Midshipman
The rank of midshipman in the Russian fleet
 Midshipman's shoulder straps of the Russian fleet until December 6, 1911 |
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Shoulder strap of midshipman of the Volga flotilla Kolchak |
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Ensign of the Admiralty |
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Midshipman of the RKKF since 1940 |
Chin midshipman was introduced into the Russian fleet in 1713 and initially classified its owner as a non-commissioned officer. Until 1720, a midshipman was higher in status than a navigator and lower than a non-commissioned lieutenant; according to the Charter of 1720, he was equal to a skipper of the 2nd rank, that is, he was higher in status than a skipper of the 3rd rank and lower than a skipper of the 1st rank. Since 1722, the midshipman has a higher status than the boatswain and lower than the navigator. Only since 1758 the rank midshipman began to correspond to the land rank. True, in 1751-58 he briefly again became a non-commissioned officer. midshipman Chin awarded to midshipmen who successfully passed theoretical and practical exams. On the ship midshipman awarded to midshipmen who successfully passed theoretical and practical exams. On the ship usually served as watch officer, commanded gun turrets, or served as navigators on ships of the corvette-frigate class. According to the Table of Ranks Ensign of the Admiralty until 1885 he corresponded to the 11th class, but after the abolition of the rank of lieutenant commander he rose to the 10th class. In the Guards Marine Crew he belonged to the 10th class since 1810. True, in 1909-11, when the rank of captain-lieutenant was briefly restored, he again dropped to 11th, but then was again raised to his previous position. Then, in 1911, the midshipman's shoulder straps became two-star. Before that, it was one-starred, like a land star, which, however, did not mean they corresponded. Moreover, there was a rank midshipman.
, which was higher than the conductor and lower . The former midshipman began to be called chief petty officer . According to his official position, duties and rights midshipmen awarded to midshipmen who successfully passed theoretical and practical exams. On the ship occupied a position close to junior officers, being their closest assistants and superiors for soldiers (sailors) and sergeants (foremen) of the same unit. By status . The former midshipman began to be called and below junior lieutenant.
Midshipman's shoulder straps of the Soviet and, later, Russian fleet since 1972
Since 1981, a higher rank was introduced senior midshipman. Military rank awarded to midshipmen who successfully passed theoretical and practical exams. On the ship assigned, as a rule, upon completion of midshipman schools.
Since the beginning of 2009, the gradual elimination of the staff category began and midshipmen in the armed forces of the Russian Federation. It was assumed that and midshipmen Professional sergeants and chief sergeants will be replaced by contract soldiers. At that time, 140 thousand were serving in the army and navy. and midshipmen. By the end of 2009, all of them were transferred to other positions, laid off or transferred to the reserve. However, at the end of February 2013, news appeared that the Russian Ministry of Defense was going to return about 55 thousand to their positions in the Russian army and midshipmen.
Shoulder strap of a senior midshipman of the Soviet and, later, Russian fleet since 1981
See also:
In order to know exactly how, according to the regulations, you are supposed to address a military personnel, you need to understand the ranks. Ranks in the Russian Army and shoulder straps provide clarity in relationships and allow you to understand the chain of command. In the Russian Federation there is both a horizontal structure - military and naval ranks, and a vertical hierarchy - from the rank and file to the highest officers.
Rank and file
Private is the lowest military rank in the Russian Army. Moreover, the soldiers received this title in 1946, before that they were addressed exclusively as fighters or Red Army soldiers.
If the service is carried out in a guards military unit or on a guards ship, then when addressing a private, it is worth adding the same word "guard". If you want to contact a military personnel who is in the reserve and has a diploma of higher legal or medical education, then you should contact - "Private Justice", or "private medical service". Accordingly, it is worth adding the appropriate words to someone who is in reserve or retired.
In a ship, the rank of private corresponds to sailor.
Only senior soldiers who perform the best military service are given the rank Corporal. Such soldiers can act as commanders during the latter's absence.
All additional words that were applicable for a private remain relevant for a corporal. Only in the Navy, this rank corresponds to Senior sailor.
The one who commands a squad or combat vehicle receives the rank Lance Sergeant. In some cases, this rank is assigned to the most disciplined corporals upon transfer to the reserve, if such a staff unit was not provided for during service. In the ship's composition it is "sergeant major of the second article"
Since November 1940, the Soviet army received a rank for junior command personnel - sergeant. It is awarded to cadets who have successfully completed the sergeant training program and graduated with honors.
