Ensuring the protection of state secrets was the primary task of the authorities of any country. After all, in almost all modern powers there is information classified as “state secret.” This specific legal regime is simply necessary if representatives state power interested in ensuring stability and security in the country. But the protection of information secrecy is ensured not only through the introduction of a special legal regime. The primary role is played by special bodies that are authorized to ensure the protection of information that has one or another level of secrecy.

It is also worth noting the fact that this type of information very often has to be used in the process government activities. Taking into account development information technologies in the 21st century, it is necessary to ensure the security of access to classified information, the process of exchanging it between special bodies, and also to prevent violation of the legal regime of secrecy when working with this kind of information.

Implementation of the presented functions in Russian Federation entrusted entirely to a special body executive power, which is called the courier service. In this article we will look at the features, structure and legal framework of this department.

The concept of courier service

The State Courier Service of the Russian Federation is a special executive body whose main function is to provide courier communications. Speaking in simple language, this department ensures the transfer of classified documentation between authorized entities, which leads to another name for the department - the Special Courier Service. The term “courier” itself stands for “military or government courier.”

IN in this case we are talking about professional structure, which is entrusted with performing serious functions that have national importance. The courier service is one of the few departments whose activities are regulated directly by the President of the Russian Federation. She has enough rich history, which dates back to the beginning of the 20th century.

History of the Courier Service

Many citizens of the Russian Federation are not aware of the existence of such a department as the courier service. What it is and what the task of the service is, the history of the department will help you understand. The very first courier units were created on the territory of Russia during the time of Emperor Paul I. By his decrees, he created a corps of couriers, which was supposed to ensure the delivery of special valuable papers, safe escort of high-ranking persons. Thus, the corps was engaged not only in security but also in providing “personal security” services. A little later, in the 19th century, the courier service arose in Germany. Modern courier units in Germany operate on the basis of a decree of 1956. As for Russia, the tasks of the department, as well as some of its features, were modified in Soviet times.

Courier service in the USSR

Soviet courier units have been training since 1918. Regardless of past revolution, the new government understood that without organizing special transportation of classified information within the state it was simply impossible to achieve the desired goals. The special importance of the department is emphasized by the interest in it from the authorities.

Already in 1939, the courier units were reorganized and divided. A special department appeared in the NKVD courier service, who was responsible for the delivery of the most important correspondence and documents. As for local ones that did not have republican status, delivery to them was carried out by the communications units of the People's Commissariat. Valuables and money were transported and delivered by the USSR collection service. It follows that the Courier Service performs the most important tasks aimed at transporting secret documentation and other state valuables. Already in the 1980s, the department acquired the features of a modern courier service in the Russian Federation.

Federal Courier Service: tasks today

As we understand, in the 21st century the presented service has changed the scope of its activities. This is due to the transformation of transmitted secret information, as well as the very principles of the courier’s activities. Today, the state courier service of the Russian Federation performs a number of the following tasks:

1. Delivery of correspondence of all security levels.
2. Delivery of correspondence from heads of foreign countries, as well as official ambassadors(representatives) of these countries.
3. Delivery of correspondence from representatives of international organizations.
4. Control and direct management of bodies included in the structure of the Courier Service of the Russian Federation.

The presented list of functions is basic, but there are others, no less important tasks. It should be noted that the delivery of secret correspondence, not related to information from the heads and representatives of foreign powers, has a certain subject composition. In other words, information provided by certain authorities is subject to delivery by the courier service.

Bodies whose correspondence is subject to delivery by couriers

The bodies (services) whose secret correspondence is always delivered by couriers include:

• President of Russian Federation;
• Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation;
• government bodies, federal government bodies;
• administration of military and secret industrial facilities;
• Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation;
• Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation;
• Federal Security Service;
• Federal Security Service.

If at least one of these bodies is one of the subjects in the transfer of classified information, then the delivery is carried out by the state courier service of the Russian Federation.

