On the Formation of Special Forces in Yekaterinburg Region between 1919 and 1923

• Main Author: Ivan Sergeevich Silchenko
• Format: Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: Ural Federal University Press 2017-10-01
• Series: Известия Уральского федерального университета. Серия 2: Гуманитарные науки
• Subjects: Части особого назначения; Гражданская война; Урал; борьба с контрреволюцией; административные органы; Екатеринбургский уезд.
• Online Access: https://journals.urfu.ru/index.php/Izvestia2/article/view/2612

This article is devoted to issues connected with the formation and activity of special units in Yekaterinburg Region between 1919 and 1923. The analysis is based on a large number of archival materials. The author singles out three stages of the formation of special units in the region, and closely examines their features, paying close attention to the functions of special units, their personnel structure, level of training, armament, and logistics. Initially (between 1919 and 1922), the Yekaterinburg special units could not perform their functions. It was due to the “militia” recruiting system, resulting in low levels of discipline, lack of uniforms, and armament. Only by 1922, special units became organised, well-armed and properly trained forces, performing additional functions of railway protection, and training of youth prior to their conscription. By the end of 1924, from small irregular forces, special units turned into a powerful military and political force capable of brutally suppressing any action against the new government. At the same time, strengthening the position of the ruling power made the work of special units unrequired across most of the Soviet territory, which led to their abolition.