A private can also receive the rank - Lance Sergeant, who has proven himself worthy to be awarded the next rank, or upon transfer to the reserve.
In the Navy, a sergeant of the ground forces corresponds to the rank foreman.
Next comes the Senior Sergeant, and in the Navy - chief petty officer.
After this rank, there is some overlap between land and sea forces. Because after senior sergeant, in the ranks of the Russian army appears Sergeant Major. This title came into use in 1935. Only the best military personnel who served excellently in sergeant positions for six months deserve it, or upon transfer to the reserve, the rank of sergeant major is awarded to senior sergeants certified with excellent results. On the ship it is - . The former midshipman began to be called.
Next come warrant officers And . According to his official position, duties and rights. This is a special category of military personnel, close to junior officers. Complete the rank and file, senior warrant officer and midshipman.
Junior officers
A number of junior officer ranks in the Russian Army begin with the rank Ensign. This title is awarded to final year students and graduates of higher military educational institutions. However, in the event of a shortage of officers, a graduate of a civilian university can also receive the rank of junior lieutenant.
Lieutenant Only a junior lieutenant can become a junior lieutenant who has served a certain amount of time and received a positive educational certificate. Further - senior lieutenant.
And he closes the group of junior officers - Captain. This title sounds the same for both ground and naval forces.
By the way, the new field uniform from Yudashkin obliged our military personnel to duplicate the insignia on the chest. There is an opinion that the “runaways” from the leadership do not see the ranks on our officers’ shoulders and this is done for their convenience. Senior officers
Senior officers begin with rank Major. In the navy, this rank corresponds to Captain 3rd rank. The following Navy ranks will only increase the rank of captain, that is, the rank of land Lieutenant Colonel will correspond Captain 2nd rank, and the rank Colonel – Captain 1st rank.
Senior officers
And the highest officer corps completes the hierarchy of military ranks in the Russian army.
Major General or Rear Admiral(in the navy) - such a proud title is worn by military personnel who command a division - up to 10 thousand people.
Above the Major General is Lieutenant General. (The lieutenant general is higher than the major general because the lieutenant general has two stars on his shoulder straps and the major general has one).
Initially, in the Soviet army, it was more likely not a rank, but a position, because the Lieutenant General was an assistant to the general and took on part of his functions, in contrast to Colonel General, who can personally fill senior positions, both in the General Staff and in the Ministry of Defense. In addition, in the Russian armed forces, a Colonel General may be the deputy commander of a military district.
And finally, the most important serviceman who has the highest military rank in the Russian army is Army General. All previous links must obey him.
About military ranks in video format:
Well, new guy, have you figured it out now?)
Greetings from Frolovich
My telephone call to the deputy commander of the Admiral Levchenko for educational work, captain 2nd rank Alexander Rudenko, found the ship in the North Sea roadstead. In five hours, the ship had to leave the Kola Bay and head for the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea.
After exchanging a couple of phrases with me, Alexander Viktorovich suddenly said:
By the way, greetings from Komissarchuk!
From Frolovich? - this came as a complete surprise, since I knew that back in February, senior midshipman Komissarchuk was awarded an apartment in the Moscow region. - So he hasn’t quit yet?
He’s standing next to me,” Rudenko said, handing the phone to Komissarchuk.
Vladimir Frolovich, what about the apartment?
The documents for Kupavna near Moscow are stuck somewhere at the top for approval,” the old acquaintance answered with sadness in his voice. - And here I am again going on another hike...
Foreman of the engine group of the warhead-5 BPC "Admiral Levchenko" senior midshipman Vladimir Komissarchuk: in his eyes - experience, in his hands - the progress of the ship, on his shoulders - midshipman's shoulder straps
More than once on the large anti-submarine ship (BOD) "Admiral Levchenko" I heard about a legendary man - senior midshipman Vladimir Komissarchuk: he does amazing things with his own hands. The ship on which he appears, figuratively speaking, is doomed to success. Once, Vladimir Frolovich, at the base of one of the BODs of his native formation, carried out repairs that required at least factory intervention and... a six-figure amount of investment.
There is no such malfunction, - testify to the electromechanical warhead of the Admiral Levchenko, - that would put Komissarchuk in a dead end...
