November 19 is Rocket Troops and Artillery Day: history and traditions, how to congratulate

At the end of autumn, Russia celebrates the Day of Rocket Troops and Artillery. This professional holiday is dedicated to military personnel and veterans, whose job is to ensure the security of the country with the help of the most powerful means of fire destruction. Izvestia tells us when the holiday appeared and how it will be celebrated in 2025.

When is the Day of Rocket Troops and Artillery in 2025

Missile Forces and Artillery Day is an official professional holiday of the country's Armed Forces, but it is not a day off. It is celebrated annually on the same date — November 19th. In 2025, this day falls on a Wednesday.

Rocket Troops and Artillery Day — the history of the holiday on November 19th

The date of the holiday is inextricably linked with one of the key battles of the Great Patriotic War, the offensive Operation Uranus, which began on November 19, 1942. Its goal was to encircle and completely defeat the thousands of German troops at Stalingrad. The success of the operation was largely determined by the unprecedented power of artillery training.

About 3,500 guns and mortars conducted devastating fire for 80 minutes to suppress enemy defenses. This was the first full-scale artillery offensive by Soviet troops. The battle radically changed the course of not only the Battle of Stalingrad, but the entire Second World War.

For its decisive contribution to the Victory, artillery was given the unofficial title of "god of war." It is believed that this epithet became popular thanks to Joseph Stalin, although it had been used before.

In the autumn of 1944, when the strategic initiative was already firmly in the hands of the Soviet command and there were only a few months left before the end of the war, the USSR leadership decided to establish a separate holiday for the gunners.

It was originally called Artillery Day. However, in 1964, due to the appearance of a new type of troops — rocket — it was renamed the Day of Rocket Troops and Artillery. At the same time, the historical date, November 19, was preserved.

The history of the profession and its significance

Artillery is one of the oldest branches of the armed forces. The first documentary evidence of its use dates back to 1382, when the defenders of Moscow used primitive tools — "mattresses" — to defend against the troops of Khan Tokhtamysh.

Under Ivan the Terrible, the gunners formed into an independent branch of the armed forces, and the tactics of artillery training became an integral part of the battles. The troops received further development under Peter I. During this period, a large-scale reorganization was carried out, dividing artillery into field, fortress and siege, which significantly increased its effectiveness.

Artillery demonstrated its status as a decisive force on the battlefield during the Second World War in the battles of Stalingrad, Kursk Bulge and the Battle for Berlin. The gunners blocked the path of the enemy's infantry and tanks, inflicting huge damage to them in manpower and equipment.

Today, the missile forces and artillery (RViA) are a branch of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, which is the main means of fire and nuclear destruction of the enemy. Since 2023, the troops have been led by Lieutenant General, Hero of Russia Dmitry Klimenko.

Tasks of artillery and rocket troops

Modern RVIA is a complex symbiosis of traditional power and high technology. They include rocket, rocket and artillery brigades, regiments and divisions.

The key tasks of artillery are fire support for motorized rifle and tank units, as well as the defeat of enemy manpower, armored vehicles and fortifications. Rocket launchers are used to deliver precise strikes against strategically important targets at long and ultra-long range.

In addition, the troops are responsible for the management, operation and combat readiness of missile systems, including intercontinental ballistic systems, responsible for ensuring national security.

Necessary qualities for military service:

To operate and maintain rocket launchers, it is necessary to undergo special training and receive an officer's rank. Preference is given to young people with secondary or higher specialized education in the fields of electronics, programming, electrical engineering, ATM, power unit maintenance, etc.

To serve in the artillery, it is also necessary to have the appropriate physical and psychological data: a mathematical mindset, good eyesight and hearing, coordination of movements, endurance and stress resistance.

