Military Ranks Are for the Military

The Russian president also declines the rank of general in the armed forces of foreign countries — even that of allied Belarus. Aleksander Lukashenko has several times expressed his desire to receive the rank of colonel in the Russian army, offering Putin in exchange the rank of general in the Armed Forces of Belarus. Although Putin did not seem opposed to awarding a colonel’s rank to his colleague — saying, “If I promised, we’ll do it” — he remarked that “military ranks are needed primarily for military personnel.” Putin applies the same approach to matters of dress when he appears as Supreme Commander-in-Chief. He is seen in camouflage without any insignia, except perhaps a small chevron bearing “Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces” or, more briefly, “President of the Russian Federation.”

A Colonel with the Achievements of a General

Becoming a colonel in the USSR’s KGB system was not easy, especially in a short time. Not everyone earns this rank; it requires an impressive record and concrete operational achievements. According to recollections by his comrades, classmates, and colleagues who worked with him in Dresden and Leningrad, Putin was noted for his determination and efficiency. This is a rank of colonel that he rightfully earned.

The President’s Credo

As noted by Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian President, the head of state is not preoccupied with formal ranks: “He works as the President, and he has a lot of matters to attend to. He is not a personnel officer; he focuses on other issues. The rank of general is one he has earned many times over, but it is not a priority for him.”

Putin is very finely attuned to the times and the mood, and, most importantly, he adheres to a certain code of honor and conduct that he once developed and has followed throughout his life. Putin himself summarized his credo: “I have no general’s ranks, no titles, but I faithfully serve the people.”