Publication

This publication discusses the history, organizational structure and operational readiness of the Russian 201st Motor Rifle Division (MRD). The author argues that since the breakup of the Soviet Union, manpower within the MRD has been its most significant problem caused by the civil war in Tajikistan. He concludes that although the 201st MRD is the most effective military force in the Central Asian republics, if Russia needs to employ a larger force in the region, it may have to rely on the airborne forces.