Senior midshipman Vladimir Komissarchuk, foreman of the engine group team, for more than thirty years in the division of anti-submarine ships of the Northern Fleet. Since 1975! I started on the TFR project 159, then on the TFR project 1135. I went through almost all the ships of the formation. Ten military services and eight visits to foreign ports, not counting “minor” trips to sea - this is for a month or two. And specifically on “Admiral Levchenko” - since the early nineties. Veteran of the ship, in authority! It’s not for nothing that on the door of the commander’s cabin of the warhead-5, on a sign with the names of those living in it under captain 2nd rank Kutashev, it is written: “Senior midshipman V.F. Komissarchuk.”
Many years ago, Vladimir Frolovich graduated from the Nikolaev Shipbuilding Institute with a degree in mechanical engineer for the repair and operation of gas turbine power plants. And after all, he could easily - with his golden hands and downright mechanical gift - make himself a more respectable career than choosing the path of a naval midshipman.
No,” the “grandfather” said, “I somehow prefer this: knowing the weak points of the ship, eliminating them. Even at the moment, one thing will fly, then another. Equipment gets old and wears out. Therefore, we invent something, improve it, introduce some innovations into ship technology, showing engineering thought, and strive to extend its service life.
In the electromechanical combat unit of the Admiral Levchenko, Vladimir Frolovich is the oldest, which is why everyone respectfully calls him “grandfather.” The rest, as he himself says, “are my children, I taught them all.” Even the head of the electromechanical service of the unit, Captain 1st Rank Yuri Sokol, is a student of Frolovich: he started next to him as a lieutenant. In short, there are many in the division who learned from Komissarchuk the science of working with hardware. Some went up: they teach at naval engineering institutes, and they themselves have already become heads of “iron” - electromechanical - departments. Frolovich names their names with special warmth - Sasha Lapshin, Volodya Mikhailov...
"Admiral Levchenko" on a long voyage
Upon arrival on the ship, mechanical lieutenants are immediately sent for an interview with Komissarchuk. How does the “grandfather” meet the young lieutenant? How do you start a conversation with him?
First of all, what is a gas turbine engine? – the senior midshipman said without a hint of any irony. - To find out whether he has any idea about the subject of the upcoming service?
If he doesn’t answer, it means it’s useless to work with him: he spent five years at the Naval Engineering Institute, “smoked the primer,” received a diploma without merit, and came to the fleet “without a king” and the slightest mechanical knowledge in his head. And you can’t convince them anymore.
And Vladimir Frolovich can tell by his eyes that the officer will be good: if they shine, it means the guy has chosen a job he likes and everything will work out for him with time and experience. For example, when the current commander of the movement division of the BC-5 BPC “Severomorsk”, senior lieutenant Alexey Ryzhenin, came as a group commander in the BC-5 “Admiral Levchenko”, it was immediately clear that the guy served with desire, strived for “mechanical” knowledge: he was not shy to ask questions, he directly bombarded Frolovich with them. The crew joked then that Alexei followed Komissarchuk like a thread following a needle.
After three decades of naval service, Vladimir Frolovich does not regret that fate turned out this way. Yes, higher education! But this was after military service and technician school. When I became a midshipman, I entered college. He studied by correspondence, and in the intervals between military services he sent tests to the university. However, then it was impossible to obtain an officer rank, since their institute did not have a military department. When the theoretical opportunity to become an officer arose, age no longer allowed it.
No, senior midshipman Vladimir Komissarchuk does not regret his fate, which is similar to the fate of many of his peers, even in that after so many years of service he waited a long time for a housing certificate. They finally awarded me an apartment, but the documents for it got stuck somewhere in the authorities. That’s why Frolovich set off on December 5th on his next long hike. It is not customary for sailors to call him the last.
"Golden fund" of the fleet
The transformations taking place in the Armed Forces affected the institution of midshipmen and warrant officers, which appeared in the Soviet Army and Navy in 1972. In relation to the Navy, only “household” positions that are not included in the staff of forces and units of constant readiness will be reduced. The remaining midshipmen of the naval personnel, warrant officers of the Marine Corps and their equals will continue to serve in their ranks and in their positions until the completion of their contracts or transfer to the reserve upon reaching the age limit for military service. This will preserve the combat effectiveness of the fleet during the “transition period.”
