Russia Celebrates Military Intelligence Officer’s Day
Today, November 5th, Russia celebrates Military Intelligence Officer’s Day. This annual event honours the professionals who gather military-political, military-technical, military, military-economic, and environmental intelligence for Russia. The holiday was established in 2006 by Russian Presidential Decree No. 549.
The roots of Russian military intelligence trace back to Kievan Rus' and were formalized by Ivan the Terrible in 1549 with the Ambassadors’ Prikaz. Peter the Great further structured intelligence work in his 1716 Military Statute and transformed the institution in 1717. In 1810, under Alexander I, the Expedition for Secret Affairs was founded, later renamed the Special Chancellery of the War Minister in 1812.
The modern era of Russian military intelligence began in 1918 with the creation of the Registration Directorate within the Red Army’s Field Staff. This eventually evolved into the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. Today, the GRU's special forces are capable of operating behind enemy lines and in combat zones.
Military Intelligence Officer’s Day recognises the crucial role of these professionals in Russia's defence and security. Their work, dating back centuries, continues to evolve and adapt to the modern world.
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