Russian Land Forces Day 2025: history, traditions, congratulations

Every year, on October 1, Russia celebrates the Day of the Ground Forces, one of the most ancient and numerous branches of the Armed Forces (AF), which forms the basis of the army. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Wednesday. Izvestia tells about the history and traditions of the holiday, as well as shares postcards and congratulations for the culprits of the celebration.

Russian Land Forces Day in 2025 — the history of the holiday

The Day of the Russian Ground Forces was officially established in 2006 by decree of President Vladimir Putin. Prior to this, professional holidays were celebrated only by certain branches of the armed forces that are part of the Land Forces.

The date of the celebration was not chosen by chance — on October 1 (old style), 1550, Ivan the Terrible issued a decree "On the establishment of a select thousand serving people in Moscow and the surrounding counties," which laid the foundation for the first permanent army with signs of a regular army. Subsequently, the tsar initiated other important changes: measures were established for the recruitment of troops, permanent service in peacetime and wartime, centralized management and supply of the army.

The Russian army in the modern sense was formed at the end of the 17th century under Peter I. By his decree "On the recruitment of soldiers from free people," he introduced the recruiting principle of forming troops, which made it possible to create a full-fledged regular army by the end of the Northern War in 1721.

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At the beginning of the 19th century, another event occurred that was of great importance both for the Land Forces and for all the Armed Forces of Russia: in 1802, Alexander I established the Ministry of Military Land Forces, which became the prototype of the Ministry of Defense. In the second half of the century, the Land Forces expanded significantly. Technological progress has allowed the creation of railway, engineering and aeronautical units, as well as chemical and biological protection troops.

The Red Army, formed after the October Revolution of 1917, was also based on the Ground Forces, which actively participated in the First World War and the Civil War. Soviet soldiers of the Ground Forces made an invaluable contribution to the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Nevertheless, these troops were officially recognized as a separate type of Armed Forces only in 1964. Their first commander-in-chief was Marshal Georgy Zhukov.

What are the Russian Ground Forces doing?

Today, the Ground Forces are the most numerous and multifunctional type of the Russian Armed Forces. They include the following types of troops:

motorized rifle units;
tank cars;
engineering;
artillery;
Missile forces Ground Forces Air Defense forces;
intelligence units;
troops of radiation, chemical and biological protection;
communication troops.

The main task of the Ground Forces is to ensure the security of the country's territory and population. They are capable of conducting offensive and defensive operations, striking at the enemy at a great distance, repelling invasions, and holding important areas and borders.

Traditions of the holiday Day of the Russian Ground Forces on October 1

On the Day of the Ground Forces, the Russian Defense Minister traditionally congratulates all military personnel, veterans and their families, as well as teachers and students of specialized military universities involved in personnel training. The main celebrations are taking place in Moscow at the Main Church of the Army, the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, as well as at the grave of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden and at the monument to Marshal Zhukov on Manezhnaya Square.

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Vladimir Putin visited a key defense enterprise in the Kama region and congratulated employees on their professional holiday.

Celebrations are also taking place at Suvorov schools and military academies across the country. Commemorative events, sports competitions and concerts for military personnel are held on this day, emphasizing the historical significance and role of the Ground Forces.

Congratulations and postcards on the Day of the Russian Ground Forces on October 1

On the Day of the Ground Forces, military personnel, veterans and students of specialized universities receive congratulations not only from the head of the Ministry of Defense, but also from colleagues, friends, and family members. Most often, they wish them good health, safe service, mental and physical strength, as well as courage and perseverance. Izvestia shares beautiful prose greetings and holiday postcards.