First Officers
The forced abolition of midshipman positions in the formation of diesel submarines of the Pacific Fleet, according to its chief of staff, captain 2nd rank Andrei Dergousov, would not have the best effect on the operation of military equipment and discipline among ship crews. By the way, this category of military personnel played a significant role in Andrei Nikolaevich’s professional development as a submarine officer, specialist and commander. For example, the future chief of staff mastered the skill of torpedo attacks under the guidance of senior midshipman Valery Solomin. Even during cadet practice in 1993, during demonstration torpedo firing, the experienced foreman of the torpedo team felt like a duck to water, from start to finish, flawlessly carrying out all the necessary actions for the commander of the mine-torpedo warhead. And later, the foreman of the bilge team, midshipman Mikhail Shakhmatov, set an example of a pedantic attitude towards the entrusted material part - on the ship, where the newly minted lieutenant Dergousov was assigned, perhaps no one knew the drainage and drainage systems better than the midshipman. The experience and knowledge gained from them was useful to the officer when, after leaving the nuclear-powered ships, he continued to serve on diesel submarines.
At the energy and survivability post (PEZh) of the BPC “Marshal Shaposhnikov” (from left to right) the foreman of the crew of BC-5 drivers, midshipman Nikolai PONOMAREV and the foreman of gas turbine drivers of the BC-5, midshipman Andrey AGAREV
“A midshipman can replace a sailor or a contract soldier, but not every contract soldier is capable of becoming a midshipman today,” says captain 2nd rank Andrei Dergousov.
In the submarine, midshipmen are the first assistants and deputy officers both in the operation of machines and mechanisms, and in the management of the combat unit. And since their position is closer to the personnel, they simultaneously act as caring mentors to sailors and foremen. In addition, the very specifics of service in the submarine require constant participation and effort. In terms of psychology, the current contract worker is more comparable to a hired worker who, having worked his due duty, strives to leave the hot shop as quickly as possible. But even if all the conditions are literally met - the presence of authority among the commanders, love for the ship and military service, outstanding knowledge of technology and the ability to manage subordinates - a contract sailor will not be able to become a good midshipman from a contract sailor before seven years of direct training on a ship.
For example, the crew of Captain 2nd Rank Yuri Konkin not long ago received instructions about an upcoming long voyage. Despite the urgency and complexity of the task, the submariners calmly, without hassle, completed the training cycle and left the base on time. And the fact that the boat today successfully solves the problems of combat service is due in no small part to the foreman of the torpedo team, senior midshipman Alexey Dmitriev, the foreman of the bilge team, senior midshipman Yuri Kindeev, the radio telegraph technician, midshipman Evgeny Shevel, and the foreman of the electricians team, midshipman Alexey Isypov - highly qualified, endlessly dedicated to their to the work of specialists.
As we know, there are no irreplaceable people,” summed up Captain 2nd Rank Dergousov. “However, in order for contract soldiers to be able to prepare a boat in exactly the same time frame and with the required quality and go to sea on it as midshipmen, a qualitatively new level of their training is required.
In the Caspian Sea they are judged not by shoulder straps, but by deeds
“It is still difficult to judge what the future changes will look like in the context of the abolition of the institution of midshipmen: our job is to carry out the order accurately and on time,” the chief of staff of the water area protection brigade (OVR) of the Caspian Flotilla, captain 2nd rank Oleg Malkin, did not avoid sharp corners in the conversation. “It’s clear that officers will have to readjust psychologically. After all, the officer remembers the instructions of the teachers from school: upon arrival on the ship, it is necessary to learn the specialty and service from the midshipmen. They are the “golden fund”! Their experience, knowledge and ability to work with sailors largely supported and still holds the entire ship organization.The general mood of the midshipmen in the OVR is generally calm: replacing the two silver stars with the “badge” of the chief petty officer on his shoulder straps will not change much materially. But in moral...
Foreman of the BC-2 gunners team, senior midshipman Nikolai TIMERGALIEV
The water district protection brigade is unique in many ways. Of all the commanders, for example, in the guards artillery boat division, only the commander of the Astrakhan MAK is an officer. The rest are midshipmen. The picture is similar in the minesweeper division.
As a result, in the OVR brigade, eight artillery boats and river minesweepers are commanded by midshipmen, although the staff includes officers: the regular category of the navigation bridge owner is senior lieutenant. However, as soon as a high school graduate arrives at a position, in a year or two it’s time for him to leave for a promotion. And the ship's organization only suffers from frequent commander movements. Therefore, several years ago, the flotilla command decided to exercise the right to fill some junior officer positions with the most trained midshipmen. The experience was successful both in terms of increasing combat readiness and strengthening military discipline. The commanders of the boats and minesweepers of the Guard, senior midshipmen Andrei Emerov, Vyacheslav Chizhevsky, Grigory Fomin and Sergei Zavorotynsky, senior midshipmen Vasily Meshkov and Evgeniy Ivanov, showed themselves with dignity.
