Those who think that military reform is only the fate of those who are now in the battle formation are greatly mistaken. No, I'm sorry. We, veterans of the Great Patriotic War, who have experienced the great front-line happiness of Victory, who have given the best years of their lives to service in the victorious army, cannot but be concerned about any changes in the now Russian Army. We went through terrible trials and together with all our people overcame them with honor. And that is why we cherish front-line traditions, memories, and all that is somehow connected with serving the Fatherland.

We hear and read a lot about the reforms in the modern army. About the fact that there are also practical shifts in this direction...

Let them forgive us the habit of veterans-to compare everything: we will always compare today's orders, morals and foundations with those that existed in the Soviet Army. Whatever they say, it wasn't all bad then. There was also a lot of good stuff to learn from.

As a veteran soldier, I am very concerned about the problems of modern education of a young soldier. Often they are solved formally, without a soul. Take at least a solemn meeting in the parts of the young replenishment and seeing off the dismissed to the reserve.

I remember very well how this was done in our time, in particular, in our Guards anti-aircraft missile regiment, which was stationed in the Far North in the sixties, specifically on the Rybachy Peninsula in the Murmansk Region. I'll tell you in more detail.

Autumn in the Arctic. The day turned out to be extremely sunny, fine. Personnel lined up on the parade ground. It was nice to see the warriors: stately, brave, strong. On the chest of each sparkle signs of soldier's valor: badges of the warrior-discharger, class specialist. They say that young men serve the Motherland conscientiously. Some of them have already fulfilled their honorable military duty with honor and are leaving for the reserve. The solemn construction is dedicated to this event. Old-timers pass the baton of glory to a young recruit.

First of all, the best of the best are dismissed to the reserve. For three years, they have studied military affairs well, mastered complex military equipment, and now they are leaving for the labor front. But if the Motherland calls, they will again stand up in battle formation, take up arms. Their experience and skills will be multiplied by young warriors. And no one has the slightest doubt about that. Exciting, unique moments are experienced by the guys: it's a pity to part with friends, with commanders, with the barracks that has become their native home.

- Under the banner-attention!

The scarlet banner is taken out-the shrine of the regiment, a symbol of Victory and glory, fearlessness, loyalty to army duty. Under this banner, fellow soldiers defended their homeland from the German invaders during the Great Patriotic War. Many of them are still in service.

The rally opens. I now give the floor to Sergeant Mikhailovsky. He sincerely addresses the young soldiers.

"Do not forget, my comrades-in-arms, your military duty. Be worthy of the glory of your fathers and brothers, and serve honestly and conscientiously. And most importantly - strengthen your combat readiness and discipline! I wish you every success!

Others are also talking excitedly. They advise young people, assure their fellow soldiers that the guards will not disgrace their rank in a peaceful life.

Soldiers come out of the regimental formation one by one. They approach the commander. Having received from his hands a certificate of honor for good service, they turn to the formation and solemnly say::

- I serve the Soviet Union!

Then they come up to the Battle Guards Banner of the regiment, bare their heads, go down on one knee, and kiss the scarlet cloth.

The regiment commander wishes the dismissed a safe journey. And in the soul of everyone, the words sound: "Goodbye, comrade commanders! Good-bye, fellow soldiers!" The last solemn march.

This is something you'll remember for the rest of your life. And those who leave, and those who remain in the battle formation. The baton has been placed in safe hands... So it was. Now, alas, such events are becoming very rare. Naturally, I want to ask: "Do the current commanders, hiding behind today's problems, do not understand that this way interrupts the very relay of traditions that dates back to the time of the truly invincible Red Army?" This makes me very sad.

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