November 13 is the Day of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops.

In autumn, Russia celebrates the Day of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops (RCBD). This professional holiday is dedicated to military personnel whose job is to protect themselves from invisible but extremely dangerous threats. On this day, congratulations are accepted by all those who guard the country's security, neutralizing the risks of radiation, chemical and biological contamination. Izvestia tells about the history, traditions of the RCBZ Day and how to congratulate on a professional holiday.

When is the Day of the RCBZ Troops in 2025

The date of the holiday is fixed. Every year, the Day of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops is celebrated on the same day — November 13. In 2025, it falls on a Thursday.

The history of a professional holiday

The history of the RCBZ troops is inextricably linked with the development of weapons of mass destruction. The impetus for their creation was the first large-scale use of chemical weapons during the First World War. The official date of birth of the troops is considered to be November 13, 1918, when the first chemical protection bodies and units were created in the Red Army.

By 1925, chemical units had been established in all rifle and cavalry regiments, and by 1927 in divisions and brigades. The troops received their development during the Great Patriotic War. Chemical troops conducted reconnaissance to prevent enemy attacks, and set up smoke screens to disguise troops and important facilities. Thousands of servicemen were awarded high state awards, and several units were awarded the rank of Guards.

The modern name of the RCBZ troops was given in 1992, reflecting the expansion of their tasks in the face of new challenges and threats.

The history of the profession and its significance

The profession of a military chemist originated during the First World War. Its importance has increased many times with the advent of nuclear and biological weapons. The RCBZ troops are a unique branch of the armed Forces that protects not only the Armed Forces, but also the civilian population, as well as the country's infrastructure from the damaging factors of weapons of mass destruction and the consequences of man—made disasters.

It is difficult to overestimate their contribution to the security of the state. RCBZ specialists were directly involved in the elimination of the consequences of the Chernobyl accident, and in 2020 they were massively involved in disinfection of facilities during the coronavirus pandemic.

Today, military personnel are on combat duty in the zone of a special military operation, including at such strategically important facilities as the Zaporizhia NPP. The holiday itself was established by presidential decree in 2006 and is firmly included in the calendar of professional dates of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

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What the RBHS military does: essential qualities and skills

Modern RCBZ troops solve a wide range of tasks both in wartime and in peacetime. Their main activities include:

• RCB-exploration, identification of radiation, chemical and biological threats and assessment of the current situation;

• protection of formations of the ground forces, as well as the civilian population from radiation, chemical or biological contamination;

• camouflage of troops, military and strategically important objects;

• decontamination, degassing and disinfection of areas and structures after chemical or biological contamination;

• elimination of the consequences of accidents at radiation, chemically and biologically hazardous facilities.

These tasks require specialists with in-depth knowledge in chemistry, physics, biology, and radiology. The key qualities of an RCBZ serviceman are the highest responsibility, composure, analytical mindset, and willingness to work in high—risk environments.

Traditions of RHBZ Day in Russia

Over the years, the holiday has developed its own well-established traditions, which are observed in military units, educational institutions and specialized organizations throughout the country. These rituals are designed to emphasize the importance of serving in the RCBZ troops, strengthen corporate spirit and pay tribute to veterans.

One of the central traditions of the Day of the RCBZ troops is the solemn formations of the personnel. They are accompanied by the removal of the unit's battle banner to the sounds of the official march of this branch of the armed forces. The awarding of distinguished servicemen and the awarding of regular military ranks also became an integral part of the holiday.

Meetings with veterans are of particular importance. For young officers and soldiers, such events become a unique opportunity to communicate with those who stood at the origins of the troops, participated in the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident and other major operations.

Demonstration exercises are often held in the run-up to November 13. They are organized to demonstrate the capabilities of modern technology and the level of training of specialists. The holiday ends, as a rule, in an informal setting. Military personnel have the opportunity to communicate with their colleagues and spend time with their family, which is especially valuable in the harsh army everyday life.

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How to congratulate on the holiday of November 13th

There are many ways to express respect and gratitude to the servicemen of the RCBZ troops on their professional holiday. In addition to warm words, it would be appropriate to present a themed gift that will emphasize the importance of their difficult service.

Gift Ideas:

• themed souvenir: a gift edition of a book on military history, a high-quality flask or binoculars with an engraving;

• high-quality equipment: a good tactical flashlight, backpack, air bag or waterproof case;

• a flask, a pennant or a commemorative medal with the symbols of the RCBZ troops;

• Symbolic gift: a copy of Zelinsky's first gas mask or a stylized model of a modern RCB-reconnaissance vehicle.;

• a birthday cake decorated in the style of a holiday, a gift certificate.

Congratulations on the Day of the RCBZ Troops

"We cordially congratulate the chemical warriors on the holiday! Your service is a daily feat that requires incredible precision, dedication, and endurance. You neutralize what cannot be seen with the eye, and you take risks where others would not dare to set foot. May your work bring not only new challenges, but also universal recognition, and the formula of your life consists of joy, happiness and good luck!"

"Dear servicemen of the RCBZ troops! On your professional holiday, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your invisible but important work. You stand guard, neutralizing the most insidious threats. Your endurance, knowledge and courage are the real shield of our country. We wish you successful trials and that your skills are applied only in exercises. I wish you good health, good spirits and well-being!"

"Please accept my warmest congratulations on the Day of the RCBZ Troops! You are the elite of the army, the specialists on whose decisions the fate of thousands of people depends. Your work in high-risk conditions is highly respected. We wish that protective equipment remained only an element of equipment, and intelligence brought only favorable news. A peaceful sky, confidence in the future and sincere pride in your hard but vital work!"

"Dear servicemen of the RCBZ troops! Your holiday is a symbol of courage and recognition of the highest professionalism. You protect us from invisible dangers, be it radiation, chemical threat or biological attack. Your steadfastness and dedication to duty are an example for all of us. We wish your service to be calm and your combat duty to be conducted in complete safety. Happy holidays!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the Day of the Military intelligence Officer, which was celebrated in Russia in early November.

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