NOVOSIBIRSK. Aug 23 (Interfax-AVN) - A composite commission led by Strategic Missile Forces (SMF) Commander Nikolai Solovtsov rounded up the check of combat readiness in the 33rd missile army on Friday.
"At the final stage of the work, the SMF commander made a sudden check of combat readiness in the division under command of Guard Colonel Ivan Reva that is stationed near Novosibirsk," a spokesman for the division headquarters told Interfax-Military News Agency. "During the check the division command and several military units accomplished special composite mission, including the placement of a battalion and the regiment's mobile command post on field positions," he noted.
Summing up results of the check, Solovtsov said that the SMF's top-priority mission was to protect launchers and prevent terrorist acts at nuclear weapons facilities. The command still pays special attention to technical and special training of regiment and missile battalion commanders, he said.
Noting that the housing problem was very acute in the SMF, Solovtsov said it would be solved within two to three years through eviction of individuals who have lost connection with the army, realization of the state housing certificates program and construction of new apartment blocks of the forces' own units.
The division is well prepared for the winter, Solovtsov noted.
The commander gave awards and presents to several servicemen of the division for skilled actions on alarm and demonstration of advanced professional skills.
According to Solovtsov, the division has all chances to become the best one in the Strategic Missile Forces once again this year.
While staying in the division, the commander studied the housing conditions of young officers and met with the division's veterans.
The 33rd missile army is under command of Major General Andrei Shvaichenko.