120th Guards Naval Infantry Division

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120th Guards Naval Infantry Division: a brief, easy-to-understand version

Overview
The 120th Guards Belostok Orders of Zhukov, Suvorov and Alexander Nevsky Naval Infantry Division is a unit of Russia’s Naval Infantry (marine corps). It has a long history dating back to World War II and is currently based in Baltiysk. The unit carries the Guards title and several high decorations. The current commander is Colonel (Guards) Igor Kalmykov. In December 2025, the brigade that led this lineage was reformed into the 120th Naval Infantry Division, with the 336th Brigade becoming the first regiment of the new division.

Origins and World War II
The division’s roots go back to 1942, when the 308th Rifle Division started the 347th Rifle Regiment. That regiment later became part of a larger transformation, and the unit earned Guards status in 1943, becoming the 120th Guards Rifle Division. It fought in the Stalingrad area, including near the Barrikady Factory, and was awarded the Order of the Red Banner in 1943, plus other honors such as the Orders of Suvorov (3rd class) and Alexander Nevsky in 1945. After World War II, the division moved to Minsk.

Postwar changes
In 1957, the unit was converted into the 336th Guards Motor Rifle Regiment. In 1963 it was restructured again, becoming the 336th Separate Guards Naval Infantry Regiment, based in Baltiysk in the Kaliningrad region. The regiment was later renamed the 336th Separate Guards Naval Infantry Brigade in 1979. The brigade became a key unit for Russia’s Naval Infantry and regularly took part in Red Square parades in Moscow.

Modern era and involvement in Ukraine
During the 1980s and 1990s, the 336th Brigade formed the core of Russia’s Baltic Fleet Naval Infantry, consisting of several Naval Infantry battalions (877th, 878th, 879th, 884th), plus a Tank Battalion, Reconnaissance, artillery, anti-aircraft, and other support units.

In the 2022–present conflict with Ukraine, Ukrainian sources reported that a battalion tactical group from the 336th Separate Guards Naval Infantry Brigade was deployed toward the Crimea direction in March 2022. The brigade was awarded the Order of Zhukov in November 2022. In 2023, elements were involved in operations near Klyuchove during the Ukrainian counteroffensive. By 2025, reports placed elements in the Pokrovsk area as part of ongoing fighting in eastern Ukraine, with other reports noting a 2025 operation near Komar. In December 2025, the brigade was reformed into the 120th Naval Infantry Division, with the 336th Brigade designated as the division’s first regiment, continuing its combat role and honors.

Structure (historical snapshot)
In the 1980s–1990s, the brigade’s structure included several Naval Infantry battalions (877th, 878th, 879th, 884th), plus:
- 112th Tank Battalion
- 887th Reconnaissance Battalion
- 1612th Artillery Battalion
- 1618th Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion
- 1615th Multi-Rocket Launcher Battalion
- 1621st Anti-Tank Battalion
It also had various support, engineering, and NBC defense units, reflecting its status as a major Baltic Fleet naval infantry formation.

Decorations and symbols
The unit carries the Guards designation and has earned several honors, including the Belostok battle honor and orders such as Zhukov, Suvorov (3rd class), and Alexander Nevsky. Its insignia and sleeve patch are associated with its long tradition as a naval infantry unit of Russia’s Baltic Fleet. The unit’s garrison is Baltiysk, and it is part of the Russian Navy’s Baltic Fleet.