Unlike previous sessions, the August 26 training took place inside the multipurpose area of Viettel Academy, under the Military Industry-Telecoms Group (Viettel), to avoid heavy downpours caused by Typhoon Kajiki. Watching the Russian servicemen train to the marching rhythm of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), one would hardly believe they had only been practicing in this style for just one week.
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The Russian contingent in training |
The Russian contingent participating in the parade belongs to the 154th Preobrazhensky Commandant Regiment, a special unit deeply tied to the historic and legendary Preobrazhensky Regiment, a symbol of Russian military honor and glory. The regiment is entrusted with ceremonial duties, such as guards-of-honor for visiting heads of state and participation in major national parades.
Most of the servicemen are very young, and this is their first visit to Vietnam. Notably, First Lieutenant Mikhailov Anton Vladimirovich, head of the Russian contingent, was the one who had the honor of carrying the flag at the parade marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (May 9, 1945 - 2025) at Moscow’s Red Square, an event that the Vietnam People’s Army participated for the first time.
Renowned for their strict discipline and frequent involvement in national and international ceremonies, the Russian soldiers demonstrated excellent spirit and training awareness. Still, adjustments were needed in Vietnam, particularly the marching pace. In Russia, the regulation pace is 120 steps per minute, faster than the VPA’s pace of 103 steps per minute used in this year’s parade. Though a significant change, the Russian contingent quickly adapted to the marching music and met Vietnam’s requirements after just the first day of practice. They even considered the adjustment a refreshing challenge in their training.
Vietnam’s climate, considerably hotter than Russia’s, posed another challenge, with potential effects on the soldiers’ health and stamina. Fully aware of this, organizers arranged training times during cooler hours, early mornings and late afternoons, allowing the contingent to maintain effective schedules. Thanks to this, the soldiers’ health and endurance remained ensured. Crucial to this effort was the logistical support force, whose role in maintaining the well-being of all foreign contingents, including the Russian, was indispensable.
With its modern facilities and amenities, set across nearly 20 hectares of green and harmonious landscape, Viettel Academy was chosen as one of the venues serving foreign military delegations during the Army Games 2021 (some events hosted by Vietnam) and the Military Band Exchange in 2024. Its kitchens, meeting international standards, can serve hundreds at once. Beyond Viettel Academy, all accommodation, dining, and training sites for foreign contingents have been carefully coordinated. Vietnamese organizers have worked with foreign delegations to design culturally suitable menus, adjusting daily based on feedback. Food safety is strictly monitored. All ingredients are inspected, substandard supplies strictly banned, and meal samples preserved for 24 hours in compliance with regulations. Security is also tightly ensured.
Another impression of the foreign military delegations was their enthusiasm for Vietnamese cuisine. Although menus is alternated between local dishes and the guests’ native cuisines, most international friends seem to be “captivated” by the richness of Vietnamese food, as well as “won over” by the dedication, perseverance, and responsibility of the Vietnamese service forces. All efforts are united toward a successful grand celebration, leaving a lasting and positive impression of a welcoming Vietnam and its friendly people.
Translated by Tran Hoai