Commander-in-Chief since 21 January 2002. Born in Kudinovo, Moscow oblast, Vladimir Mikhailov was educated at a local Machinery vocational school (1962), Yeysk Higher School of Pilots (gold degree, 1966), in 1966-1975 served in Taganrog-based air force regiment, extramural courses at Gagarin Air Force Academy(1975). Throughout his Air Force career he served at numerous position including Dean of Borisoglebsk Air Force School of Pilots (from 1980 to 1985), deputy and first deputy commander Air Force Moscow Military District (1985–1989).