Nowadays, the word "squad" can not be attributed to commonly used terms. At his mention, someone may recall school history lessons. Which, in general, is correct, because of all the possible meanings, two relate to past eras. However, before proceeding to their consideration, the term itself should be defined.
What does it mean
According to dictionaries, a squad is a detachment or group formed to fulfill a special task. Often, such units, especially when it comes to paramilitary groups, have a rigid hierarchical structure.
The term itself comes from the Old Slavonic “Drouzhin”, so similar words can be found in many related languages, for example, in Bulgarian, Czech, Croatian, Ukrainian, Polish, Slovenian, etc. In any of these languages, the squad is a word meaning “society” or “squad”, which is also derived from the word “friend”.
Today this term is used in several meanings. Below, we briefly consider each of them, but for now, we list what squads are:
- princely;
- civil engineering;
- combat;
- folk;
- voluntary;
- sanitary;
- firefighters;
- pioneering.
Princely squad
This is a privileged part of the army in the Old Russian state (IX-XIII centuries). It included the noble servants of the specific prince, who, on the one hand, raised the authority of his power among the people, and on the other, helped to manage the principality. In addition, the squad was the combat core of the army during the repulsion of an enemy attack.
Her ethnic composition was heterogeneous. According to historical documents, among the warriors there were not only Russians, but also Varangians, Hungarians, Poles, Finns, Turks. With the prince they were bound by a free agreement, which could be broken at any time.
In the XI-XII centuries, the squad was divided into older and younger. The first included representatives of the boyars, who occupied important posts: governors, posadniks, thousand and so on. They constituted the princely council and the most influential part of the people's council. In addition to the boyar children, the younger squad included free community members and even dependent servants.
Royal Russia
After the specific principalities left the historical scene, giving way to a centralized state, the word squad did not go out of use. True, its meaning has changed. So, in pre-revolutionary Russia, it was meant by him:
- Separate military units formed on the basis of the militia;
- civil engineering units engaged in military operations;
- partnerships and artels;
- voluntary sanitary brigades created during the period of warfare.
During the Russian Revolution of 1905-1907 a new political term appeared - “fighting squad”. These were detachments of workers formed by the Bolsheviks with the goal of preparing an uprising.
However, you should not think that such organizations were formed exclusively during periods of social upheaval or in conditions of hostilities. An example of this is a voluntary squad of 20 thousand people, created in Moscow in 1881. Her tasks included ensuring order during the celebrations associated with the coronation of Alexander III.
Soviet combatants
In 1930, voluntary societies (brigades) were organized in the USSR, which helped the police maintain the rule of law both in rural areas and in cities. In the summer of 1941, a militia, sanitary and fire brigades were formed on their basis.
In the postwar years, these brigades continued to help police maintain law and order and carry out educational work until 1959. Starting from this time, in addition to the police, DNDs, voluntary people's squads, daily patrolling the streets, were engaged in protecting public order in the country. This social movement, like many others, was abolished in 1991 after the ban of the Communist Party.
In addition to him, in the USSR there were also pioneer squads, uniting members of the All-Union Children's Organization.
Revival of national warriors
By a presidential decree in the Russian Federation, starting in 2014, citizens of the country could again actively participate in the search for missing people and the protection of public order. According to this document, members of a voluntary people's squad are equated to non-staff police officers. After registering with local authorities, they can use distinctive symbols and wear uniforms.
National combatants can be:
- adult citizens of the Russian Federation;
- not having a criminal record;
- not suffering from mental disorders;
- Knowing how to provide first aid;
- not suffering from drug addiction or alcoholism.
What are their powers:
- notify the police of offenses;
- assist her in law enforcement;
- patrol the streets;
- participate in the search for missing citizens;
- monitor order during the mass rallies;
- to participate in operations that do not threaten their lives, and if there is the consent of the police.
For disobedience to national combatants, a decree provides for a fine of 500 to 2.5 thousand rubles. On the other hand, public order guards themselves can be fined for exceeding their powers in the amount of 1 to 3 thousand rubles.