It is difficult to judge what will happen next - the assistant commander of the AK-044 midshipman Oleg Tolkachev has already changed his mind a lot about his future service. “However, due to the fact that I will, as expected, become the chief petty officer, I will not leave the fleet. As for prestige, I’ll say one thing: we in the brigade are judged not by our shoulder straps, but by our deeds.
The commander of the river minesweeper, senior midshipman Vasily Meshkov, on the navigation bridge is also not a random person. He served in Kamchatka, in his current position for more than five years:
You need to remain a commander in any circumstances. But in reality, the senior boatswain and I will be in equal ranks - chief ship foremen.
Now, if the positions of technicians, company foremen and crew chiefs, instructors, and heads of training rooms can still be replaced by chief ship foremen, then with the commanders of boats, which by status are ships of the 4th rank, the situation is more complicated. There are many of these in the Caspian flotilla. In addition to eight boats and minesweepers, the OVR brigade also has “midshipman” landing boats of the “Serna” type. Diving and firefighting boats are also commanded by midshipmen. In such “units”, the abolished categories include assistant commanders and commanders of electromechanical combat units.
Socotra, "Wave" and fleet veterans
“It is possible that today the fleet is simply not ready to suddenly abandon midshipmen who serve on warships,” says the commander of the large anti-submarine ship “Marshal Shaposhnikov” of the Pacific Fleet, Captain 2nd Rank Andrei Kuznetsov. – And there is only one reason: there is no one to replace them.After all, it takes years to train a good specialist to serve on a warship. And most midshipmen linked their fate with the fleet, like officers, for life. Moreover, if an officer often changes his place of duty during his career, then this category of military sailors, as a rule, is tightly tied to one ship. I can name many midshipmen who have served in the crew of “Marshal Shaposhnikov” for more than ten years, starting with conscript service. Among them, for example, are the foremen of the teams of gas turbine drivers and the combat communications unit, midshipmen Andrei Agarev and Sergei Novikov.
And the foreman of the team of artillery radiometricians, senior midshipman Nikolai Karpa, who will retire to the reserve in a year (he is already over 40), taught me when he was a lieutenant, and now generously passes on his experience to young people, including contract sailors.
Midshipmen are people who can not only maintain equipment and weapons, but also repair them without waiting for factory specialists. The same midshipman Agarev helped the crew out at sea many times if something went wrong! Moreover, in their hands, any, even outdated, equipment can function normally, which is important in the context of a shortage of financial resources for repairs or the purchase of new ones. I remember during combat service in 2003 in the Indian Ocean, when we were stationed near the island of Socotra, we met with the patrol ship Smetlivy of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, whose crew included several midshipmen who were, to put it mildly, advanced in age. So these veterans prepared the old Volna anti-aircraft missile system for a training battle in such a way that they shot excellently.
Of course, now the ship's composition is changing qualitatively; to replace sailors serving on conscription, we are recruiting contract soldiers, which implies a gradual transition of the entire crew to a professional basis. But these young people are not yet ready to tie their fate with the Navy in the same way as our midshipmen did. And in general, contract soldiers for professional training are not ready to replace the same team foremen in the near future. This, again, will take years and years.
Find an equivalent replacement?
We recently met with the commanders of the three leading brigades of surface ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet: water area protection, missile boats and rescue ships, talked with the command of the naval helicopter regiment, and representatives of personnel authorities. There is only one opinion: in light of the planned changes, it will be very difficult to ensure that crews are staffed with classy, trained specialists. The fact is that servicing ship weapons and military equipment requires not only deep specialized knowledge, but also practical experience, which comes with age. And the midshipmen, who served on ships for one and a half to two decades (and some more) have perfectly mastered the technology and are fully familiar with it. Bearers of practical experience, they are true professionals, a reliable support for the commanders of ships, regiments, squadrons, battalions and companies. If necessary, they replace officers. Moreover, young officers themselves often turn to experienced midshipmen for specific help.We recently visited two warships, the crews of which distinguished themselves during the operation to force Georgia to peace. This is the Suzdalets MPK of Captain 3rd Rank Vadim Dzhanunts and the missile boat of Captain 3rd Rank Igor Vorobyov.