Rights of the State Fiscal Service

To carry out the tasks he uses special rights. At the same time, some of the capabilities of the State Fiscal Service are significantly wider and greater than those of other bodies and services of the Russian Federation. This situation is due, first of all, to the fact that the Courier Service of the Russian Federation, or rather its personnel, has direct contact with classified information different levels. Thus, the service has the following rights:

1. Deliver sensitive correspondence to important government officials both on the territory of the Russian Federation and abroad.
2. Transport secret correspondence by everyone without inspection or detention.
3. When transporting correspondence, personnel are allowed to use any type of weapon, special equipment and physical force.
4. The transport of the Courier Service is “special”. This means that it cannot be used by other authorities for their own purposes without the consent of the State Fiscal Service.

Thus, the Courier Service has the status of a paramilitary organization of the Russian Federation, which determines the exclusive right to use physical strength, special means and firearms.

Legal basis of activity

Like other special services of the Russian Federation, courier units in their work rely on existing federal legislation. Undoubtedly, a key act that regulates not only couriers, but also legal system of the state as a whole is the Constitution of the Russian Federation.

This main regulatory act of the state regulates the activities of couriers in such a way that they do not violate the rights and freedoms of man and citizen when performing the functions assigned to them. Also legal basis The activities of the courier service consist of:

• Federal Law “On Federal Courier Communications”.
• Regulations “On the State Courier Service of the Russian Federation”.

These two documents allow us to answer the question of an ordinary citizen: “Courier service - what is it?”

In addition, in its work the State Fiscal Service uses decrees of the President of the Russian Federation, resolutions of the Government of the Russian Federation, and other regulations higher authorities state authorities that directly relate to the activities of the courier service.

Structure of the courier service

For the prompt and high-quality implementation of assigned tasks, the structure of the courier service includes divisions of the central office, territorial bodies, departments in big cities. Each department of the courier service is located in the administrative centers of the Russian Federation, as well as in the capitals of the constituent entities of the Federation. Also, the structure of the State Fiscal Service includes subordinate organizations in which representatives of the courier service are located, which is necessary for the prompt transportation of classified information. Direct contact with territorial authorities Almost every department of the state courier service has other services, since this is the smallest and most mobile unit of the entire structure of the State Fiscal Service.

Special functions of the State Fiscal Service

There are special tasks that the courier service very often performs. What it is - “special tasks”, not specified in any legal source. However, when analyzing legislation, the following interesting function can be identified, for example, the delivery of secret correspondence to the heads of foreign countries. When performing such a task, there is a risk of obtaining classified information by foreign intelligence services or terrorist organizations, therefore this function can be classified as special. The State Fiscal Service also delivers election documents during the elections of the President of the Russian Federation and deputies State Duma, representatives of other government bodies of the Russian Federation.

Conclusion

So, we examined the main functions, powers, rights, and also defined the concept of “courier service”. What it is is described in more detail in the key regulations regulating the work of the State Fiscal Service.

2001-12-17T13:43Z

2008-06-04T19:45Z

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Vladimir Putin congratulates the State Courier Service on the 205th anniversary of its formation

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Vladimir Putin congratulated the State Courier Service of the Russian Federation on the 205th anniversary of the formation of the Russian Courier Service. As reported to RIA Novosti by the State Fiscal Service of the Russian Federation, the president’s congratulations, in particular, say that “over the course of its two-century history, the corps of courier officers has been an example of fidelity to duty and selfless service to state interests.” “Your service,” Vladimir Putin emphasized, “remains in demand and irreplaceable, reliable and effective.” “You honorably fulfill the responsible tasks assigned to you to ensure the safety and timely delivery of documents and cargo of special importance,” the congratulations say. “I am convinced that the state can continue to confidently rely on your professionalism, courage and dedication.” The President highly appreciated the contribution that the couriers make to ensuring the security of the country and wished them health, prosperity and new successes in their service. The state courier service was established in December 1796...

MOSCOW, December 17. /Corr. RIA News"/. Vladimir Putin congratulated the State Courier Service of the Russian Federation on the 205th anniversary of the formation of the Russian Courier Service.

As reported to RIA Novosti by the State Fiscal Service of the Russian Federation, the president’s congratulations, in particular, say that “over the course of its two-century history, the corps of courier officers has been an example of fidelity to duty and selfless service to state interests.”

