February 23 is celebrated as the Day of the Establishment of the National Army of the Republic of Tajikistan. The National Army was founded during a time when the country’s political, economic and social situation was unstable, and there was a shortage of professional military personnel.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, despite the complex military and political situation and internal conflicts affecting the country, newly independent Tajikistan began building its own Armed Forces. At that time, there was virtually no material or technical foundation — the National Army was formed from scratch.
On December 18, 1992, the Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, signed the Resolution “On the Establishment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Tajikistan.” The army was formed on the basis of the Popular Front and forces supporting the constitutional government.
On February 23, 1993, the first military parade was held in the capital city of Dushanbe, and this date was officially declared the founding day of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Tajikistan. Despite serious economic and financial difficulties, the Government paid special attention from the very beginning to rebuilding infrastructure, establishing specialized units, equipping the army with modern technology and training highly qualified military personnel.
During the difficult years (1992–1997), officers and soldiers faithfully fulfilled their patriotic duty, contributing to the stabilization of the situation, ensuring peace and neutralizing extremist and terrorist groups.
As repeatedly emphasized by the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Emomali Rahmon:
“The Armed Forces are the guarantor of security and territorial integrity of the independent state of Tajikistan. Servicemen make a significant contribution to protecting the borders of the Motherland, ensuring state security and the peaceful life of citizens. Every officer and soldier must remain vigilant and remember that today’s peace and stability were achieved at the cost of the lives of many brave sons of the nation. The people of Tajikistan are proud of their Armed Forces and believe in their loyalty to the military oath.”
Every young citizen, through dedicated service, must prove that the Armed Forces truly serve as a reliable shield of the state, protector of the people and guardian of peace and unity in society.
It should be noted that under the leadership and support of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation and President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, the National Army will always remain ready to uphold the country’s peace-loving policy, honor its sacred mission as defender of the Motherland, ensure peace and stability, safeguard ancestral heritage and protect the dignity of the Tajik nation.
Muhammadsaid RAHMONZODA
Head of the Organizational and Educational Department
Technical College of the Tajik Technical University named after Academician M. Osimi
