The MVD, whose agencies and troops use special forces and means, is an important component of the Russian Federation's security system. The MVD's primary functions have been defined by legislation. It identifies and forecasts security threats and takes measures to prevent and neutralize them; it creates and maintains the readiness of forces and means for providing security; it manages these resources under both normal and emergency conditions; it systematically restores the functioning of security facilities in regions that have been adversely affected by an emergency situation; and it participates in security measures outside the border of the Russian Federation in accordance with international treaties and agreements. The Internal Troops are a component of the MVD system and are not a part of the Armed Forces of Russia. They belong to those organizations that in international practice are referred to as "state organs intended to provide domestic security in peacetime and which do not possess the organizational structure for conducting ground combat actions against a foreign enemy." The Internal Troops assist Internal Affairs organs in maintaining public order and public safety and in providing the necessary lawful procedures during a state of emergency. Internal Troops also protect important state facilities, guard forced-labor institutions, and escort prisoners. This paper profiles the organizational structure of Internal Troops, distinguishes the responsibilities of the Internal Troops and the Armed Forces, describes the reforms currently underway for Internal Troops, and discusses the use and tactics of Internal Troops in crisis situations. The author notes that Internal Troops are prepared to use force to resolve a crisis, but this is always a temporary measure that is necessary to create the conditions necessary for resolving problems through reason rather than weapons. 2 figures