Born Dec. 1, 1936 in a. Kurakin Penza, Russian.
In 1957 he graduated from the College of Orlovskoe Tank. M. V. Frunze Volga Military District (Privat). In June 1970 he graduated with a gold medal of the Military Academy of Armored Forces. R. YA. Malinowski, in 1980 - the Military Academy of the General Staff of. K. E. Voroshilov.
. From October 1954 to May 1955 - cadet, from May to November 1955 - assistant platoon commander, from November 1955 to October 1957 - Cadet Company Sergeant Orlovsky tank school.
. In 1957 was sent to East Germany, where he served until the end of 1964.
. From December 1964 to May 1967 - Commander of a tank company in the heavy tank regiment Armored Division Army Corps of Moscow Military District (MIR), . from May to August 1967 - deputy commander of a tank battalion tank regiment Armored Division Army Corps of MVO.,
. From June to November 1970 - Commander of Training Tank Regiment training Armored Division Carpathian Military District (PrikVO), . from November 1970 to June 1972 - deputy commander of infantry regiment Infantry Division PrikVO, . from June 1972 to August 1974 - Commander of the Rifle Regiment Infantry Division PrikVO,
. From August 1974 to May 1975 - deputy commander of Infantry Division, from May 1975 to July 1978 - Commander of Infantry Division PrikVO.
. From July 1980 to June 1983 - Commander of the Army Corps of Central Army Group (Central Group of Forces), from June 1983 to April 1985 - Commander of the Army and a member of the Military Council of the Army, Far Eastern military district (DVO).
. From April 1985 to April 1986 commanded a limited contingent of Soviet troops (OKSV) - m
. e. 40-th army - in Afghanistan.
. From April to July 1986 is available to the Army Chief of Defense of the USSR.
. From July 1986 to March 1988 - 1 st Vice Commander of the Moscow Military District (ME).
. From May 1988 to July 1989 - Commander of the Transcaucasian Military District (ZakVO), Commandant, Mr.
. Tbilisi.
. In March 1989, was elected deputy of the USSR.
. In the period of exacerbation of the situation in Georgia in April 1989 was the only guide who spoke against the use of the army against the opposition.
. Since August 1989 - Head of the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the USSR, then - Russia.
. On July 17, 1996 - Minister of Defense.
. On July 25, 1996 - Member of the Council of Defense.
. December 11, 1996 presidential decree was dismissed from military service
. He continued to hold the post of Minister of Defense as a civilian until 22 May 1997.
. Since December 1998 - Chairman of the Central Committee of the Trade Union troops Russia (RPSV).
. 19 December 1999 was elected to the State Duma of the third convocation.
. He is fond of the history of Russia's Army
. For jogging and swimming. He likes classical jazz music.
He was awarded orders and medals.
Married. Has a son.
