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Georgiy ShpakGeneral of the Airborne Troops
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Biography of Georgy Shpak
- Difficulties in Meeting with General Shpak
- A Different Side of General Shpak
- Relationship with Anatoly Kvashnin
- Rumors About Retirement
- Successor and Political Career
- Educational Background
- Tough Decisions and Loss
- Experience and Comparison with Foreign Troops
- Loves for Cars and Driving
- Personal Life and Hobbies
Biography of Georgy Shpak
Georgy Shpak is a Russian military and government official, a retired Lieutenant General, and the Commander of the Russian Airborne Troops.
Difficulties in Meeting with General Shpak
Meeting with General Shpak is not an easy task. It had been postponed three times due to his busy schedule and urgent matters. Finally, after three reschedulings, a meeting was arranged, lasting three hours. General Shpak, known for his discipline, wanted to make sure that the journalists respected his time.
A Different Side of General Shpak
General Shpak may be a strict military officer, but he is also interested in literature, theater, and cars. He enjoys talking about these subjects more than military matters. However, he does not shy away from answering difficult questions.
Relationship with Anatoly Kvashnin
There were rumors about General Shpak having a difficult relationship with Anatoly Kvashnin, but he denied any personal conflicts. He mentioned that they had known each other for a long time, studied together, and played volleyball together. General Shpak believed that the media exaggerated their differences.
Rumors About Retirement
There have been rumors about General Shpak's retirement, but he stated that he had no complaints about his service. He admitted there were some incidents in the past, but they had not affected his position as the Commander of the Airborne Troops. However, he mentioned that he would turn 60 soon, and his service term would expire on September 8th. He was unsure about the decision of the country's top leaders regarding his future.
Successor and Political Career
General Shpak acknowledged that there were several worthy candidates to succeed him, most of them being his deputies. However, the final decision would be made by the President. He believed that his successor would also come from the airborne troops, as sailors cannot command infantry, and pilots cannot command sailors. When asked about his own political ambitions, General Shpak mentioned that he had received numerous offers, but he did not provide further details. He stated that it was not the right time to discuss such matters.
Educational Background
General Shpak holds a Ph.D. degree in pedagogy. He became interested in pedagogy when he was the Chief of Staff and started studying the subject with the help of his friend, Dr. Igor Biochinsky. He completed his Ph.D. in 2000 at Yaroslavl State University, after defending his thesis on military cadet training.
Tough Decisions and Loss
General Shpak's son, Oleg, lost his life in Chechnya. General Shpak reflected on the difficult decision of allowing his son to go to Chechnya. Oleg saw himself only as a military man, a paratrooper. After serving in Ulyanovsk, he requested to be sent to Yugoslavia, near Vukovar. General Shpak admitted that many people advised against it, but he did not want to interfere with his son's decision. Oleg returned a year later, treated in a hospital for severe stomach problems and a knee injury from a car accident. By that time, it was their battalion's turn to go to Chechnya. Oleg called his father and explicitly told him not to do anything to prevent him from going. General Shpak left Chechnya on March 17th, and that image of his son standing alone in the field haunted him. Oleg died on March 29th. General Shpak frequently thinks about his son and has imaginary conversations with him.
Experience and Comparison with Foreign Troops
General Shpak has extensive combat experience in Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, and Chechnya. When asked about the comparison between Russian and foreign troops, he mentioned that Russian soldiers are more enduring, adaptable to harsh field conditions, and less afraid of death. He attributed this to the harsh living conditions they face. However, he admitted that foreign troops have better equipment. In joint competitions, Russian soldiers have often outperformed their American counterparts, except in basketball, where the Americans' skill level is higher. General Shpak also noted that Russian soldiers are more disciplined and clean, even in the field.
Loves for Cars and Driving
General Shpak is passionate about cars. He used to own a "Volga" but sold it to buy a "Mitsubishi Galant," which he enjoyed driving. Unfortunately, he had an accident and had to repair and sell the car due to the high repair costs. Currently, he does not own a car, but he loves driving. He mentioned that the Mercedes is his favorite car, as he had owned one in the past and was impressed by its quality. He believes that people should spend their lives at the table, on skis, in the ice hole, and in the fresh air, always being cheerful, lively, strong, and straight.
Personal Life and Hobbies
General Shpak enjoys spending time with his family. Every year, they visit his son's grave near Samara in March and September. In March, they visit the grave for two weeks, and in September, they celebrate Oleg's birthday. General Shpak also spends his free time at holiday homes or sanatoriums. He mentioned that he had only been on vacation abroad once, in Cyprus, and enjoyed it. However, people were curious to see him swimming in the sea. General Shpak quit smoking 21 years ago after starting in the first grade. He mentioned that his peers forced him to collect cigarette butts near the cinema. He quit smoking due to his military training and discipline.
