January 21 - Day of the Russian Engineering Forces: history and traditions of the holiday

Every year on January 21, Russia celebrates Engineering Troops Day, a professional holiday of servicemen who are engaged in demining territories, erecting defensive structures, building crossings and eliminating the consequences of man-made disasters. In 2025 it falls on Tuesday. On the history and traditions of the celebration read in the material "Izvestia".

Day of the engineering troops of Russia: the history of the holiday on January 21

The holiday in honor of the engineering troops was established by the first President of Russia Boris Yeltsin in 1996 to emphasize the contribution of these units in strengthening the defense capability of the country. In 2006, by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin, it was included in the list of memorable dates.

Engineering troops are one of the oldest in the Russian armed forces. Their official "birthday" is January 21, 1701, when Peter the Great issued a decree on the establishment of the School of Pushkar Order in Moscow to train engineering and artillery officers. Soon a similar institution appeared in St. Petersburg. Thanks to these schools, the regular army received the first mine and pontoon teams, and in 1712 the first regiment of military engineers was formed.

Realizing the importance of the development of engineering units, in 1722 Peter I included the ranks of engineering officers in the Table of Ranks, placing them above the officers of cavalry and infantry. A year later, the Moscow and St. Petersburg Pushkar schools were united into one institution in the Northern Capital - the Engineering School. In 1753 its head was Abram Hannibal - one of the closest associates of Peter the Great and great-grandfather of the great poet Alexander Pushkin.

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Subsequently, the engineering troops repeatedly proved their importance and effectiveness on the battlefields. Their units played an important role in the Patriotic War of 1812, the Russian-Turkish wars, the Crimean War and other campaigns.

In the 1850s, engineering units were removed from the artillery and recognized as an independent branch of the army. In the 1870s they also began to include railroad troops. By 1917 their number increased to 6% of the total personnel of the Russian army.

After the October Revolution engineering troops became one of the most important components of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army (RKKA). By the 1920s, their functionality had expanded significantly: the engineering forces included sapper, pontoon, electrical, automobile, camouflage and other units.

The importance of engineering support of the armed forces became obvious during the Great Patriotic War. From 1941 to 1942 on the territory of the USSR there were 10 independent engineer armies, which were later reorganized into brigades. In total, during the war years, various awards and medals were awarded to more than 100 thousand soldiers and officers of the engineering troops. Of them 655 received the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

Today, the engineering forces of Russia perform a wide range of combat tasks related to ensuring the safety of the population and military personnel. They are engaged in the construction and maintenance of engineering and fortification structures (trenches, trenches, dugouts, etc.), mines and mine clearance of territories, preparation of routes for troop movement, construction of water crossings, camouflage of military buildings and equipment and other important tasks. In peacetime the men of engineering troops participate in liquidation of consequences of man-made and natural disasters both in Russia and abroad.

Day of Russian Engineering Troops - 2025: traditions

In honor of the Day of the engineering troops on the territories of military units, solemn reviews or meetings are held. Those distinguished in the service are awarded honorary awards and awarded new ranks. Commanders summarize the results of work for the year and congratulate the soldiers. The Russian Minister of Defense and other officials also make congratulatory speeches.

With the Day of the Engineering Forces of Russia: congratulations in prose

On the Day of the engineering troops, congratulations are accepted not only by active servicemen, but also by veterans of combat operations, as well as students and teachers of specialized educational institutions. "Izvestia" prepared warm wishes for the culprits of the celebration:

"Congratulations on Engineering Troops Day! I wish you to remain steadfast and courageous even in the most difficult situations, easily overcome obstacles and neutralize dangers. Let the operations go smoothly, and the combat merits are appreciated by the command!"

"Dear soldiers of engineering troops! Congratulations on your professional holiday! We wish you good health, courage, confidence in your abilities and safe return home. Let luck accompany you at every step, and there is always room for joy and love in your heart!"

"Happy Engineering Troops Day! On this holiday we heartily thank all servicemen and veterans, thanks to whom the Russian army continues to win victories on the battlefield. Thank you for your courage, perseverance and loyalty to your cause. May your service be easy, your health - strong, and your home - hospitable!"

Earlier "Izvestia" told about the history and traditions of celebrating the Day of the Investigative Committee of Russia.