In 1919, pontoon and electrical battalions, automobile units, camouflage companies, and a mine-blasting brigade were created.
However due to planning miscalculations, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (1979–89) had a shortage of engineer units.
Feskov et al 2013 lists 26 regiments of engineer forces as existing during the 1980s, including the 1st Guards, 174th, and 177th.
[4] In 1986, the Engineering Troops took part in the military response to the biological effects of the Chernobyl accident.
In addition, their tasks include defeating enemy equipment and manpower with mine-explosive and nuclear-mine weapons.