Did NKVD has its own army during WW2?

Answer 1

Yes, in WW2 the NKVD had its own fighting units, separate from the Russian army. In some respects similar to Waffen SS on the German side.

In fact, NKVD military units were formed as far back as 1925: two NKVD Divisions were formed to provide security for the Soviet "gulag" concentration camp system.

In the "Winter War" against Finland (1939-40), 8 more NKVD Regiments (1,500 men each) were formed to act as front-line combat troops (as well as to provide security and to catch deserters in rear areas).

Between then and Barbarossa, still more NKVD front-line combat units were formed. A total of 6 NKVD Divisions - including 21st, 22nd and 23rd NKVD Motorised Rifle - had been fully activated by mid-June 1941; and 9 more NKVD Divisions were in the process of being formed.

In addition, also by mid-June 1941, there were a further 11 NKVD "Railway Guarding" divisions in place. The main job for these troops was to control Russia's rail network during mobilization. But they were armed to the teeth: each Railway Guarding Division had 4 Rifle Regiments, and many also had armored trains to provide mobile artillery and anti-aircraft support.

And, outside the command structure of the 26 combat or Railway Guarding divisions mentioned above, at the time of Barbarossa the NKVD also had 53 battalions of Border Guards and 30 Engineer battalions.

One week after Barbarossa, Stalin authorized Beria to form still more NKVD Divisions. In a directive dated 29 June 1941, Beria was told to: "Immediately proceed to the formation of 15 divisions, of which 10 Rifle and 5 Motorised. For the formation of these divisions a proportion of NKVD border guards and internal security troops personnel should be employed, including privates, NCOs and commissioned officers. The remaining strength should be drafter from reserve. "

Time and again, NKVD formations were called on to fight as front-line troops. To mention just one of many examples: in 1941, 1st, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd NKVD divisions were deployed in the front line at Leningrad.

As a further parallel between the role of NKVD troops and the Waffen SS, there were many occasions when NKVD units were assigned the task of murdering civilians and POW's.

You can read a very informative article on this whole topic at the link below.

Answer 2

I don't believe so. But the NKVD was a very large and powersul organization under Stalin.

I'm only about 50% sure or this.

Answer 3

NKVD was like CIA - they did not have separate troops or divisions of their own.

Answer 4

Yes, their job was to make sure the Soviet soldiers did not retreat. Any who did were shot