10 Years of the Federal Service of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation and 215 Years of Russian Law Enforcement Troops: A Journey Through the Eras

In 2026, Russia will celebrate two significant anniversaries: the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Federal Service of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation (Rosguard) and the 215th anniversary of the formation of law enforcement troops. These dates are an occasion to recall the rich history of the structures that ensure security and law and order in the country.

Origins
The history of law enforcement troops in Russia dates back to 1811, when internal garrison battalions were established by decree of Emperor Alexander I. A key role in their organisation was played by General of Infantry Count Evgraf Fedotovich Komarovsky. He was personally involved in forming the units and developing the first service regulations.
In 1816, the battalions were reorganised into the Separate Corps of the Internal Guard, and Count Komarovsky became its first commander (he held the post until 1831). Under his leadership: a unified system of troop management in the provinces was built, cooperation with civil authorities and the police was established, garrisons were organised in many cities of the empire. The corps’s tasks included: maintaining public order, escorting prisoners, assisting in the enforcement of laws, suppressing riots and mass disturbances.
Count Komarovsky’s activities laid the foundation for the development of law enforcement troops in Russia: his approaches to service organisation and unit management long determined the evolution of this structure.

The Soviet Period
After the 1917 Revolution, the structure of law enforcement troops underwent drastic changes. In 1918, Paramilitary security troops were formed, later transformed into the troops of the All Russian Extraordinary Commission for Combating Counter Revolution and Sabotage troops, then into the State Political Directorate troops, the United State Political Directorate troops, and later into the troops of the People’s Commissariat of Internal Affairs.
During the Soviet period, they carried out a wide range of tasks:
protecting strategic facilities;
combating banditry;
ensuring security regimes in places of detention;
participating in the World War II (including the defence of cities and rear area security).
In the post war decades, law enforcement troops continued to evolve, adapting to new challenges. In the 1960s–1980s, they actively participated in responding to emergencies, ensuring the safety of mass events, and maintaining public order.

The Modern Stage
On 5 April 2016, by a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, the Federal Service of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation (Rosguard) was established. It incorporated:
the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
Special Purpose Mobile Units (OMON) and Special Rapid Response Units (SOBR);
non departmental security;
units for licensing and permit work.
Rosguard’s tasks cover a wide range of areas: from combating terrorism and extremism to controlling arms circulation and ensuring the security of important facilities.

Results by 2026
Over 10 years of existence, Rosguard has proven itself to be an effective structure ensuring the security of citizens and the state. By 2026, it has:
strengthened cooperation with other law enforcement agencies;
introduced modern technologies such as including video surveillance systems and data analysis;
expanded international cooperation in combating crime;
improved personnel training, including anti-terrorism training.
The 215 year history of law enforcement troops and the 10 year experience of Rosguard demonstrate that the stability and security of the country largely depend on the reliability of these structures. Their evolution from imperial battalions to the high tech Rosgvardiya reflects changes in society and the state, but the main mission remains unchanged: to protect the law and citizens.