According to the staff, the commander of the Serna-class landing boat is a midshipman
The commanders who were awarded the orders spoke warmly and respectfully of the midshipmen and emphasized their important role in solving the tasks assigned to the crews. Dzhanunts, for example, noted the masters of military affairs, the foreman of the turbo-engine team of the BC-5 MPK, midshipman Alexander Kukuruza, the foreman of the anti-aircraft missile system of the BC-2, senior midshipman Alexander Mikhnevich (by the way, the most experienced specialist in their division) and the technician of the electronic computing group of midshipman Evgeniy Novosad. And captain 3rd rank Igor Vorobyov named the senior boatswain, the foremen of the missile weapons, small anti-aircraft artillery and electronic warfare teams - senior midshipmen Valery Leskin, Viktor Stefan, Valentin Nosatov and Dmitry Porvatov. Moreover, he noted that two of them were still accepting the boat from the “industry” and introducing it into the permanent readiness forces. Their knowledge and experience are beyond doubt: they can get out of any difficult situations.
There are such “bisons” in the Black Sea Fleet Marine Regiment. These are warrant officers who visited Chechnya, Ingushetia and Georgia, and other “hot spots”. Their combat experience is invaluable. They train Marines in what is needed in war. Officers listen to their advice.
We also visited the personnel department of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The department that deals with midshipmen and warrant officers reported that there are only guidelines regarding midshipmen. And we are talking about a reduction of only 30 percent of military personnel in this category.
Looking into the future, we must take into account the specifics of the Russian Black Sea Fleet: it will be difficult to recruit the required number of contract soldiers with Russian citizenship to serve on Ukrainian territory to replace midshipmen and warrant officers being transferred to the reserve.
Legendary "techies"
The head of the organizational department of weapons of mass destruction of the headquarters of the Pacific Fleet, captain 1st rank Anatoly Stupakov, who at one time went from the commander of the warhead-3 to the commander of the MPK, says:Midshipmen appeared in the fleet in the early 70s of the last century when sailors and foremen transferred to three-year military service. The equipment became more and more complex, and midshipmen were appointed team foremen and group commanders. At the MPC there were 15 of them on staff. Of course, the boatswain, battalionman and cook-instructor are difficult to classify as the technical composition of the crew. But the rest are 100% techies.
With great pleasure, Anatoly Ivanovich recalls the experienced and reliable midshipmen with whom he had the opportunity to serve. For example, one of the best hydroacoustics at the Pacific Fleet was midshipman Vladimir Smolyanov. By the way, thanks to him, the brigade many times won the prize of the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy for searching and “destroying” submarines. Smolyanov was one of the first to become a master of military affairs. I have repeatedly detected foreign submarines at maximum distances that were on duty near the border of our territorial waters. Many people remember this and will confirm it. But to prepare such a specialist, it took two years of study at a technician school and then at least three years of service on a ship. And a running one.
Most midshipmen honestly and conscientiously performed their official duties and were an example for conscripts both in everyday life and in extreme situations,” says Captain 1st Rank Stupakov. “I remember the dedication they showed when rescuing the surviving crew members of the small rocket ship “Monsoon” who found themselves in the water after the disaster. I have heard more than once how confidently and fearlessly midshipmen acted during fires that occurred in the fleet. And this is not surprising: after all, a midshipman who has served on a ship for several years knows its structure very well, and navigates the combat post and compartment with his eyes closed.
Instructor for parachute training of the Marine Corps of the Guard, warrant officer Madi TURASHEV
Of course, we met different midshipmen. Some are tumbleweeds. A year or two later, they begin to feel burdened by the service. But there are also many for whom it has become the meaning of their whole life. On nuclear submarines and large anti-submarine ships you can meet midshipmen who are already over forty-five. Without exaggeration, they largely determine the combat readiness of these submarines and ships.
In addition, on ships of the 3rd rank (for example, MPK), midshipmen stand watch as duty officers on the ship, can temporarily replace the commanders of combat units, and are appointed commanders of crews and emergency parties. Having a secondary technical education, then, having received a higher education, they often become officers. And even if they don’t, they still look “almost like officers” in the eyes of their subordinates.
