The Order of Military Merit is a national state award. It is handed over to the military for the heroic performance of military duty, for the professional support of the country's defense, for the courage and courage shown in the service. This order can only be received by truly deserved people, because one of the mandatory requirements for the awarded is at least 20 years of conscientious service. True, since 2010 this requirement has been softened. Now you need to serve at least 10 years.
What is this order given for?
The Order of Military Merit was established by Decree of the President of Russia back in 1994. It is awarded only to military personnel with the rank of officer. There are several factors that can play a decisive role in obtaining this order.
This is an exemplary performance of their duties, as well as the excellent training of military personnel under their command inhigh combat readiness, as well as outstanding personality indicators in professional and official activities.
The courage and courage that were shown in the performance of military duty, including during the performance of combat and combat training missions, must be taken into account.
Also, the Order of Military Merit in Russia is awarded for actions aimed at strengthening military cooperation with foreign powers.
Order Status
To be awarded the Order of Military Merit, it is necessary to meet certain parameters. The length of service in good faith should be at least 10 years (in the very recent past, as already mentioned, at least 20 years). In addition, the serviceman should already have medals of the Russian Federation or other honorary titles, for example, a distinguished military specialist.
The Order of Military Merit is usually worn on the left side of the chest. If there are others, then this one dresses after the Order of Courage.
When wearing the order daily, a small copy is provided, which is also worn after a copy of the Order of Courage.
2011 Additions
It is worth noting that in 2011 the president issued a decree in which he significantly expanded the circle of those who can receive the order "For Military Merit" in the Russian Federation.
From now on, in addition to military personnel, civil specialists can be awarded this order. First of all, this applies to employees of enterprises of the military-industrial complex, as well as state authorities and research organizations working in the interests of the federal Ministry of Defense.
The medal of the order "For Military Merit" can now be awarded for the development, production or commissioning of military equipment of the latest generation, as well as for the personal contribution of individual specialists to the implementation of the strategic state program of military policy. Merits in military science, achievements in strengthening the country's defense capabilities, and interstate military-technical cooperation are noted.
Foreigners can become owners of this order. For example, the military personnel of the Allied countries, which played a key role in strengthening military and military cooperation with Russia. Often celebrate officers who have proven themselves during joint field exercises.
Interestingly, an analogue of this order is provided for wearing on civilian clothes. This is a special ribbon in the form of a socket, which is usually placed on the left side of the chest.
What does the order look like?
The order to which this article is devoted is made of silver with the addition of enamel. In fact, it is an eight-pointed star. Its rays diagonals form a kind of pentagon.They are coated with white, blue and red enamel in accordance with the colors of the flag of the Russian Federation.
The central medallion is noteworthy. It depicts in a circle a wreath made of laurel and oak branches. It also contains a relief inscription: "For military merit."
In the central part of the medallion is the coat of arms of the Russian Federation, it is also depicted in relief. The total diameter of the entire sign is 40 millimeters. On the reverse side there is a number assigned specifically to this order.
The sign itself, with the help of a ring and a special eyelet, is attached to the pentagonal block. The ribbon is blue, in the center is one red strip, and on the sides are two white. The width of the tape is 24 millimeters, the central red stripe is 5 millimeters wide, and white is two millimeters each.
In 2011, the President of the Russian Federation made special additions to the status of the order. From now on, on his ribbon in the form of a rosette there is an image of the badge of the order, made of metal with enamel.
Knights of the Order
The award was first signed by the President in 1994. Cavaliers of the Order of Military Merit were 18 officers who performed special tasks during a military operation in the North Caucasus, specifically in the Chechen Republic.
At the moment, about a hundred people have received the award. They are mainly military, but there are also prominent statesmen among them. For example, the President of the Republic of Ingushetia, Yunus-bek Evkurov, the head of the administration of the President of Russia Sergey Ivanov, the head of the scientific and production center Efim Mezhiritsky, the auditor of the Accounts Chamber of Russia Alexander Piskunov, the head of the administration of the Chita Region Ravil Geniatulin, the chief designer of the Izhmash concern Mikhail Kalashnikov, the mayor of Moscow Yuri Luzhkov.
First order
Badge number 1 was awarded to the head of the federal troops operating in Chechnya, Lieutenant General Anatoly Alexandrovich Romanov. The following year he received the title of Hero of the Russian Federation. Romanov was one of the key figures during the First Chechen Company, so gangs opened a real hunt for him.
At the end of 1995, an attempt was made on him. As a result, the officer survived, but lost the ability to move and talk due to a fracture of the skull base.
His merit is considered participation in the peaceful settlement of the military conflict. In particular, in October 95, he managed to negotiate with one of the separatist leaders Aslan Maskhadov. On the eve of this meeting, the UAZ, in which Romanov was traveling, exploded in a landmine under a railway bridge in the vicinity of Minutka Square. The general fell into a coma. From death he was saved only by the fact that he was in a helmet and body armor.
Currently, Romanov is still undergoing treatment. He cannot talk, but already reacts with facial expressions to the speech of others. Able to understand texts written on paper. His physical condition is satisfactory.
Benefits of the Order
By themselves, many state awards, including the Order of Military Merit, do not provide any benefits.
But the described award is the right to issue the title "Veteran of Labor" and all relevant payments. The only thing for this is to have the necessary work experience.