russian paratroopers, it’s a special breed of people, capable to solve the most complex tasks.
Now boys for service in the airborne troops to prepare almost from school. For example, in DOSAAF there are special courses…
Vladimir Shamanov: Yes, this is a very effective practice. Given that the conscripts serve only one year, you want the guys came to the troops already prepared. This task decides DOSAAF.
Your new book should arouse young people interest in airborne forces and their history. Whom do you write?
Vladimir Shamanov: Is a book about a talented military commanders, men of high grade. They carried on their shoulders the hardships of the great Patriotic war, defended their country from fascist slavery. I’m sure the story about them will find a lively response from readers. And above all the youth – those who may be lucky enough to rise to the ranks of airborne troops.
Current airborne Day is held in difficult conditions. The pandemic leaves its mark. But after the national anthem of the airborne troops will still be heard, right?
Vladimir Shamanov: of Course! Our main song is called “Blue”. It is an unofficial anthem of the airborne troops, its still in 1970, was written by a cadet of the Ryazan airborne school. Today that song embodies the spirit of the airborne troops.