For example, on the guards missile cruiser “Varyag” the guard is served by Lieutenant Oleg Strokov, who, as a young midshipman, took over the ship from the “industry”. Thanks to him, at the beginning of the 2000s, when the states changed, it was possible to write a new book of ship schedules with minimal effort. Because no one knows better about its design and organization of the ship. The ship's commanders, first mates, and assistants changed. Two, three, four years - and they left. This is clear: we need to grow! And Strokov is an old-timer on the ship. That’s why he became one of the authors of the main document by which the crew now lives.
On shore, Stupakov agrees, another midshipman or warrant officer can be replaced by a sergeant major, a sergeant, or even a civilian. This is very difficult to do on a ship. The technology is improving. There is work that a sergeant major is not capable of and that an officer will not do. Only midshipman. If he leaves, the specific mechanism will stop.
Depending on the specialty, the sergeant major may have a maximum of the fifth rank. If you put a midshipman in his position, who now has, for example, the ninth category, then he will lose money. Who will agree to this? There is only one way out: a midshipman in the position of foreman must receive allowances according to his previous rank. At the same time, we must not forget that, according to the law, a midshipman, after many years of service, has a number of social benefits. A sergeant major who has served the same terms does not have such benefits.
Midshipman(from English midshipman ( middle ship man ) , literally - “average shipman”) - naval military rank of military personnel in Navy(Navies) of a number of countries.
The military qualifications and service status of the persons to whom it was assigned have changed several times. Initially, the title was assigned to sailors of the sailing fleet who performed the corresponding position. Midshipmen served on large sailing ships approximately in the middle of the deck (hence the name of the position) and ensured the precise execution by the team of the orders of the captain or watch commander, whose sails were often limited to the view of the middle and bow parts of the deck. To gain practice, candidates for promotion to the officer rank (midshipmen) were often appointed to this position.
Military rank midshipman exists today in Navy(Navy) of some other states. In the UK, for example, it is assigned to senior cadets at the Naval College, in USA- cadets of the naval school (naval academy).
Rank in the Russian Navy midshipman first introduced in 1716 as a non-commissioned officer.
Subsequently, from 1732 to 1917 (excluding 1751−1758, when midshipmen again treated as non-commissioned officers) midshipman- the first chief officer rank in the navy, corresponding to a lieutenant in the army.
Rank midshipman awarded to midshipmen who successfully passed theoretical and practical exams. Midshipmen were appointed to the positions of commanders of artillery towers of ships, commanders of anti-mine artillery plutongs, navigators of small warships, and so on.
USSR
In Soviet times, military rank midshipman was first introduced by the Decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR dated November 30, 1940 as the highest rank for petty officers Navy, naval units of border and internal troops. This decree was in effect until 1972.
Before introduction shoulder strap in 1943, the insignia of midshipmen was sleeve stripes- four strips of narrow golden braid under a red cloth star.
In 1943, in connection with the introduction shoulder strap in the Armed Forces of the USSR, removable shoulder straps on a button with a trapezoidal upper cut, with the so-called “sergeant’s hammer”: a narrow gold-colored braid along the longitudinal axis until it intersects with a wide transverse braid in the upper third of the shoulder strap.
Subsequently, the form shoulder strap and the insignia on them changed.
In 1955, sew-on shoulder straps on an overcoat and jacket(double-breasted uniform) without buttons with an oblique upper cut, the narrow longitudinal braid was replaced with a wider one.
In 1963 they were changed insignia on the shoulder straps: the transverse galloon was canceled, and the longitudinal galloon reached the upper cut.
In connection with the introduction of the institution of warrant officers and midshipmen(Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated November 18, 1971) military personnel in the rank midshipman began to represent a separate category of personnel Navy(on ships, vessels, in coastal combat support units Navy) and naval units of border and internal troops. In terms of their official position, duties and rights, they, just like warrant officers, have a status close to junior officers, are their closest assistants and superiors for sailors (soldiers) and petty officers (sergeants) of the same ship (unit) with them.
In this regard, they have changed insignia midshipmen - for them were introduced shoulder straps a new sample without gaps, on which two stars are located along the longitudinal axis.
Since January 12, 1981 in Navy USSR (on ships, vessels, in coastal combat support units
He received his crazy money because of his crazy length of service. The commander found him among the submariners, on the Lenok rescue boat, and only God knows how he got him out of there. But only when the financier brought me a salary slip to sign, the first one with my grandfather’s participation, and I saw my grandfather’s length of service in it, I immediately realized that not only would I not serve that long, but I would not live that long either.
