The President signed Executive Order On Awarding an Honorary Designation to the 696th Research and Instructor Helicopter Regiment.
For mass heroism and bravery, fortitude and courage displayed by the regiment personnel during combat operations to defend the Fatherland and state interests in armed conflicts, the President resolved to award the honorary Guards designation to the 696th Research and Instructor Helicopter Regiment which shall henceforth be referred to as the 696th Guards Research and Instructor Helicopter Regiment.