first mention in the history of the establishment of military organizations in Russia belong to the VI century.The history of the Russian army starts with the fact that the tribal alliances Slavs began to create armed militias to defend against enemies.The militia consisted almost all adult men.By the end of the VIII century to replace the militia came to the prince's retinue.These squads have been formed entirely of professional soldiers trained.While the basis of the troops of the Slavs were forming, which consisted of foot soldiers.Cavalry was assigned the role of watchdog and the intelligence service.
Armament Russian soldiers at that time was very simple: double-edged swords, spears, bows and battle-axes, and spears, knives and clubs.To protect soldiers used helmets, chain mail and shields.By the end of the X century the Russian army conducted battle showed that they began to increase the value of the cavalry.Therefore, the history of the Russian army over the next century is closely linked with the development of the cavalry, which was in the Russian principalities of the main armed force.At the end of the XIV century Rus principalities became a single state, and from this moment dates back history of the Russian armed forces.
At the same time there was a firearm, which has helped create more than capable troops.The main force of the Russian army was composed mainly of mounted warriors noble militia.Ivan the Terrible was created in the middle of the XVI century strelets army.This was the result of its military reform.Archers were carrying military service not only in wartime but also in peacetime.All strelets army had the same weapons and the same uniform.The total number of troops in peacetime, was about 20 thousand people.In wartime army replenished by a militia (about 90 thousand), as well as the cavalry of the nobles (about 100 thousand people).
further history of the Russian army is already associated with the name of the young Tsar Peter I, who had in the XVIII century new military reform.These reforms have become extremely important for the country and the result was the creation of a regular army, which in numbers was more than 200 thousand people.In addition to the conventional ground forces had created a powerful navy.The composition of the Navy at that time already included more than 800 sailing and rowing boats.The main armament of the army began shotgun with a bayonet for the infantry and lightweight rifles, pistols and cutlasses for the cavalry.In times of Peter I I have been further developed and the history of Russian border troops.
created by Peter I the powerful Russian army was able to win a lot of convincing victories for the glory of Russia.However, the subsequent history of the Russian army is not only wins, but also from a crushing defeat.A striking example of this were held in 1904-1905 Russian-Japanese war.Despite the heroism of the Russian soldiers, the war ended in tragedy for Russia, the tsarist government and nothing else to do but to surrender to the most humiliating conditions.Then there were the successes and failures of the Russian army in World War I.
further history of the Russian army have continued in the Soviet era, when the Red Army was created.By 1918, its membership has included more than 450 thousand people.The combat readiness of its verification during the Civil War, in military conflicts 1936-1940, in Spain, Japan and Finland.The most severe test not only for the Russian army, but also for the whole country have become particularly severe and tragic events of the Great Patriotic War from 1941 to 1945.In this war, despite all the difficulties and hardships, the Soviet soldiers were able to show the world the shining examples of courage and heroism, defeated the cruel and powerful enemy.The latest stage in the development of the Russian army began after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
