Transbaikal Military District
Borisov was born in Ruza, near Moscow, during the rule of the Soviet Union. He joined the Soviet Military in 1976, when he graduated from the Ryazan Higher Airborne College and was commissioned into the airborne forces. A good officer, he rose through the ranks and in 1990 he graduated from the elite M. V. Frunze Military Academy. From 1991-1995, he was commander of the 11th Separate Airborne Brigade in Ulan-Ude, the Transbaikal Military District. Later after promotion to General officer rank, he commanded the 2nd Motor Rifle Division in the Moscow Military District.