“Your service,” Vladimir Putin emphasized, “remains in demand and irreplaceable, reliable and effective.”

“You honorably fulfill the responsible tasks assigned to you to ensure the safety and timely delivery of documents and cargo of special importance,” the congratulations say. “I am convinced that the state can continue to confidently rely on your professionalism, courage and dedication.”

The President highly appreciated the contribution that the couriers make to ensuring the security of the country and wished them health, prosperity and new successes in their service.

The state courier service was established in December 1796 by decree of Emperor Paul 1.

Today, the State Fiscal Service of Russia employs several thousand people who, in accordance with the Regulations on the State Fiscal Service, ensure “the safety and prompt delivery of items of special importance, top-secret, secret and other official items.”

The profession of a field signalman, as modern couriers call themselves, has long been associated with a risk to life. Even in Peaceful time Federal courier communications suffer losses in “hot spots”, in car and plane accidents.

The hard work of field telecommunications workers was highly appreciated by the country's leadership: on the 205th anniversary, 33 employees of the State Fiscal Service were awarded various state awards and another 248 received awards from ministries and departments.

On December 17, Russia celebrates the Day of Employees of the State Courier Service. Not all of our fellow citizens know about the existence of this service, and even fewer people have at least an approximate idea of ​​what couriers do and how this important formation took place. government structure.

This year the State Courier Service of Russia turns 220 years old. On December 17, 1796, Russian Emperor Paul I issued a decree establishing the Correspondence Corps. This decision was preceded by an awareness of the deep need of both the Russian authorities and the military command for the existence of a special communications system. According to the emperor's plan, the couriers were supposed to provide courier communication between the emperor and civil and military officials. The staff of the courier service was approved, consisting of 13 couriers and a chief officer. Non-commissioned officer of the Preobrazhensky Regiment Shelganin, who was promoted to army captain on this occasion, was appointed head of the group of couriers.

However, within a year, the emperor realized that the strength of the Feldjeger Corps was too small to serve the growing needs of the empire for operational communications. Therefore, in 1797, it was decided to increase the size of the corps to 2 officers and 30 couriers. The best were selected for the service - those who spoke foreign languages ​​and were well trained. As a rule, military personnel from the Cavalry Guard Regiment were recruited into the Feldjeger Corps, and the remaining places were filled with non-commissioned officers of the Life Guards of the Izmailovsky, Preobrazhensky and Semenovsky regiments. Thus, the privileged status of the courier service was initially emphasized. In 1800, the strength of the corps was increased to 4 chief officers and 80 couriers.

The further development of the Feldjeger Corps was characterized only by an increase in its numbers and streamlining of service. This was due to the development of the system of state and military administration in Russian Empire. In the middle of the 19th century, the Feldjeger Corps consisted of 3 companies. The duties of the couriers included the delivery of extremely important correspondence - both within the Russian Empire and abroad, escorting members of the imperial family, foreign monarchs and princes. It is noteworthy that the ranks of the Correspondence Corps at this time also had the authority to accompany especially dangerous state criminals to the place of serving their sentences.

Six years of service in the corps allowed him to retire with the rank of 14th class and get a position in the postal department. After 9 years of service, the courier could already count on dismissal with the rank of 12th grade. In 1858, the emperor forbade the recruitment of nobles into the corps. At the same time, a decision was made to reorganize the corps organizationally. In particular, the companies were liquidated, and a manager was placed over the corps, who was directly subordinate to the chief of the General Staff.

The emerging railways and telegraph. The need for horse-drawn couriers decreased significantly as messages could be sent either by rail or by telegraph. However, some particularly important documents still needed to be transferred from hand to hand. In 1891, the staff of the Courier Corps was approved, consisting of 40 officers and 20 couriers. Anyone who wanted to serve in the corps was accepted from among honorary citizens and merchants who had completed a 3rd category course at an educational institution. Strict age limits were established - a candidate for service in the Feldjeger Corps had to be between the ages of 18 and 25. The candidate was required to know foreign language. After six months probationary period the candidate was enlisted for service as a junior courier. Senior couriers were promoted to senior courier after a year of service, after which candidates were granted the rights to a class position. A courier who served for at least four years could become a corps officer. There was one more effect important rule- an officer of the Feldjeger Corps could not be transferred to the army as an army officer.

