| Description |
1 online resource (vii, 73 p.) |
| Note |
Title from PDF title page (viewed on January 4, 2012). |
|
"December 2011." |
|
"External Research Associates Program monograph." |
| Summary |
This monograph considers the recent history of organizational change in the Russian Airborne Forces (VDV). In particular, it looks at how the VDV has changed since the end of Russia's conflict with Georgia in 2008. The VDV, a force much admired in Russian media and society has, in fact, escaped fairly lightly during the comprehensive reform of the Russian Army more generally over the last few years. In large part this has been down to the personality of the current head of the VDV, Lieutenant-General Vladimir Shamanov. Close to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Shamanov -- a "maverick" -- has used his political connections to help ward off many of the cuts and reforms that have impacted the rest of the Army. He has managed to keep the basic structure of the VDV intact, while also dealing with a number of problematic issues related to manning, equipment, and training regimes within his organization. This monograph goes on to point out the level of professionalism in the VDV that was demonstrated during the Georgian war. It also though, highlights the fact that, while some battalions within the VDV will be very effective and well trained, other battalions will not. Thus it is difficult to judge precisely how battle-ready the VDV's divisions now are. Ultimately, this monograph seeks to establish just what sort of Russian airborne forces U.S. or NATO troops may one day have to either work alongside or, indeed, face in some sort of confrontation. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (p. 60-70). |
| Contents |
Introduction -- The esteemed VDV -- The vulnerability to change of the post-Cold War airborne forces -- Changes in the VDV prior to the war with Georgia -- Change : the role of the VDV commander -- Change and the war with Georgia -- Proposed structural changes in the VDV -- Post-Georgia changes in the VDV -- Manning in the VDV -- Readiness of the VDV -- Aircraft for the VDV -- Conclusion and policy implications. |
| Subject |
Soviet Union. Sukhoputnye voiska. Vozdushno-desantnye voiska.
|
|
Organizational change -- Russia (Federation)
|
|
Russia (Federation) -- Armed Forces -- Airborne troops -- Reorganization.
|
| Added Author |
Army War College (U.S.). Strategic Studies Institute.
|
| Other Form: |
Print version: Thornton, Rod. Organizational change in the Russian airborne forces. 1584875194 (OCoLC)772608339 |
| ISBN |
1584875194 |
|
9781584875192 |
| Gpo Item No. |
0307-A-31 (online) |
| Sudoc No. |
D 101.146:R 92/15 |
|
