2nd Guards Motor Rifle Division
Location Analysis
The 2nd Guards Motor Rifle Division is headquartered in Kalininets, Moscow Oblast, a strategic location approximately 40 kilometers west of central Moscow. This proximity to the Russian capital facilitates rapid deployment for the defense of key political and economic centers. The region is well-served by road and rail networks, enabling efficient logistical support and troop movements. The division's garrison area is fortified and benefits from integrated security infrastructure, ensuring operational readiness and protection from potential threats.
Command Structure
The division operates under the command of Colonel Sergey Medvedev, reflecting a standard Russian divisional hierarchy. The headquarters, military unit 23626, coordinates subordinate regiments and battalions, ensuring unified command and control. The division's structure includes combined arms regiments, specialized artillery, air defense, reconnaissance, engineering, communications, logistics, and medical support units, providing a balanced force capable of independent operations.
Armored and Mechanized Capabilities
The division fields significant armored assets, notably within the 1st Tank Regiment (military unit 58190), equipped with T-72B3 main battle tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, and 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers. The 1st Guards Motor Rifle Regiment (military unit 31135) and 15th Guards Motor Rifle Regiment (military unit 31134) further augment mechanized strength with T-72B3 tanks, BTR-80/82A armored personnel carriers, BMP-2 IFVs, and 2S1 Gvozdika artillery. This composition enables the division to conduct high-mobility, combined-arms operations across diverse terrain.
Artillery and Fire Support
The 147th Guards Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment (military unit 73966) provides the division with robust indirect fire capabilities. It is equipped with modern 2S19M2 Msta-SM/SM2 152mm self-propelled howitzers and 9K51M Tornado-G multiple launch rocket systems. These assets offer both precision and saturation fire options, enhancing the division's ability to suppress enemy positions, interdict maneuver corridors, and provide deep fires in support of offensive and defensive operations.
Air Defense Assets
The 1117th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment (military unit 51382) is responsible for the division's air defense. It operates 9K331 Tor-M1-U2 and 9K33M3 Osa-AKM short- to medium-range surface-to-air missile systems. These platforms are capable of engaging a variety of aerial threats, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and precision-guided munitions, thereby enhancing the division's survivability against modern air attacks.
Anti-Tank and Reconnaissance Capabilities
The 1174th Separate Anti-Tank Battalion (military unit 51381) is equipped with 9K123 Khrizantema anti-tank guided missile systems, providing a potent capability against armored threats. The 136th Separate Guards Reconnaissance Battalion (military unit 51387) conducts intelligence gathering, surveillance, and target acquisition, supporting the division's situational awareness and enabling effective targeting for both direct and indirect fire assets.
Engineering and Support Units
The 211st Separate Engineer-Sapper Battalion (military unit 77707) delivers essential combat engineering support, including fortification construction, obstacle breaching, and minefield clearance. The 1063rd Separate Material Support Battalion (military unit 56155) ensures logistical sustainment, managing supply chains, ammunition, fuel, and equipment maintenance. The 370th Separate Medical Battalion (military unit 57062) provides medical care, casualty evacuation, and field hospital services, maintaining force health and combat effectiveness.
Communications and Command Support
The 47th Separate Communications Battalion (military unit 56139) is tasked with establishing and maintaining secure, resilient communications networks across the division. This unit employs a range of radio, satellite, and wired communications systems, ensuring reliable command and control under both peacetime and combat conditions. Effective communications are critical for coordinating complex, multi-regiment operations and integrating supporting fires and logistics.
Operational Readiness and Integration
The division's comprehensive force structure, modern equipment, and integrated support elements enable high operational readiness. Regular training cycles, combined-arms exercises, and modernization programs contribute to the division's ability to conduct sustained operations in both defensive and offensive roles. The proximity to Moscow and integration with Western Military District command structures further enhance its strategic responsiveness and interoperability within the broader Russian Armed Forces.