Significant changes in organizational structure courier service occurred after October revolution. Despite the desire "all old world destroy to the ground, and then…”, the Bolsheviks were soon faced with the need to ensure communication between the government, the party leadership, and the Red Army formations. Since the structure that carried out such a connection already existed before, all that remained was to recreate it in a new form. On May 2, 1918, the External Communications Service was created under the Command Staff Directorate of the All-Russian General Staff. The positions of couriers appeared in the Red Army - at the headquarters of the fronts and armies. The instructions of the Soviet leadership were carried out by a special Military Team of Scooters under the Administration of Council Affairs people's commissars, which existed from November 1917 to December 1920. Scooters traveled on bicycles and delivered important orders, communicating between various Soviet institutions.

On August 6, 1921, a special Feldjeger unit was created under the Cheka of the RSFSR. She was subordinate to the Administration of the Cheka of the RSFSR. In 1922, the Courier Unit was reorganized into the Courier Corps under the Administration of the Cheka. The Soviet couriers, like their predecessors from the Courier Corps of the Russian Empire, were tasked with delivering important documents and Soviet cargo governing bodies- SNK, Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks, All-Russian Central Executive Committee, All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions, NKVD, NKPS, NKID, People's Commissariat of Defense. In September 1924, all services carrying out the delivery of secret correspondence and valuable cargo were merged into the Courier Corps, which was part of the GPU, OGPU, and NKVD of the USSR.

By the way, it was in the 1920s - 1930s. the number of employees of the courier service reached its maximum - at that time about 20-30 thousand couriers and other service employees served in the Soviet Union. This was explained by the complex political situation in the world and need Soviet country in serious protection of transported secret documents from capture attempts by enemy intelligence agents and other anti-Soviet elements.

However, in 1939 a new reorganization followed. Soviet leadership came to the conclusion that it was necessary to separate courier and special communications. The delivery of correspondence from the Soviet and party leadership to republican and regional centers remained within the competence of the courier communications department of the NKVD of the USSR. Delivery of correspondence less important nature, as well as valuable cargo, was transferred to the jurisdiction special communication, which was reassigned to the People's Commissariat of Communications of the USSR. Regarding transportation Money and valuables, then it was transferred to the jurisdiction special service collection of the State Bank of the USSR. It happened final formation courier service approximately in the form in which it has been preserved to the present day.

The courier service valiantly performed its duties during the Great Patriotic War. Patriotic War. Service employees delivered correspondence to the front line, risking their lives. A number of employees died in the line of duty during the Second World War.

After the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the USSR was formed in 1947, the courier service remained part of it. However, in 1968, the courier service was again reassigned - this time the Courier Communications Directorate was included in the USSR Ministry of Communications. However, the officers and sergeants of the courier communications were listed in the cadres of the internal affairs bodies, only they were seconded to the Ministry of Communications. That's why they wore special ranks internal service - as well as employees of a number of internal affairs departments. The service was still entrusted with the responsibility of delivering the most important correspondence of the Soviet state and party leadership - both within the country and in socialist countries.

On November 25, 1991, the Directorate of Courier Service under the USSR Ministry of Communications was reorganized and renamed into the State Courier Service of the RSFSR under the Ministry of Communications of the RSFSR. After the declaration of independence of the Russian Federation, the service was transformed into Federal Administration Courier Communications under the Ministry of Communications of the Russian Federation, then, on January 24, 1995, to the State Courier Service of the Russian Federation. In 1996, the State Fiscal Service was included in the Ministry of Communications of the Russian Federation, but already in 1997 it was given the status of a service under the Government of the Russian Federation. On May 17, 2000, the State Courier Service under the Government of the Russian Federation was transformed into the State Courier Service of the Russian Federation. Its director is directly subordinate to the President of the Russian Federation.