"Grad" to try: how the rocket artillery of the Russian Federation is fighting in the Pokrovsky direction

MLRS installations operate from permanent camouflaged positions

Famous representatives of the profession:

There are many military men among the gunners who have written their names in the history of the country. Among them:

• Grand Duke Mikhail Romanov — in 1815, at the age of 17, he already commanded a military unit — a horse artillery brigade. On his initiative, in 1820, the first artillery school in Russia was opened, which was named after him — Mikhailovsky.;

• Count Peter Shuvalov was engaged in the development of artillery, under his leadership in the middle of the XVIII century, several models of artillery guns were developed, including the famous "Shuvalov" unicorn.;

• Dmitry and Yakov Lukanin — during the Great Patriotic War, the brothers destroyed 37 tanks and assault guns, about 600 enemy soldiers and officers. Awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union;

• Kuzma Biserov is an artillery gunner of the 207th Guards Rifle Regiment, a volunteer of the Red Army. In July 1943, he destroyed 22 enemy tanks near the village of Olkhovatka in the Kursk Bulge area.;

• Vasily Petrov is the battery commander of the 365th Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment. Being surrounded, Petrov's gunners destroyed more than 20 enemy tanks. For his courage and heroism in battle, the commander was twice awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union.

Traditions of the Day of Rocket Troops and Artillery in Russia

The main celebrations take place in the cities where the relevant military units and formations are stationed, as well as in places of military glory. Festive events are held here aimed at increasing the prestige of military service and honoring those who defend the borders of the Fatherland.

Traditionally, the day begins with the laying of flowers and wreaths at the memorials. The central place is occupied by the ceremony at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow with the participation of the guard of honor, veterans and cadets. Flowers and wreaths are laid at monuments associated with the Battle of Stalingrad, and at monuments dedicated to gunners and rocket scientists in different parts of Russia.

Ceremonial formations, parades and reviews of personnel are held in the units. Distinguished military personnel are awarded state and departmental awards, as well as the awarding of new ranks. Do not forget about the veterans of the service.

For the younger generation, there are "lessons of courage" and excursions to military units, where you can see legendary artillery installations and modern missile systems.

The festive day ends with an artillery salute. It thunders in the hero cities and in the locations of large formations of rocket troops and artillery. Each salute is not only a symbol of the power and valor of this branch of the armed forces, but also a memory of the feat of the ancestors and a blessing for today's defenders.

Artillery with training: the defense received long-range self-propelled guns

The Malva and Hyacinth installations were put into service with the volunteer units

How to wish a happy holiday on November 19th

In addition to official events, the holiday is celebrated in an informal setting: in families, among colleagues and friends, where warm toasts and congratulations are heard. As in other professional celebrations, gunners and rocket men are given gifts related to their profession or men's hobbies.

Gift Ideas:

• A book or album is a gift edition dedicated to the history of artillery or key battles of the Great Patriotic War.;
• models of modern technology, such as the modern Msta—S self-propelled gun or the Iskander missile system;
• stylish equipment — a belt with artillery symbols, an army lantern or a flask with an engraving in the form of a cannon or other weapon, a tactical knife or a backpack with the emblem of the RVIA;
• themed souvenirs — mug or T-shirt with the print "Rocket troops and artillery", "Artillery is the god of war", "Rocket troops and artillery are firepower";
• a custom-made painting, a certificate of congratulations.

Congratulations:

"Congratulations on the Day of Rocket Troops and Artillery! This holiday is a symbol of the might, precision and indestructible strength of our army. I wish that the thunder of guns sounded only in fireworks in honor of victories, and rockets were the guarantor of a peaceful sky overhead. May the service be successful, and loving people are waiting at home!"

"I cordially congratulate the veteran of the God of War on the Day of Rocket Troops and Artillery! Let your marksmanship be the benchmark, and your calculation as smooth as a clock. I wish that your skills were used only in exercises, and that the house was always a reliable rear. I wish you good health, good spirits and successful service for the good of the Motherland!"

"Please accept my sincere congratulations on the Day of the Rocket Forces and Artillery! I wish you loud volleys of fun and joy in life, accurate shots and accurate hits on target. We wish you success, courage, optimism and clear horizons in your life! We know you're someone we can rely on! Happy holidays, my friend!"

"Happy army holiday — Rocket Troops and Artillery Day! This is a celebration of real men, real skilled warriors who stand guard over our peace and security! I bow low for your heroic deed and indomitable will. I wish you success in your profession, good health and peace!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the Day of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops, which was celebrated on November 13.

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