Most military traditions of the modern Russian army were created long before by the Soviet Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, leading analyst of Vestnik Kavkaza, Evgeny Nikolaychuk, said today during a live broadcast of the Peoples of Russia program on Vesti.FM.
At the same time, he recalled the achievements of heroes of the Civil War - horsemen of the Caucasian native cavalry division, better known as the "Wild Division", formed in 1914.
"It consisted of Muslims volunteers on 90%. They were natives of North Caucasus and Transcaucasia. Its three brigades included Kabardins and Balkars, Dagestanis, Azerbaijanis, Ossetians, Chechens, Abkhazians and many more. This national composition helped to create special moral and psychological atmosphere in the division."
According to the expert, these soldiers valued not ranks, but personal courage and loyalty.
"The regiments of this division had mountain customs - honor and dignity, respect for elders and hospitality were very important for them, which definitely influenced our military traditions."
He also pointed out that theroism of these people, as well as some commanders - Chapaev, Kotovsky, Frunze - served as an example for the Great Patriotic War heroes.
Their combat feats became a role model for current soldiers, including national formations .