The State Courier Service of the Russian Federation employs three categories of employees. Firstly, these are the “couriers” themselves - the commanding staff, who are members of the internal affairs bodies and have special ranks of the internal service. They form the main core of employees of the State Courier Service. The management team is subject to appropriate requirements regarding the level of education, health, physical training, moral and psychological qualities. It is this category of employees who delivers correspondence. Secondly, these are civil servants, thirdly, workers. The last two categories do not have special internal service ranks and the requirements for them are much less stringent than for the first category of employees.

The last two heads of the State Courier Service come from the authorities Federal service security This is not surprising, since the State Fiscal Service is also close to the country’s top leadership, like the FSO. From 2001 to 2012, eleven years, the Russian couriers were led by Colonel General Gennady Aleksandrovich Kornienko (pictured), who served in the KGB of the USSR and the FSB of the Russian Federation, and in 2001-2002. holding the position of Deputy Director of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation. In 2012, Gennady Kornienko, who left to work as director of the Federal Penitentiary Service of the Russian Federation, was replaced by Colonel General Valery Vladimirovich Tikhonov, also from the security agencies, from 2001 to 2004. worked as first deputy director of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, and then, until 2012, served as vice-governor of St. Petersburg.

Russian couriers are recruited almost exclusively from people who previously served in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the FSB, and in other law enforcement agencies. Experience in the army or other law enforcement agencies is a mandatory requirement for future employees. Candidates for courier undergo a serious test, since they will have to work with documents that constitute state secret. Employees recruited for service pass through the personnel line of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, but are considered seconded to the State Courier Service. Severe demands are placed on the physical and combat training of certified employees of the State Courier Service - after all, couriers have to deal with top-secret correspondence, which they must be able to protect in every possible way. Service employees regularly train to improve their physical fitness, shoot at a shooting range, and hone their fighting techniques. By the way, the self-defense technique for couriers without it has its own specifics - the courier must prevent the briefcase with documents from falling out of his hands, so the emphasis is placed on the technique of working with feet, with one hand. The specific composition of the courier will also depend on the specifics of the task. In some cases, one courier is enough to deliver correspondence; in others, two employees or even a whole group work.

No one trains courier communications employees educational institution in the country, given the small number of this service. That's why vocational training Russian couriers pass through in special training centers the service itself. Despite the fact that the initial position in the service is that of a courier communications officer, it can also be held by an employee with the rank of internal service sergeant. But then, most likely, he will still rise in rank to officer. IN last years the personnel of the courier service have become significantly younger, now average age employees are, according to publications in open sources, 25-30 years old.

Couriers carrying valuable information are armed and are required to provide armed resistance when attempting to seize correspondence. Therefore, they must be good at wielding weapons, maintain composure and composure in any situation. critical situation. However, the history of the modern courier service, at least in its open part, knows few cases when couriers actually had to use weapons.

One of the most known cases The use of weapons by couriers occurred back in the Soviet Union - in 1983. According to the instructions, couriers do not have the right to interfere in any third-party conflicts and showdowns - their goal is to deliver correspondence safe and sound, and not, say, to prevent crimes. But on July 5, 1983, two couriers flying on a plane from Moscow to Tallinn nevertheless ignored this rule. Junior lieutenants Alexander Raschesov and Vladimir Zubovich neutralized two criminals who were trying to hijack the plane and its passengers and hijack it abroad.

« Military Review» congratulates all employees and veterans of the State Courier Service of Russia on their professional holiday. Wishes you health, calm and successful service and, of course, no losses.

Courier- a military or government courier with the rank of non-commissioned officer (ensign) for the delivery of important, usually secret, documents. In many Armed Forces member military police. It is an integral part staffing apparatus of any state and army. They first appeared in 1742 in Prussia. In Russia, the Courier Service reports directly to the President of the country.

« Day of employees of the State Courier Service of Russia" is celebrated on December 17th.

Courier service of Russia

In Russia, a military or government courier who ensures the delivery of important, mostly secret, documents. Currently, on the basis of the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of October 29, 1996, December 17 is celebrated in RUSSIA as the Day of Employees of the State Courier Service.

