Participation of NKVD troops in the Great Patriotic War

The article was written to mark the 75th anniversary of the great Victory and describes the participation of NKVD troops in the war. It examines the history of the creation and tasks of operational (internal) troops in the pre-war period. Lists the types of units included in this type of troops of the NKVD of the USSR, their number. Lists the actions of internal troops in the initial period of the war and to its end. The article notes that the reserve for replenishing losses of the red army in the initial period of the war were, including soldiers of the internal troops. The article considers the NKVD’s assistance in training specialists for the army, including snipers and saboteurs. The role of the NKVD in the preparation and deployment of the partisan movement behind enemy lines is also noted. Mention is made of units that made a special contribution to the victory in the great Patriotic war of 1941-1945, including the 10th division of the NKVD troops of the USSR, the first to take an enemy strike at Stalingrad. On the basis of the NKVD divisions, including this one, a Separate NKVD army was formed in 1943, which took an active part in the battles and completed the combat path in Germany.