A solemn meeting dedicated to the 28th anniversary of the formation of Tajikistan’s National Army took place at the Kokhi Borbad State Complex in Dushanbe on February 23.
President Emomali Rahmon, who is also the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the country’s Armed Forces, addressed the meeting and congratulated officers and soldiers on their professional holiday.
The head of state urged relevant government bodies to intensify the military and patriotic education of youth.
Rahmon also called on the current generation of Tajik military personnel to continue the traditions of their fathers and grandfathers.
Besides, various contests, sports activities and meetings were organized in the Defense Ministry military units on the occasion of Tajik National Army Day.
There was no military parade this year on the occasion of the anniversary of Tajikistan’s National Army.
Tajik National Army Day has been marked on February 23 since 1993.
Tajikistan’s National Army now consists of Air and Air Defense Forces, Land Forces and Mobile Forces. The Mobile Force of Tajik Army was founded in 2005 without increase in a total strength of the country’s armed forces. Air and Air-Defense Forces were also united in 2005. Tajikistan’s armed forces also include National Guard and Security Forces (internal and border troops).
Unlike the other former Soviet states of Central Asia, Tajikistan did not form armed forces based upon former Soviet units on its territory. Instead, the Russian Ministry of Defense took control of the Dushanbe-based 201st Motor Rifle Division; actually control simply shifted from the former district headquarters in Tashkent, which was in now-independent Uzbekistan, to Moscow.
