Since 2004, it has been possible to defend the independence of Tajikistan and maintain the constitutional system in this republic of the Gatchina Order of the Zhukov of the twice Red Banner Division 201. The military base belongs to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and is located in the Central Military District, being the object of a geopolitical presence in the Central Asian region.
Start
The military base 201 was formed on the basis of the glorious motorized rifle division - twice the Red Banner, and was called to strengthen and protect the national interests of the Russian Federation, ensure the stability of the military and political situation, and also maintain the independence of Tajikistan. Regarding the creation of this facility, an agreement was concluded according to which the stay in this territory was extended until 2042, and two countries signed and ratified this document. 201 military bases are located in two cities - Dushanbe, Kurgan-Tube, and until 2015 was present in Kulob. The governments of the Russian Federation and Tajikistan have concluded an agreement on real estate objects, on the number of plots and their borders, which were allocated for the creation of this object.
This is the largest Russian land division abroad. Military base 201 maintains peace and order in this friendly country, assists the border guards of Tajikistan, to a greater extent fulfilling their functions. At first it was called the 4th military base (which is now no less famous South Ossetian), but subsequently the number of the motorized rifle division was returned. Nevertheless, military base 201 was created from precisely this unit of the Armed Forces. The reviews of the military personnel warmly welcomed this decision. In addition to duties regarding border services, junior army specialists for Tajikistan are trained here. Already more than one and a half thousand people have passed this school.
First squad
Initially, the Russian military base 201 included three regiments located in Dushanbe (92nd motorized rifle, 998th artillery and 1098th anti-aircraft missile), as well as the 670th air group, 303rd helicopter squadron in this city and the 783th reconnaissance battalion. The 99th medical battalion, the 114th company of biological, chemical and radiation protection and the 118th company of electronic warfare are also located there.
In Kurgan-Tyube there were the 191st motorized rifle regiment and the 2nd jet division with the installations of the Hurricane system. The 149th motorized rifle regiment was located in Kulyab. All these units were famous and order-bearing. In addition to the military units, the 201st military base had three own training grounds - in Liaur, Momirak and Sambuli, where the military regularly and intensively worked to maintain and improve military training.
2009-2012
In the summer of 2009, the base was transferred to the typical staff of a regular motorized rifle brigade, leaving one battalion each in Dushanbe, Kulyab and Kurgan-Tyube, because military reform was carried out in the Russian army. And in 2011, the new Battle Banner was solemnly handed over, which still carries 201 military bases. The photo of this event eloquently shows the pride that the military felt at that moment.
Further events were not so joyful. In 2012, relations between the two countries on some political issues lost mutual understanding. In the summer of 2012, the Tajik authorities were accused by Russia of unacceptable conditions for extending the lease for the 201st military base. Her funding was suspended. A series of very difficult negotiations followed, which resulted in an agreement extending the stay of Russian troops in Tajikistan until 2042 inclusive.
Why do we need a military base in Tajikistan
Many countries show considerable interest in Tajikistan, since there are both gold reserves and uranium deposits. In addition, it is from there that threats to Russia's interests constantly come. In neighboring Afghanistan, US-led coalition members have built and operate a large number of US military bases. Pakistan has also been troubled for the past thirty years. Afghanistan has no equal in the production of opiates, and the presence of American troops in the country only increased the number of drugs produced, and much more - several dozen times.
Such volumes lead to simply insane amounts of money that are capable of making a hole in any border without any labor. This region is a true paradise for radical Islamists, since Central Asia has long been proclaimed part of the Islamic State Caliphate, which is banned in Russia. Thousands of Tajiks are fighting in Iraq and Syria among the militants of the Islamic state. And the Federal Service of Russia almost daily detains immigrants from this country trying to arrange terrorist acts in our cities.
Today
Now the number of military personnel of the 201st military base is approximately seven and a half thousand people, and the strengthening of the military contingent in Tajikistan is simply necessary. The national army of the republic is very weak, and Russia does not have sufficiently substantial military bases in this dangerous region. The existing in Tajikistan is in great need in many ways, in its own military airfield, for example.
And here the question is purely financial. In Syria, our military airfields are free. This will not be the case with Tajiks. The costs will be very high, but whatever they may be, a well-equipped military base on this territory is simply necessary for us. Because this problem will become much more expensive if it comes to our territory. And then the costs will become simply incomparable.
Composition and arrangement of parts now
The following units are located in Dushanbe: Office of the military base; reconnaissance battalion (four companies: reconnaissance, two companies of special forces and one electronic intelligence); three companies of the repair and restoration battalion; battalion mat. security; EW Center; artillery control platoon; air defense control platoon; 92nd Motorized Rifle Regiment (3 battalions, a company of snipers, a tank company, a howitzer battalion, an anti-aircraft missile division, an engineer-sapper company, a medical company); 109th garrison court; 354th Clinical Hospital (branch).
In the city of Kurgan-Tyube is located the 191st Red Banner Motorized Rifle Regiment of the Order of Alexander Nevsky. Until the end of 2015, the 149th Red Banner Motorized Rifle Guards Czestochowa Regiment of the Order of the Red Star was in the city of Kulob, now it was relocated to the Liaur training ground in Dushanbe.
Three polygons
About three thousand hectares make up the total area of the three training grounds of this compound, and they are all well equipped to ensure that service in 201 military bases and training of military personnel are carried out without bad incidents. The training base has been modernized and improved, the territories are cleaned with the help of mine detectors and with the involvement of dogs from the miner service. The soil is reclaimed after firing.
Technical equipment and the general condition of all military firing ranges are given special attention. Scheduled repairs and restoration of target fields with special equipment imitating armored vehicles, aircraft and enemy manpower are carried out on time. Military ecologists and sanitary-epidemiological services check and examine each training ground of the compound, examining water samples, conduct disinsection and disinfection of all territories where personnel are trained. Nevertheless, at the Tajik outpost, one year of service was always considered to be three.
Illustrious Compound
In the entire structure of the RF Armed Forces there are not too many such illustrious compounds. And among those stationed outside the borders of our country, 201 military bases are the most famous. On her banner are three orders, including the Zhukov Order - a new award that not every force can deserve. This division passed the glorious path of World War II, and also fought heroically in Afghanistan.
The contracted military service at 201 military bases is so distinguished by its special conditions that the selection of candidates is not carried out as in regular units. Tajikistan is an unstable country, with a complex social and even more complex political situation, with ongoing tension on its borders, and the climatic conditions are difficult. This specificity requires an incredible physical endurance from the contractor and extraordinary special training. The requirements for selecting candidates are the most stringent.
Contract service
Serviceman 201 of the military base must have at least complete secondary education and advanced training in accordance with the requirements of the Directive of the General Staff of the Ground Forces No. 453/4743, perfect health and physical fitness for a passing score of 190 units. Particular attention is paid to psychological and moral stability. Scouts must have climbing experience. The requirements are strict. However, the social package offered by the contractor is serious: a double salary, calculation of the term "month for three", monthly additional payments. At first, servicemen live in the barracks, and only after a certain period of time with positive characteristics can they rent apartments in which a good level of comfort is guaranteed, including air conditioning.
Here it is necessary to remind that the climate in this country is special: in the summer below thirty degrees there is never, on the contrary, fifty degrees in the shade - normal temperature, even in December roses bloom everywhere. Air conditioning is not a luxury. Satisfaction guaranteed to all military personnel. Veterans also receive special food rations. Leisure of the military, of course, is limited, but in the rare hours of rest, they have many great entertainment options. The infrastructure at the 201st base is well developed. Near markets, shops, billiards, a water park.