who appointed the generals in charge of the southern military districts
Southern Military District The Southern Military District (Russian: Южный военный округ) is one of the four operational strategic commands of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The district was formed in accordance with Presidential Decree №1144 signed on September 20, 2010.[2] The district includes the territory of former North Caucasus Military District, the Black Sea Fleet and Caspian Flotilla.
Lieutenant colonel (United States) In the United States Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Air Force, a lieutenant colonel is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of major and just below the rank of colonel. It is equivalent to the naval rank of commander in the other uniformed services.