March 27 — National Guard Troops Day: history, traditions, congratulations

Every year on March 27, Russia celebrates the Day of the National Guard Troops, a professional holiday for specialists who ensure public safety, protect important government facilities and participate in the protection of law and order within the country. In 2026, the date falls on Friday. Read about its history, traditions, whom and how to congratulate in the Izvestia article.

National Guard Troops Day – 2026: the history of the holiday

The holiday was established by decree of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin on January 16, 2017. By this document, March 27 is fixed in the state calendar as an official holiday of military personnel, employees and civilian personnel of the National Guard Troops. Before that, the Day of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia was celebrated in the country, but after the creation of the Rosgvardiya, the date received a new name.

It was not chosen by chance. On March 27, 1811, Emperor Alexander I established the Internal Guard, a special military formation designed to maintain order in the territory of the Russian Empire. It is this structure that is considered the historical predecessor of the modern National Guard Troops.

Initially, the internal guard was created as part of the security system of the state. Her tasks included escorting prisoners, maintaining order, helping the local administration, maintaining stability, and performing other duties that were paramilitary, but not front-line. It was about the internal security of the country, so the service was not part of the classic army formations.

After the October Revolution, the internal security system of the state was rebuilt. Already in 1918, new units of the Soviet government began to form on the basis of the former convoy guards. These included units subordinate to the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs, as well as special detachments of the All-Russian Emergency Commission for Combating Counterrevolution and Sabotage (CHEKA).

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In subsequent years, the structures of internal security, escort and order protection were successively under the jurisdiction of the CHEKA, the State Political Directorate (GPU), the United State Political Directorate (OGPU), the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs (NKVD), and then the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). But with all the reorganizations, the tasks remained the same — policing, escorting, protecting important facilities and participating in suppressing internal threats.

The Internal Troops of the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs became the direct predecessor of the modern Rosgvardiya. They performed the tasks of protecting particularly important state facilities, special cargo, correctional facilities, escorting arrested persons and participating in ensuring public order. In different periods, this structure changed its place in the state machine and even became part of the Armed Forces of the USSR, but at the same time continued to be subordinate to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

This subordination persisted after the collapse of the USSR. In 1992, the formations located on the territory of the RSFSR were renamed the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. And in 2016, the Federal Service of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation was established. It included the National Guard Troops themselves, as well as a number of units previously in the Interior Ministry system, including OMON and SOBR.

Traditions of celebrating the Day of the National Guard Troops

On March 27, ceremonial formations, meetings, meetings of personnel, honoring distinguished employees and veterans are held in the divisions and territorial departments of the Rosgvardiya. The best soldiers and officers are awarded awards, commendations and departmental insignia.

Commemorative events are held in the regions, Russian Guards lay flowers at monuments and memorials dedicated to the fallen, hold minutes of silence and remember those who did not return from service.

Who is congratulated and how on March 27 — best wishes on the Day of the National Guard Troops

On March 27, military personnel and employees of the National Guard Troops, OMON and SOBR fighters, non-departmental security personnel, arms control specialists, veterans of the service, teachers and cadets of specialized universities are congratulated. Izvestia has prepared several examples of how this can be done.:

"Congratulations on the Day of the National Guard Troops! The security of many people may depend on your decision alone. We wish you firmness, concentration and professional peace of mind. May your work always be based on your friends, family, and your own experience, as well as the confidence that your work is really needed by the country!"

"For our future, for independence, for truth and justice"

On Defender of the Fatherland Day, the President praised the courage of Russian soldiers and the experience gained by the Russian army during the special operation.

"Happy National Guard Troops Day! We wish you good health, quiet service and confidence that your work protects order, safety and people's lives. May every day bring not only new tasks, but also confidence that your service is important and valuable to society!"

"Congratulations on the holiday! You are the ones who, with your daily work, remind us that order, safety and protection of people begin with personal concentration and responsibility. May there be as few anxious days in your work as possible!"

"Happy National Guard Troops Day! We wish that the most difficult decisions in the work are made on time, and the dangerous moments are left behind. May there be a reliable rear in your life, clarity, self—control and well-deserved respect in your service."

Earlier, Izvestia told when and how the Day of the Submariner is celebrated in Russia.