While the division was formed in Armenia, Armenian nationals were very much in the minority. For nearly the entire first year of its service, the 408th was in 45th Army along the border with Turkey and in the occupation force in Iran. It was commanded by Col. Pavel Nikolaievich Kitzuk throughout its existence; Maj. (later, Lt. Col.) Leonid Kolobov served as chief of staff from September, 1941 to August, 1942.