Although Grandfather came to us from submarines, he got into his business quickly. The sailors were wildly afraid of him, and wildly respected him, because after a month there were no secrets from him on the ship. A passionate fisherman, as soon as the ship was anchored or drifting, he immediately organized fishing on the quarterdeck on an industrial scale. And he invited everyone to attend. Once, before my eyes, together with his nukers, he pulled out a sea bass weighing 76 kilograms in the middle of the Atlantic from a kilometer depth. Seventy-six - specially weighed. In the Indian Ocean I caught some kind of sea reptiles that are not in any encyclopedia. There, we somehow pulled a ton and a half (!) of tuna right on the move. In short, with my grandfather on the ship there were never any problems with fresh fish in any quantities.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Admiral Felix, arrived at the place of permanent deployment to see off the last Soviet ship (and our Panteleev really was one: we went through all the tests with the Soviet naval flag, then raised it when accepted by the fleet, and two weeks later we changed it to the Russian one). Gromov. Arrived so unexpectedly that I didn’t have to paint or polish anything. A whole bunch of capital and local admirals came with him - and everyone wanted to check how ready we were for the transition from Baltiysk to Vladivostok.
This entire admiral's camarilla boards the ship, the commander reports to the Commander-in-Chief. And then, from behind the commander, Grandfather’s broadly smiling face appears from behind the commander’s hiss. And what do you think? The formidable face of the Commander-in-Chief breaks into an answering smile. He pushes the commander aside and goes to his grandfather, making a hand gesture to the admirals along the way: they say, come and look.
The admirals are walking, the commander and first mate look at what is happening with silent amazement. Try and evaluate it from the point of view of military veneration. Here it’s not so much the admiral talking to the senior midshipman. Here the senior midshipman periodically hits the admiral on the shoulder. And fragments of Grandfather’s phrases reach the commander: “Come on, star!”, “Oh, I scared the hedgehog with my bare ass!”
The Admiral, in response, hits his hat to the ground (that is, on the deck), shows Grandfather his bald head, swears by his mother, opens his overcoat and shows the order bars up to the navel. And Grandfather seems to be trying to tear them away from the admiral, testing them for strength. And the surrealism of everything that is happening makes the commander and the first mate go crazy.
The roof moved for about forty minutes, all the time while Grandfather was famously diving on the quarterdeck with the Commander-in-Chief. Finally, the Commander-in-Chief called the Commander of the Baltic Fleet to him with his finger (he himself was in shock, so he flew up on the guards), said: “Sign the act, everything is fine with them,” and again turned to Grandfather:
Grigorich, if you're in Moscow, stop by. We’ll go to the bathhouse and go hunting,” and he left the ship. Following him, the inspecting admirals flew off in a noisy flock, sat down in their Volgas, and dead silence hung on the ship. She pressed and leaned on.
Grandfather, tell me, how do you know the Commander-in-Chief? - the commander insinuatingly interrupted the silence.
I served on the Admiral Senyavin as a sergeant major in the main battery. He was already in authority. So he came to me as the commander of the control group, the lieutenant. I taught him wisely for five years... Let me remember, somewhere in the very early 60s...
Silence reigned again. She was so drawn out that I decided to interrupt her. With all possible reverence and tenderness:
Grandfather, is it okay that we call you “you” and walk around your ship in shoes?
Fuck you, salabons!
There is no doubt that we are all salabons and green under the skin here, - this was the first mate who was seeing off the admirals. - Tell me, grandfather, what the hell are you doing here?
“I don’t understand,” senior midshipman Terekhov, chief boatswain of the Admiral Panteleev, raised his eyes.
Well, on this tin,” continued the senior mate. - Are you running around with ropes and monkeys, instead of carrying your daddy around in Moscow? - the chief mate called his favorite personnel macaques, monkeys and goblins.
“Ah-ah,” answered Grandfather. - He called me. But what am I going to do there? It's more convenient for me here. I'm used to it. Where did you take the paint, you bastard? - he had already caught with his eye another goblin who was trying to drag something somewhere under the general confusion...
Senior midshipman Terekhov began serving in 1953, did a dozen combat service on ships and two dozen autonomous submarines, diesel and nuclear, and retired in 1998. And now, at 83 years old, he looks healthier than many of us.
And twice a week, in any weather, he goes to Patroclus Bay with fishing rods. And he always returns with a catch.
