November 9 is the Day of formation of the Rosgvardiya special forces: history, traditions, congratulations

Every year on November 9, Russia celebrates the Day of the creation of special forces of the Rosgvardiya, better known as the Day of the Special Rapid Reaction Unit (SOBR). In 2025, the date falls on a Sunday. Read about the history of the elite unit and the traditions of the celebration in the Izvestia article.

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The holiday was established in 2004 and is timed to coincide with a date that is important for the entire Russian security system. On November 9, 1978, on the eve of the Olympic Games-80 in Moscow, the country's first special police unit (OMSN) was created, whose task was to prevent any offenses in the capital during international sporting events.

Initially, the OMSN was conceived as a temporary structure to ensure the safety of Olympic facilities, but this event became the starting point for the further development of the modern system of special forces.

After the collapse of the USSR, Russia faced an unprecedented increase in organized crime and banditry. On October 8, 1992, by presidential decree, the Interior Ministry established a tactical department focused on operations in particularly difficult conditions. Later, he received the name of the Special Rapid Reaction Unit — SOBR.

Thus, the state responded to the challenges of the criminal lawlessness of the early 1990s by relying on a mobile and professionally trained force. The structure developed rapidly, modern training methods were introduced into it, weapons and tactics of operations were improved.

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By 1993, the formation of a territorial network began — the first regional SOBR detachments began to appear throughout the country. By the mid-1990s, almost every major constituent entity of the Russian Federation had its own rapid response unit.

In 2002, a temporary renaming took place — the SOBR became the OMSN (special purpose militia unit), but in 2011 it was returned to its original name. Since 2003, the divisions began to receive their own names reflecting the regional characteristics and the spirit of the teams: "Hawk", "Bars", "Terek", "Vector", "Viking" and others.

The next stage of reforms occurred in 2016, the year of the foundation of the Federal Service of the National Guard of Russia. The SOBR became part of the Rosgvardiya, retaining key functions: combating organized crime, participating in counter-terrorism operations, ensuring law and order, and providing security support for operational search activities.

The current stage of development of the SOBR is characterized by a high degree of professionalism and mobility. Today it is a well-coordinated system that combines the Soviet school of special forces with current challenges in the field of national and international security.

Traditions of the celebration of SOBR Day on November 9th

The celebration of the Day of the formation of the SOBR begins with a minute of silence in memory of the soldiers who died in the line of duty. Commemorative events are held in the units, flowers are laid, the names of those who gave their lives for the security of the country are heard. This tradition unites generations, maintaining continuity in the ranks of the special forces.

Then the official formation begins, during which the command summarizes the results of the year, the best fighters receive state awards, departmental insignia, letters of appreciation and promotions.

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Working with young people remains one of the most important tasks of the holiday. On this day, the detachments organize meetings with schoolchildren and students, thematic lectures, demonstrations of special equipment and equipment, and open classes on tactical and fire training. The demonstration performances of the fighters give citizens the opportunity to see the working methods of the special forces in action and assess their level of training.

Informal events often become the final part of the day: concerts, meetings of veterans, patriotic actions.

Who and how do they congratulate on November 9th on SOBR Day?

SOBR Education Day is an opportunity to express appreciation and support to those who stand guard over law and order on a daily basis. On November 9, congratulations are addressed to current special forces personnel, service veterans, commanders and instructors. Words of appreciation are heard from colleagues, relatives, representatives of government and civil society. Izvestia has prepared several examples of how this can be done.:

"Congratulations on SOBR Day, defenders of peace and order! May every task be completed successfully, and at home they always wait with love and pride."

"Congratulations on the Day of the formation of the Rosgvardiya Special forces! You are not just an elite, you are Russia's mainstay in the most difficult moments. May your health be strong, your decisions accurate, and your life peaceful. Thank you for your service!"

"Congratulations on the holiday of strength and honor! SOBR fighters are time—tested professionals. May luck, companionship, and the gratitude of society accompany you."

"Congratulations on SOBR Day! We wish you a clear mind, a steady hand and a sensitive heart — those qualities that make you the real heroes of our time. May every day of service strengthen the strength of the spirit and faith in justice."

"Please accept my sincere congratulations on SOBR Day! Strength, fortitude, and courage are your shield. Wisdom, experience and unity are your sword. Let each operation end with a return to the family. Happy holidays, fighters!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on when and how the Day of the Military Intelligence Officer is celebrated in Russia.