Search military records in Russia on MyHeritage
The methods of recording military service varied significantly throughout Russian history, shaped by the evolving needs of the state, from the Tsarist era through the Soviet period and into the contemporary age. These records offer critical information on individual soldiers, conscripts, and officers, detailing their assignments, promotions, awards, and even participation in historic events such as wars, conflicts, and peacetime activities.
Military records in Russia are crucial historical documents containing details about individuals' service in the armed forces. These records are a valuable resource for genealogists and historians seeking information about military service, including active duty, reserves, and various branches like the army, navy, air force, and specialized divisions.
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Structure of military records in Russia
Russian military records cover a wide range of details, including:
- Personal Information. Details such as name, birthdate, birthplace, religion, and physical description are often included.
- Service Details. This covers enlistment dates, promotions, assignments, training, and units served in various conflicts or during peacetime.
- Awards and Medals. Records often document any decorations, awards, or honors received by the individual during their service.
- Health Records. In some cases, health-related information, including injuries sustained during service, might be included.
- Discharge Information. Details about the circumstances and reasons for discharge, whether it was due to completion of service, retirement, injury, or other causes.
History of military records in Russia
Early History
Medieval Russia
Initially, military service was rendered by warriors recruited from the princely retinues and feudal levy, which involved service based on land tenure obligations.
Muscovite Period
During the reign of Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century, the Streltsy (musketeers) and Cossacks played crucial roles in the military, followed by the establishment of the regular Russian army.[1]
In the medieval period, records of military service were less formal. They mainly consisted of oral and written accounts of a warrior's deeds and accomplishments, passed down through generations or detailed in chronicles. Service to princes or landowners often resulted in rewards like land grants, which were recorded in land registers and charters. With the establishment of the regular Russian army in the Muscovite period, written service records began to take shape. Registers of soldiers and their service terms, promotions, and military ranks were maintained. Military estates, such as the Cossacks, had their own distinct registers to manage their troops.
Imperial Russia
Peter the Great's military reforms in the late 17th and early 18th centuries modernized the army, reorganizing it along European lines. The Table of Ranks was introduced, allowing non-nobles to rise through military service. Military service in Russia from the time of Peter the Great began with the rank of a common soldier, then proceeded through promotion to non-commissioned and commissioned officers. All servicemen were divided into those fulfilling conscription duties (individuals from tax-paying classes), recruits, those conscripted, and those volunteering or hunters.[2]
During the period of 1699-1705, the conscription system was established. Military service for soldiers was lifelong and continuous. Noble service was limited to a 25-year term in 1732, and they were exempted from military duty from 1762. According to the Recruit Charter of 1831, all peasants, townsfolk, and soldiers' children fulfilled military obligations. The soldiers' service term was reduced to 25 years in 1793, to 20 years in 1834, after the Crimean War of 1853-1856 to 12 years, and in 1874, down to 7 years.
During Peter the Great's rule, the Table of Ranks system documented a person's status in the military and civil administration, outlining the rights, privileges, and obligations associated with their rank.
19th Century
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From January 1, 1874, the universal conscription system replaced the conscription system. All male individuals who reached the age of 21, without regard to social class, served actively for 6 years and were in the reserve for 9 years (for the navy - 7 years of active service and 3 years in reserve). Those who completed their active service and reserve duties were enrolled in the militia and remained there until they turned 40 years old.
Records became more systematic in the 19th century. During conscription periods, the government recorded details about conscripts, including personal information and the duration of their service. This information was held at local military recruitment and conscription offices. Documents recorded promotions, commendations, and disciplinary actions taken against soldiers. The army also maintained rolls, service books, and service records for individual soldiers, typically documenting their military career, transfers, deployments, and battles engaged.
Soviet Era
In October 1917, there was a complete overhaul of the existing government structure and the disbandment of the army. The newly established government had to quickly defend itself against external threats, particularly from White Guard units. These anti-Bolshevik forces were primarily composed of former Imperial personnel and formed a substantial part of the resistance against the Bolshevik administration.
The emergent Red Army faced challenges due to its rapid formation and lacked experienced leaders in both combat and administration. Made up of hastily assembled groups comprising peasants, workers, and artisans, these units struggled to fend off the German military. The significant enlistment of volunteers into these units on February 23, 1918, is commemorated as the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy.[3]
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The Soviet Union established a powerful military force, known as the Red Army, which played a pivotal role in World War II and became one of the dominant military forces globally.
In the Soviet era, military records became more comprehensive, especially during and post-World War II. Every soldier's service history was meticulously documented, including their assignments, ranks, decorations, and awards.
The military bureaucracy was highly organized, maintaining thorough personnel files, known as personal dossiers, which contained detailed information about an individual's service, training, commendations, and more.
Post-Soviet Period
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After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia continued to maintain its military, adapting to the changes in political and security environments. In 1993, the provision of a regulatory act that existed in the USSR was abolished, and the law of the Russian Federation "On Military Duty and Military Service" came into force. Initially, the document reduced the term of service to 1.5 years, and for the navy — to 2 years. In 1996, due to the first Chechen war, a law was passed, according to which the duration of service in the army and navy became 2 years. In 2006, amendments were adopted in the law "On Military Duty and Military Service," setting the conscription period for male citizens called up from January 1, 2007, to 18 months of military service, and from January 1, 2008, to 12 months.[4] On November 5, 2022, during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing the conscription of individuals who have been convicted of serious crimes, including drug trafficking and murder, into the Russian army during mobilization. The exemption does not apply to individuals convicted of rape involving minors or crimes against the state, such as treason, espionage, or terrorism.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, military service records continued, but access became more restricted due to concerns about privacy and national security. These records were kept in the archives of the Russian Ministry of Defense and regional military archives. Records from this period may include conscription documents, service details, and discharge papers. However, accessing them might be challenging due to restrictions imposed by the Russian government. Access to military records in Russia can vary depending on the era and specific circumstances. Archives, museums, and military institutions are typical custodians of these records. Genealogists or individuals seeking information about their family's military service often need to navigate these institutions, and access may be restricted or governed by privacy regulations.
Explore more on military records in Russia
- Ask The Expert – Military Records on MyHeritage - a webinar by David Allen Lambert on the MyHeritage Knowledge Base"
- Military records catalogue at MyHeritage
- Central Archive of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
- Russian State Military Archive
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