Imperial period

On December 17, 1796, shortly after ascending the throne, Emperor Paul I issued a decree establishing the Courier Corps, an auxiliary military unit in the Armed Forces of RUSSIA (Russian Imperial Army and Navy) in 1796 - 1917.

The personnel of the Courier Corps (Couriers) ensured the delivery of orders, reports, securities, parcels, as well as escort of high-ranking officials.

During its existence, before the October Revolution (coup) of 1917, it changed 14 leaders.

Soviet period

Courier Post Station 82610 in Afghanistan, Kabul Airport, 1987

On May 2, 1918, on the basis of the Imperial Courier Corps, the External Communications Service was formed under the Command Personnel Directorate of the All-Russian General Staff. In the years Civil War in the Red Army there were positions of couriers at the headquarters of armies and fronts.

Subsequently, it was part of the structure of the NKVD - the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Communications of the USSR, and served all central and regional authorities, including the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR. It played an important role during the Great Patriotic War, promptly delivering secret documentation from headquarters to front-line units and back. In 1960, during the reorganization of the Union Ministry of Internal Affairs, extreme unsuccessful attempt its abolition. Replaced 11 managers. IN post-war period for 34 years it was headed by colonel, and then by lieutenant general of the internal service B.I. Krasnopevtsev (1949-1983). In 1958, as international visits by Soviet statesmen a separate sector of foreign work was formed. By the end of the 1970s. courier routes ran to 32 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. It was the courier service that provided courier communications during the preparation and conduct of summer Olympic Games 1980 in Moscow (up to the delivery of doping tests to the laboratories).

In the 80s, the Courier Postal Service (FPS) system arose.

Federal period

By Decree of the Government of the RSFSR dated November 25, 1991 No. 19, on the basis of the courier service units transferred to the Ministry of Communications of the RSFSR, the State Courier Service of the RSFSR was created under the Ministry of Communications of the RSFSR, headed by V.V. Andreev.

With the advent of humanity, the need arose to send various types of information. It was transmitted in all sorts of ways: light, smoke, sound, pigeons, and so on. Technically modern world this happens at lightning speed with the help of the Internet and Email. However, there is a particularly important and secret government information, which can only be transmitted by “delivery”. This professional holiday is dedicated to the people involved in delivering correspondence in conditions of secrecy “from hand to hand”.

When is it celebrated?

Events dedicated to the celebration of the Day of Employees of the State Courier Service are held in Russia annually on December 17. Despite the fact that the date is not fixed on state level, December 17 was mentioned in Government Decree of October 29, 1996 No. 128 “On the 200th anniversary of Russian courier communications.” Since then, ceremonial events began to be held on this day.

Who's celebrating

The Day of Employees of the State Courier Service of Russia is celebrated not only by active government and military couriers, veterans of the service, their relatives and friends, but also by employees of support services and subordinate organizations. In 2019, the couriers are congratulated by the President during a festive reception in the Kremlin.

history of the holiday

The event date has symbolic meaning. On December 17, 1796, as part of the ongoing reforms, by decree of Paul I, the Courier Corps was created - a specialized unit that carried out personal orders for the emperor and was engaged in the delivery of documents and escorting high-ranking officials. Repeatedly transformed, subordinate to various departments, this service did not cease to exist even during the years of revolutions.

About the profession

To become a courier, you must pass a strict selection process. Required condition for all beginners is the completion of preparatory courses. Running, swimming, shooting, cross-country, wrestling and sambo are the few things that are taken into account in terms of physical fitness. Particular attention is paid to etiquette. Compliance with instructions developed over the years is one of the rules of couriers. Violators are fired. Couriers are obliged to deliver correspondence to the addressee even at the cost own life, especially if it could lead to a threat to the country.

During the time of Paul I, the courier service was responsible for escorting state criminals to their place of exile. Sometimes they transported money and jewelry, and later - orders for decoration.

During Stalin's "purges" not a single courier was arrested.

N.S. Khrushchev made an attempt to abandon this service as part of the “savings”, and transfer the responsibilities to civilian special communications. But, after holding out for 10 days in the USSR government, confusion arose among the documents, the scale of which began to pose a real threat to state security. For this reason, the courier service was revived.