Civil Defence Forces were formed in the 70s. Initially their mission was to protect civilian population and territories against the effects of mass destruction weapons. Increasing number of natural catastrophes, technological and ecological disasters faced the Civil Defence Forces the problem of immediate response to emergencies. The Civil Defence Forces had to act in peace-time crisis situations providing relief and rescue operations in the event of earthquakes, landslides, wild fires, traffic accidents, etc. So, their missions were extended.

At present the Civil Defence Forces are organized and trained to carry out missions on protection of people, industry, and environment both at peace and war time. Their structure is determined by tasks they are to perform. To train personnel for the Civil Defence Forces a separate training rescue center was organized.

The Civil Defence Forces include different units and subunits. The main of them are rescue units and subunits, CBR protection units, fire-fighting regiments as well as helicopter detachments, automobile units, and others. To conduct civil defence missions a high-risk operation centre, air squadrons, Central emergency communication centre as well as All-Russia’s monitoring and predicting centre are formed.

Units and subunits of Civil Defence Forces are equipped with modern search and rescue tools, measuring instruments, aviation and automobile machinery, special cross country vehicles, etc.

The Civil Defence Forces are subordinated to the Ministry for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM of Russia). The Minister through his Deputy Minister controls the activity of the Civil Defence Forces. The Deputy Minister in his turn is responsible for ensuring preparedness of the Civil Defence Forces to act in emergency situations at time of peace and war. He performs his functions through civil defence centres located in different cities of the country.

While carrying out their missions the Civil Defence Forces of EMERCOM of Russia cooperate with regional civil defence centres, local civil defence headquarters, the Ministry of Defence, Ministry for Interior, Ministry of Health and other organizations.

The personnel of the Civil Defence Forces is enlisted by contract and trained in several professions. Civil defence specialists are highly skilled and capable to render qualified emergency assistance. They know foreign languages and are ready to conduct relief operations abroad.   

Вопросы к тексту

1. When were the Civil Defence Forces of Russia formed?

2. What problem did the Civil Defence Forces of Russia face in 1970s?

3. What rescue operations did the Civil Defence Forces of Russia conduct in peace time?

4. The structure of the Civil Defence Forces is determined by the tasks they perform, isn’t it?

5. What are the main units of the Civil Defence Forces of Russia?

6. What are the civil defence units equipped with?

7. Are the Civil Defence Forces subordinated to EMERCOM of Russia?

8. Who controls the activity of the Civil Defence Forces?

9. Are civil defence specialists highly qualified emergency assistance?

 10. Do the Civil Defence Forces of Russia cooperate with regional civil       

defence centres and local civil defence headquarters?

Level B

ENGINEERING

Text 1

1. Read the headings of the paragraphs (1-4) below. Underline any new words and look them up in the glossary or your dictionary. What do you think each paragraph will be about?

2. Read the paragraphs (1-4) below and check.

What is engineering?

Engineering is everywhere.

Almost everything we use in modern life is made by engineers. For example, if a manufacturer wants a faster car, a smaller personal stereo, or a better pen, they ask a design engineer to find a practical solution.